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A review by beccisays
The Puppeteer by Kathryn Ann Kingsley
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I’m feeling really conflicted on this one. It’s uncomfortable, in a way I’m not sure what to do with.
Simon the Puppeteer is endearing and misunderstood when playing the maniacal villain. He’s also cruel and borderline abusive as a leading man in a love story. He’s painfully inept at navigating social situations and matters of the heart, yet brutally honest in a way the FMC finds refreshing. He’s mentally unhinged and violent, however is seen as a lesser of two evils compared to the man who inflicted Cora’s trauma upon her in the past. This, in addition to his own insanity and trauma, lends him a grace in the FMC’s eyes that he truly doesn’t deserve. She has a serious case of Stockholm syndrome or some other trauma bonding that feels so very wrong.. yet the appeal of their banter, chemistry, forced proximity and enemies to lovers dynamics is strong. He’s waving his red flags and she’s running to him like a bull. This book leaves you rooting for a true villain to get his claws into the damaged girl and that’s very uncomfy as a reader.
I think I’m going to let this soak in and start the next book before committing to a final rating/review.
Simon the Puppeteer is endearing and misunderstood when playing the maniacal villain. He’s also cruel and borderline abusive as a leading man in a love story. He’s painfully inept at navigating social situations and matters of the heart, yet brutally honest in a way the FMC finds refreshing. He’s mentally unhinged and violent, however is seen as a lesser of two evils compared to the man who inflicted Cora’s trauma upon her in the past. This, in addition to his own insanity and trauma, lends him a grace in the FMC’s eyes that he truly doesn’t deserve. She has a serious case of Stockholm syndrome or some other trauma bonding that feels so very wrong.. yet the appeal of their banter, chemistry, forced proximity and enemies to lovers dynamics is strong. He’s waving his red flags and she’s running to him like a bull. This book leaves you rooting for a true villain to get his claws into the damaged girl and that’s very uncomfy as a reader.
I think I’m going to let this soak in and start the next book before committing to a final rating/review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Suicidal thoughts