Sadly I DNFed this book at about 20%. My inability to connect with the writing style combined with my inability to connect with the plot really left me completely detached from this book. Usually when I read a book even if I dislike a book I still can find people to recommend the book to since enjoyment is so subjective. But this is one of the few books that I genuinely have no idea who I would rec it to. If the plot sounds interesting to you I would definitely still try it since again, enjoyment is subjective. But as someone who honestly fell for the gorgeous cover, do not fall into the trap of cover buying this.

McAdam has written an enchanting work of fantasy. Set in Toronto, 12 year old Oliver is bullied at school. His father is a storyteller, a writer. He tells Oliver about the black dove, the first flower. The story continues throughout the novel. The fantasy involves gene editing and is a modern day Frankenstein.

This one was weird, and very unlike most things I've read. It was weird, however, in a mesmerizing way. It was a confusing story to keep straight, each time I thought I understood what the point was I figured out that no, I was wrong.

First, a thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read the ARC of this.

2023 is a year of radical self-love. And this includes DNF’ing what doesn’t spark joy.

This does not spark joy.

Fin.

Ps - and what a shame, as the cover is GORGEOUS.

The author has a beautiful style of writing, descriptive and otherworldly, but I found the plot to be confusing not really knowing when the narration was about Oliver or the story his father was creating. I found it to be very sad.