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The Puppeteer: a secret society dark romance
Not yet published
Expected 3 Mar 26"Tick tock goes the clock, the church's time has come. Tick tock goes the clock, the mission's almost done."
Scarlett was never meant to escape the church, but now that she has, the church starts falling apart at the seams. While they try and regroup, Azrael begins training his perfect little psychopath into something wild and unstoppable. They become a team in the deepest sense of the word.
The church tried to break her. Thomas tried to own her, but all the accomplished was aiding in the creation of their own undoing. Scarlett is coming back with a vengeance, and so are her sisters.
After years of working in the shadows, gently pulling the strings within the church, manipulating so quietly, not even Azrael's brothers and sisters could see the truth, it was time to bring this mission to an end.
The betrayal cuts deep within The Family, but rather than pulling them apart, it only brings them closer. Old faces and new come together in this last installment of the Shadows of Sin series.
The Puppeteer is a brutal, intimate dark romance about religious trauma, control, and the freedom of becoming the monster they never saw coming.
Tick tock goes the clock. Even gods can bleed.
Scarlett was never meant to escape the church, but now that she has, the church starts falling apart at the seams. While they try and regroup, Azrael begins training his perfect little psychopath into something wild and unstoppable. They become a team in the deepest sense of the word.
The church tried to break her. Thomas tried to own her, but all the accomplished was aiding in the creation of their own undoing. Scarlett is coming back with a vengeance, and so are her sisters.
After years of working in the shadows, gently pulling the strings within the church, manipulating so quietly, not even Azrael's brothers and sisters could see the truth, it was time to bring this mission to an end.
The betrayal cuts deep within The Family, but rather than pulling them apart, it only brings them closer. Old faces and new come together in this last installment of the Shadows of Sin series.
The Puppeteer is a brutal, intimate dark romance about religious trauma, control, and the freedom of becoming the monster they never saw coming.
Tick tock goes the clock. Even gods can bleed.
621 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 3, 2026
4 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 1, 2026
Wild and crazy ride but I truly love Scarlet and Azrael. I love that she finally gets her justice and her “happy ending”. Seeing Scarlet from being a captive to rescuing captives was utterly beautiful.
February 5, 2026
If you’re a fan of dark romance, you need to read this series. If you liked Haunting Adeline and/or the Lords books, you need to read this series. I’m telling you right now, you will NOT be disappointed one bit.
I feel like my heart was just ripped out, broken into a million pieces, and taped back together in the last about 10 pages of this book 😩 What an ending to a series!! SO many emotions and I could NOT put this book down! It was definitely a tough read (SERIOUSLY, read the trigger warnings…there are a lot and this gets DARK) but I HAD to keep reading because I needed Scarlett to get her revenge.
Throughout the series, you get glimpses of Azrael and his riddles, and this book really brought it all together. There were a few really shocking parts that I didn’t see coming and Azrael and Scarlett are definitely my favorite characters. I also loved her relationship with Olivia and the blackheart brothers. There is a lot of pain and heart break, but the way Azrael and Scarlett support/heal each other (in their own f*cked up ways) is amazing, they’re perfect for each other.
Thank you H.G. Johnston for having me on your ARC team, because this has become my absolute favorite series!
I feel like my heart was just ripped out, broken into a million pieces, and taped back together in the last about 10 pages of this book 😩 What an ending to a series!! SO many emotions and I could NOT put this book down! It was definitely a tough read (SERIOUSLY, read the trigger warnings…there are a lot and this gets DARK) but I HAD to keep reading because I needed Scarlett to get her revenge.
Throughout the series, you get glimpses of Azrael and his riddles, and this book really brought it all together. There were a few really shocking parts that I didn’t see coming and Azrael and Scarlett are definitely my favorite characters. I also loved her relationship with Olivia and the blackheart brothers. There is a lot of pain and heart break, but the way Azrael and Scarlett support/heal each other (in their own f*cked up ways) is amazing, they’re perfect for each other.
Thank you H.G. Johnston for having me on your ARC team, because this has become my absolute favorite series!
January 23, 2026
ARC review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Puppeteer is dark, deliberate, and devastating in the most satisfying way—a story about control reclaimed, vengeance sharpened to a blade, and the quiet power of pulling strings from the shadows. From the opening rhyme to the final reckoning, this book feels like a promise being kept.
Scarlett’s transformation is the heart of the story. She isn’t saved—she’s forged. The church tried to erase her, to mold her into something small and obedient, and instead created something lethal. Watching her step fully into her power, no longer running but returning with purpose, is both chilling and empowering. She’s not chaos for chaos’s sake—she’s precision.
Azrael’s role elevates the story rather than eclipsing it. Their partnership is unsettling in the best way: built on understanding, trust, and shared darkness. He doesn’t tame her or soften her—he sharpens her. Together, they feel inevitable, like two forces finally aligned after years of waiting.
The manipulation woven throughout the narrative is masterful. Knowing that Scarlett has been quietly pulling threads long before anyone realized adds incredible depth to the betrayal and makes the collapse of the church feel earned rather than rushed. Even the fractures within The Family serve to strengthen them, reinforcing the theme that chosen bonds can survive even the deepest wounds.
If you love dark romance and revenge stories where the heroine becomes the architect of her own reckoning, The Puppeteer is a powerful, haunting read. It’s not about survival anymore—it’s about dominance, truth, and ending things on her terms. 🖤⏳
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Puppeteer is dark, deliberate, and devastating in the most satisfying way—a story about control reclaimed, vengeance sharpened to a blade, and the quiet power of pulling strings from the shadows. From the opening rhyme to the final reckoning, this book feels like a promise being kept.
Scarlett’s transformation is the heart of the story. She isn’t saved—she’s forged. The church tried to erase her, to mold her into something small and obedient, and instead created something lethal. Watching her step fully into her power, no longer running but returning with purpose, is both chilling and empowering. She’s not chaos for chaos’s sake—she’s precision.
Azrael’s role elevates the story rather than eclipsing it. Their partnership is unsettling in the best way: built on understanding, trust, and shared darkness. He doesn’t tame her or soften her—he sharpens her. Together, they feel inevitable, like two forces finally aligned after years of waiting.
The manipulation woven throughout the narrative is masterful. Knowing that Scarlett has been quietly pulling threads long before anyone realized adds incredible depth to the betrayal and makes the collapse of the church feel earned rather than rushed. Even the fractures within The Family serve to strengthen them, reinforcing the theme that chosen bonds can survive even the deepest wounds.
If you love dark romance and revenge stories where the heroine becomes the architect of her own reckoning, The Puppeteer is a powerful, haunting read. It’s not about survival anymore—it’s about dominance, truth, and ending things on her terms. 🖤⏳
Review of advance copy received from Author
~ARC REVIEW~
Once again, HG Johnston has blessed us with true darkness. Pitch black dark romance.
I think the only thing I can say I didn't like about this entire series, is that it's complete. The ride is over and I want to go back and start over!
Of course I'm satisfied with how the series ended but I still want more of of Azrael and Scarlett! I thought I was a Grey and Emily girlie...until these final books.
I don't want to fix them your honor. They're perfect in their Madness!
This was mentally challenging to read in the sense that very dark events were occurring. I say it in every review for the series, but please! Check your triggers before going into this. The trauma in this book is INTENSE.
If you were looking for a dark romance series that has heavy character growth through traumatic events this is definitely the series to look at. Also the k¡πk/BD§M is delicious, and I am 1000% here for it.
I can't wait to see what HG Johnston gives us next. She's already been hinting at a new series on her Instagram so if you're not following her, do it now!
Once again, HG Johnston has blessed us with true darkness. Pitch black dark romance.
I think the only thing I can say I didn't like about this entire series, is that it's complete. The ride is over and I want to go back and start over!
Of course I'm satisfied with how the series ended but I still want more of of Azrael and Scarlett! I thought I was a Grey and Emily girlie...until these final books.
I don't want to fix them your honor. They're perfect in their Madness!
This was mentally challenging to read in the sense that very dark events were occurring. I say it in every review for the series, but please! Check your triggers before going into this. The trauma in this book is INTENSE.
If you were looking for a dark romance series that has heavy character growth through traumatic events this is definitely the series to look at. Also the k¡πk/BD§M is delicious, and I am 1000% here for it.
I can't wait to see what HG Johnston gives us next. She's already been hinting at a new series on her Instagram so if you're not following her, do it now!
January 30, 2026
4.5⭐️
Scarlett is such a uniquely strong character. I will never get enough of her and Azrael together.
This book is heavy and there were twists I never saw coming.
Beautifully written. I do wish there was more but I’m also satisfied with the ending.
I can’t wait to read about the Blackheart brothers!
I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
Scarlett is such a uniquely strong character. I will never get enough of her and Azrael together.
This book is heavy and there were twists I never saw coming.
Beautifully written. I do wish there was more but I’m also satisfied with the ending.
I can’t wait to read about the Blackheart brothers!
I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
February 7, 2026
This book is a prefect example of why I fall in love with the villain. Azrael’s obsession, devotion, and belief in Scarlett was everything. Scarlett was the perfect mix of strength and vulnerability and her obsession, devotion, and belief in Azrael was just as amazing. The more he let go and let his emotions show the harder I fell. I think I highlighted more in this book than I ever have so I could easily find my favorite parts to reread when I was done. The suspense never let up and I was obsessed from the first page. Poppy still gets on my nerves and I felt anger on Azrael’s behalf when his siblings still questioned his motives and couldn’t see how much he cared for them. This whole series was amazing and I’m so sad it’s over.
Review of advance copy received from Author
the long wait iv been falling for
this book was absolutely everything ❤️. the anticipation to read this was such a Ruch an did not disappoint! HG. delivers on this with no hold backs The Puppeter will hold you in its clutches.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
this book was absolutely everything ❤️. the anticipation to read this was such a Ruch an did not disappoint! HG. delivers on this with no hold backs The Puppeter will hold you in its clutches.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Review of advance copy received from Author
this book was amazing. super dark and full of revenge... girl rage is the best in my opinion. I absolutely loved Scarlett and how she over comes everything done to her. thr fact she can still be happy after everything warms my heart. this is definitely a top tier series for me. I will forever recommend this series to all my dark romace people!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Scarlet may have left the Church, but the real battle has only just begun. Azrael is on a quest to bring down the Founder who has hurt Scarlet and thousands more, but to do, he has to be willing to send her to the place he swore to save her from. With the help of their family, Scarlet and Azrael will face the monster pulling the strings from the shadows, even if it means losing themselves in the process.
It's crazy to me that this series has come to an end! I vividly remember picking up the first book a few years ago and getting completely swept away into this dark, twisty world full of murder and love and vengeance. The Puppeteer was precisely the kind of final book I had hoped for as it tied together the series well and ensured readers got a glimpse of how their favorite characters are doing. I don't want to get into particular specifics because I think this book is best read blind, but here are some of the tropes I really enjoyed! Also, you're mental health matters, so please check the trigger warnings because this is more explicitly dark than the previous books.
Read if you like...
🂡 She becomes the villain (but they fully deserve it)
🂾 Twisted mind games to bring down empires
🂡 Touch her/him/family and you die
🂾 Strong female friendships that refuse to quit
🂡 They (eventually) save each other
🂾 FMC and MMC are definitely certified insane
🂡 So many Alice in Wonderland references
🂾 Building a better world means burning the old one down in the process
🂡 Books that will emotionally destroy you (mostly in a good way?)
🂾 Foundand very murderous family
🂡 That can't possibly be a healthy coping mechanism
🂾 Everything is a weapon if you try hard enough
Thank you to the author for an e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.
It's crazy to me that this series has come to an end! I vividly remember picking up the first book a few years ago and getting completely swept away into this dark, twisty world full of murder and love and vengeance. The Puppeteer was precisely the kind of final book I had hoped for as it tied together the series well and ensured readers got a glimpse of how their favorite characters are doing. I don't want to get into particular specifics because I think this book is best read blind, but here are some of the tropes I really enjoyed! Also, you're mental health matters, so please check the trigger warnings because this is more explicitly dark than the previous books.
Read if you like...
🂡 She becomes the villain (but they fully deserve it)
🂾 Twisted mind games to bring down empires
🂡 Touch her/him/family and you die
🂾 Strong female friendships that refuse to quit
🂡 They (eventually) save each other
🂾 FMC and MMC are definitely certified insane
🂡 So many Alice in Wonderland references
🂾 Building a better world means burning the old one down in the process
🂡 Books that will emotionally destroy you (mostly in a good way?)
🂾 Found
🂡 That can't possibly be a healthy coping mechanism
🂾 Everything is a weapon if you try hard enough
Thank you to the author for an e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was not prepared for how deeply The Puppeteer would sink its hooks into me, how addictive and unforgettable as a finale.
This book doesn’t just tell a dark romance story, it consumes you.
The romance? Absolutely feral. I fell in love with the queen and her hatter.
As we do get more of Scarlett than Azrael, but it doesn't diminish his darkness and intensity. He always was the one I wanted to see more of while I read the series and i wasn't disappointed. And beautiful Scarlett, I cried for her, smiled with her.
" I felt as if I could do anything. Survive anything. Become anything I wanted. So long as he never stopped looking at me like that. " Gah, my heart...
This story isn’t meant to comfort, it’s meant to challenge and Johnston delivered. She doesn’t soften the darker themes or rush the tension; instead sits in the discomfort and lets it shape them. The characters are morally gray, sometimes unlikable, always fascinating.
Her writing pulls you into their inner worlds until you’re complicit in their choices, rooting for things you never would have expected to want. It's one of the things I loved most.
The whole series is intoxicating. If you crave morally gray characters, secret power structures, romance that burns rather than blooms and stories that make your heart race while your morals wobble, then this is it.
Please check the TW; as this is very dark
Provided an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I was not prepared for how deeply The Puppeteer would sink its hooks into me, how addictive and unforgettable as a finale.
This book doesn’t just tell a dark romance story, it consumes you.
The romance? Absolutely feral. I fell in love with the queen and her hatter.
As we do get more of Scarlett than Azrael, but it doesn't diminish his darkness and intensity. He always was the one I wanted to see more of while I read the series and i wasn't disappointed. And beautiful Scarlett, I cried for her, smiled with her.
" I felt as if I could do anything. Survive anything. Become anything I wanted. So long as he never stopped looking at me like that. " Gah, my heart...
This story isn’t meant to comfort, it’s meant to challenge and Johnston delivered. She doesn’t soften the darker themes or rush the tension; instead sits in the discomfort and lets it shape them. The characters are morally gray, sometimes unlikable, always fascinating.
Her writing pulls you into their inner worlds until you’re complicit in their choices, rooting for things you never would have expected to want. It's one of the things I loved most.
The whole series is intoxicating. If you crave morally gray characters, secret power structures, romance that burns rather than blooms and stories that make your heart race while your morals wobble, then this is it.
Please check the TW; as this is very dark
Provided an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Puppeteer by HG Johnston
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Holy mother of pearl!!! This was QUITE the finale and I can’t believe it’s over. I don’t know what to do! Maybe catch up on the sleep, food, and water I missed out on being so OBSESSED with this duet?!
Scarlett is such an amazing character and I LOVE her and Azreal’s relationship!
There were secrets and betrayals and twists and turns around every corner! They were all so well executed! Hannah has such a gift with the dark romance thriller genre mash up.
This one is difficult to read and so so so dark. If you’ve read Hunting Adeline think that. Very dark with so much SA and torture. There is an HEA so if you can push through it is worth it! There is one part in particular that I had to reach out to Hannah about because I was crushed.
I would have taken an extra 200 pages at the end of revenge… just saying Hannah lol.
Verdict… I will always love the Mountains and the Sharpened Rose the most. But the Hatter and the Red Queen are a close second.
I really cannot believe this series is over! I have been ARCing it from the beginning and it will have a very special place in my heart.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE ARCS OF THE SERIES HANNAH! I can’t wait to see what we get next!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ /5
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: Dark Romance, Found Family, Touch her/him and D!e, She’s a villain, Alice in wonderland vibes,
Series or Standalone: Series
Dark and delicious in the best kind of way. The twists will have you on the edge of your seat and not anything like you would expect.
Scarlet and Azrael are certifiably insane and yet perfect for each other. Eventualy they find their way to each other and really are what the other needs. This is def a dark romance but such a romantic story (iykyk) These two are absolutely feral and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I was not prepared for the absolute perfection of this book in how it tied all the pieces throughout the series together. With all sorts of twisted mindgames and shocking plans, I could not put this baby down once I started. I have tried to think of how to best review this without giving anything away and cannot come up with the words other then grab it and get comfy because you’re in for a wild ride!
" I felt as if I could do anything. Survive anything. Become anything I wanted. So long as he never stopped looking at me like that. "
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: Dark Romance, Found Family, Touch her/him and D!e, She’s a villain, Alice in wonderland vibes,
Series or Standalone: Series
Dark and delicious in the best kind of way. The twists will have you on the edge of your seat and not anything like you would expect.
Scarlet and Azrael are certifiably insane and yet perfect for each other. Eventualy they find their way to each other and really are what the other needs. This is def a dark romance but such a romantic story (iykyk) These two are absolutely feral and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I was not prepared for the absolute perfection of this book in how it tied all the pieces throughout the series together. With all sorts of twisted mindgames and shocking plans, I could not put this baby down once I started. I have tried to think of how to best review this without giving anything away and cannot come up with the words other then grab it and get comfy because you’re in for a wild ride!
" I felt as if I could do anything. Survive anything. Become anything I wanted. So long as he never stopped looking at me like that. "
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews