The Gardener's Favorite Poisonous Flower

by Rirako Kabashima

When itinerant traveler Orbit, also known as "Ollie," gets stranded without permit or paperwork in the authoritarian city-state of Belote, the only place that will hire him is as a caretaker, or "gardener," at the male brothel Le Jouet Queue. He quickly discovers that all of the companions working there are furless, half animal and half human beings who are treated as pets, property, and sometimes even as livestock for slaughter. For many of the furless there, life at the brothel is a marked improvement from all they've suffered earlier in their lives. They are fed, sheltered, pampered, and looked after by Ollie and the other gardeners— and even a gilded cage is better than the cruelties of the outside world.

But when Ollie's considerate, gentle nature and pure heart catch the eye of the tempestuous Aconit, the most prized and coveted furless in Le Jouet Queue, what begins as idle seduction soon blooms into something deeper. Aconit's haughty faÇade of careless allure masks his own old wounds and deep distrust of humans, but Ollie sees through his surface beauty to the lonely, resentful creature beneath. In turn, Aconit finds his cold heart stirred by Ollie's tender affection and innocent intentions. But can the love between the two of them last as tensions mount and the mistreatment of furless weighs heavier and heavier upon Ollie's heart...?

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Romance, Comics, LGBT, Drama, Adult

312 pages, Paperback

First published January 31, 2023

Reviews

[Hisgirl85 · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars. This was a brain experiment with a kind of thrown together plot that is basic for any brothel worker and commoner story (Moulin Rouge) but the world building and motivation felt like I kept ppening doors to walls, staircases, another door, and other ridiculous things that were like...isn't that cool??? And I'm like, it is a door that opens to a wall. What was the purpose? Yes, it is unique and attention grabbing for the moment, but that is all. I almost dnf'd but then a door would open to a pool or something else (metaphors for world building details). Ugh. I hate that I was sucked in, and having a whole race be androgynous males where nothing is talked about with kids or females, yet they exist, ish??? Feels like those teen (but 18+ older) kind of thing where it's a bit voyeuristic but pretending not to be, but it is what it is. Ugh. Such a bad taste. Not for me, but the writing was also bad.

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rate this, like 3.5. I liked this book! Did I originally think that Aconit was a woman? Yes. Was I confused when I learned that he was not when I read the description? Yes. I still read this book and liked it though! I love the character designs! They're all so pretty imo. I love Orbit, his design is pretty, and he's a nice dude. I would say that Noix is my favourite character! <3 Though I miss his human form at the end of book. I'm glad that he and Carlo lived in the end, I'm just sad that he stayed a cat (or furred?). I miss his human form :( - Though I'm SO glad he didn't died regardless. I like that furless in this story are mostly named after flowers and the whole Gardener thing, I like it and haven't really seen it done before which is nice/freshing! Though having minors/kids(?) in there did make me feel weird, it's nice to know that they're weren't actually a part of it all in a sense- they were just around. The twins, I loved their designs and personalities. Though how they acted sometimes weirded me out- I did get used to it/over it and found it fun! Probably like my third or fourth favourite character (they share the same placing since they're twins and always together.

I know I gave it a 3.5 out 5 stars and have said I liked it, but haven't really said what I didn't like- But in truth, I couldn't tell you. I just liked it but there were a few things that felt off or I didn't like- but cannot pin point what it is or what is was, or why. It was still a nice read. I liked it, but it's not one of my favs, but still enjoyable.

[Camron Winger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow that was some book. I knew it would take forever considering how massive it was (which I actually appreciate-so I don’t have to buy multiple books). But this story went in every single direction and I loved it! The drawings were beautiful, the details with the hair and fur (O.M.G), the flowers too were just incredible. I spent a lot of time admiring the details of the artwork, it looked like (whoever drew them) took a lot of time working on them, and I want them to know their details did NOT go without appreciation (at least from me). I love the relationship between the two main couples, their dynamics were perfect and I couldn’t get enough of the sass from both partners. The twins were the only ones I wasn’t sure about, I didn’t mind them but I don’t know what their purpose was exactly. Fun to have around but otherwise I’m not sure why they were there? And the bad guy and his crazy hobby of doing crazy stuff to the furless! Way out of left field and I loved it! Keeping their body parts in jars, keeping them around because he “loved” them and then killing them for meat. And I’m sorry but keeping EYEBALLS in a jar?! That’s awesome! I love that! That was the coolest WTF moment I’ve seen in a book in a long time, and I so appreciate that. Loved the book, loved the story, loved the art, loved the WTF bad guy moments, LOVED IT! Make a sequel please I would love to follow these couples.

[Yeollie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Follow Ollie, the compassionate young man who catches Aconit’s eye, the prized furless in Le Jouet Queue. In this fictional world where the furless are treated no better than property, will love solve it all in the end?

Overall thoughts
I liked this story, I really did. It’s heartfelt and emotional and it’s a trope I know and love done differently. The ambition behind this story shows. But it might be a little TOO ambitious for the amount of time it had. The plot is heartfelt and the art is gorgeous.

The story boasts an endearing cast and a unique and interesting premise. The mangaka ensures you’re immersed in the worldbuilding, making this a touching, thought-provoking read. The primary focus is world-building and addressing the disadvantageous lives of the “furless” in society.

Who is this manga for
Because of the amount of text this manga has, this one is for people who like reading. It’s introspective and plot-focused, but there’s a bit of romance on the side. So fans of these elements will likely enjoy this story!

I have a lot of thoughts about this one! Check out the full review on the blog: https://yeolliestorytime.com/the-gard...

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gardener's Favorite Poisonous Flower

I adored this manga. Not only was it beautifully drawn but the story is so unique. There are lots of stories about man-beasts. But there is none quite like this that compares the rights of the fullest to so many people who have zero rights in their country. In fact they are oppressed for who they are. The only difference is that we do not openly enjoy feasting off the flesh of live animals. I adored how Ollie fought for Aco's love.
One of the best manga in awhile!

[Mindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish everything was more fleshed out. The emotions were there, but not displayed. Everything felt rushed too. And somehow Carlo and Noix are back in the picture? I think this would have been better if it was across multiple volumes so the reader could get to know the people better. We still don't know a lot of information, and yet we're supposed to accept all this stuff as is? I don't know... It had good potential though.

[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

This had potential. But I feel like this should have been a series. With the heavy topics I felt more dread than sadness. The ending felt rushed toooo.

cw violence, mutilation, murder, racism

[Aurora]

Not DNFing because it's bad, but just because I'm too stressed to continue. 😅 Got through 7 chapters, so about 40% in. I flipped through the rest and I don't think my heart can take it.

[Yolotzin · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5. It was okay. I got bored and weirded out at one point. Wasn't sure I'd finish it. The more I think about it, it feels slightly Moulin Rouge-esque.