**QWERTY**

The Mad Scientist’s Daughter by Cassandra Rose Clarke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Mad Scientist’s Daughter is the heartbreaking story of the journey from childhood to adulthood, with an intriguing science fictional twist.
There’s never been anyone - or anything - quite like Finn.
He looks, and acts human, though he has no desire to be. He was programmed to assist his owners, and performs his duties to perfection. A billion-dollar construct, his primary task is to tutor Cat.
When the government grants rights to the ever-increasing robot population, however, Finn struggles to find his place in the world.

Hew. Hew. I'm kind of nervous to rate and review this book because I think the whole world knows about my undying love for Naji The Assassin's Curse.

Before I start with my review, I need to clarify something - I haven't read anything but YA and High Fantasy for years, so this type of book isn't something I usually pick up. But I don't want to be one of those reviewers who likes to read book which I know, I wouldn't be able to enjoy it. Alright, I did that once. With Fade. But not anymore. See? I haven't rated any books 1-star for months! I feel like a saint now. Heee.

Anyway, my point is, I know I need to read this because it's by Cassandra freaking Rose freaking Clarke. And what a better way to start branching out other than reading something from your favourite author?

See that blurb? It's completely misleading. I don't get why a blurb could sound so dry and blegh while its purpose is to attract readers. The cover - when I did the cover reveal, I didn't understand the purpose of that enormous moon but now I know it's totally relevant.

This book was set in a huge time frame. It follows Cat when she was just 5 years old until she reaches about 30+ years old, I think. In just 400 pages, that's a hell lot of compaction. But Clarke managed it flawlessly and I think that's the major quality which I adore the most in her writing. She knows what kind of details to be emphasized and what to leave out and never once, the pacing stalls. TMSC is not a page turner, yet I always feel compelled to pick it up right back from where I left it off.

For me, the highest point being when it was narrated from the kid and teen Cat POV. Probably due to my familiarity with YA books. Halfway through, I felt really annoyed with Cat. She was selfish, cold and manipulative but she didn't realize that. Only until almost the end, I realized that Cat wasn't written in hope that she would be a likable character, she was written in hope that she would be a normal character. And I think that is a important distinction.

Finn, the android - of course I'm a fan. I couldn't say much about him because I don't want to spoil the book for you but I think Clarke did it again - creating a unique character.

In my opinion, this book is heavy on the romance side. The science fiction element is there but very subtle but not as much until it becomes superficial. Instead, it gives the story this otherworldly quality. I wouldn't be surprise if someone would actually cry while reading this book because it surely has the potential to become the next tear-jerking read you're looking for. As for me, I didn't cry because I'm heartless got distracted...

...with the sexy-times.

Before you think I'm a little pervert, I'd like to explain that I have a hard time adjusting. Sex in emotional reads is a new concept for me (yeah, yeah - surprise, surprise). Like, fries dipped with ice cream, it's foreign. Nothing too graphic, really - scratch that, the make outs aren't meant to be hot or steamy, but they still implied, well, sex.

SO, YEAH. THIS IS NOT YA, PEEPS!

But nevertheless, I still think this a wonderful read. I'm glad I tried it. It's powerful and emotive. I kept having this sound of tiny violin in the background throughout my sittings (not in a comedic way, but in a sad way).

Me gusta!

**An ARC was provided by Angry Robot in exchange for an honest review.

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