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Fractured Puppets #1
Cut Her Strings
Raven was dead; at least, that's what the world thought. Now, she's not only been found alive but thrown into what is referred to as the world's most sadistic reality game show. There are two hundred and forty-nine other contestants, but only five will be announced as winners.
The prize? Their lives.
For Raven, losing isn't an option. She will win this game, even if it requires the help of several suspicious strangers and a man she shouldn't forgive. But sometimes, help comes with strings attached.
Hunger Games meets Saw in this dark why choose. Raven will end up with multiple love interests. Please check the first page for TWs. These are morally grey men. Do not expect any heroes in this series.
The prize? Their lives.
For Raven, losing isn't an option. She will win this game, even if it requires the help of several suspicious strangers and a man she shouldn't forgive. But sometimes, help comes with strings attached.
Hunger Games meets Saw in this dark why choose. Raven will end up with multiple love interests. Please check the first page for TWs. These are morally grey men. Do not expect any heroes in this series.
275 pages, Paperback
Published June 26, 2024
171 people are currently reading
904 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
December 29, 2024
Short. Addictive. Intense.
Those are the words that I can only mutter after finishing this read. The was the most intense book of 2024 to date- I could not put this down. If you liked Squid Game and Hunger Games this is right up your alley. The premise is a take on a live broadcasted game to the death, literally. The contestants all have things they wish to keep secret but will they stay that way? The way the characters seem connected will keep you wanting and needing more. This read has some trigger warnings, RH with why choose so what’s not to love? This is the first time I’ve read from this author and I was NOT disappointed. I hope there’s a sequel because I need it. NOW!
Those are the words that I can only mutter after finishing this read. The was the most intense book of 2024 to date- I could not put this down. If you liked Squid Game and Hunger Games this is right up your alley. The premise is a take on a live broadcasted game to the death, literally. The contestants all have things they wish to keep secret but will they stay that way? The way the characters seem connected will keep you wanting and needing more. This read has some trigger warnings, RH with why choose so what’s not to love? This is the first time I’ve read from this author and I was NOT disappointed. I hope there’s a sequel because I need it. NOW!
May 11, 2024
Please be sure to read the trigger warnings!
Omggg!!!! This book is fantastic!!! It had me hooked from page one! I couldn't for the life of me put it down. My favorite character was the female main character named Raven. She was a bad a☆☆ b☆☆☆☆!!! She was fierce and strong! This book was dark and twisted and a perfect read!! I'm so excited to read the next book!! I was left dying for more so bad when the book had ended. I still can't stop thinking about this book. That's how extremely awesome it is.This book was an easy 10/10 stars for me!
Amazing writing, Sage!!! Keep up the awesome job 👏
Omggg!!!! This book is fantastic!!! It had me hooked from page one! I couldn't for the life of me put it down. My favorite character was the female main character named Raven. She was a bad a☆☆ b☆☆☆☆!!! She was fierce and strong! This book was dark and twisted and a perfect read!! I'm so excited to read the next book!! I was left dying for more so bad when the book had ended. I still can't stop thinking about this book. That's how extremely awesome it is.This book was an easy 10/10 stars for me!
Amazing writing, Sage!!! Keep up the awesome job 👏
June 9, 2024
I couldn‘t do it. Dnf @60%. spoilers ahead.
It started off great… so much mystery around who Raven is and why she can‘t die. But then the instalove happened and all was ruined.
The romance felt icky and ill placed. I have no investment in their relationships. In fact, I‘m 100 % convinced that I would‘ve liked this book better without any romance in it at all, an absolute first for me.
Also maybe a me problem but, I just couldn‘t deal with the „sweet“ nicknames… “my sweet fool”, “my sweet Raven”, “sweet girl”. The word sweet should not have been used this many times, I was so over it.
It started off great… so much mystery around who Raven is and why she can‘t die. But then the instalove happened and all was ruined.
The romance felt icky and ill placed. I have no investment in their relationships. In fact, I‘m 100 % convinced that I would‘ve liked this book better without any romance in it at all, an absolute first for me.
Also maybe a me problem but, I just couldn‘t deal with the „sweet“ nicknames… “my sweet fool”, “my sweet Raven”, “sweet girl”. The word sweet should not have been used this many times, I was so over it.
May 26, 2024
ARC REVIEW
Wow! I can't even believe that this is Sage her very first book! It was so well written en fast paced.
If this is her very first book, I can't wait to see how she will progress further with each book! 😍
It really gave me The Hunger Games/Squit Games vibes from the very first chapter and I loved it! But it's even better since it's spicy and RH. 😏
I can't wait to read how the rest of the series will go, because that ending! THAT F*CKING ENDING! It had me in tears! 😭 Sage, you can't leave me hanging here! 🤯🫠🥺
Release date: June 3th
Wow! I can't even believe that this is Sage her very first book! It was so well written en fast paced.
If this is her very first book, I can't wait to see how she will progress further with each book! 😍
It really gave me The Hunger Games/Squit Games vibes from the very first chapter and I loved it! But it's even better since it's spicy and RH. 😏
I can't wait to read how the rest of the series will go, because that ending! THAT F*CKING ENDING! It had me in tears! 😭 Sage, you can't leave me hanging here! 🤯🫠🥺
Release date: June 3th
April 25, 2024
RelleAnne’s mind!! I can’t comprehend how she does it!
Squid Games meets Hunger Games meets The Lottery in this most darkest game of life. Raven’s life has been an extended stay in hell, and it’s about to get worse.
Represented by the Host, this apocalyptic world airs a violent and disturbing reality show intended to show the country who’s boss and “take care” of undesirable lives. We are thrown into a web of connected persons and at the center of it all is Raven. Her life barely means anything to herself, will it matter to others? How about the group of men she’s presented too?
I was pulled page to page as we explored Raven’s upbringing with her siblings, unhealthy as it turned out-if you can call it that! Her past romances still have a hold on her and all comes to a steamy and violent scenario.. on repeat. Buckle. Up.
Squid Games meets Hunger Games meets The Lottery in this most darkest game of life. Raven’s life has been an extended stay in hell, and it’s about to get worse.
Represented by the Host, this apocalyptic world airs a violent and disturbing reality show intended to show the country who’s boss and “take care” of undesirable lives. We are thrown into a web of connected persons and at the center of it all is Raven. Her life barely means anything to herself, will it matter to others? How about the group of men she’s presented too?
I was pulled page to page as we explored Raven’s upbringing with her siblings, unhealthy as it turned out-if you can call it that! Her past romances still have a hold on her and all comes to a steamy and violent scenario.. on repeat. Buckle. Up.
June 6, 2024
This book took the cake. I was lucky enough to read this book quite early and I must say I was hooked from the get go.
The FMC is kickass but so not annoying like so many fmcs tend to be. The story was hunger games meets saw. It was twisted yet beautiful. FMC meets most of her harem but something tells me it’s incomplete as the book ended. The danger level was kept high throughout and I was never bored. The writing flowed and made it a quick intense read.
Many unanswered questions in the end with a BIG cliffhanger. I’m dying for the next one. Definitely worth a read. 10/10 recommend.
The FMC is kickass but so not annoying like so many fmcs tend to be. The story was hunger games meets saw. It was twisted yet beautiful. FMC meets most of her harem but something tells me it’s incomplete as the book ended. The danger level was kept high throughout and I was never bored. The writing flowed and made it a quick intense read.
Many unanswered questions in the end with a BIG cliffhanger. I’m dying for the next one. Definitely worth a read. 10/10 recommend.
April 18, 2024
I LOVED this book!
It gives a nice twist between Hunger Games and Saw.. the FMC is a total badass. I was lucky enough to read this as my first ARC and I couldn’t have been more impressed.
I am new to reading Multi POV so it was an adjustment to follow but overall I loved the FMC and her men.
This book leaves you with a MAJOR cliffhanger… I am itching to find out what happens next!!
It gives a nice twist between Hunger Games and Saw.. the FMC is a total badass. I was lucky enough to read this as my first ARC and I couldn’t have been more impressed.
I am new to reading Multi POV so it was an adjustment to follow but overall I loved the FMC and her men.
This book leaves you with a MAJOR cliffhanger… I am itching to find out what happens next!!
May 20, 2025
This book is dark, spicy, and absolutely unhinged in the best possible way. I devoured it like it was oxygen. The tension? Palpable. The spice? 🔥🔥🔥 The emotional stakes? Through the roof. Every chapter had me on edge, wondering who would survive, who would betray whom, and how Raven would make it out— with all her guys. She’s is done playing by anyone else’s rules and she’ll have them all if she wants! And boy does she want.
Now, I’ll be honest—I didn’t always understand the actual games. The rules were confusing at times, and I found myself rereading certain parts trying to figure out exactly what was happening or what the objectives were. Like I need it drawn up, or video explanations of how the game was played. But honestly? I was so locked into the vibes, the chaos, the danger, the spice—that it didn’t even matter. I was still completely hooked.
Now, I’ll be honest—I didn’t always understand the actual games. The rules were confusing at times, and I found myself rereading certain parts trying to figure out exactly what was happening or what the objectives were. Like I need it drawn up, or video explanations of how the game was played. But honestly? I was so locked into the vibes, the chaos, the danger, the spice—that it didn’t even matter. I was still completely hooked.
February 24, 2025
•4.75⭐️
•Dark Why Choose Romance
•Dystopian
•Enemies to lovers
•Bad@ss FMC
•Forced Proximity
•Second Chance
•Possessive/Obssessive MMCs
•Betrayal
•🌶🌶🌶
This was such a good read. If you liked The Hunger Games and Squid Games. This read could be right up your alley! I enjoyed every second of this book. The setting is similar to Hunger Games having factions and a corrupt government and if you're caught going against the government you're put into "The Masquerade," where you play games and have to win. There's other elements I wish to tell you... but well, you'll just have to read to find out! The ending of this book.. shocked me. I WASN'T expecting that bombshell. I can't wait until the 2nd book! Check your TW before you dive in!
•Dark Why Choose Romance
•Dystopian
•Enemies to lovers
•Bad@ss FMC
•Forced Proximity
•Second Chance
•Possessive/Obssessive MMCs
•Betrayal
•🌶🌶🌶
This was such a good read. If you liked The Hunger Games and Squid Games. This read could be right up your alley! I enjoyed every second of this book. The setting is similar to Hunger Games having factions and a corrupt government and if you're caught going against the government you're put into "The Masquerade," where you play games and have to win. There's other elements I wish to tell you... but well, you'll just have to read to find out! The ending of this book.. shocked me. I WASN'T expecting that bombshell. I can't wait until the 2nd book! Check your TW before you dive in!
May 29, 2024
Here I am, at almost 5AM, intrigued, angry and begging for more of this book.
I'm SO thankful that Sage let me ARC read this work of art, it was a Rollercoaster ride that has left me speechless. I LOVED every bit of this book. Sage's writing instantly hooks you and reels you in😫. I'm not normally a fan of third person POV, but I ate this up, the way Sage has curated these characters and every scene in this book is breathtakingly beautiful.
Every character has depth and a mystery about them, they're opposites, yet they flow flawlessly with each other and I'm In love!
Raven is EVERYTHINGGGGG, she's a goddess. I'd liken her to BIA, the Greek Goddess or personified spirit of force, power, might, bodily strength and compulsion. Raven is witty, strong spirited and determined to push through this ordeal, despite everything She's been subjected to, by her government and the humans around her.
The men? Dont even get me started. Fucking perfect. Their chemistry with Raven is chefs kiss😍. They can't resist her, and I see why. I ate up every sex scene that Sage threw my way, the emotional connection in every 🌶scene? PERFECT‼️
Keep doing exactly what you're doing, Sage.
The details in everything, my God. Sage does an amazing job at making you feel like YOU'RE in each game, so terrifying but amazing. The secrecy, the way everything's written, will truly make you feel deliciously terrified🥂
This book deserves nothing less than 5 stars, I knew I would adore this book before I even finished it. BUY THIS BOOK‼️‼️
I'm SO thankful that Sage let me ARC read this work of art, it was a Rollercoaster ride that has left me speechless. I LOVED every bit of this book. Sage's writing instantly hooks you and reels you in😫. I'm not normally a fan of third person POV, but I ate this up, the way Sage has curated these characters and every scene in this book is breathtakingly beautiful.
Every character has depth and a mystery about them, they're opposites, yet they flow flawlessly with each other and I'm In love!
Raven is EVERYTHINGGGGG, she's a goddess. I'd liken her to BIA, the Greek Goddess or personified spirit of force, power, might, bodily strength and compulsion. Raven is witty, strong spirited and determined to push through this ordeal, despite everything She's been subjected to, by her government and the humans around her.
The men? Dont even get me started. Fucking perfect. Their chemistry with Raven is chefs kiss😍. They can't resist her, and I see why. I ate up every sex scene that Sage threw my way, the emotional connection in every 🌶scene? PERFECT‼️
Keep doing exactly what you're doing, Sage.
The details in everything, my God. Sage does an amazing job at making you feel like YOU'RE in each game, so terrifying but amazing. The secrecy, the way everything's written, will truly make you feel deliciously terrified🥂
This book deserves nothing less than 5 stars, I knew I would adore this book before I even finished it. BUY THIS BOOK‼️‼️
June 2, 2024
I received an arc from Sage Relleanne. Thank you so much for this opportunity to share your story. You now have an obsessed reader that will stalk you until the next book or any other books you’ll release hehehe
OMG, I’m in love. A reverse harem (it has no mm) that is in a dystopian world, with games they have to play to survive, is something that will always have me interested. If you love the Hunger Games and Saw, you’ll have fun with this story. I loved reading about these morally grey characters with all the twists and turns.
I love when authors torture us too 😩 Sage, I need the next book STAT!!!
I enjoyed how you’re piecing things together when you hear the backstories of the characters which allows you to pretend to be Sherlock Holmes (I’m probably wrong on my theories, but I love pretending I’m onto something). I felt it was more fast/medium paced than it was slow for some pairings, and the others that haven’t gotten the chance to seduce our fmc, will be worth the wait. Read this book to find out about Raven, the fmc, who’s cunning, strong, and powerful in ways she doesn’t even know yet. Also 😉 if you’re an indecisive person who can’t pick who you want to imagine doing ummm…activities with, this is the book for you.
OMG, I’m in love. A reverse harem (it has no mm) that is in a dystopian world, with games they have to play to survive, is something that will always have me interested. If you love the Hunger Games and Saw, you’ll have fun with this story. I loved reading about these morally grey characters with all the twists and turns.
I love when authors torture us too 😩 Sage, I need the next book STAT!!!
I enjoyed how you’re piecing things together when you hear the backstories of the characters which allows you to pretend to be Sherlock Holmes (I’m probably wrong on my theories, but I love pretending I’m onto something). I felt it was more fast/medium paced than it was slow for some pairings, and the others that haven’t gotten the chance to seduce our fmc, will be worth the wait. Read this book to find out about Raven, the fmc, who’s cunning, strong, and powerful in ways she doesn’t even know yet. Also 😉 if you’re an indecisive person who can’t pick who you want to imagine doing ummm…activities with, this is the book for you.
July 8, 2024
July 2024
Kindle edition
Not for me. It felt like it was trying to be squid games and the others mentioned in the blurb. It was a hard read that felt stunted at times. I was curious about the host, but the rest was numbers, past events that felt a little vague and a resistance of different factions. The games had rules which led to the back of the book. I didn't click on any of them. Felt convoluted. Won't be reading the next one.
Kindle edition
Not for me. It felt like it was trying to be squid games and the others mentioned in the blurb. It was a hard read that felt stunted at times. I was curious about the host, but the rest was numbers, past events that felt a little vague and a resistance of different factions. The games had rules which led to the back of the book. I didn't click on any of them. Felt convoluted. Won't be reading the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2024
No
How dare it end like that! There's no book two either. Ugh, I hate it so much!!!! Regardless, the book is good and fun to read, except for the numbers. It was tiring to have 179 do this 179 do that and 189 do this. It was annoying. Other than that, I enjoyed this book. I highly recommend you give it a try.
How dare it end like that! There's no book two either. Ugh, I hate it so much!!!! Regardless, the book is good and fun to read, except for the numbers. It was tiring to have 179 do this 179 do that and 189 do this. It was annoying. Other than that, I enjoyed this book. I highly recommend you give it a try.
June 25, 2024
An interesting concept but it really didn’t work for me. The author warns that they write in both first and third pov so I knew to expect it, but it just made it seem messy to read.
The smut was awkwardly placed.
Yeah just none of it worked for me.
The smut was awkwardly placed.
Yeah just none of it worked for me.
June 27, 2024
Just wow. That’s all I’ve got to say I can’t focus on anything still after that ending!
June 15, 2024
⚠️Major Spoilers about ending⚠️
This has an interesting concept! Reminds me of Squid Games with some elements of Hunger games!
I'll say it's a good book to pass time! It will scratch your RH itch and leave you entertained with the mess
Starting with the FL, she's okay, I guess. She's not my type of style, but I can't help but root for her to win!
I do dislike the way she was just giving it up to these men, but like she said, 'What does she owe them?'....idk maybe a conversation about how this whole ordeal will work🥴 Probably would've saved yall asses from that intense ending. But anyways, I dislike how the instalust was handled because it was giving force. #ImposterRH???
Moving on, the MLs are so-so🤧 I don't have a favorite since most of them are still hiding their identity, but I'm pretty sure we will know more in the next book and their personalities will be more distinct from eachother. So far, there are 5 men! I'm thinking, The Host will be the 6th? Chile idk...
The ending was a little shocking, and it turns out that Raven(the FL) was pregnant by Jayce before she got stabbed in the stomach 5 years ago(?). The child is still alive in the hands of the FL sister. And the sister uses that child as blackmail to "The Host" to control him. Who is the host? Idk 🤷🏾♀️ But Raven and Jayce don't know their kid is still alive. A mess!
Anyways it ended crazy, Raven may be dead. Her and Jayce child named Sparrow is alive and well in the hands of her Evil twin sister. The Host is being threatened with the child. Lorddd~
Oh and one thing I forgot to mentioned, one of the MLs- Enzo fucked her Evil sister before he got put on the game...HELLO? And then he fucks the FL near the end...
Bruh talm bout some damn
He imagined the feel of her tits in his hands. “I can keep this side locked away, except when it comes to you!” he barked out harshly.
UH, maybe because he despises her evil sister. So, seeing her twin is provoking those feelings of sadistic tendencies.🥴
SMDH this is some tea...
I will be waiting for the next book!
♡♡♡♡♡♡
Tags
No M/M
Instalust
Trauma Bonding
Hidden Child
Revenge
1V5 (as of now?)
OW? (As far as we know, 1 ML fucked her sister before FL and him met. Another ML had a lover for 10 years, but she died..)
OM? (1 dude is her abuser, and she did have some OM drama in the harem, but 2 of them sorted it out, but the rest still seething in jealousy chile.)
This has an interesting concept! Reminds me of Squid Games with some elements of Hunger games!
I'll say it's a good book to pass time! It will scratch your RH itch and leave you entertained with the mess
Starting with the FL, she's okay, I guess. She's not my type of style, but I can't help but root for her to win!
I do dislike the way she was just giving it up to these men, but like she said, 'What does she owe them?'....idk maybe a conversation about how this whole ordeal will work🥴 Probably would've saved yall asses from that intense ending. But anyways, I dislike how the instalust was handled because it was giving force. #ImposterRH???
Moving on, the MLs are so-so🤧 I don't have a favorite since most of them are still hiding their identity, but I'm pretty sure we will know more in the next book and their personalities will be more distinct from eachother. So far, there are 5 men! I'm thinking, The Host will be the 6th? Chile idk...
The ending was a little shocking, and it turns out that Raven(the FL) was pregnant by Jayce before she got stabbed in the stomach 5 years ago(?). The child is still alive in the hands of the FL sister. And the sister uses that child as blackmail to "The Host" to control him. Who is the host? Idk 🤷🏾♀️ But Raven and Jayce don't know their kid is still alive. A mess!
Anyways it ended crazy, Raven may be dead. Her and Jayce child named Sparrow is alive and well in the hands of her Evil twin sister. The Host is being threatened with the child. Lorddd~
Oh and one thing I forgot to mentioned, one of the MLs- Enzo fucked her Evil sister before he got put on the game...HELLO? And then he fucks the FL near the end...
Bruh talm bout some damn
He imagined the feel of her tits in his hands. “I can keep this side locked away, except when it comes to you!” he barked out harshly.
UH, maybe because he despises her evil sister. So, seeing her twin is provoking those feelings of sadistic tendencies.🥴
SMDH this is some tea...
I will be waiting for the next book!
♡♡♡♡♡♡
Tags
No M/M
Instalust
Trauma Bonding
Hidden Child
Revenge
1V5 (as of now?)
OW? (As far as we know, 1 ML fucked her sister before FL and him met. Another ML had a lover for 10 years, but she died..)
OM? (1 dude is her abuser, and she did have some OM drama in the harem, but 2 of them sorted it out, but the rest still seething in jealousy chile.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2025
Woah woah woah!!!!!! I was not expecting that ending!!! All I had to say was wait what!?!?!! I need to know what happens. Like it ended on a cliffhanger!!!! This book is just wow. It's like hungry games, but worse because there are more than just one game and it seems like they go on for awhile! Like weeks on end and it's totally different. But man this is such a good book!! It's about a world of dystopia and how everyone is trying to get out. You really don't know who anyone is and it just makes you want to know more and more. Who are these people, how do they affect Raven, and what happened!! I can't wait to jump into the next book.
May 31, 2024
This book is like a cross of the hunger games and squid games meet the saw. It’s fantastic it a strong kick a$$ FMC.
This book was dark and twisted with a little bit of spice and a little bit stabby just how I like them. It’s a RH with why choose. It will keep you on the edge or you seat wondering what will come next with all its twist and turns, sit back and enjoy the ride.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
🖤🖤🖤
Tropes
MPOV
RH
FMC
Why choose
Touch her and 💀
En€mies to lovers
Age gag
Forced proximity
This book was dark and twisted with a little bit of spice and a little bit stabby just how I like them. It’s a RH with why choose. It will keep you on the edge or you seat wondering what will come next with all its twist and turns, sit back and enjoy the ride.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
🖤🖤🖤
Tropes
MPOV
RH
FMC
Why choose
Touch her and 💀
En€mies to lovers
Age gag
Forced proximity
June 6, 2024
What. A. Ride!!! Omg. Twisted. I didn't know what was coming next. Fast pace, so keep up. I'm ready for the next book! I'm hooked
March 2, 2025
WOW! I honestly don’t know what else to say! I downloaded this book because I signed up for book 2 as an arc and I’m so glad I did. Why choose is my FAVORITE and this is the perfect book. It had squid game feels, spice, tension, twists and turns. I ATE this up. That cliffhanger though 😭 omg. I NEED the 2nd one like yesterday.
March 8, 2025
Oh. My. God! That ending. Someone better be giving me book two like now! I need answers! I need to know!!
March 14, 2025
Man, what an ending. Glad the next book ARC just got sent to me because that was a cruel way to end things 😭
March 12, 2025
I am obsessed with this story. So much happens and I don’t think I’ve ever been so invested in the plot in my life. It just gets better and better.
April 25, 2024
This book had me at the edge of me seat wondering what was going to happen next. The FMC was so strong! I can't wait till book #2 comes out because the end has me wondering "what just happened"🤯
January 7, 2025
I want to start by mentioning how fast I ate this book up!
After getting a little tasty tidbit of our Host and his tortured mind frame, we meet our FMC!
Raven is abducted and wakes up in The Masquerade! 🎭 which remind me of a mix between the Squid Games, Hunger games, and Saw.
With our FMC waking up in this weird place, we learn she is not the type to wilt away and I must say, I like it. She’s able to compartmentalize, and look at the bigger picture, not take situations at face value. Even being an independent woman she acknowledges the use of her assets, making if far enough to encounter who Im hoping to be our future MMCs.
Her options though… whew. I’ve always loved me some dark and dangerous men, our contestants have it down packed, and then some! Im am eager to see how their relationship plays out.
I’ve read my fair share of Dark Romance, yet Cut her Strings is one I’ll keep in my memory library, impatiently waiting for book 2 lol.
I received a copy of this book via ARC READER and leaving this review of my own volition. Thank you Sage for the opportunity!
After getting a little tasty tidbit of our Host and his tortured mind frame, we meet our FMC!
Raven is abducted and wakes up in The Masquerade! 🎭 which remind me of a mix between the Squid Games, Hunger games, and Saw.
With our FMC waking up in this weird place, we learn she is not the type to wilt away and I must say, I like it. She’s able to compartmentalize, and look at the bigger picture, not take situations at face value. Even being an independent woman she acknowledges the use of her assets, making if far enough to encounter who Im hoping to be our future MMCs.
Her options though… whew. I’ve always loved me some dark and dangerous men, our contestants have it down packed, and then some! Im am eager to see how their relationship plays out.
I’ve read my fair share of Dark Romance, yet Cut her Strings is one I’ll keep in my memory library, impatiently waiting for book 2 lol.
I received a copy of this book via ARC READER and leaving this review of my own volition. Thank you Sage for the opportunity!
May 22, 2024
Holy fck! I DEVOURED this book and am honestly kind of upset I found it so early - I need to know what happens!!! That cliffhanger???? All the mysteries that we have yet to solve?? That epilogue?? I am literally so confused and excited and my emotions are EVERYWHERE.
This was a pretty good start to this series! The description INSTANTLY had me hooked, so the fact I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this story has me genuinely giddy. Sage Relleanne, oh how I adore you! And just so everyone is aware, this will be a completely honest review of my thoughts and feelings throughout this hell of a ride.
SPOILERS AHEAD
There are many more characters I could talk about however I feel that would spoil a little TOO much and there's also just a ton of background info I'd have to explain for their characters to make sense. Let me just say - Ivan's a piece of shit who I hope Raven ends up brutally killing. Anadil is Raven's sister and she's just outright crazy and needs to be put down or smthn but I'm really interested in how she's involved and where this story will take us with that plot line. 195 interested me with that one scene during The Sleepover chapter.
Overall, this is a story that I couldn't stop reading. The plot is just SO GOOD and it definitely keeps you on your toes. There are so many unanswered questions - I'm literally going to lose my mind waiting for the next books to be released. This was an AMAZING introduction to an author I KNOW will be a future favorite. She really is great at coming up with these games and dynamics. The only criticism I have to offer is this - I think the characters and their interactions with each other need just a BIT of work. Most of the time it flowed, however there were a few moments where I thought "Why are they talking like this?" or "How did we get here?" For example, lots of the smutty scenes felt quite rushed and lacked feeling. Something that is, really, a minor detail compared to the brilliance of this plot. In the end, I would give this a 4/5 because of the way it draws you in and doesn't let go. Seriously, if you're thinking of adding this to your tbr DO IT!!! You won't regret it!
This was a pretty good start to this series! The description INSTANTLY had me hooked, so the fact I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this story has me genuinely giddy. Sage Relleanne, oh how I adore you! And just so everyone is aware, this will be a completely honest review of my thoughts and feelings throughout this hell of a ride.
SPOILERS AHEAD
There are many more characters I could talk about however I feel that would spoil a little TOO much and there's also just a ton of background info I'd have to explain for their characters to make sense. Let me just say - Ivan's a piece of shit who I hope Raven ends up brutally killing. Anadil is Raven's sister and she's just outright crazy and needs to be put down or smthn but I'm really interested in how she's involved and where this story will take us with that plot line. 195 interested me with that one scene during The Sleepover chapter.
Overall, this is a story that I couldn't stop reading. The plot is just SO GOOD and it definitely keeps you on your toes. There are so many unanswered questions - I'm literally going to lose my mind waiting for the next books to be released. This was an AMAZING introduction to an author I KNOW will be a future favorite. She really is great at coming up with these games and dynamics. The only criticism I have to offer is this - I think the characters and their interactions with each other need just a BIT of work. Most of the time it flowed, however there were a few moments where I thought "Why are they talking like this?" or "How did we get here?" For example, lots of the smutty scenes felt quite rushed and lacked feeling. Something that is, really, a minor detail compared to the brilliance of this plot. In the end, I would give this a 4/5 because of the way it draws you in and doesn't let go. Seriously, if you're thinking of adding this to your tbr DO IT!!! You won't regret it!
July 1, 2024
Love this book. It was addictive, intense, and captivating. If you like hunger games or squid games. This is the book for you. Kept me on edge the whole way, though. The ending was phenomenal and nothing I had anticipated.
July 4, 2024
started okay landed flat, felt kinda lacking description wise.
October 15, 2025
2/5 for a few reasons.
I don’t like the insta-love within the story. I can understand the situation between her and Jayce, but the other guys? Happened way too fast.. I feel like more tension and a slow burn would’ve been better.
I also don’t quite get the motivations for Anadil AKA nightingale (FMC sister). So it’s clear from the beginning Anadil is tasked with being in the brutality faction and grew up with the guise of her gaining info for the revolution. However, her motivation for stabbing raven + blowing up the government facility are based on… anger that her sister didn’t have to go through the same thing? And because raven and Jayce were together? Seems very loosely strung together. I have a hard time believing that would garner those actions.
That also brings me to my next point, why was Raven spared cruelties when growing up? She seemed to not be exposed to government facilities or the revolution until she was thought dead/stabbed and went undercover as shadow in the retrieval (spy) faction. What was so special about raven that their parents spared her of anything?
—- overview/ spoilers to review for book 2–
In this dystopian world, there is the resistance and the government. Apparently there are government facilities that are housing citizens and torturing them, but beyond that it’s unknown what exactly they’re doing or what the facilities are for. The resistance consist of three factions brutality, ?, and retrieval. Brutality is like ground soldiers. They do a lot of of the cruelty and combat on behalf of the resistance. Retrieval are like the spies. They get new identities and infiltrate these government facilities, whether as the kidnapped citizens or the officials. The other faction is the biggest, and it just consists of regular citizens who relay information between factions. This faction also contains the “brains” of ops.
Our main character, Raven, works with the retrieval faction and goes by shadow. When she was little, she grew up with her two parents and her sister, Anadil a.k.a. Nightingale in a government facility. When they were both kids they met Jayce, but you find out within the same chapter Those are not his true parents and they have some intentions for him to grow up and go into a faction for the revolution. Growing up, Anadil, a.k.a. Nightingale and Jayce both had to withstand cruelties to gather information to report back to the resistance. For some reason Raven was spared of this duty, and I guess her sister began to resent her for this. Eventually, the resistance fell when one day Anadil, a.k.a. nightingale stabbed raven on live TV and then bombed the entire government facility killing everyone, including the innocent citizens within inside it. No one knows that raven survived. Which gave her the ability to become a new person, a.k.a. shadow. This action caused the resistance to fall and the masquerade games were then created. Every year over 200 people are chosen by sponsors. The sponsors pay an exorbitant fee to choose people they don’t like to be kidnapped, drugged, and put into these games to fight to the death. If the player wins, they collect some of the winning fee and the sponsor is essentially winning a bet so they get more money back. Our girl is kidnapped and thrown into these games with Jayce, who thought she was dead. At first, he thinks she is Nightingale (because apparently they look very similar) and he wants to kill her because she destroyed the resistance that he was in. When he finds out his raven, it’s very insta love and becomes protective of her. He finds out she is the infamous shadow pretty quickly.
At this point, we do not know who Raven sponsor is, although I suspect it may be her sister.
The other 3 team members in the game with them are Enzo, Maverick, and ?. The three of them have a past that is quickly brought to light. They fight very briefly over it and it seems to not matter with the rest of the plot.
By the end of the book, Enzo and Jayce control controllers that force Raven and ? To fight each other to the death.
Ravens strings are cut, and she falls to her death.
The host is horrified this happened and meant for raven to live, while ? Falls to his death. It’s revealed the host is “uncle” Julian, who cares for Sparrow, the daughter of Jayce and Raven (that was thought dead when nightingale stabbed her in the stomach).
I don’t like the insta-love within the story. I can understand the situation between her and Jayce, but the other guys? Happened way too fast.. I feel like more tension and a slow burn would’ve been better.
I also don’t quite get the motivations for Anadil AKA nightingale (FMC sister). So it’s clear from the beginning Anadil is tasked with being in the brutality faction and grew up with the guise of her gaining info for the revolution. However, her motivation for stabbing raven + blowing up the government facility are based on… anger that her sister didn’t have to go through the same thing? And because raven and Jayce were together? Seems very loosely strung together. I have a hard time believing that would garner those actions.
That also brings me to my next point, why was Raven spared cruelties when growing up? She seemed to not be exposed to government facilities or the revolution until she was thought dead/stabbed and went undercover as shadow in the retrieval (spy) faction. What was so special about raven that their parents spared her of anything?
—- overview/ spoilers to review for book 2–
In this dystopian world, there is the resistance and the government. Apparently there are government facilities that are housing citizens and torturing them, but beyond that it’s unknown what exactly they’re doing or what the facilities are for. The resistance consist of three factions brutality, ?, and retrieval. Brutality is like ground soldiers. They do a lot of of the cruelty and combat on behalf of the resistance. Retrieval are like the spies. They get new identities and infiltrate these government facilities, whether as the kidnapped citizens or the officials. The other faction is the biggest, and it just consists of regular citizens who relay information between factions. This faction also contains the “brains” of ops.
Our main character, Raven, works with the retrieval faction and goes by shadow. When she was little, she grew up with her two parents and her sister, Anadil a.k.a. Nightingale in a government facility. When they were both kids they met Jayce, but you find out within the same chapter Those are not his true parents and they have some intentions for him to grow up and go into a faction for the revolution. Growing up, Anadil, a.k.a. Nightingale and Jayce both had to withstand cruelties to gather information to report back to the resistance. For some reason Raven was spared of this duty, and I guess her sister began to resent her for this. Eventually, the resistance fell when one day Anadil, a.k.a. nightingale stabbed raven on live TV and then bombed the entire government facility killing everyone, including the innocent citizens within inside it. No one knows that raven survived. Which gave her the ability to become a new person, a.k.a. shadow. This action caused the resistance to fall and the masquerade games were then created. Every year over 200 people are chosen by sponsors. The sponsors pay an exorbitant fee to choose people they don’t like to be kidnapped, drugged, and put into these games to fight to the death. If the player wins, they collect some of the winning fee and the sponsor is essentially winning a bet so they get more money back. Our girl is kidnapped and thrown into these games with Jayce, who thought she was dead. At first, he thinks she is Nightingale (because apparently they look very similar) and he wants to kill her because she destroyed the resistance that he was in. When he finds out his raven, it’s very insta love and becomes protective of her. He finds out she is the infamous shadow pretty quickly.
At this point, we do not know who Raven sponsor is, although I suspect it may be her sister.
The other 3 team members in the game with them are Enzo, Maverick, and ?. The three of them have a past that is quickly brought to light. They fight very briefly over it and it seems to not matter with the rest of the plot.
By the end of the book, Enzo and Jayce control controllers that force Raven and ? To fight each other to the death.
Ravens strings are cut, and she falls to her death.
The host is horrified this happened and meant for raven to live, while ? Falls to his death. It’s revealed the host is “uncle” Julian, who cares for Sparrow, the daughter of Jayce and Raven (that was thought dead when nightingale stabbed her in the stomach).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2025
Raven was dead; everyone had seen her sister stab her in the stomach; or at least that's what the world thought they saw. But, in reality, she's actually been alive the entire time and in hiding in the most ruthless of factions. Now, she's been found and in a cruel twist of fate thrown into the most wicked, twisted, and sadistic reality game show anyone could ever come up with.
Out of the 250 contestants, including Raven, only five can be announced the winners.
What are they playing for? They are playing to win, they are playing for their lives.
To Raven, she has no intention of losing. That's not in her plans, and it's just not an option. She's going to win this game, even if that means she has to enlist the help of several strange and suspicious looking men who don't deserve forgiveness and who she knows she should not forgive no matter what. But, as in with life, help often comes with strings attached.
Cut Her Strings is Hunger Games meets Saw. It's a dark why-choose where Raven has multiple love interests, and thankfully, she doesn't have to choose between them.
YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Know your limits and know your triggers and ALWAYS read the TW/CW. In this book that includes but is not limited to: dub-con, off page assault, brief reference of child abuse, attempted graphic suicide & suicide on page, torture, death, gore, and murder, loss of loved ones, explicit sexual content.
And please remember that all these men are morally grey. There are no heroes in this series. Even though you are going to want to make heroes out of any of our MMCs DON'T, they are not heroes.
I don't think I will ever be able to understand fully how Sage RelleAnne's mind really works. I thought that I understood her mind once, and now I just don't know. She has created another world that is just beyond comprehension.
This dystopian masterpiece is part Hunger Games mixed with Saw, adding in some Squid Games just for the fun of it and then add in The Lottery for the darkest and most sinister parts of the games.
Being thrown into the games, Raven's life is extended by forces beyond her knowledge, and she has no idea who is pulling her strings.
Like everyone else in the game, the Host is just as mysterious as he/she is wearing a mask and the show is meant to enforce showing the country who's boss and it also help's to take care of all the undesirable's in the eye's of who ever runs the game. Entering the “arena” we find that everyone is in one way or another interconnected with each other, and Raven finds that somehow she is at the center or everything. She is surprised to learn that her life means more to those around her than it means to her. And it means even more to all the men in her main group than anyone else.
I loved exploring how Raven was raised and her upbringing and how her sister became Nightingale and how Raven became who she was in the end. And as unhealthly as her upbringing as it was, it was still page turning. Even learning about her past romances keeps your eyes pulled on the pages. All I can say is Be. Prepared.
Then there's that ending. Oh. My. God! When you start putting it all together. Raven's past with the present and all the scenes that you've read, and you realize just who is who. Oh. Wow! I need book 2 NOW! I need to know what happens next. I can't wait to read it. If you have enjoyed Sage RelleAnne's other books, then you will enjoy this book.
Out of the 250 contestants, including Raven, only five can be announced the winners.
What are they playing for? They are playing to win, they are playing for their lives.
To Raven, she has no intention of losing. That's not in her plans, and it's just not an option. She's going to win this game, even if that means she has to enlist the help of several strange and suspicious looking men who don't deserve forgiveness and who she knows she should not forgive no matter what. But, as in with life, help often comes with strings attached.
Cut Her Strings is Hunger Games meets Saw. It's a dark why-choose where Raven has multiple love interests, and thankfully, she doesn't have to choose between them.
YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Know your limits and know your triggers and ALWAYS read the TW/CW. In this book that includes but is not limited to: dub-con, off page assault, brief reference of child abuse, attempted graphic suicide & suicide on page, torture, death, gore, and murder, loss of loved ones, explicit sexual content.
And please remember that all these men are morally grey. There are no heroes in this series. Even though you are going to want to make heroes out of any of our MMCs DON'T, they are not heroes.
I don't think I will ever be able to understand fully how Sage RelleAnne's mind really works. I thought that I understood her mind once, and now I just don't know. She has created another world that is just beyond comprehension.
This dystopian masterpiece is part Hunger Games mixed with Saw, adding in some Squid Games just for the fun of it and then add in The Lottery for the darkest and most sinister parts of the games.
Being thrown into the games, Raven's life is extended by forces beyond her knowledge, and she has no idea who is pulling her strings.
Like everyone else in the game, the Host is just as mysterious as he/she is wearing a mask and the show is meant to enforce showing the country who's boss and it also help's to take care of all the undesirable's in the eye's of who ever runs the game. Entering the “arena” we find that everyone is in one way or another interconnected with each other, and Raven finds that somehow she is at the center or everything. She is surprised to learn that her life means more to those around her than it means to her. And it means even more to all the men in her main group than anyone else.
I loved exploring how Raven was raised and her upbringing and how her sister became Nightingale and how Raven became who she was in the end. And as unhealthly as her upbringing as it was, it was still page turning. Even learning about her past romances keeps your eyes pulled on the pages. All I can say is Be. Prepared.
Then there's that ending. Oh. My. God! When you start putting it all together. Raven's past with the present and all the scenes that you've read, and you realize just who is who. Oh. Wow! I need book 2 NOW! I need to know what happens next. I can't wait to read it. If you have enjoyed Sage RelleAnne's other books, then you will enjoy this book.
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