The Pawn and The Puppet Review
Melissa’s Rating: 5 stars
On Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Publication Date: April 1, 2022
Page Count: 345
HEA: Not yet, this is book 1 of the series
Version: E-book and physical copy
In the initial chapters, I discerned that this book unfolds in a dystopian setting, portraying a distinct reality and lifestyle. The society depicted is one of misogynistic men, and the women within the city adhere to stringent societal norms referred to as the, "lady-doll regime." This regimen entails self-starvation and rigorous daily rituals of pampering, including baths and lotions, all aimed at maintaining a flawless appearance.
Skylenna, unaccustomed to this lifestyle, unexpectedly finds herself amidst the city's elite as she sets her sights on infiltrating the Emerald Lake Asylum. Motivated by her sister's tragic demise, Skylenna is determined to fulfill the plan her sister initiated.
The Asylum, a grim place, subjects its patients to harsh and abusive "treatments" for mental illnesses, including electroshock therapy, simulated drownings, and even lobotomies. These procedures aim not to cure but to isolate individuals from society. Skylenna, driven to expose and abolish these practices, encounters malevolent conformists. This unsettling reality unfolds in the initial chapters, setting the stage before we even meet the patient in room thirteen.
“Don’t be frightened. He’s been expecting you. Oh, and don’t be alarmed. He will know specific details about you. It’s part of his facade.”
Despite warnings to avoid room 13 and it’s supposedly dangerous occupant, Skylenna’s ability to connect with extreme patients through non-coercive methods earns her an invitation to meet Patient 13, known as Dessin. Discovering that Dessin is an alter created to cope with profound trauma, Skylenna’s mission is to reach the man beneath and unveil his hidden story before the Asylum seals his fate. To succeed, she must navigate through Dessin and earn his trust.
Dessin intrigued the hell out of me! Anticipation built as he unfolded as a mysterious, dangerous, smart, and beautifully enigmatic figure with an array of surprises. The most intriguing part is his apparent familiarity with Skylenna from beyond the Asylum, leaving her puzzled about his knowledge. Always arriving at the perfect moment to aid Skylenna, Dessin reveals a beast within, a weapon poised for defense, yet remarkably gentle with her. It's a captivating dynamic that elicits a swoon-worthy response.
“I’ll thank you kindly to keep your hands off of my conformist,” he says, his rugged voice quieting the panic in the room like a theater. “You wouldn’t want me to lose my temper.”
Brandi's skillful weaving of the MANY intricate layers in this book is truly astounding, and kept me glued to the pages. The unexpected twists took me by surprise, and there are still so many things left to be explained. The dystopian world she crafted appears more intricate than initially perceived, hinting at a possible impending war between continents. This book is giving Split and Divergent movie vibes and I AM HERE FOR IT!
“He’s a volcano—inactive until something disturbs him, causing an explosion that destroys all in his wake.”
Please do not be put off by the IMMENSE slow burn of this one. Don’t expect spice with this first book. The plot with all of its mystery was so hypnotizing that I forgot there wasn’t any spice. But I know it’s coming. I have seen some teasers for the other books released and all I can say is, OH MY! This first book feels like the tip of the iceberg, with more to crash down in the rest of the series.
I got chills from that cliffhanger ending. I believe my exact words were, “Holy shit.” It also made me so giddy for what’s to come. I think Skylenna is about to be in for more than she bargained for… queue more alternate personalities to surface.
Tropes:
🪡 Patient x Nurse
🪡 Fantasy
🪡 Asylum
🪡 Slow Burn
🪡 Who Hurt You?
🪡 Forbidden