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yessicookie's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
An interesting depiction of mental health in a world of magic, it was very exciting and intense in some parts! Other parts were a bit slower. I am curious about this fantasy world, i do hope to see a sequel.
I will issue a content/trigger warning for those with a fear of plants growing under their skin that is a recurring theme throughout the entire book.
I will issue a content/trigger warning for those with a fear of plants growing under their skin that is a recurring theme throughout the entire book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Mental illness, and Drug abuse
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail and Body horror
Minor: Emotional abuse and Child abuse
the_rabble's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Overall, pretty sweet story with some distractingly dark edges that are incongruent with the vibe.
Clara and Xavier are great. Fun relationship there. Side characters are charming. Plot is rock solid engaging. Values are questionable- in a Roald Dahl sort of "kids are cannon fodder" way.
On page one you're dealing with someone with intense anxiety essentially being told she needs to get it together or get a magical lobotomy.
There's a lot of very charming flower magic and potion making, but damn, y'all, this is a rough one for anyone who's had to figure out their flavor of neurodiversity solo or interacted with a powerful system that has big feelings about your feelings. It's all vibes until a hammer drops.
I had a good time with the characters, but can't shake how these 16 year old kids are treated like wizened adults or are completely SOL. If the characters were older, this story would slap but it just seems like a world that's universally cool with child abuse.
[General Spoiler]These kids are treated like the actions between the ages of 11-16 define the rest of their lives, whether by failing training or getting minor things wrong. They are constantly threatened with the permanent loss of magic or a throttling of magic that would injure them for working with their feelings. We are told magic is emotions and even the "good guys" have an incredibly toxic control-based relationship with their feelings.
[Ending]One of the kids gets the magic lobotomy bc he did his job (a 16 year old with a medical job) but also accidentally created a drug. Which he cures the effects of. But he still has the lobotomy. Forever. After already having the throttle that injures him for using magic he's required to use with no supervision. All before his voice finishes dropping.
Additionally, the magical council responsible for this systemic child abuse commits a lot of procedural violations, but clearly has no appeals system.
This is a fun read because there's a lot of charm, the writing moves and breathes, centers a well-written friendship with progress that feels earned, emotional thoughtfulness, flower references and imagery that'll knock your socks off, and a smattering of queer representation.
But the moment you step back and see the characters as children, shit's dark.
Clara and Xavier are great. Fun relationship there. Side characters are charming. Plot is rock solid engaging. Values are questionable- in a Roald Dahl sort of "kids are cannon fodder" way.
On page one you're dealing with someone with intense anxiety essentially being told she needs to get it together or get a magical lobotomy.
There's a lot of very charming flower magic and potion making, but damn, y'all, this is a rough one for anyone who's had to figure out their flavor of neurodiversity solo or interacted with a powerful system that has big feelings about your feelings. It's all vibes until a hammer drops.
I had a good time with the characters, but can't shake how these 16 year old kids are treated like wizened adults or are completely SOL. If the characters were older, this story would slap but it just seems like a world that's universally cool with child abuse.
[General Spoiler]
[Ending]
This is a fun read because there's a lot of charm, the writing moves and breathes, centers a well-written friendship with progress that feels earned, emotional thoughtfulness, flower references and imagery that'll knock your socks off, and a smattering of queer representation.
But the moment you step back and see the characters as children, shit's dark.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Mental illness, Child abuse, and Abandonment
modernmatilda's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"Like a garden in full bloom: vibrant and sweet, whimsical and wondrous." -@allisonhsaft
THIS BOOK 😍😭💐 If I made a list of the top three books that have impacted my life and helped my mental health, FLOWERHEART by @catbake would be there.
I like to dub this book "a cottagecore essential with friends to lovers romance and studio ghibli vibes where the main character's magic is tied to her emotions, which are big and messy (#relatable) and her magic can grow FLOWERS".
Watching Clara, our main character, grow into her magic was absolutely beautiful and healing. The romance was squeal-worthy adorable (the scene in the rain?? 😭😍). And the world Cat built is one I want to live in forever.
If you're looking for a soft fantasy with a fierce bi female protagonist in a queernormative world, PICK THIS ONE UP!
THIS BOOK 😍😭💐 If I made a list of the top three books that have impacted my life and helped my mental health, FLOWERHEART by @catbake would be there.
I like to dub this book "a cottagecore essential with friends to lovers romance and studio ghibli vibes where the main character's magic is tied to her emotions, which are big and messy (#relatable) and her magic can grow FLOWERS".
Watching Clara, our main character, grow into her magic was absolutely beautiful and healing. The romance was squeal-worthy adorable (the scene in the rain?? 😭😍). And the world Cat built is one I want to live in forever.
If you're looking for a soft fantasy with a fierce bi female protagonist in a queernormative world, PICK THIS ONE UP!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Near death of parent
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