A Puppet's Broken String

The Fated Blood Trilogy #2

by Caroline Cusanelli

Power always comes at a price...

Erased from memory and trapped in The Void, Desdemona is forced to navigate the strange world of the Arcanes. As she learns to wield their mysterious magic, Desdemona forms a fragile bond with The Void’s enigmatic leader—who may be mentor, monster, or something in between.

In the world she left behind, rebellion ignites. Desperate to break free from the chains of power, Lucian renounces his throne, handing control to the forces he once tried to defy. Haunted by the one person he can’t seem to remember—but refuses to forget—Lucian turns to necromancy in search of what he’s lost.

As Desdemona questions her sense of self and Lucian descends into darkness, their paths twist toward each other once more. But what’s lost may be better left forgotten—and what returns may only bring destruction.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance

626 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 21, 2026

About the author

Caroline has been writing since she was a child. What began as stories of fairies and frogs has since turned into something more sinister: beautiful worlds with dark underbellies. She loves creating deeply flawed characters and exploring their narratives. Caroline grew up in Southern California, where she cultivated a deep love of the sun and sea. When she isn’t writing, she’s probably reading, swimming, singing, or exploring. She now resides in Barcelona and hopes to stay immersed in literature for the rest of her life.

Reviews

[Caroline Cusanelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

thanks for being here, dear reader

[Adelaide Gupton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The continuation of world building from A Liar's Twisted Tongue is incredible, with an intricate history beautifully woven into the identities of the characters. Throughout the book there is a suspense that begs you to keep reading as the characters undergo wonderfully written arcs, developing them in ways that showcase vulnerability, complex morality, and love at its very core. The romance, in continuation with the first book, follows dramatic themes of heartbreak, trust, and devotion, with intense yearning between both leads. However, the plot stands out with its gripping political storyline and colorful magic system, full of emotion and anticipation. Overall, this book and its predecessor are an amazing read for those who enjoy high-stakes political fantasy, deep romance, and dramatic action-filled story telling.