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The Pawn and The Puppet #2
The Master and The Marionette
Skylenna has left the Chandelier City, The Emerald Lake Asylum, and the twisted societal restraints of women to run away with the patient everyone fears. Dessin.
As they hide in the unchartered forests surrounding the city, Skylenna learns that the mystery of the infamous Patient Thirteen is far from over. There are still the missing pieces of her past and a master plan that relies on Skylenna trusting Dessin with blind faith. And with each dangerous situation comes a new alter, a new personality to meet, a new man that deepens her attraction.
It isn’t until they run into unexpected allies and ancient colonies of the forests that they learn of a reason to go back to the asylum willingly. But Skylenna doesn’t have the luxury of obtaining her old conformist position. This time around, she must accept a new role as the twelfth patient of The Emerald Lake Asylum.
Simulated drownings, force-feedings, whippings, and life within the torturous cage of Demechnef. Skylenna begins to wonder how much of this game she’ll be able to endure.
Will Dessin prove she means as much to him as he does to her? Or is the master merely playing with his marionette?
Disclaimer: This book contains explicit content and dark elements and may be considered offensive to some readers. Check trigger warnings before reading. It is not intended for anyone under 18 years of age. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by underage readers.
This is a dark dystopian society that is intended to be problematic. Please note that this is a fictional world and in no way reflects on the author’s personal beliefs. We will see the society grow and correct its moral compass over the series.
This book contains: gratuitous violence, depression, mention of suicide, gratuitous torture, eating disorder, hallucinations, misogyny, mention of pedophilia, romanticized mental illness, gore, mention of child abuse, decapitation, female oppression, hostage situation, Stockholm syndrome, degradation, starvation, brainwashing, body shaming, sexually explicit scenes, and religious trauma.
As they hide in the unchartered forests surrounding the city, Skylenna learns that the mystery of the infamous Patient Thirteen is far from over. There are still the missing pieces of her past and a master plan that relies on Skylenna trusting Dessin with blind faith. And with each dangerous situation comes a new alter, a new personality to meet, a new man that deepens her attraction.
It isn’t until they run into unexpected allies and ancient colonies of the forests that they learn of a reason to go back to the asylum willingly. But Skylenna doesn’t have the luxury of obtaining her old conformist position. This time around, she must accept a new role as the twelfth patient of The Emerald Lake Asylum.
Simulated drownings, force-feedings, whippings, and life within the torturous cage of Demechnef. Skylenna begins to wonder how much of this game she’ll be able to endure.
Will Dessin prove she means as much to him as he does to her? Or is the master merely playing with his marionette?
Disclaimer: This book contains explicit content and dark elements and may be considered offensive to some readers. Check trigger warnings before reading. It is not intended for anyone under 18 years of age. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by underage readers.
This is a dark dystopian society that is intended to be problematic. Please note that this is a fictional world and in no way reflects on the author’s personal beliefs. We will see the society grow and correct its moral compass over the series.
This book contains: gratuitous violence, depression, mention of suicide, gratuitous torture, eating disorder, hallucinations, misogyny, mention of pedophilia, romanticized mental illness, gore, mention of child abuse, decapitation, female oppression, hostage situation, Stockholm syndrome, degradation, starvation, brainwashing, body shaming, sexually explicit scenes, and religious trauma.
367 pages, Paperback
First published August 17, 2022
674 people are currently reading
8948 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 392 reviews
April 11, 2022
I'll pay a kidney and a leg to have an ARC for this book....
Me to Brandi as soon as she shows a glimpse of the next book:
Me to Brandi as soon as she shows a glimpse of the next book:
May 15, 2022
This book isn't even out, yet reviewers are desperate to ruin an author's career so they're rating it with One Star!! Well, here's mine: book 1 was amazing! Can't wait for this one!!
August 23, 2022
I was looking forward to this book from the moment I read the first. I understand that some people had issues with the first book, they either disregarded the extensive trigger warnings, were unaware of their own triggers and issues or forgot that these books are a work of dark fiction set in a world other than our own.
PLEASE READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS AND ASK OTHERS IF YOU ARE UNSURE ABOUT READING THIS SERIES!
Pros:
Very few authors are willing to take on mental health issues without a filter. Specifically, DID, dissociative identity disorder also known a multiple personalities, is terribly misunderstood. Each person who suffers from the disease does so in their own way for their own reasons. The author here does a beautiful job of capturing the subtle differences that occur with a switch between alters within one person. I also greatly appreciate that the author acknowledges that her version may not be accurate (though from what I witnessed of someone with the disease it is very spot on) and she gives solid resources for those who want to learn more from a more accurately scientific/medical stance.
The author does an excellent job of allowing the reading to not only witness the pain characters go through but to feel it if they have any care or sympathy.
I am so glad that some of our dearest, most tortured souls from book one have returned in book two to form a found-family unit. I think this is going to be essential for finding ways to become strong and to heal the wounds of the past for all of them. I love the analogy of a pack of wolves and that the author specifically has them travel as a pack.
Cons:
I think for some people the scenes of torture and use of mind altering drugs will be too much to get through which is very valid and fair but also means they will miss out on what I feel might become a classic one day. Our society is currently headed down a dark path and books like this are very important for reminding us that not all means are acceptable.
The cliffhanger is brutal and while the wait for book three won’t be endless I know it’s going to be floating around in my mind until the series is done and all the questions have been answered.
PLEASE READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS AND ASK OTHERS IF YOU ARE UNSURE ABOUT READING THIS SERIES!
Pros:
Very few authors are willing to take on mental health issues without a filter. Specifically, DID, dissociative identity disorder also known a multiple personalities, is terribly misunderstood. Each person who suffers from the disease does so in their own way for their own reasons. The author here does a beautiful job of capturing the subtle differences that occur with a switch between alters within one person. I also greatly appreciate that the author acknowledges that her version may not be accurate (though from what I witnessed of someone with the disease it is very spot on) and she gives solid resources for those who want to learn more from a more accurately scientific/medical stance.
The author does an excellent job of allowing the reading to not only witness the pain characters go through but to feel it if they have any care or sympathy.
I am so glad that some of our dearest, most tortured souls from book one have returned in book two to form a found-family unit. I think this is going to be essential for finding ways to become strong and to heal the wounds of the past for all of them. I love the analogy of a pack of wolves and that the author specifically has them travel as a pack.
Cons:
I think for some people the scenes of torture and use of mind altering drugs will be too much to get through which is very valid and fair but also means they will miss out on what I feel might become a classic one day. Our society is currently headed down a dark path and books like this are very important for reminding us that not all means are acceptable.
The cliffhanger is brutal and while the wait for book three won’t be endless I know it’s going to be floating around in my mind until the series is done and all the questions have been answered.
January 29, 2025
"I will always come back to you… Until hell freezes over"
"And even then"
WHAT THE FUCK WAS THIS ENDING?!
I'm intrigued! I'm hooked!
Totally in love with the distopian setting. And the friendship dynamics is really *chefs kiss*.
"And even then"
WHAT THE FUCK WAS THIS ENDING?!
I'm intrigued! I'm hooked!
Totally in love with the distopian setting. And the friendship dynamics is really *chefs kiss*.
April 29, 2022
Stay strong Brandi! Looking forward to this book!
July 24, 2023
I just need to say one thing: Dessin- I can cook (spaghetti), i can clean (only on Saturdays) and I can bake (literally nothing BUT IT'S THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS)-
July 25, 2022
SPOILER AT THE END.
I will tell you when the spoiler start so you can read spoiler free until then.
«I will always come back to you… Until hell freezes over»
«And even then»
I loved the Pawn and the Puppet, and I literally thought it couldn’t get any better. That is until I started reading the Master and the Marionette. I’m lucky enough to be one of her ARC readers. This is my favorite book of the series so far. Usually I always love the first book the best and nothing ever tops it, but this author somehow just makes this series better and better by each book!
Mini description:
There’s a master plan on the run, that Skylenna cannot know of for it to work. She has to trust Dessin in blind faith through thick and thin - meeting new allies in the deep woods and more enemies than ever before. Even going back to the asylum is necassary for the plan to work. Being tortured and chained. Buy now to read what happens.
Quote:
_________________________________________________
His eyes are kind and calm, Dessin is usually more dominant and powerful.
«Kane?» you ask. His lips spread into a surprised smile. «You don’t know how happy that makes me» «what?» I ask, smiling back. «You recognized me»
_________________________________________________
Brandi’s writing is phenomenal. The way she can write one person with different personalities, and make us love them each in a different way is incredible. You think you love Dessin? Wait till you read more about Kane. He’s my favorite right now.
In this book you get to read about friends to lovers, dangerous alpha patient, prophecy/mystery, fake dating/public sexual acts (my favorite), EPIC slow burn, one bed trope, animal side-kick (im a sucker for this trope), burn down the whole world for her and it even has a little twist of psychology thriller, which I LOVE. I’m warning ya’ll… the cliffhangers in these books, AHHHHHH. Brandi, I love you.
Quote:
_________________________________________________
Kane lowers the apple from his mouth, staring intensely into my eyes. The sun sprinkles over his face like tiny flickers of candlelight. “Wherever you go, I shall follow.”
_________________________________________________
Let me tell you… The spice in this book is 🔥🔥🔥. If it’s one thing the first book lacked, it’s spice, but Brandi made sure the second book didn’t lack any spicy smut for us… and I am here for it. This is a slow burn kind of smutty series and I quite enjoy that, also it’s not too much of it. Quite frankly, I wish it was more. But it builds up the tension and makes the sexual chemestry way more realistic.
Also did I tell you my favorite trope is the fake dating/sexual acts in public? Well it is and here’s a quote from the book. Tell me you don’t wanna read the book after reading that quote bc that SELLS ME AHHH
Quote:
_________________________________________________
He jerks me harder against him, pressing his heavy erection against me at an agonizing angle. “Do you feel that?” His voice is vicious and taunting. The exact calculated tone that he used on others in the asylum. A mask. The alpha coming out to play. “That’s what happens when you touch me, Skylenna.”
_________________________________________________
Half way through the book and you know I’m loving it.
Anyways, they eventually go back to the asylum willingly. Not telling you why. Read the book, mr or miss or they/them. But let me telllll youuu, it is spicy even in the goddamn asylum and that one scene…. Oh MY GOD. If you read it, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about it. It is… just wow. Just wow. Lost for words thinking about it. Hint: CHAINED UP.
Quote:
_________________________________________________
Two firm fingers lock around my chin, turning me back to Dessin. “I am the only man that gets your eyes tonight.” He looks up at me from under a curtain of dark lashes. A scolding that tastes like pleasure and euphoria. “Understand?”“Yes.”“Yes, what?” “Yes, sir.”
_________________________________________________
SPOILER STARTS HERE:
I SCREAMED WHEN I REALIZED KANE/DESSIN IS THE PUPPET AND NOT SKYLENNA. I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE SKYLENNA WHOS THE PUPPET…. And then suddenly it was all a lie😂 this book took me through a rollarcoaster
Also, did ya’ll realize that Greystone got the first orgasm, Kane got the first kiss and Dessin got the first fuck by Skylenna? i love this so much😂
I will tell you when the spoiler start so you can read spoiler free until then.
«I will always come back to you… Until hell freezes over»
«And even then»
I loved the Pawn and the Puppet, and I literally thought it couldn’t get any better. That is until I started reading the Master and the Marionette. I’m lucky enough to be one of her ARC readers. This is my favorite book of the series so far. Usually I always love the first book the best and nothing ever tops it, but this author somehow just makes this series better and better by each book!
Mini description:
There’s a master plan on the run, that Skylenna cannot know of for it to work. She has to trust Dessin in blind faith through thick and thin - meeting new allies in the deep woods and more enemies than ever before. Even going back to the asylum is necassary for the plan to work. Being tortured and chained. Buy now to read what happens.
Quote:
_________________________________________________
His eyes are kind and calm, Dessin is usually more dominant and powerful.
«Kane?» you ask. His lips spread into a surprised smile. «You don’t know how happy that makes me» «what?» I ask, smiling back. «You recognized me»
_________________________________________________
Brandi’s writing is phenomenal. The way she can write one person with different personalities, and make us love them each in a different way is incredible. You think you love Dessin? Wait till you read more about Kane. He’s my favorite right now.
In this book you get to read about friends to lovers, dangerous alpha patient, prophecy/mystery, fake dating/public sexual acts (my favorite), EPIC slow burn, one bed trope, animal side-kick (im a sucker for this trope), burn down the whole world for her and it even has a little twist of psychology thriller, which I LOVE. I’m warning ya’ll… the cliffhangers in these books, AHHHHHH. Brandi, I love you.
Quote:
_________________________________________________
Kane lowers the apple from his mouth, staring intensely into my eyes. The sun sprinkles over his face like tiny flickers of candlelight. “Wherever you go, I shall follow.”
_________________________________________________
Let me tell you… The spice in this book is 🔥🔥🔥. If it’s one thing the first book lacked, it’s spice, but Brandi made sure the second book didn’t lack any spicy smut for us… and I am here for it. This is a slow burn kind of smutty series and I quite enjoy that, also it’s not too much of it. Quite frankly, I wish it was more. But it builds up the tension and makes the sexual chemestry way more realistic.
Also did I tell you my favorite trope is the fake dating/sexual acts in public? Well it is and here’s a quote from the book. Tell me you don’t wanna read the book after reading that quote bc that SELLS ME AHHH
Quote:
_________________________________________________
He jerks me harder against him, pressing his heavy erection against me at an agonizing angle. “Do you feel that?” His voice is vicious and taunting. The exact calculated tone that he used on others in the asylum. A mask. The alpha coming out to play. “That’s what happens when you touch me, Skylenna.”
_________________________________________________
Half way through the book and you know I’m loving it.
Anyways, they eventually go back to the asylum willingly. Not telling you why. Read the book, mr or miss or they/them. But let me telllll youuu, it is spicy even in the goddamn asylum and that one scene…. Oh MY GOD. If you read it, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about it. It is… just wow. Just wow. Lost for words thinking about it. Hint: CHAINED UP.
Quote:
_________________________________________________
Two firm fingers lock around my chin, turning me back to Dessin. “I am the only man that gets your eyes tonight.” He looks up at me from under a curtain of dark lashes. A scolding that tastes like pleasure and euphoria. “Understand?”“Yes.”“Yes, what?” “Yes, sir.”
_________________________________________________
SPOILER STARTS HERE:
I SCREAMED WHEN I REALIZED KANE/DESSIN IS THE PUPPET AND NOT SKYLENNA. I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE SKYLENNA WHOS THE PUPPET…. And then suddenly it was all a lie😂 this book took me through a rollarcoaster
Also, did ya’ll realize that Greystone got the first orgasm, Kane got the first kiss and Dessin got the first fuck by Skylenna? i love this so much😂
May 25, 2022
Absolutely can’t wait for this book to come out!! I hate this cancel culture if it’s not your cup of tea move on to be honest it’s not my normal series and if brandis tick tocks didn’t have a choke hold on me I probably wouldn’t have read it as would have thought it was a little dark for me but it is now one of my top 3 it’s amazing honestly give it a go you’ll be surprised
April 24, 2022
I cannot wait to read this one and see where she takes the characters!
January 28, 2025
( Check for TW⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️) I loved this book so much. The cliffhanger tho
April 26, 2023
I’m gathering my thoughts
UPDATE
I’m dumber for having read this (and still gathering my thoughts)
UPDATE
I figured it out
https://youtu.be/duSJ-FveBkk
UPDATE
I’m dumber for having read this (and still gathering my thoughts)
UPDATE
I figured it out
https://youtu.be/duSJ-FveBkk
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2023
First DNF in years. I tried. I honestly tried, but I just can’t read this any longer. The writing is horrible. The dialogue is childish. My breaking point was when character names were misspelled. If it were possible to give this less than one star, I would.
December 4, 2025
•○● Ich würde gerne in einer Welt leben, in der dein Wert nicht von einem Label abhängt. Wenn wir uns weniger um das Aussehen einer Frau kümmern würden und mehr um das, wozu sie fähig ist ... Wäre das nicht eine Gesellschaft, für die es sich zu kämpfen lohnen würde? ●○• Skylenna
MEINUNG:
Okey ... ich hab jetzt genau 2 Tage.über dieses Buch nachgedacht 🤯
Gott, ich wollte mich in diese Reihe verlieben. Ich hoffte, dass sie mich von meinem Liebeskummer zu "Insatiable" etwas kurieren kann, aber das Gegenteil ist geschehen. Daher nur 2.5🌟
Der erste Band konnte mich noch fangen und die Story hatte für mich zwar noch Luft nach oben, aber das Setting war neu und gut recherchiert.
Aber was bitte ist im 2. Band geschehen? 😨
Ich hab mich während des lesens so oft gefragt, ob die Autorin diesen Band im Fieberwahn geschrieben hat🫣 Nicht nur kam mir die Geschichte vollkommen wirr vor, sondern auch die Abläufe. Dieses ganze Buch währe mit 2 Worten zusammengefasst: PURES CHAOS!
Der Cliffhanger war gut, aber ich kann noch nicht sagen, ob ich mir Band 3 antun werde.🥺
*
*
*
‼️ SPOILER ‼️
*
*
*
In diesem Buch fühlte ich mich einfach nicht mehr wohl. Nachdem sie die Klinik verlassen hatten, wurden wir irgendwie in eine Welt katapultiert, die mehr Phantasy als Realität war.
Versteht mich nicht falsch, ich liebe Phantasy, aber rechnete einfach in dieser Reihe nicht damit. Mir ist bekannt, das wir uns nich auf der Erde befinden, wie wir sie kennen. Ich konnte auch auch noch super mit DaiSzek umgehen, da ich ihn mir als großen Wolf vorstellte. Es waren nunmal Lebewesen dieser Welt.😅🩵
Aber die Abläufe danach, konnte ich nicht nachvollziehen. Sie waren aus der Klinik entkommen, nur um nach mehreren Begegnungen mit Fremden, die ihnen Vorhersagen nannten, wieder freiwillig in die Klinik zu gehen 🤯 What???
Dann die nächste Flucht und die nächste Gefangennahme von Skylenna.🫣 Das Trauma, das sie durchleben musste nur um zu erfahren, dass sie unter einer Droge stand. Die dann auf einmal so futsch war🤯😅
Nein...ich konnte der Geschichte nicht mehr folgen. Und dann wieder....freiwillig stürzen sie sich beide ins Verderben.😅😅
KLAPPENTEXT:
Skylenna hat die Chandalier City, die Emerald Lake Anstalt und die verdrehten gesellschaftlichen Zwänge der Frauen hinter sich gelassen,
um mit dem Patienten zu fliehen, vor dem alle Angst haben. Dessin. Als sie sich in den unerforschten Wäldern verstecken, erfährt Skylenna, dass das Geheimnis des berüchtigten Patienten Dreizehn noch lange nicht gelöst ist. Jede gefährliche Situation bringt eine neue Persönlichkeit hervor und damit einen neuen Mann, der ihre Anziehung vertieft. Erst als sie auf unerwartete Verbündete und alte Kolonien der Wälder stoßen, haben sie einen Grund, freiwillig in die Anstalt zurückzukehren. Doch nicht als Angestellte. Dieses Mal ist Skylenna die zwölfte Patientin der Emerald Lake Anstalt.
Wird Dessin beweisen, dass sie ihm genauso viel bedeutet wie er ihr? Oder spielt der Meister nur mit seiner Marionette?
MEINUNG:
Okey ... ich hab jetzt genau 2 Tage.über dieses Buch nachgedacht 🤯
Gott, ich wollte mich in diese Reihe verlieben. Ich hoffte, dass sie mich von meinem Liebeskummer zu "Insatiable" etwas kurieren kann, aber das Gegenteil ist geschehen. Daher nur 2.5🌟
Der erste Band konnte mich noch fangen und die Story hatte für mich zwar noch Luft nach oben, aber das Setting war neu und gut recherchiert.
Aber was bitte ist im 2. Band geschehen? 😨
Ich hab mich während des lesens so oft gefragt, ob die Autorin diesen Band im Fieberwahn geschrieben hat🫣 Nicht nur kam mir die Geschichte vollkommen wirr vor, sondern auch die Abläufe. Dieses ganze Buch währe mit 2 Worten zusammengefasst: PURES CHAOS!
Der Cliffhanger war gut, aber ich kann noch nicht sagen, ob ich mir Band 3 antun werde.🥺
*
*
*
‼️ SPOILER ‼️
*
*
*
In diesem Buch fühlte ich mich einfach nicht mehr wohl. Nachdem sie die Klinik verlassen hatten, wurden wir irgendwie in eine Welt katapultiert, die mehr Phantasy als Realität war.
Versteht mich nicht falsch, ich liebe Phantasy, aber rechnete einfach in dieser Reihe nicht damit. Mir ist bekannt, das wir uns nich auf der Erde befinden, wie wir sie kennen. Ich konnte auch auch noch super mit DaiSzek umgehen, da ich ihn mir als großen Wolf vorstellte. Es waren nunmal Lebewesen dieser Welt.😅🩵
Aber die Abläufe danach, konnte ich nicht nachvollziehen. Sie waren aus der Klinik entkommen, nur um nach mehreren Begegnungen mit Fremden, die ihnen Vorhersagen nannten, wieder freiwillig in die Klinik zu gehen 🤯 What???
Dann die nächste Flucht und die nächste Gefangennahme von Skylenna.🫣 Das Trauma, das sie durchleben musste nur um zu erfahren, dass sie unter einer Droge stand. Die dann auf einmal so futsch war🤯😅
Nein...ich konnte der Geschichte nicht mehr folgen. Und dann wieder....freiwillig stürzen sie sich beide ins Verderben.😅😅
KLAPPENTEXT:
Skylenna hat die Chandalier City, die Emerald Lake Anstalt und die verdrehten gesellschaftlichen Zwänge der Frauen hinter sich gelassen,
um mit dem Patienten zu fliehen, vor dem alle Angst haben. Dessin. Als sie sich in den unerforschten Wäldern verstecken, erfährt Skylenna, dass das Geheimnis des berüchtigten Patienten Dreizehn noch lange nicht gelöst ist. Jede gefährliche Situation bringt eine neue Persönlichkeit hervor und damit einen neuen Mann, der ihre Anziehung vertieft. Erst als sie auf unerwartete Verbündete und alte Kolonien der Wälder stoßen, haben sie einen Grund, freiwillig in die Anstalt zurückzukehren. Doch nicht als Angestellte. Dieses Mal ist Skylenna die zwölfte Patientin der Emerald Lake Anstalt.
Wird Dessin beweisen, dass sie ihm genauso viel bedeutet wie er ihr? Oder spielt der Meister nur mit seiner Marionette?
November 30, 2023
this felt like a bad fever dream. And I don‘t like all the religious mentions and aspects in this book. I feel like the second book went whole fantasy all of a sudden??
July 26, 2022
✨SPOILER FREE REVIEW✨ Advanced Reader Copy ✨
« I will always come back to you ... until hell freezes over. «
« And even then. » 🖤
Okay so where do I even begin? This book isn’t even out yet that I’m already obsessed with it!!
I was lucky to receive an ARC by Brandi and I’ve just binge read it, I couldn’t put it down and when I had to, I would think about it 😂
I’ll be starting with the matter of trigger warnings: Brandi has a very DETAILED list of trigger warnings that you can find on her IG page and you can also Dm her she will be answering to you and she’s a sweetheart so don’t hesitate! This is obviously a DARK romance not a rom-com so it’s obvious that the themes in the book are DARK and NOT FOR EVERYBODY. Brandi herself keeps repeating to carefully read the TW and recommends not picking up her books if you’re not sure about you being able to handle certain scenes. She did her part so the rest is up to you. Now that’s settled, I’ll move on to my opinion of the book and I’ll be talking about the writing style, the world building and characters.
I really love the writing style in the book, I loved the first book of the series but I think that this one tops it. It’s only her second novel and I feel like she’s already evolved a lot. The book is easy to read but has very beautiful dialogues and description. I had no issue with it and I can’t wait to see Brandi evolve again and again in her future books. And talking about descriptions, they contribute to the enhancement of the world-building. It’s a complex world with different territories, different people with different capacities that we meet during the novel. The map at the beginning of the book helps picturing the world Brandi has created. It’s a rich world with not only the creation of territories but also a certain hierarchy and that’s really well-explained and clear.
When it comes to the characters, obviously DESSIN and KANE have my heart. We get to meet other alters but I won’t be developing that point too much because I want you guys to discover it by yourself. I can only say that you will love them all like I love them all they’re unique and it’s just impossible to me that someone wouldn’t like them. Also, considering the fact that this character has DID and different alters, I want to say this was brilliantly done because I was never lost while reading the book, you can immediately tell who Skylenna is speaking to, we learn many stuff about DID through Sky and the alters’s conversations. I already knew many things as I’ve listened to a lot of people who have DID talk about it but there were some things that I ignored and it even made me want to keep doing research about it so I think that’s a good way to introduce people to this and make them want to learn more. Now Brandi encourages in the author’s note to inform yourself etc so obviously it’s not a documentary about that BUT what I’m saying is that you can still learn many things thanks to that book and I encourage you, just like the author, to make your research as well !!! Brandi has done a good job on that and you can feel she really did work closely with someone who has DID. So trust me you won’t be lost when you read it 😁
Skylenna has evolved a lot since the first book, she still suffers from trauma because of her past and she keeps suffering in that book like... it’s really hard to read at times because she goes through so much torture especially mentally speaking. She stays strong and she holds on as much as she can and she has the help of Dessin and the whole system. They’re her protectors and it’s all giving « burn down the world for you » like 28938048029% !! We learn that their bond and the reason why they feel so much about each other is due to something else but Brandi doesn’t reveal everything here so the build up regarding the plot is well balanced because we learn stuff but not too much at once and I liked it!
The characters get closer and you get that spice ! But it’s still a slow burn because Kane doesn’t completely let go he makes it clear she’s his everything but pulls the « we’re friends » card because he is hiding something so that creates tension between them but that slow burn was DELICIOUS. Even with slow burn they were intense so what’s it gonna be like in the following books???? Can’t wait already !!
In conclusion, that was 5 🌟 /5 I loved it it has everything I wanted and was looking for so PICK UP THAT BOOK AND GET READY BECAUSE TRUST ME... YOU’RE SO NOT READY RIGHT NOW.
Thanks again Brandi for giving us that story and for counting me amongst your ARC readers. You killed it! ❤️
« I will always come back to you ... until hell freezes over. «
« And even then. » 🖤
Okay so where do I even begin? This book isn’t even out yet that I’m already obsessed with it!!
I was lucky to receive an ARC by Brandi and I’ve just binge read it, I couldn’t put it down and when I had to, I would think about it 😂
I’ll be starting with the matter of trigger warnings: Brandi has a very DETAILED list of trigger warnings that you can find on her IG page and you can also Dm her she will be answering to you and she’s a sweetheart so don’t hesitate! This is obviously a DARK romance not a rom-com so it’s obvious that the themes in the book are DARK and NOT FOR EVERYBODY. Brandi herself keeps repeating to carefully read the TW and recommends not picking up her books if you’re not sure about you being able to handle certain scenes. She did her part so the rest is up to you. Now that’s settled, I’ll move on to my opinion of the book and I’ll be talking about the writing style, the world building and characters.
I really love the writing style in the book, I loved the first book of the series but I think that this one tops it. It’s only her second novel and I feel like she’s already evolved a lot. The book is easy to read but has very beautiful dialogues and description. I had no issue with it and I can’t wait to see Brandi evolve again and again in her future books. And talking about descriptions, they contribute to the enhancement of the world-building. It’s a complex world with different territories, different people with different capacities that we meet during the novel. The map at the beginning of the book helps picturing the world Brandi has created. It’s a rich world with not only the creation of territories but also a certain hierarchy and that’s really well-explained and clear.
When it comes to the characters, obviously DESSIN and KANE have my heart. We get to meet other alters but I won’t be developing that point too much because I want you guys to discover it by yourself. I can only say that you will love them all like I love them all they’re unique and it’s just impossible to me that someone wouldn’t like them. Also, considering the fact that this character has DID and different alters, I want to say this was brilliantly done because I was never lost while reading the book, you can immediately tell who Skylenna is speaking to, we learn many stuff about DID through Sky and the alters’s conversations. I already knew many things as I’ve listened to a lot of people who have DID talk about it but there were some things that I ignored and it even made me want to keep doing research about it so I think that’s a good way to introduce people to this and make them want to learn more. Now Brandi encourages in the author’s note to inform yourself etc so obviously it’s not a documentary about that BUT what I’m saying is that you can still learn many things thanks to that book and I encourage you, just like the author, to make your research as well !!! Brandi has done a good job on that and you can feel she really did work closely with someone who has DID. So trust me you won’t be lost when you read it 😁
Skylenna has evolved a lot since the first book, she still suffers from trauma because of her past and she keeps suffering in that book like... it’s really hard to read at times because she goes through so much torture especially mentally speaking. She stays strong and she holds on as much as she can and she has the help of Dessin and the whole system. They’re her protectors and it’s all giving « burn down the world for you » like 28938048029% !! We learn that their bond and the reason why they feel so much about each other is due to something else but Brandi doesn’t reveal everything here so the build up regarding the plot is well balanced because we learn stuff but not too much at once and I liked it!
The characters get closer and you get that spice ! But it’s still a slow burn because Kane doesn’t completely let go he makes it clear she’s his everything but pulls the « we’re friends » card because he is hiding something so that creates tension between them but that slow burn was DELICIOUS. Even with slow burn they were intense so what’s it gonna be like in the following books???? Can’t wait already !!
In conclusion, that was 5 🌟 /5 I loved it it has everything I wanted and was looking for so PICK UP THAT BOOK AND GET READY BECAUSE TRUST ME... YOU’RE SO NOT READY RIGHT NOW.
Thanks again Brandi for giving us that story and for counting me amongst your ARC readers. You killed it! ❤️
July 23, 2022
Thank you to Brandi, for sending me an arc of this book!
After reading The Pawn and The Puppet…especially with that ending, I NEEDED the second book immediately. So, I’ve really been looking forward to The Master and The Marionette!
Guys…it was SO GOOD. We get to see more of Dessin and his alters, and how they each interact with Skylenna. Most importantly…some interesting advances are made in her relationships with Dessin and Kane. 🥵
Also, if you thought the plot for the first book was good, this is even more complex and thought out than I had anticipated. There is SO much more going on than what was introduced in the first book and I’m VERY excited to see how it moves along and becomes more clear throughout the future books.
There’s so much of the “who hurt you”/“heal your wounds” trope in this book guys 😩😩. I loved it. If you’re a whore for Dessin, you’ll get to see a lot more of him here too. There’s also the “see your scars” trope, “one bed” trope, “friends to lovers” and so much more. I’m so happy with the way this was written and I loved reading the numerous interactions between all of the characters.
Overall, this WILL satiate your need for answers and more of Skylenna and Dessin (plus some of the other alters). But, it will also leave you just, if not more, speechless as when you had finished TPATP. There’s so much more we don’t know!! Get ready for this next smutty, action packed, emotional, and shocking dark romance!
After reading The Pawn and The Puppet…especially with that ending, I NEEDED the second book immediately. So, I’ve really been looking forward to The Master and The Marionette!
Guys…it was SO GOOD. We get to see more of Dessin and his alters, and how they each interact with Skylenna. Most importantly…some interesting advances are made in her relationships with Dessin and Kane. 🥵
Also, if you thought the plot for the first book was good, this is even more complex and thought out than I had anticipated. There is SO much more going on than what was introduced in the first book and I’m VERY excited to see how it moves along and becomes more clear throughout the future books.
There’s so much of the “who hurt you”/“heal your wounds” trope in this book guys 😩😩. I loved it. If you’re a whore for Dessin, you’ll get to see a lot more of him here too. There’s also the “see your scars” trope, “one bed” trope, “friends to lovers” and so much more. I’m so happy with the way this was written and I loved reading the numerous interactions between all of the characters.
Overall, this WILL satiate your need for answers and more of Skylenna and Dessin (plus some of the other alters). But, it will also leave you just, if not more, speechless as when you had finished TPATP. There’s so much more we don’t know!! Get ready for this next smutty, action packed, emotional, and shocking dark romance!
January 17, 2026
I’ve struggled to write this review simply because it was hard to find the words to articulate how much this series has captivated me.
And then, I attempted to write this after being utterly obliterated by book three. Ugh. It's just so good! I adore the characters, the plot, the mystery, the fantasy elements... I could talk about it endlessly! And it only gets darker from here. I don't even recognize myself anymore with this newfound love for dystopian fantasy.
"The Master and The Marionette" picks up right where "The Pawn and The Puppet" leaves off, with its fantastical cliffhanger. Skylenna and Dessin flee the "torture" asylum and set out on their journey to evade Demechnef, the leader of their continent, who has subjected Dessin to horrific experiments since childhood. As tensions escalate between the continents, Demechnef is determined to reclaim their most powerful weapon.
This book introduces even more questions and mystery than the first as Skylenna and Dessin (and Kane and…) navigate the land. They uncover a greater purpose and prophecy intertwined with them and the looming war. As their inquiries draw them back to the asylum, my anxiety kicked up a notch once again.
But it doesn't end there. The plot twists, the savagery, and motherf*cking DESSIN! I LOVE all the alters I’ve met so far, but Dessin has stolen my heart. He's dangerous, grumpy, and a complete touch-her-and-die badass. Swoon. They endure so much in this book, and by the end, they've rescued a new found family trio from the asylum whom I completely adore. The spice starts simmering in this book, reaching a very hot smolder, but there's more to come in the next book. The entire plot is just too damn good though.
And then, I attempted to write this after being utterly obliterated by book three. Ugh. It's just so good! I adore the characters, the plot, the mystery, the fantasy elements... I could talk about it endlessly! And it only gets darker from here. I don't even recognize myself anymore with this newfound love for dystopian fantasy.
"The Master and The Marionette" picks up right where "The Pawn and The Puppet" leaves off, with its fantastical cliffhanger. Skylenna and Dessin flee the "torture" asylum and set out on their journey to evade Demechnef, the leader of their continent, who has subjected Dessin to horrific experiments since childhood. As tensions escalate between the continents, Demechnef is determined to reclaim their most powerful weapon.
This book introduces even more questions and mystery than the first as Skylenna and Dessin (and Kane and…) navigate the land. They uncover a greater purpose and prophecy intertwined with them and the looming war. As their inquiries draw them back to the asylum, my anxiety kicked up a notch once again.
But it doesn't end there. The plot twists, the savagery, and motherf*cking DESSIN! I LOVE all the alters I’ve met so far, but Dessin has stolen my heart. He's dangerous, grumpy, and a complete touch-her-and-die badass. Swoon. They endure so much in this book, and by the end, they've rescued a new found family trio from the asylum whom I completely adore. The spice starts simmering in this book, reaching a very hot smolder, but there's more to come in the next book. The entire plot is just too damn good though.
August 21, 2022
DNF at 43%. I’m so confused - having LOVED the pawn and the puppet, I’ve been waiting for this to be released on kindle unlimited for weeks. The story picked up where it ended with Skyleena and Greystone (the third alter) chatting in the safety of the tree house before they start on their journey through the various forests surrounding the chandelier city. This is fine, but feels like a lot of filler. Suddenly, a mission, a stranger prophecy that won’t be divulged and special items bestowed by the unusual supernatural clans our MCs meet along the way. But it’s dragging. The interactions between our beloved MCs feel a bit stilted, the constant will they/won’t they just tell each other how they feel. Feeling major disappointment for this storyline after the success of the asylum break in the first book.
Having read some of the other reviews I’m uncertain about whether I’m going to continue with this series. Perhaps I’ll try again in future when more books have been released and read them in a cluster. Might help some of the brain fog I’m experiencing 🥲
Having read some of the other reviews I’m uncertain about whether I’m going to continue with this series. Perhaps I’ll try again in future when more books have been released and read them in a cluster. Might help some of the brain fog I’m experiencing 🥲
August 22, 2022
I can't, and I really tried.
Starting out, I was skeptical since the absolute shit show of book one.
The first thing I saw was the TW and the author's note, and wasn't happy. Basically, what I took from the author's note was if you don't like I am not sorry for writing it. FICTION IS NEVER FICTION! There are always parts of the author within the stories they write, and how they were raised as well as what their personal views are within the world they build; therefore, fiction is never truly fiction.
I started chapter one, got bored, and ended up DNFing the rest. Even with that, I am giving it a ONE-star rating.
I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS OR ANYTHING ELSE SHE WRITES TO ANYONE WITH A SANE BRAIN OR AN ONCE OF RIGHT AND WRONG.
Starting out, I was skeptical since the absolute shit show of book one.
The first thing I saw was the TW and the author's note, and wasn't happy. Basically, what I took from the author's note was if you don't like I am not sorry for writing it. FICTION IS NEVER FICTION! There are always parts of the author within the stories they write, and how they were raised as well as what their personal views are within the world they build; therefore, fiction is never truly fiction.
I started chapter one, got bored, and ended up DNFing the rest. Even with that, I am giving it a ONE-star rating.
I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS OR ANYTHING ELSE SHE WRITES TO ANYONE WITH A SANE BRAIN OR AN ONCE OF RIGHT AND WRONG.
January 23, 2023
I read this book in one day I legitimately stayed up until 3 AM reading this book. And I almost never do that type of thing. That’s how amazingly intrigued I was. This book is either tie for first or better then the first book. If you loved the first book then you will love the second book either equally or more than you loved the first.
November 21, 2022
Highly do NOT recommend
December 25, 2022
Didnt read but last one was so terrible the one start automatically came to this one as well
July 1, 2022
I would literally donate a kidney whilst climbing Mount Everest, to read one chapter of this book.
…Anyways…I AM SO EXCITED TO SEE HOW THIS STORY PROGRESSES😆💓
…Anyways…I AM SO EXCITED TO SEE HOW THIS STORY PROGRESSES😆💓
September 15, 2022
Honestly, I didn’t have high hopes going into this with all the negative attention the first book got.
I thought that book was GOLD. Disturbing gold- but gold nonetheless. I was so excited for the sequel.
However, the sequel has a rushed, ‘nervous to write’ vibe if that makes sense.
It’s all over the place and hard to keep up with. The first part they are getting away from the asylum and then in a paragraph practically they are back and are both patients being tortured.
The adult scenes are concerning, up to the point I read, because that can be really misleading and offensive to the BDSM community.
The adult scenes act as if the torture didn’t just happen.
It makes zero sense. I see the idea behind it but the delivery failed IMO.
Gross vibes from the adult scene to the rules the women have to follow.
I ain’t mad about DNF’g it. I’m relieved to not have to finish it.
I thought that book was GOLD. Disturbing gold- but gold nonetheless. I was so excited for the sequel.
However, the sequel has a rushed, ‘nervous to write’ vibe if that makes sense.
It’s all over the place and hard to keep up with. The first part they are getting away from the asylum and then in a paragraph practically they are back and are both patients being tortured.
The adult scenes are concerning, up to the point I read, because that can be really misleading and offensive to the BDSM community.
The adult scenes act as if the torture didn’t just happen.
It makes zero sense. I see the idea behind it but the delivery failed IMO.
Gross vibes from the adult scene to the rules the women have to follow.
I ain’t mad about DNF’g it. I’m relieved to not have to finish it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2022
YALL AINT EVEN READY FOR THIS ROLLERCOASTER OF A BOOK THAT WONT STOP! The SPICE IS EVERYTHING🥵🥵🥵….EVERYTHING HAPPENS AT ONCE…YOU WONT BE ABLE TO STOP READING! I read this in 2 DAYS! YES I am one of the ARC READERS for THE MASTER AND THE MARIONETTE! this book is freaking epic and fantastic…I CRIED, I LAUGHED, I SMILED, I WAS LEFT SHOOKETH! Go pre order RIGHT NOW….Amazon for the paperback or kindle. And Barnes and noble for the hardcover! You won’t be sorry…If you can’t pre order then buy the book when it releases! BRANDI THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING and took me on a RIDE that WOULD NOT STOP UNTIL THE VERY END! GO PRE ORDER The Master and The Marionette by Brandi Elise Szeker RIGHT NOW! AMAZON FOR PAPERBACK AND KINDLE, AND BARNES AND NOBLE FOR HARDCOVER! BRANDI….YESSS QUEEN!
September 7, 2022
This book blew me away!! And just like the first book, it ended on a cliffhanger. My jaw is still dragging on the ground. Not just from the ending but this whole new unveiling of certain connection between certain individuals that I will not name. I need the next book stat!!! Brandi, I will sell an organ to get an arc of the next book! Anything you want, name it!!
January 14, 2025
I hated this so much. I think it had such great potential but awful execution. DNF book 2 because I was just so over the same thing happening and nothing progressing in the story
October 14, 2025
“Until hell freezes over.”
“And even then.”
⭐️4.6/5⭐️
Wow… this was such a mindfuck, but in an exhilarating and heartbreaking way all at once.
I don’t usually have the energy or the guts to go through excessive details exploring themes of gore, torture, and violence. Nonetheless, I did, and I would go through it all over again 😭. Don’t judge
I can’t even choose which alter to fall in love with even more, Dessin, Kane, hell even Graystone can get it ❤️🔥
Skylenna went through hell and back just to keep her man safe. She was tortured, both physically and mentally—the forced feeding scene was truly horrific and I couldn’t stomach reading it. And yet? She survived it all, and she’s genuinely one of the strongest FMCs and no one gives her enough credit for that.
“And even then.”
⭐️4.6/5⭐️
Wow… this was such a mindfuck, but in an exhilarating and heartbreaking way all at once.
I don’t usually have the energy or the guts to go through excessive details exploring themes of gore, torture, and violence. Nonetheless, I did, and I would go through it all over again 😭. Don’t judge
I can’t even choose which alter to fall in love with even more, Dessin, Kane, hell even Graystone can get it ❤️🔥
Skylenna went through hell and back just to keep her man safe. She was tortured, both physically and mentally—the forced feeding scene was truly horrific and I couldn’t stomach reading it. And yet? She survived it all, and she’s genuinely one of the strongest FMCs and no one gives her enough credit for that.
July 26, 2022
⭐️SPOILER FREE REVIEW⭐️
I received an early ARC copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review(:
“I’ll love you until the day I die.”
PAIN🔥
SO MUCH PAINNNNNNN🔥🔥🔥
If you thought the first book was jaw dropping- you're in for a treat with book two. It keeps you on the edge of your seat and just when you think you can grasp what's happening- it switches up on you.
Mystery. Suspense. Intrigue.
It's all there.
The book is fast paced and the plot pushes so quickly that you don't even notice that you're halfway through. Normally, the companion book is a little slow and it takes a few chapters to readjust to the world- not with this one. It goes from 0-100 real fast and stays that way. There's never a boring moment and I enjoyed the fantasy elements that were elaborated on from book one.
Some questions are answered while others just become even more of a quandry.
Overall, it was a throughly enjoyable dark read. I think there were aspects that were easier than book one, whereas others that were just as intense, if not more intense. All I know is, I can't wait for book 3!!
The spice! 🌶
3/5 🥵
I received an early ARC copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review(:
“I’ll love you until the day I die.”
PAIN🔥
SO MUCH PAINNNNNNN🔥🔥🔥
If you thought the first book was jaw dropping- you're in for a treat with book two. It keeps you on the edge of your seat and just when you think you can grasp what's happening- it switches up on you.
Mystery. Suspense. Intrigue.
It's all there.
The book is fast paced and the plot pushes so quickly that you don't even notice that you're halfway through. Normally, the companion book is a little slow and it takes a few chapters to readjust to the world- not with this one. It goes from 0-100 real fast and stays that way. There's never a boring moment and I enjoyed the fantasy elements that were elaborated on from book one.
Some questions are answered while others just become even more of a quandry.
Overall, it was a throughly enjoyable dark read. I think there were aspects that were easier than book one, whereas others that were just as intense, if not more intense. All I know is, I can't wait for book 3!!
The spice! 🌶
3/5 🥵
May 9, 2023
Okej, det blev konstigare. Trodde inte att det var möjligt. Älskar fortfarande dynamiken mellan de två huvudkaraktärerna.
"Besides, there's no sneaking with you. [...] You have the stealth of a bull. There was no possible scenario of you slipping out of my arms without being caught."
"Aw, you're so sweet in the mornings."
"Besides, there's no sneaking with you. [...] You have the stealth of a bull. There was no possible scenario of you slipping out of my arms without being caught."
"Aw, you're so sweet in the mornings."
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