Noah Medlock’s A Botanical Daughter is such a delightfully odd book. It’s dripping with gothic atmosphere, full of morally questionable characters you can’t help but be fascinated by, and perfect for anyone who loves a bit of weirdness. Honestly, if you’re a “weird girlie,” you’ll probably adore it. The sapphic romance, the creepy yet beautiful setting, and the Frankenstein vibes (without feeling like a copy) all make it wonderfully unique.

That said, it’s not perfect. The way Medlock handles the characters’ perspectives could’ve been better. Instead of sticking with one character’s point of view per chapter, he blends everyone’s thoughts into the same space. It wasn’t confusing, but it did feel messy at times, especially when compared to something like A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin, where the structure is so clean and deliberate.

Then there’s the explicit scene. Now, I’m not against something like that in a story if it serves a purpose, and this one kind of did by showing how close the characters were. But it felt... strange, and not just because of what happens later. It’s hard to explain without spoiling anything, but it left me feeling a bit uncomfortable in a way I’m not sure was intentional.

Lastly, the ending. It’s a happy one, which isn’t what I was expecting from something so gothic. I don’t mind a happy ending, but I’m not convinced this one felt earned. It didn’t quite sit right with the overall tone of the story, though I can see why some readers might appreciate it.

Overall, I really enjoyed A Botanical Daughter. It’s dark, strange, and memorable, even if it’s not without its flaws. If you’re into gothic fiction with a twist, I’d definitely recommend it!