Three estranged high school friends are pulled into a surreal, botanical-themed video game created by their missing friend, forcing them to confront buried secrets, personal traumas, and the truth behind her disappearance. Blending elements of mystery, fantasy, and contemporary issues, the story explores grief, identity, and the complexities of friendship within a Chinese American community.

Reader Review Summary

Set in the affluent Chinese American suburb of Calendula, California, the story follows three estranged high schoolers—Liberty, Vera, and O—who are drawn back together after the disappearance of their friend Elle, the fourth member of their self-proclaimed L.O.V.E. Club. Three years after Elle's disappearance, Liberty and Vera return for their senior year, and the trio is pulled into a video game called Morning Glory, created by Elle herself. The game is a botanical fantasy world coded with their shared history, personal traumas, and repressed insecurities, and each level is inspired by one of the girls. O, who cannot remember the events surrounding Elle’s disappearance, receives cryptic hints from Elle within the game, while Liberty and Vera focus on defeating sinister bosses. As they progress, the girls confront secrets, grief, and the complexities of their friendships, all while navigating the game's challenges and the emotional weight of their past.

Readers praised the book for its exploration of complex friendships, grief, and identity, particularly within the context of Chinese American and LGBTQ+ experiences. Many highlighted the emotional depth and realism of the characters’ relationships, noting how the narrative delves into themes such as racism, sexism, transphobia, generational trauma, and self-discovery. The prose was frequently described as lyrical, poetic, and atmospheric, with several reviewers noting the vivid descriptions of the game world and the effective use of floral and botanical imagery. The structure of the book, with each section as a game level and each girl facing her own 'boss,' was appreciated for how it mirrored the characters’ internal journeys. The representation of outcasts and the depiction of a tight-knit friend group resonated with many readers, as did the book’s handling of difficult topics and emotional revelations.

Some readers found the plot difficult to follow, citing confusing or inconsistent game mechanics and a lack of clear rules within the video game world. The use of flowery language, especially in O’s passages, was described as overly complex or distracting by several reviewers, with some feeling that it hindered their understanding of the story. Pacing was another common criticism, with some finding the narrative abrupt, chaotic, or cluttered with too many ideas, which led to a loss of focus and cohesion. A number of readers felt that the ending was unsatisfying or anticlimactic, and some were confused by the inclusion of new characters in the epilogue. Additionally, the heavy use of floral references and metaphorical layering left some readers feeling lost or disconnected, especially those less familiar with botanical terminology or who struggled to relate to the characters’ cultural backgrounds.

The book blends genres, incorporating elements of young adult fiction, science fiction, contemporary, mystery, fantasy, and video games. It is told primarily from O’s perspective, with memory loss serving as a narrative device to maintain suspense and gradually reveal the truth about Elle’s disappearance. The setting of Calendula and its Chinese American community is depicted in detail, with cultural expectations and family dynamics playing a significant role in the characters’ lives. The story addresses the impact of trauma, both personal and generational, and examines how secrets and self-censorship affect relationships. The book has received a range of responses, with an average reader rating of 3.86 out of 5 based on 69 ratings and 34 full reviews, and is scheduled for publication on August 5, 2025.