Author: Eli Snow
Genre: Fantasy, science fiction, cozy (?) thriller, political thriller
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Format: Ebook (NetGalley Copy)
Release Date: August 18th, 2026
Author: Eli Snow
Genre: Fantasy, science fiction, cozy (?) thriller, political thriller
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Format: Ebook (NetGalley Copy)
Release Date: August 18th, 2026
TW: Death, child imprisonment, death of a parent (On page), mass riots
I was pleasantly surprised with this novel, even after a bit of a frantic first chapter.
But first, the plot: Cyprin lives in a megacity, where rats are some of her best friends (she doesn't have many). She desperately wants to leave her sunless existence, and dreams of working for The Petaled Divine in his Garden, and in the meantime, find her father. To accomplish this, she steals a flower from the Head Gardener of the Garden. However, the Head Gardener Purcell doesn't appreciate this (hot and infuriating) upstart coming in and wrecking things. Can she keep the garden from this new threat? Can Cyprin find her guardian? And what is with the secret area of the Garden no one is allowed to go to?
The setting makes this book. The massive not built for humans after several layers of habitation city contrasts with the perfect Gardens. Anyone who doesn't work in the Gardens is both physically and mentally trapped. However, the city does contrast with the Garden, and that contrast, also shows the Garden to be a gilded age, which is reflected in its perfect environment. Since flowers and plants are a huge part of the book, the language is suitably vivid.
I also appreciate the queer representation, as both Cyprin and Purcell are queer. Their relationship was believable to me. There was a lot of humor in their reactions with one another, and I found myself laughing aloud a few times. This is not a romance novel, but Purcell and Cyprin both have erotic fantasies so be warned. As an ace person, they were well written and okay to read.
The first chapter had a breakneck pace, dropping you right into the action. However, this can be a problem, as I had to page back and forth between PoVs because the pacing was very quick. However, once you get the names straight, the story moves forward in a very flowing way. I could also see the characters being very divisive. Purcell starts the story hating Cyprin, and she is quite nasty to her at the start. She does improve later (this is a genuine enemies to lovers story) but be warned.
Ultimately, if you want a relatively cozy read with some bite, The Divine Gardener's Handbook is your bouquet of flowers.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Final Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Drink Paring: Rose infused black tea (for the flowers)
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