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Monstrous
In 1840s Victorian England, botanist Camellia Reed accepts a position as research assistant to the reclusive Dr. Nicholas Ambrose, a brilliant but haunted doctor studying memory loss through dangerous plant experimentation.
Desperate to recover her own missing memories after a mysterious collapse left her with gaps in her past, Camellia is drawn to both the doctor’s groundbreaking research and the man himself.
Ambrose House harbors dark secrets though: a plant servant named Hawthorne, a greenhouse filled with specimens that glow in the darkness, and the ghost of the doctor’s late wife whose presence fills every room.
But Camellia has her own secrets, never removing the green velvet ribbon around her throat. What does it hide?
Frankenstein meets The Girl With the Green Ribbon in this gothic romance steeped in botanical horror, forbidden science, and the monstrous lengths we go for the ones we love.
Desperate to recover her own missing memories after a mysterious collapse left her with gaps in her past, Camellia is drawn to both the doctor’s groundbreaking research and the man himself.
Ambrose House harbors dark secrets though: a plant servant named Hawthorne, a greenhouse filled with specimens that glow in the darkness, and the ghost of the doctor’s late wife whose presence fills every room.
But Camellia has her own secrets, never removing the green velvet ribbon around her throat. What does it hide?
Frankenstein meets The Girl With the Green Ribbon in this gothic romance steeped in botanical horror, forbidden science, and the monstrous lengths we go for the ones we love.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 6, 2026
Botanical Frankenstein meets Don’t Let the Forest In 🌱
Horrifying yet enrapturing, Monstrous was my first Cora Raven book and will by no means be my last
This book is haunting, atmospheric, and gothic right into its roots. The botanical depictions were so vivid and rich that I almost felt the creeping vines slithering up my skin. There was so much mystery and intrigue that only ramped up as the story progressed, secrets upon secrets that kept building until a grand final reveal. There was SO much longing and yearning laced in yet the romance paired beautifully without being overbearing.
“And if forever waited for us, green and patient beneath the earth, then we would meet it as we had met everything else—hand in hand, scar to scar, blooming defiantly in the dark.”
Gothic fiction at its finest - definitely recommend for fans of CG Drew’s lyrical and immersive writing
Horrifying yet enrapturing, Monstrous was my first Cora Raven book and will by no means be my last
This book is haunting, atmospheric, and gothic right into its roots. The botanical depictions were so vivid and rich that I almost felt the creeping vines slithering up my skin. There was so much mystery and intrigue that only ramped up as the story progressed, secrets upon secrets that kept building until a grand final reveal. There was SO much longing and yearning laced in yet the romance paired beautifully without being overbearing.
“And if forever waited for us, green and patient beneath the earth, then we would meet it as we had met everything else—hand in hand, scar to scar, blooming defiantly in the dark.”
Gothic fiction at its finest - definitely recommend for fans of CG Drew’s lyrical and immersive writing
August 21, 2026
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed the gothic atmosphere, botanical horror, dark secrets and that slightly creepy vibes this book has.
I loved the mystery surrounding Camellia, and Dr. Ambrose , and there was so much about them that kept me wanting to know what was really going on. The setting was atmospheric, strange and wonderfully unsettling at times.
That being said, I think I was left wanting a little more from the relationship side of the story. I wanted to feel a bit more of that connection and romance, so for me, it was probably just a case of right book, wrong time.
But that’s okay! Not every book is going to hit exactly the way I want it to, and I still really enjoyed my time with this one.
So, don’t just take my word for it, give this book a read for yourself and see what you think!
I really enjoyed the gothic atmosphere, botanical horror, dark secrets and that slightly creepy vibes this book has.
I loved the mystery surrounding Camellia, and Dr. Ambrose , and there was so much about them that kept me wanting to know what was really going on. The setting was atmospheric, strange and wonderfully unsettling at times.
That being said, I think I was left wanting a little more from the relationship side of the story. I wanted to feel a bit more of that connection and romance, so for me, it was probably just a case of right book, wrong time.
But that’s okay! Not every book is going to hit exactly the way I want it to, and I still really enjoyed my time with this one.
So, don’t just take my word for it, give this book a read for yourself and see what you think!
August 5, 2026
I tore through this book in two days, a very moreish read! A gripping Frankenstein retelling written in the loveliest prose, I couldn't get enough of it.
Monstrous follows Camellia, whose strive to conquer the gaps in her memory lead her to the dashing Dr. Ambrose, a brilliant botanical scientist. And he's full of his own secrets, and maybe they're connected in some way..
It's gothic, it's gloomy, there's yearning..
A definite recommendation from me!
Monstrous follows Camellia, whose strive to conquer the gaps in her memory lead her to the dashing Dr. Ambrose, a brilliant botanical scientist. And he's full of his own secrets, and maybe they're connected in some way..
It's gothic, it's gloomy, there's yearning..
A definite recommendation from me!
July 26, 2026
"We were something stranger now. Something grafted from grief and devotion, stitched together by hands that trembled but would never let go. We were thorn and Bloom, wound and stem, hunger and tenderness growing from the same determined root.
Monstrous perhaps.
But monstrous together".
Miss Reed & Doctor Ambrose, I can't cope with your story!
Cora Raven is my favourite author, her books live rent free in my head and this one is no exception!
If you are looking for a gothic romance steeped with yearning and in a dark academic setting, you need to read this book!
Monstrous perhaps.
But monstrous together".
Miss Reed & Doctor Ambrose, I can't cope with your story!
Cora Raven is my favourite author, her books live rent free in my head and this one is no exception!
If you are looking for a gothic romance steeped with yearning and in a dark academic setting, you need to read this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC received from author
Once again, Cora Raven has done it! I don’t know what she puts in her books but this was incredible.
While it comes in at just over 250 pages, this book read like a 500+ page novel. The pacing was superb, the plot was so perfectly paced, and nothing felt rushed or too drawn out. Everything felt important and nothing felt unnecessary. Every plot point was perfectly meant to be there!
One thing about Cora Raven’s writing is that she has such a skill for creating the most haunting, evocative atmosphere. This tale was lush, spooky, at times viscerally terrifying, but so beautiful. You really feel immersed in the story when reading this! The cemetery scene? I felt like I was there! One thing I also loved was the way we got to see Camellia’s memories break through, it hinted at something major but I will admit, I was surprised by the ending and didn’t see the way it all played out coming!!
Camellia and Nicholas may be a new favorite couple of mine if I’m being honest. Their story was so heartbreaking, tense, but also so beautiful. The way you could literally cut the tension with a knife!!! So many scenes where you could just feel the tension. You can also feel the subtle way he YEARNS for her!! It’s so subtle but it’s there and it was wonderful. And the mausoleum scene? Ok 🔥🔥🔥 Loved their love story so much!
Hawthorne and Agnes were the perfect companion characters in this story. I loved getting to see their stories grow (pun sort of intended lol). Agnes is such a tough woman who will do whatever she needs to for the ones she loves. Hawthorne is a peculiar specimen and I loved getting to learn more about him!!!
All in all, I adored this book. Camellia has stolen my heart, and I love Nicholas so much despite him being a man of few words! The ways you see the themes from Frankenstein and The Girl with the Green Ribbon tie into this story was so fun. The mystery of what was under the ribbon kept me on my toes the whole time!! I am anxiously awaiting Deathlust after finishing this masterpiece
Once again, Cora Raven has done it! I don’t know what she puts in her books but this was incredible.
While it comes in at just over 250 pages, this book read like a 500+ page novel. The pacing was superb, the plot was so perfectly paced, and nothing felt rushed or too drawn out. Everything felt important and nothing felt unnecessary. Every plot point was perfectly meant to be there!
One thing about Cora Raven’s writing is that she has such a skill for creating the most haunting, evocative atmosphere. This tale was lush, spooky, at times viscerally terrifying, but so beautiful. You really feel immersed in the story when reading this! The cemetery scene? I felt like I was there! One thing I also loved was the way we got to see Camellia’s memories break through, it hinted at something major but I will admit, I was surprised by the ending and didn’t see the way it all played out coming!!
Camellia and Nicholas may be a new favorite couple of mine if I’m being honest. Their story was so heartbreaking, tense, but also so beautiful. The way you could literally cut the tension with a knife!!! So many scenes where you could just feel the tension. You can also feel the subtle way he YEARNS for her!! It’s so subtle but it’s there and it was wonderful. And the mausoleum scene? Ok 🔥🔥🔥 Loved their love story so much!
Hawthorne and Agnes were the perfect companion characters in this story. I loved getting to see their stories grow (pun sort of intended lol). Agnes is such a tough woman who will do whatever she needs to for the ones she loves. Hawthorne is a peculiar specimen and I loved getting to learn more about him!!!
All in all, I adored this book. Camellia has stolen my heart, and I love Nicholas so much despite him being a man of few words! The ways you see the themes from Frankenstein and The Girl with the Green Ribbon tie into this story was so fun. The mystery of what was under the ribbon kept me on my toes the whole time!! I am anxiously awaiting Deathlust after finishing this masterpiece
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Monstrous is a combination of Poor Things, Hazelthorn and the dynamics of The Addams Family. The character named Hawthorne reminds me of Lurch from the Adam's family. Which only furthered my affection for him as the story progressed. This is a story about discovery, love and dedication at the heart of it. The execution is flawless and the writing style hooked me from its beginning with its beautiful almost poetic rhythm. The mystery keeps you reading desperate for more just as a certain something... The foreshadowing is beautifully woven into the architecture of the stories muscles. I think lovers of gothic literature need to pick this up. And will leave with a new god-tier read of the year!
“The human body is such an optimistic arrangement, considering how easily it comes apart, and how quickly it begins to rot. You have three minutes, perhaps, before the brain begins to fail without oxygen. Five, if fortune is feeling generous…”
There's not a huge cast of characters in this story. But, their ambiguity, their personality and complexities bring them to life across the page. While the author of the novel isn't very versed in keeping plants alive the study and work of Ambrose and M. feels conclusive and compelling. I would read the entirety of their research! You get to peak into their notes but I would gladly have read more and wish to see the illustrations bloom across the page.
Well, done 5 stars! Ambiance, setting, twists, character arcs, and conclusion come together with prestigious clarity. This is a masterclass of novel writing!
“The human body is such an optimistic arrangement, considering how easily it comes apart, and how quickly it begins to rot. You have three minutes, perhaps, before the brain begins to fail without oxygen. Five, if fortune is feeling generous…”
There's not a huge cast of characters in this story. But, their ambiguity, their personality and complexities bring them to life across the page. While the author of the novel isn't very versed in keeping plants alive the study and work of Ambrose and M. feels conclusive and compelling. I would read the entirety of their research! You get to peak into their notes but I would gladly have read more and wish to see the illustrations bloom across the page.
Well, done 5 stars! Ambiance, setting, twists, character arcs, and conclusion come together with prestigious clarity. This is a masterclass of novel writing!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I went into this book with really high expectations, and somehow it still exceeded them. Cora Raven's writing is absolutely beautiful, haunting, emotional, and impossible to put down. The mystery had me completely hooked, and I loved the mix of gothic horror, forbidden science, and creepy botanical elements. The botanical aspect was one of my favourite parts. I loved all the plants featured throughout the story, and I had so much fun looking them up as I read. (I do want most of those plants!) It made the world feel even more immersive. The creepy "ghost" haunting Camellia was also so well done and added the perfect eerie atmosphere.
I was constantly trying to piece everything together alongside Camellia, especially with her memory loss and all the unanswered questions surrounding her. But the author was always a few steps ahead of me and somehow I always missed! Dr. Ambrose was such an intriguing character. He kept so many secrets that I never knew what to expect from him, and watching everything slowly unravel was incredibly satisfying. And that plot twist? I was genuinely left gasping. It all came together so perfectly.
This book was haunting, heartbreaking, thrilling, and beautifully written from beginning to end. Cora Raven has officially earned my loyalty. I can't wait to read more from her.
I was constantly trying to piece everything together alongside Camellia, especially with her memory loss and all the unanswered questions surrounding her. But the author was always a few steps ahead of me and somehow I always missed! Dr. Ambrose was such an intriguing character. He kept so many secrets that I never knew what to expect from him, and watching everything slowly unravel was incredibly satisfying. And that plot twist? I was genuinely left gasping. It all came together so perfectly.
This book was haunting, heartbreaking, thrilling, and beautifully written from beginning to end. Cora Raven has officially earned my loyalty. I can't wait to read more from her.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Some books entertain you, and some completely pull you into their world. This one did the latter.
I was hooked from the very first chapter and honestly loved every second of it. The blend of gothic romance, botanical horror, and eerie mystery was so unique, and it all came together beautifully.
The writing is absolutely stunning. Every description felt so rich and vivid that I could picture every room, every garden, and every unsettling discovery. The atmosphere was one of my favorite parts of the book—it was haunting, lush, and beautifully creepy without ever losing its sense of wonder.
I also adored the romance. It was emotional, beautifully developed, and perfectly balanced with the darker elements of the story. I became so invested in the characters, especially Camellia. And Hawthorne? He completely stole the show for me. He was such a fascinating, unforgettable character, and I couldn't get enough of him.
One of the biggest strengths of this book was how it handled its mysteries. The story is layered with secrets, and every reveal felt earned. Nothing was there simply for shock value. As each twist unfolded, everything clicked into place in such a satisfying way that it made me appreciate the story even more.
This is one of those books that completely immerses you. Between the gorgeous writing, unforgettable characters, haunting atmosphere, compelling romance, and beautifully executed twists, I never wanted it to end.
If you love gothic fiction with a fresh twist, atmospheric settings, unforgettable characters, and stories that are equal parts beautiful and unsettling, I can't recommend this one enough.
Thank you Cora Raven for the eARC copy of this fantastic book.
I was hooked from the very first chapter and honestly loved every second of it. The blend of gothic romance, botanical horror, and eerie mystery was so unique, and it all came together beautifully.
The writing is absolutely stunning. Every description felt so rich and vivid that I could picture every room, every garden, and every unsettling discovery. The atmosphere was one of my favorite parts of the book—it was haunting, lush, and beautifully creepy without ever losing its sense of wonder.
I also adored the romance. It was emotional, beautifully developed, and perfectly balanced with the darker elements of the story. I became so invested in the characters, especially Camellia. And Hawthorne? He completely stole the show for me. He was such a fascinating, unforgettable character, and I couldn't get enough of him.
One of the biggest strengths of this book was how it handled its mysteries. The story is layered with secrets, and every reveal felt earned. Nothing was there simply for shock value. As each twist unfolded, everything clicked into place in such a satisfying way that it made me appreciate the story even more.
This is one of those books that completely immerses you. Between the gorgeous writing, unforgettable characters, haunting atmosphere, compelling romance, and beautifully executed twists, I never wanted it to end.
If you love gothic fiction with a fresh twist, atmospheric settings, unforgettable characters, and stories that are equal parts beautiful and unsettling, I can't recommend this one enough.
Thank you Cora Raven for the eARC copy of this fantastic book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 ⭐️
Monstrous is a gothic romance inspired by Frankenstein and The Girl With The Green Ribbon. We follow Camellia, a woman who doesn't remember her past, a she discovers a job opening for Dr Ambrose, a brilliant yet controversial scientist who plans to restore memory loss through the grading of poisonous plants.
This was such an intriguing story! I love the concept of a main character experiencing dark intrusive thoughts, and we get that throughout the whole book. The romance in this is amazing, it is the kind of love I crave for myself. The storytelling and the way everything is written is beautiful, it almost reads poetically. You do get a bit of academia and botanical studies in there, which I am a big fan of. The plot twist blew my mind, I loved it.
I recommend this to anyone who wants a dark, gothic tale, loves a good romance, and those who like the wider side of fiction, like me.
Monstrous is a gothic romance inspired by Frankenstein and The Girl With The Green Ribbon. We follow Camellia, a woman who doesn't remember her past, a she discovers a job opening for Dr Ambrose, a brilliant yet controversial scientist who plans to restore memory loss through the grading of poisonous plants.
This was such an intriguing story! I love the concept of a main character experiencing dark intrusive thoughts, and we get that throughout the whole book. The romance in this is amazing, it is the kind of love I crave for myself. The storytelling and the way everything is written is beautiful, it almost reads poetically. You do get a bit of academia and botanical studies in there, which I am a big fan of. The plot twist blew my mind, I loved it.
I recommend this to anyone who wants a dark, gothic tale, loves a good romance, and those who like the wider side of fiction, like me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I read this in one day, one sitting. This was absolutely perfect. I love me a little gothic tale where you are questioning your own morals and sanity. Cora does these types of stories so well.
There was mystery, romance, and longing, along with scientists who are just so dedicated to their craft and research. I also thought the pacing was great. When you are reading a standalone, it's expected that things will move pretty quickly, but I thought this moved along just enough while still having enough detail to make us feel that eeriness.
I loved every second of it, kind of sad there wasn't more. Cora is an auto-read author for me.
There was mystery, romance, and longing, along with scientists who are just so dedicated to their craft and research. I also thought the pacing was great. When you are reading a standalone, it's expected that things will move pretty quickly, but I thought this moved along just enough while still having enough detail to make us feel that eeriness.
I loved every second of it, kind of sad there wasn't more. Cora is an auto-read author for me.
June 22, 2026
So lucky and thankful to have received another ARC from the author.
This was another horrifically beautiful story from Cora. Frankenstein meets Girl with the Green Ribbon with a grotesque yet gorgeous botanical twist. The perfect gothic romance,but more than just that, I loved everything about this book. I was hooked from the beginning and can never seem to figure out the final twists in Cora’s books. Every book Cora writes carves a special place into my heart and I’m forever grateful to have found this author.
This was another horrifically beautiful story from Cora. Frankenstein meets Girl with the Green Ribbon with a grotesque yet gorgeous botanical twist. The perfect gothic romance,but more than just that, I loved everything about this book. I was hooked from the beginning and can never seem to figure out the final twists in Cora’s books. Every book Cora writes carves a special place into my heart and I’m forever grateful to have found this author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had high expectations going into this read, as I've loved all of Raven's previous books. This being a gothic romance with botanical horror had me interested and it definitely exceeded my expectations!
I loved the eerie atmosphere, the terrifying ghost and Camellia's intrusive thoughts. The constant questioning of what had happened, to the wife, Camellia and Hawthorne: the strange housekeeper. And what secrets were looming in the house, kept hidden by the housemaid and Nicholas, the doctor who she's working as a research assistant to. I love all the scientific experiments and the discussions surrounding the plants and research. It made me feel really immersed in the story and wasn't too complicated to follow, but not too simple either. The theories felt plausible and interesting.
There's such a poetic writing in this book. I have so many quotes pinned and highlighted! I really love the descriptive language and how everything reads in a way that feels authentic, true to the time period and setting of the book.
I loved the eerie atmosphere, the terrifying ghost and Camellia's intrusive thoughts. The constant questioning of what had happened, to the wife, Camellia and Hawthorne: the strange housekeeper. And what secrets were looming in the house, kept hidden by the housemaid and Nicholas, the doctor who she's working as a research assistant to. I love all the scientific experiments and the discussions surrounding the plants and research. It made me feel really immersed in the story and wasn't too complicated to follow, but not too simple either. The theories felt plausible and interesting.
There's such a poetic writing in this book. I have so many quotes pinned and highlighted! I really love the descriptive language and how everything reads in a way that feels authentic, true to the time period and setting of the book.
July 28, 2026
This book had me hooked from the very beginning. The prose is beautiful and vibrant, the characters are well crafted and the mystery kept me turning the page. While I have a tendency to guess the twist typically within the first few chapters of a book I feel the value is in the journey the author leads you on to get there and Cora Raven takes you down and deliciously winding and lush path that will make your skin crawl in the best way. I loved the gothic setting and the fresh take on classic tales of horror. I will definitely be reading more of her work.
August 5, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
This book was beautiful from beginning to end. That plot twist about what was really happening to Camellia completely changed everything for me. Suddenly, so many little details made sense—the clues had been there all along, but I never questioned them. (That voice... it manipulated me too. 😂)
And Nicholas... the impossible things he was willing to do for love absolutely broke my heart. His devotion, the sacrifices he made, and the emotional depth of his character made this story unforgettable.
This book was beautiful from beginning to end. That plot twist about what was really happening to Camellia completely changed everything for me. Suddenly, so many little details made sense—the clues had been there all along, but I never questioned them. (That voice... it manipulated me too. 😂)
And Nicholas... the impossible things he was willing to do for love absolutely broke my heart. His devotion, the sacrifices he made, and the emotional depth of his character made this story unforgettable.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Phenomenal haunting and poetically daunting this gothic horror will linger deep in the fabric of your bone marrow twisting like vibes deep into your core. Beautifully written Frankenstein retelling with a divine twist everyone needs immediately in their life. I was hooked from the first page till the very last. Highly recommend. This authors writing is stunning. It's a love story... but the horrors.... perfection.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🌱 the story was haunting, painful, scary, and tragically beautiful. This is Poe meets Flanagan with Shelly as their guide. I cannot say enough about this story. I read it as fast as my hands would allow and I'm so so thankful to have been given a chance to ARC for this story.
Understand you'll need tissues, but you'll also never know a love greater than the one that defies death 🥀
Incredible read
Understand you'll need tissues, but you'll also never know a love greater than the one that defies death 🥀
Incredible read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I wanted to thank the author, Cora Raven, for the ARC. I absolutely loved this book. Set in the 1800s, the atmospheric tone was set immediately once I opened the book. This botany horror romance with Frankenstein and The Girl with the Green Ribbon elements were executed really well. This definitely had me on the edge of my seat because I had in mind 2 different ways the end would go. I look forward to reading more works from this author. I would highly recommend.
July 28, 2026
This was so good!! Captivating from beginning to end. Very gothic, poetic prose, and creepy unsettling atmosphere.
I did have some sense of what was unfolding but it did not take away from the story one bit! And I could not have anticipated the ending!! Holy crap
It was fantastic! Frankenstein/ Girl with the Green ribbon/ Jekyl x Hyde, garden rot, mysterious circumstances , brilliant scientists, monsters, unlikely heros.
I did have some sense of what was unfolding but it did not take away from the story one bit! And I could not have anticipated the ending!! Holy crap
It was fantastic! Frankenstein/ Girl with the Green ribbon/ Jekyl x Hyde, garden rot, mysterious circumstances , brilliant scientists, monsters, unlikely heros.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another triumph from Cora Raven! I thoroughly enjoyed all the botanical horror and questionable ethics. The found family in this is just so cosy and the twist is once again mind blowing.
By far my favourite of theirs!
For all you Frankenstein lovers out there this is not one to miss.
**received an ARC from the author
By far my favourite of theirs!
For all you Frankenstein lovers out there this is not one to miss.
**received an ARC from the author
June 19, 2026
I received this as an arc, I knew when I saw the blurb I had to read it, in this Frankenstein meets The Girl with the Green ribbon botanical horror story I was captivated and entranced by the story, the characters were so easy to love and relate to. There were times I cried, this book was everything I imagined and more, it was gorgeously done and I would recommend 10/10 🤌🏻
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2026
I’m really disappointed in this book. It was so predictable I knew about 30 pages in what was going to happen. Of course there were some parts that were a little surprising but overall I could tell what was going to happen…
July 28, 2026
It was a good quick read. I just feel it was way to predictable i guessed the end with in first few chapters, that ruined me getting a shock moment at end. It was interesting plot.
July 29, 2026
Oh my GOD. This was perfect, I will always eat up anything that’s referencing Frankenstein. Cora has done it again, love love love!
August 5, 2026
3.5-4⭐️
August 19, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ we love gothic botanical horror
August 29, 2026
Cora can write yearning and angst that will have you clutching pearls you aren't even wearing!! I loved this one, just like I have every other Cora Raven book. Her writing is beautiful and whimsical, and I love it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
September 11, 2026
3.75 ⭐
September 23, 2026
There were so many plot twists and I could never tell what happened next. Also I love Hawthorne! Cora Raven is seeming like the most talented gothic romance author out there rn
July 13, 2026
this was a gorgeous botanical horrormance, i loved everything about it. it was dark, haunting, and so romantic! which is all of my favorite things.
the mystery was intriguing and engaging, i couldn’t put it down, and i love an unreliable narrator 👀 this was so spooky and thrilling.
anything frankenstein adjacent i live for and i also had such a deep obsession with The Girl with the Green Ribbon when i was young, so i was extremely excited for this release.
it was so mysterious and delicious, with some of my favorite micro tropes (tomb desecrating and reanimating the dead) lol
the characters were fantastic and i had a special love for Hawthorne, he was heavy of the Lurch vibes which was so freaking awesome.
the slow burn romance between Dr. Ambrose and Camellia was satisfying and super yummy. i really loved Agnes too, i want this little family to adopt me immediately!
it had a gorgeous gothic setting and a plot worth being resurrected for. thank you so much to the author for the ARC 🖤
the mystery was intriguing and engaging, i couldn’t put it down, and i love an unreliable narrator 👀 this was so spooky and thrilling.
anything frankenstein adjacent i live for and i also had such a deep obsession with The Girl with the Green Ribbon when i was young, so i was extremely excited for this release.
it was so mysterious and delicious, with some of my favorite micro tropes (tomb desecrating and reanimating the dead) lol
the characters were fantastic and i had a special love for Hawthorne, he was heavy of the Lurch vibes which was so freaking awesome.
the slow burn romance between Dr. Ambrose and Camellia was satisfying and super yummy. i really loved Agnes too, i want this little family to adopt me immediately!
it had a gorgeous gothic setting and a plot worth being resurrected for. thank you so much to the author for the ARC 🖤
July 23, 2026
"How could you allow them to create something so--"
"Monstrous?"
Thank you so so much Cora for this ARC!
The Girl with the Green Ribbon meets Frankenstein in a gothic, horror, botanical mystery, romance book. Cora does such an incredible job of creating a gothic setting that just immerses you into the story. Her writing is beautiful. Aspects of the story remind me so much of Hazelthorn, The Shepherd King duology, and even The Addams Family. Cora took some of my favorite elements and created her own story that's so twisted and so atmospheric.
"Monstrous?"
Thank you so so much Cora for this ARC!
The Girl with the Green Ribbon meets Frankenstein in a gothic, horror, botanical mystery, romance book. Cora does such an incredible job of creating a gothic setting that just immerses you into the story. Her writing is beautiful. Aspects of the story remind me so much of Hazelthorn, The Shepherd King duology, and even The Addams Family. Cora took some of my favorite elements and created her own story that's so twisted and so atmospheric.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews