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Puppet's Shadow

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Madison and Piper are identical twins, mirror images - on the outside. But one sister will stop at nothing to succeed, even if it means betraying her twin.

A major perk of having someone look exactly like you is swapping lives when your weakness is your sister’s strength. Studious Piper aces Madison’s Biology final, and flawless Madison poses for Piper’s senior pictures. But as they grow older, the stakes of getting caught increase.

Piper has never failed her sister until now, and Madison wonders if her twin intentionally tanked the interview. As Madison questions her sister’s loyalty, a wedge causes the girls to drift apart.

Before they can reconcile, a fatal accident occurs and leaves everyone wondering who survived.

343 pages, Paperback

Published May 15, 2022

7 people are currently reading
2627 people want to read

About the author

Emersyn Park

5 books101 followers
Emersyn Park was born, raised, and still lives in the Midwest with her two sons, husband, and their spoiled dog, Bandit. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Southwest Minnesota State University.

When she grows up, she wants to be a full-time writer.

http://amazon.com/author/emersynpark

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5 stars
71 (59%)
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36 (30%)
3 stars
12 (10%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Susan Z (webreakforbooks) .
1,082 reviews109 followers
July 25, 2022
Perhaps the best opening to a book ever:

"The idea that there's a highway to Hell and only a staircase to Heaven says a lot about anticipated traffic numbers."

With a start like that, you know you are in for a ride. But is it via the stairs or a highway? 🤔

Puppet's Shadow follows teen identical twins, Piper and Madison. Piper is perfect, meets all expectations, is a great student and people pleaser. Madison is just plain naughty, gets into trouble, uses alcohol and drugs, doesn't focus on school, and is promiscuous.

One day there is a tragic accident that changes their future forever.

Told with alternating perspectives of each of the twins plus a 3rd narrator, the words flew off the page. This is one you don't want to put down, it's completely binge worthy. And the ending is completely jaw dropping. I love a good surprise 😲

This is the 2nd book I have read by Emersyn Park and I can't wait to see what she writes next. Both of her books are compulsively readable.

🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 💫

Thank you Emersyn Park for having me on your ARC team!
Profile Image for Heidi.
284 reviews9 followers
July 15, 2022
Did I stay up til 3am finishing this book? Yes. Do I regret it? Not even a little bit. This book had me turning pages as fast as I could to find out what happens next! It's 3 POVs which I love and small chapters which I love when the book format has small chapters. Like I said this had me turning pages so fast to figure out what was going to happen. I felt mad, sad, annoyed, frustrated, and confused. Didn't see that ending coming and the end end had my jaw on the floor. Also I love how the author put a recipe at the end of the book! Definitely going to try it. I 100% recommend you get this book!!!!
Profile Image for Kari Spitler.
11 reviews
July 25, 2022
Riveting book with storylines that are not expected. Good job making us fall in love with characters. Nice to see a book set in our area vs big cities! Wonderful read!!
Profile Image for Megan | _The.Brunette.Bookworm_.
237 reviews27 followers
October 23, 2022
Finally sat down to read @emersynjulespark book, and well. It was done in a day. So that should speak for it self.

Emersyn reached out to me after I read another twin book, and sent me her novel as an ARC 🔥 and I wasn’t disappointed. I did like the tale of Piper and Maddy. There’s twists, turns, surprises and ending is 👌🏻

This book is about twin sisters, and one takes advantage of the other. Sweet and spicy. Ying and Yang. Well when is enough enough ? & bet you won’t see the surprise coming 😰

Thank you so much @emersynjulespark for allowing me to read and review your novel. You have an amazing imagination and I’m looking forward to more!

#ARC #review #advancedreaderscopy #thankyou #twins #murder #crazy #switcharoo #fire #mystery #childabuse #strong
Profile Image for Stacy.
193 reviews
August 15, 2022
Wow!! Finished in 48 hours! So so good, I couldn’t put it down. Piper 💕 Maddy 😱 and 😡 Elenor, you go girl!! 🙌🏼 Keep doing what you’re doing Emersyn Park!! ❤️
Profile Image for Kasey | thewellreadgram.
196 reviews3 followers
July 26, 2022
3.5 ⭐️ Emersyn does it again! We found each other through Bookstagram last year when she was prepping to release her first novel He Love Me, She Loves Me Not. I’m so honored to have gotten another opportunity to shed light on her writing magic!

What I loved:
⭐️This book was so interesting. The character development was *chefs kiss*
⭐️ It had multiple POVs (which I LOVE)
⭐️quick chapters that made it incredibly binge-able

Additional thoughts:
I noticed a few inconsistencies (nothing that took away from the plot or distracted me) and felt like the ending was abrupt. I would have enjoyed a bit more fleshing out!

You’ll definitely want to check it out when it releases July 31!

Emersyn, thank you for your friendship and gifted ARC 🫶🏼
Profile Image for Krissy (books_and_biceps9155).
1,298 reviews75 followers
September 14, 2022
You all know I love reading a new author and when @emersynjulespark reached out and asked if I would read her novel Puppet’s Shadow I was all in!

Guys! Let me tell you-if you are into dark, twisty, psychological thrillers then you need this! Not only is the cover simply gorgeous the story was addicting and unputdownable! I had to stop at 1 AM and I could not wait to pick it up the next day to see the ending! Anything to do with twins is fascinating to me. That special connection and bond they have has always been something I wondered about.

Told from both twins perspective and a 3rd narrator, we see all sides to this compulsive story. Once I thought I knew what was going to happen-things switched courses. I loved the different types of jealousy at play here and all the deceit. You just never really know what someone is going through or what they are dealing with and this is a perfect example of that. Oh and the ending-it is deliciously devilish and perfect. It left me with a HA! I loved it!
Profile Image for Rachelle.
1,195 reviews71 followers
September 8, 2022
Puppet's Shadow is exactly the type of book for reading with children around. When you really want to read at least one page, but your attention is called away every 30 seconds by a child with no sense of self-preservation. So you need a book that grabs your attention quickly, and that you can get back into easily.

The novel has three POVs, two identical twins (one is very good, one is very bad) and their friend. Often bored with her life and thinking she deserves more, Madison seems intent on self-destruction and bringing down those around her as well. Her twin Piper tries to help and won't give up on her sister, while also dealing with her own problems.

I flew through this one, wanting to find out what would happen. The chapters are short, the plot moves along quickly, and it's an exciting ride. And while I did have some questions about one of the tenser scenes in the middle of the book, a twist I did not see coming at the end explained it all perfectly. There was one very dark scene, though, that I felt deserved more follow up. As long as you're ok with some pretty unlikable characters, this is a fun thriller for spooky season!

Thank you to the author, who is a very lovely person, for my copy of this book!
4 reviews
October 31, 2025
I had no idea what direction this book was going to go. There were twists and turns up until the very end!
Profile Image for Jill Marie.
13 reviews7 followers
July 8, 2022
I recently finished an advanced readers’ copy of Puppet’s Shadow by and I am yet again thrilled and captivated by her writing! This story is about two identical twins- Piper and Madison. Madison is the more adventurous and deceitful of all of the twins; and frequently wrongs Piper, whom is much more innocent. When a tragic accident occurs, only one twin survived- but which one is it? This story is told from three different points of view- Madison’s, Piper’s and a classmate, Eleanor. Emersyn uses an exquisite use of metaphors to describe elaborate social situations throughout the novel. There is also exemplary character development. There are some trigger warnings, such as drug use, grooming, and r*pe. This novel has an unexpected twist of unraveling that I really enjoyed. I would classify this genre as a contemporary suspense. I was fully-absorbed and was waiting to see what each next chapter had in store. karma was a central theme of this book. I rate Puppet’s Shadow ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 Puppet’s Shadow will be available on July 31st, 2022 via Amazon and Emersynpark.com
Profile Image for Laura.
281 reviews8 followers
August 14, 2022
"The idea that there's a highway to hell and only a staircase to heaven says a lot about anticipated traffic numbers."

With a dedication like that, how can you not be intrigued by this book??

Synopsis: Puppet's Shadow follows Madison and Piper, identical twins, mirror images, but only on the outside. Madison is confident and headstrong, heading towards a life of rebellion and self-destruction. Piper is brilliant and humble, heading towards a life of success. But tragedy changes everything. Only one twin will survive, but which one? And does anyone really know?"

Thoughts: What I love about Emersyn's writing is the excellent character development! Reading a character's perspective, learning their backstory and feeling their motives.

Within this story we follow three character perspectives: Madison, Piper, and Eleanor - a fellow classmate. I felt the story flowed seamlessly from character to character, successfully entangling their lives and decisions. There were unexpected twists, short chapters, and a satisfying ending, all within the beautiful backdrop of the Midwest!

This was such a fun read, and I certainly look forward to reading more by this author in the future!

Thank you @emersynjulespark for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!
1 review
August 16, 2022
I just finished this book and it was amazing! It is sometimes difficult for me to find a good book and keep reading it but I seriously couldn’t put this book down! Such a good read:)
Alli De Stigter, 19
Profile Image for Michelle.
165 reviews14 followers
January 24, 2023
Woot Woot Woot!!! So it seems the author, Emersyn Park, is quite crafty at throwing curve balls at us. Her first novel, “He Loves Me, She Loves Me Not”, had some twists and turns causing me to be surprised. In this novel though the twists and curve balls had me dropping my jaw to the ground! I love a book with quite a bit of mind games and “Puppet’s Shadow” did NOT disappoint. Quick storyline review-
We have two beautiful teenage twin girls, one is the good girl (Piper) and the other (Madison) is the wild child. Piper and Madison look exactly alike but think and act completely different from each other. Piper is studious, kind, and causes no trouble. Madison is mouthy, craves attention, and is becoming quite the handful. There is also jealousy and secrets between the twins. Then a horrible accident happens leaving only one twin surviving. Which twin survived? Is it really that twin?
I won’t give out any more spoilers here but I am definitely recommending “Puppet’s Shadow”. The author gave each character fully rounded personalities and the storyline is intriguing. It is one of those books that will have you reading past your bedtime!
I received an advanced readers copy of “Puppet’s Shadow” from the author in return for an honest unbiased review. My review is based on my opinion alone. I hope to read more from this talented author!
***Though “Puppet’s Shadow” is based on the lives of twin girls I would not categorize it as a young adult novel. Within the book acts of sexual misconduct, rape, stalker obsession, and murder happen.***
129 reviews2 followers
August 11, 2022
How to write this review without spoilers-hmmm. This twin story line might seem like something you have read before but it’s not. Emersyn Park has a spectacular way of writing shades of darkness into her characters that makes them understatedly evil. There is definitely a Ruth Langmore (Ozarks) vibe going on with one of these characters that is too good. And, the ending is just so twisted that you will question what everything means for those who remain standing. I actually said “wait, but that means….” - yeah spoilers. It’s a roller coaster ride that will make you love to hate one, want them to get what they deserve, but question if they really did. Definitely worth a read.
57 reviews
August 10, 2022
I really don't even know where to start on this one except, WOW!!! YOU GO GIRL! @emersynjulespark This book kept me intrigued all the way thru until the very end!

Madison & Piper are identical twins on the outside, but very different people on the inside.
Madison is a wild party girl that only thinks about herself & does things without thinking of the consequences. Piper is a sweet, caring, straight A student that holds a promising future.

While I could go on and on about this book, I do not want to spoil it. This book is available on Amazon, so go order your copy now!
Profile Image for Abbey.
7 reviews7 followers
July 6, 2022
Puppet’s Shadow by Emersyn Park ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I had the amazing opportunity to be part of this ARC Team! This novel was full of drama, suspense and plot-twists. In the beginning, I thought I could predict what would happen… Turns out, I couldn’t!

I enjoyed the POV of Madison and Piper - However, Eleanor was another one that was necessary to see her POV! We catch glimpses of her view in this book. Emersyn did an amazing job with the character developments. Each person has their secrets, and all the secrets will come together.

I wish that some of the loose ends were tied up, as I always love to have a solid ending, even if it isn’t happy. It also would have been interesting to have an epilogue, to see how it would have impacted her life, and her family’s life in the long run.

Puppet’s Shadow will be released on July 31st, 2022! Keep your eye out for this FANTASTIC read!

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read and write an honest review Emersyn! I can’t wait to see what you come up with next!
1,460 reviews21 followers
September 21, 2022
Piper and Madison are identical twins but they couldn't be more different. Piper is studious and follows all the rules whereas Madison is the carefree one, willing to take risks. When an accident tears the family apart, only one twin remains unscathed. But which one is she?

Don't you just love a thriller based on twins? And twins that don't exactly get along too! You guys, this book was AMAZING and definitely a 5 star read. I was continually shocked at the twists and unpredictability of the storyline. The ending was also unexpected, exactly what a good thriller should have. I can't emphasise it enough but if you're a thriller fan, you will really enjoy this book. Available on Kindle Unlimited, you've no excuse - go and get it!
Profile Image for Donna Scuvotti.
Author 3 books46 followers
January 20, 2023
I loved this book on so many levels. The writing style was engaging and entertaining. I was totally invested in the twins and the dynamic they had towards one another.

The majority of the book dealt with two identical twins, Piper and Madison. The author did a fantastic job describing them and their differences. I found myself rooting for one and questioning the antics of the other. There was humor as well as couple of tough subjects that were addressed with thoughtfulness.

There was great twist towards the end that I didn't see coming. All in all I enjoyed this book very much and will definitely be reading other books penned by this author.
Profile Image for Allison Palmer.
44 reviews4 followers
June 26, 2022
Park is definitely turning into a must-read author for me! I really enjoyed this book! I liked how it’s told in multiple POVs. I also enjoyed pretty much all of the characters even self-absorbed Madison. My favorite thing about this book and Parks last book is her ability to create characters that make you question their sanity

Thank you to the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
1 review
December 28, 2022
A great read! Emerson wove a great plot that kept the pages turning. I loved the plot line and characters.
Profile Image for Danyelle Cleveland.
840 reviews2 followers
May 12, 2025
A twisty story of sibling revenge gone wrong. At times it reminded me of the Sweet Valley High twins gone rogue! Enjoy the ride.
Profile Image for Melissa.
153 reviews10 followers
June 30, 2022
I loved how this book focused around twin sisters, and the unique relationship that these siblings typically share. As the only sister in a family with two younger brothers, I always wondered what it would be like to have a twin- and I really enjoyed reading about Piper and Maddie’s relationship as identical twin sisters. While it would be cool to connect with someone in such a deep and intimate way, I don’t think I could handle not having the privacy of dealing with my own most personal thoughts and feelings!

This was such a fun thriller that kept me completely hooked from start to finish. I loved the multiple POVs and drastic character differences between the twin sisters! Thank you so much Emersyn for having me on your ARC team!!
Profile Image for Nikki G.
71 reviews5 followers
June 28, 2022
Wow this book captivated me from the opening chapter, and it just got better as I read. Did I pretty much guess what was happening from chapter one? Yes. Did I care one little bit? Not. At. All. Because there were still so many other twists and turns that I never saw coming!

With her second novel, indie author Emersyn Park delivers a one-two punch with twins Madison and Piper. Both extremely beautiful on the outside with devoted and loving parents, but on the inside the twins share almost no similarities. Madison, the headstrong popular girl that wants everyone to know it, self destructive and failing at school, she lashes out at those around her. Piper, more subtle in her style and attitude choices, is top her her class, the girl next door with the perfect boyfriend and the perfect GPA.

When a devastating fire breaks out at local high school party, the aftermath shakes the whole town, and when only one twin emerges from the flames, we are left with more and more questions as we unravel each new clue.

5/5 stars
Profile Image for Jenna Pascale | jcpreads.
122 reviews1 follower
July 8, 2022
I’ve said it before - but I am quite the sucker for alternating POV’s and/or timelines and this book had both!! What could have been potentially confusing as a plot, was enjoyable to read due to Emersyn’s impeccable organization and skillful story telling. This was such a bingeable read with short chapters and never ending questions that kept you wanting to read without taking a break. Really enjoyed this one!!
Profile Image for Rachel (Rachel's lit reviews).
151 reviews
June 27, 2022
After reading Emersyn's debut novel, He Loves Me, She Loves Me Not, I knew she was going to produce great works in the future. I was honored to have Emersyn reach out and offer me a copy of her new novel, Puppet's Shadow. I couldn't wait for the paperback version, so I HAD to read my e-ARC!

The story follows identical twin sisters, Madison and Piper, and takes on a third POV from a character named Eleanor. This novel was full of suspense, drama and twists! I thought that I'd be able to guess where this book was heading, but once Part One ended, I was surely mistaken.

I would have loved for some loose ends to be tied up at the end; regardless, I enjoyed this! Puppet's Shadow is a perfect summer read for my suspense lovers!

Puppet's Shadow is available NOW on Kindle Unlimited. It will be released in paperback on July 31! 💫

Many thanks to Emersyn
for providing me with an ARC of Puppet's Shadow in exchange for my honest review! 🥰
Profile Image for Kellie.
16 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2022
Loved this book! Great storyline and I do enjoy a good twist. I loved the shorter chapters that kept the rhythm going. I ended up liking a character that I didn't in the beginning and was sad for her at the end.
Profile Image for Emily.
109 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2022
I have never been the first to leave a review for a book but what better book than one written by such a sweet author!

Puppet's Shadow is Emersyn Park's second novel and once again, she knocked it out of the park! Piper and Maddy are twins who couldn't be any different. Piper is a studious rule-follower while Maddy pushes her limits and makes some questionable choices. When one fateful night changes the lives of everyone, we are left questioning what we know and which twin is who.

Alternating POVs makes this book a real page-turner! Switching between Piper, Maddy, and Eleanor, a character we question their tie to the twins, we follow along as they tell their versions of the story. Be ready to want to binge this in one sitting!

Pub date is July 31st! Pre-order now for a great summer read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

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