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4.31 AVERAGE
4.31 AVERAGE
From what I've seen, this book means a lot to some people. I can see the appeal in some ways, so I don't want to spend time listing every single problem I have with this book. There are some things I appreciated, such as the themes. Love that involves controlling others isn't real love. People deserve the chance to bloom away from the expectations placed on them. I agree with both messages and think they are handled well. That and some cute moments are what made it possible to get through this.
I still want to touch on some of the things I didn't enjoy. First, the characters. Terlu is a fine character, though her character arc is on repeat for most of the story and it's odd that she has the least personal investment of the 2 (3?) main characters. I feel sympathy for Yarrow but I don't like him. He's rude and all of his mean behavior is given a pass by the narrative. He doesn't apologize to Terlu until the last few pages, way too late in my opinion. I get his distance with his family, but his sister never did anything to him and he's an ass to her. Again, I get it, but his trauma isn't an excuse for this. As for every side character, they are all one-note and annoying. I know I just got on Yarrrow for being an ass, but his family is worse for the most part.
As for the plot, most of it is okay but a few parts really don't work. Most notably, it is so upsetting that the biggest tension of the book, the laws against sorcery, mean nothing to the reader. All Terlu can think about is these laws when we know the empire has fallen and the laws are gone. It feels so contrived. There were so many things that could have been done with a character like Terlu and instead we just redid the same tension from the last book. But worse. Like, this person was frozen in time for years. Besides the trauma of her being a statue, nothing is done with that concept.
I still want to touch on some of the things I didn't enjoy. First, the characters. Terlu is a fine character, though her character arc is on repeat for most of the story and it's odd that she has the least personal investment of the 2 (3?) main characters. I feel sympathy for Yarrow but I don't like him. He's rude and all of his mean behavior is given a pass by the narrative. He doesn't apologize to Terlu until the last few pages, way too late in my opinion. I get his distance with his family, but his sister never did anything to him and he's an ass to her. Again, I get it, but his trauma isn't an excuse for this. As for every side character, they are all one-note and annoying. I know I just got on Yarrrow for being an ass, but his family is worse for the most part.
As for the plot, most of it is okay but a few parts really don't work. Most notably, it is so upsetting that the biggest tension of the book, the laws against sorcery, mean nothing to the reader. All Terlu can think about is these laws when we know the empire has fallen and the laws are gone. It feels so contrived. There were so many things that could have been done with a character like Terlu and instead we just redid the same tension from the last book. But worse. Like, this person was frozen in time for years. Besides the trauma of her being a statue, nothing is done with that concept.
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was like a big warm hug. I loved that this felt cozy while having a problem they had to solve with urgency at the same time. I also absolutely LOVED terlu and yarrow
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
"The Enchanted Greenhouse" is an absolute delight, a truly magical and deeply touching narrative that captivates from the very first page. While it gracefully serves as a charming side story within the beloved "Spellshop" universe, its brilliance lies in its complete independence. New readers will find themselves effortlessly immersed in its unique world and characters, requiring no prior knowledge. However, for those who cherished the original "Spellshop" book, the subtle yet heartwarming references and casual reappearances of the original cast are a delightful bonus, adding layers of familiarity and nostalgia without ever alienating newcomers. It's a testament to the author's skill in world-building and character integration.
The narrative unfurls as an incredible, transformative journey, primarily through the eyes of Terlu. Witnessing her evolution from the moment of her release from her "prison" is nothing short of breathtaking. Her subsequent experiences, particularly her profound connection and adventures with Yarrow, form the vibrant core of the story. The author masterfully crafts a compelling arc filled with unique challenges, unexpected discoveries, and heartwarming bonds. This isn't just an adventure; it's an emotional odyssey that consistently tugs at your heartstrings, evoking feelings of hope, wonder, and deep empathy. Yet, remarkably, it achieves this profound emotional resonance without ever veering into overly melancholic or tear-inducing territory, leaving the reader with a pervasive sense of warmth and genuine delight rather than sorrow.
Throughout my reading, I found myself pausing frequently to appreciate the sheer wisdom woven into the prose. The book is rich with memorable lines, but one particular quote resonated deeply and has quickly become my absolute favorite: "I suppose I choose to think it will all be okay because then at least, even if I can't control what happens, I can control how I feel about it."
Having been utterly charmed and moved by this installment, my greatest hope is for the author to grace us with a third story in this enchanting series!
The narrative unfurls as an incredible, transformative journey, primarily through the eyes of Terlu. Witnessing her evolution from the moment of her release from her "prison" is nothing short of breathtaking. Her subsequent experiences, particularly her profound connection and adventures with Yarrow, form the vibrant core of the story. The author masterfully crafts a compelling arc filled with unique challenges, unexpected discoveries, and heartwarming bonds. This isn't just an adventure; it's an emotional odyssey that consistently tugs at your heartstrings, evoking feelings of hope, wonder, and deep empathy. Yet, remarkably, it achieves this profound emotional resonance without ever veering into overly melancholic or tear-inducing territory, leaving the reader with a pervasive sense of warmth and genuine delight rather than sorrow.
Throughout my reading, I found myself pausing frequently to appreciate the sheer wisdom woven into the prose. The book is rich with memorable lines, but one particular quote resonated deeply and has quickly become my absolute favorite: "I suppose I choose to think it will all be okay because then at least, even if I can't control what happens, I can control how I feel about it."
Having been utterly charmed and moved by this installment, my greatest hope is for the author to grace us with a third story in this enchanting series!
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Sequels rarely live up to the hype for me. I was so glad to be proven wrong. I think I loved it more than the first book. I was tearing up on Chapter 1 - I knew I was going to be in for a treat. It hit all the marks for me. It was a sweet, cozy romantasy that made me laugh out loud at times. I love all the characters - both the humans and the non-humans. I want more of this universe!
Terlu and Yarrow were made for each other. The author did such a great job showing their extrovert/introvert relationship and how they balanced each other out. They respected each other's differences and never forced the other to change. They were able to teach and learn from one another. 10/10. It was such a sweet slow burn romance.
I also think the book did a wonderful job handling different types of forgiveness and how people interpret events differently. A part of my favorite passage from the book summed it perfectly "You could only have a relationship of any kind...if both people were willing to reach toward each other."
Terlu and Yarrow were made for each other. The author did such a great job showing their extrovert/introvert relationship and how they balanced each other out. They respected each other's differences and never forced the other to change. They were able to teach and learn from one another. 10/10. It was such a sweet slow burn romance.
I also think the book did a wonderful job handling different types of forgiveness and how people interpret events differently. A part of my favorite passage from the book summed it perfectly "You could only have a relationship of any kind...if both people were willing to reach toward each other."
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes