The Mad Scientist's Daughter by Cassandra Rose Clarke

The Mad Scientist's Daughter is about a girl who falls in love with her father's assistant, who is also her tutor. Who is also a robot. Set in the future, in a world where AI is becoming prevalent and android rights are a political hot button, Cat develops a friendship with Finn, an android who is more human-like than most. However, the differences between them (aka, the fact that Finn is not human, or technically alive) drive them apart, leaving Cat to figure out what she wants in life.

This book was gorgeously written and heartbreakingly beautiful. As beautiful as that cover. If you're like me, when you hear the words "robot" your thoughts go to a funky, mechanical creature with a monotone voice. However, there was nothing cheesy or hokey about The Mad Scientist's Daughter. The love story is not only plausible but touching.

The characters are fallible and broken, making selfish decisions out of hurt and fear; however, the humanness of them all (yes, even Finn) keeps them from being unlikable. There is also extensive development that takes place -- they learn, make mistakes, and grow, leading to a satisfying ending.

Clarke's writing glows in The Mad Scientist's Daughter. Her imagery is gorgeous and vivid. Her dialogues are evocative. I was feeling and crying with these characters as they tried to patch together their lives and find the truth about one another.

The Mad Scientist's Daughter is a perfect crossover book. The writing and themes make it worthy of being called literary fiction, the robot/futuristic element ties it to science fiction, and the love story clearly links it to romance. This unique book was gorgeous and a worthwhile read.

4 stars

Warnings: A few scenes of sensuality, language, a scene of abuse