The Puppet Master

by Nicole Cypher

A mindf*ck of psychological warfare where a cult’s captive becomes a puppet master’s endgame.

He says his job is to train me.

Miles from civilization, buried in the wooded hills of New York, lies a cult compound known as the Shadow Sanctum. Sawyer Hansley—a man who’s made a career out of conditioning women into obedience—is their newest weapon.

When I wake up alone in a cold, dark cave, he tells me the cult has claimed me as their next member.

They want him to force my submission. My adoration. My obedience.

In other they want him to break me. And he’s all too willing to oblige.

What he doesn’t know? I’m not like his previous victims.

By the time we’re through, it won’t be me who’s broken.

A note from

This trilogy is for readers who crave dark romance with depth — intelligent characters, layered psychology, slow-building obsession, and strong thriller vibes. It includes cult elements, intense themes, psychological manipulation, and dark, mature content.

If that’s your kind of story, welcome in.

Genres: Dark Romance

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 17, 2026

Reviews

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy and am voluntarily reviewing it. This book starts this series off with a bang. I can't get into too much of it because I don't want to give anything away. Just know it is dark. This ain't no sweet romance. It will definitely hook you. I contemplated several times not continuing with the series and then Ms. Cypher got me with the twist. Now I have to know where this book is going. Thankfully book 2 is ready to go and I am ready to dive in.

Sawyer Hansley was looking for money and he knew the Shadow Sanctum had it. He just needed to infiltrate the cult. Yes, you heard that right. Sawyer and his partner, Wilcox, were cocky and were given tasks to complete before they could come into cult. Sawyer's job was to train a girl to be a Seraph. Use your imagination to figure out what that means. Sawyer was known. He previously had a island that was considered a cult. Things did not go so well at Sawyer's island but he did do something right. His followers were loyal and Aurelius, the Chief Elder wanted him to do the same thing with the girl.

Sawyer started right away. He knew exactly what to do to get Luna Cox to trust him. Readers are not going to know who to trust with this one. Sawyer is so good at what he does. It is hard to determine if his lies are starting to become truths. Something definitely develops between Sawyer and Luna. Is it enough for Sawyer to change his plans? I was constantly confused about who I should feel bad for. But the twist blew my mind. You will definitely have to read this to believe it. I cannot wait for the next book in this series. Yes, Ms. Cypher leaves readers hanging. I have to know what is going to happen.

[JL Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

So......I liked the idea behind The Puppet Master, the story was good, the spice was great, the twist was epic, but the buildup was so slow. Like everything was so drawn out and just made me want to skip ahead to the end. That being said, overall, well written and great twist so I am interested to see what is next.

[Merilu Keenum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicole Cypher’s stories are dark, addictive, and I love them! Luna and Sawyer, captivated me from the first page. He’s so confident, but he’s also damaged and it’s evident in his actions, attitude, and excuses. Luna is harder to read, tough at times, but vulnerable and emotional with him. Their time together is intense: they both discover a connection that disturbs them emotionally and physically.

The push and pull between them is smart, his ability to distance himself emotionally is frustrating, and her inner strength stymies his plans. It’s interesting to watch the mind games, the manipulation, and how much a person can change from one personality into another. The TW should be noted. It’s brutal cult behavior, a morally bankrupt MMC, twisted lies, and an emotional roller coaster. I can’t wait for the next book!
4.5🌟3🌶️.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What you don’t know can definitely hurt you in the end. Sawyer and his friend Wilcox got more than they bargained for when they thought up the most harebrained idea. Sawyer didn’t see what was coming for him; his vision was so short-sighted. But “all is as it’s supposed to be” for those with foresight and vision.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Eunice Quil · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Puppet Master is a dark and intense psychological read that immediately grabs your attention. The disturbing atmosphere, suspense, and themes of manipulation and control make the story feel unsettling in the best way. I enjoyed the tension and the way the story keeps you wondering what will happen next. A compelling read for anyone who enjoys dark psychological fiction.

[Nicole Deanne Veracruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book started at top speed; I was literally shaking in my chair from adrenaline while reading it. Sawyer and Luna are both something else. I personally like my books dark, and this is dark. I also absolutely love a strong female lead.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kandiemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book one of the Puppets & Property series. This is a dark and intriguing read from start to finish. I was hooked by the first page and didn't want to put it down until I finished it. I'm definitely recommending this book and can't wait to read more from the series. That ending took me out in the best way.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sammye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Puppets & Property series. The twists and turns kept me interested in Luna and Sawyer’s start from start to finish. The plot was well developed and haunting. A great read. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luna is take captive and held by the Shadow Sanctum cult, where Sawyers the ine chosen to break her in to obediance but Lunas not like the others, and where it all ends? Youll have to read and find out. Well written engaging steamy desires drama dark themes twists, a great start to the trilogy

[Michelle Shamy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sawyer and Luna. This was dark, twisted, and I loved the way this storyline went. He thought he was going to break another woman into submission. But he couldn’t have been more wrong. I loved how fierce Luna was. Sawyer didn’t see her coming. I was invested in this. Loved the darkness.

[Athena, the goddess of books · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I must admit that it took me a while to get into the story, but the twist was fabulous! Who is Luna? Who is Sawyer? Who is lying? What is the truth? Oh, boy—so many questions and so few answers, but what a great story!