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A review by saesteorra
Flowerheart by Catherine Bakewell
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Clara Lucas has always struggled to control her wild magic. Flowers burst through the floorboards and bloom in her hair in response to her feelings. When she's told by the Council that severe measures will be needed to bring her magic under control, in a moment of distress and panic, a wave of misdirected magic causes azaleas to bloom in her father's heart.
To save her father's life, Clara makes a vow with her childhood friend, Xavier Morwyn, in exchange for his help. Already a member of the Council, Xavier takes Clara on as his apprentice as they work towards a blessing spell to heal her father. But there's a dangerous potion being distributed in secret, and Clara and Xavier find themselves drawn into the search for its cure...
I pre-ordered Catherine Bakewell's Flowerheart because lately I've really needed some comfort reads in my life, and it didn't disappoint. Despite dealing with some serious subject matter, the book manages to feel light-hearted and hopeful throughout. From Clara's cosy cottage to the Morwyns' magical mansion, the world feels small but rich. I was particularly moved by the meaningful queer and trans representation throughout the book.
I really appreciated the content warnings at the beginning, as some of the flower magic does become quite visceral. I definitely think this is something we should consider making an industry standard. The book explores the difficult subjects of depression (for which people take the illegal potion Euphoria) and anxiety (conveyed through Clara's relationship with her magic) but Bakewell handles them gently and sensitively.
Highly recommend for anyone who wants a cosy fantasy read this spring with cottagecore, Studio Ghibli vibes!
To save her father's life, Clara makes a vow with her childhood friend, Xavier Morwyn, in exchange for his help. Already a member of the Council, Xavier takes Clara on as his apprentice as they work towards a blessing spell to heal her father. But there's a dangerous potion being distributed in secret, and Clara and Xavier find themselves drawn into the search for its cure...
I pre-ordered Catherine Bakewell's Flowerheart because lately I've really needed some comfort reads in my life, and it didn't disappoint. Despite dealing with some serious subject matter, the book manages to feel light-hearted and hopeful throughout. From Clara's cosy cottage to the Morwyns' magical mansion, the world feels small but rich. I was particularly moved by the meaningful queer and trans representation throughout the book.
I really appreciated the content warnings at the beginning, as some of the flower magic does become quite visceral. I definitely think this is something we should consider making an industry standard. The book explores the difficult subjects of depression (for which people take the illegal potion Euphoria) and anxiety (conveyed through Clara's relationship with her magic) but Bakewell handles them gently and sensitively.
Highly recommend for anyone who wants a cosy fantasy read this spring with cottagecore, Studio Ghibli vibes!