This is a Frankenstein-esque novel about a botanist who does some pretty weird things with plants, fungi, and a body. But it's also a love story of sorts and that's the beauty of it.

Two men in the late 1800s live a secluded life inside of a greenhouse. One is a botanist and the other a taxidermist. They are in love but can't allow that to be made public.

When the botanist discovers a new species of fungi that has the ability to "think" on its own, he has visions of greatness. But, in his quest to determine what actually constitutes life and intelligence, he'll need a body. By grafting various plants, fungi, and other natural ingredients into the husk of a corpse, he might have something that is alive and becoming sentient.

Yes, things will get unruly with this half plant half woman creation as it becomes more and more aware but it's the feeling of family for these two men that is at the crux of the story. They consider this creation their own daughter, treating it like a human being and taking on a young woman to act as governess for it. But all of these human emotions might be reciprocated in violent ways.

This is a very beautifully written novel that isn't about the blood and gore but about the emotional and mental stress of, perhaps, having created life but not knowing what to do with it. Is it sentient or is it just responding to outside stimuli? Do you keep it locked away or do you let it live a semi normal life? What happens when feelings of awe turn into love and affection? These are the themes covered in this book and the author does so wilth a deft hand.

I highly recommend this novel if you're looking for something different and something that will grip you emotionally along the way.

Thank you NetGalley for a free e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Noah Medlock's "A Botanical Daughter" is a striking debut that melds the genres of horror and LGBTQIAP+ fiction into a captivating narrative, reminiscent of the gothic charm found in "Mexican Gothic" and the scientific curiosity of "The Lie Tree." Set in the Victorian era, the novel tells the story of Simon and Gregor, two gentlemen living a concealed life in a botanical garden, away from the prying eyes of society. Their tranquil existence takes a dark turn with Gregor's Frankenstein-esque experiment, leading to the creation of Chloe, a plant-based entity with unsettling intelligence.

Medlock's writing is rich in detail and atmosphere, capturing the essence of Victorian London and the secluded world of the botanical garden. The relationship between Simon and Gregor, hidden within this haven of flora, is portrayed with sensitivity and depth, offering a poignant glimpse into the challenges faced by LGBTQIAP+ individuals in historical contexts.

The horror elements of the novel are deftly interwoven with this historical backdrop. The creation of Chloe, born from a fusion of plant matter and a human corpse, is both fascinating and macabre. Medlock skillfully explores the ethical and moral dilemmas surrounding this experiment, examining the consequences of playing god and the uncontrollable nature of creation.

However, the novel's ambitious blending of genres and themes may not appeal to all readers. The combination of botanical science, horror, and LGBTQIAP+ romance is unique, but it demands a willingness to engage with a narrative that defies conventional genre boundaries.

"A Botanical Daughter" is an extraordinary tale that resonates with themes of family, love, and the pursuit of knowledge, all shrouded in a veneer of gothic horror. Medlock's novel is a noteworthy addition to the queer horror genre, offering a fresh and imaginative perspective that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. This book is an excellent choice for readers seeking a novel that combines historical depth, horror, and a celebration of queer identities.