adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted


Ireen Chau is easily one of my favorite authors. She has a special place in my heart because she started my love for cozy fantasy. This was the first cozy fantasy I’ve ever read, and I couldn’t have been happier.

The illustrations were such a big deal in the book. It set the tone and helped me visualize everything. And Ireen’s art style is so cozy and comforting. How could you not love it?

I would say the targeted audience is young teens/young adults, although I believe adults will also like this if they’re looking for a nostalgic, cozy fantasy. Ireen Chau promotes her books as “bringing back nostalgic Barbie vibes’ and it definitely feels that way.

The romance is very subtle. The story focuses more on Amarante discovering who she is and how she fits in society while also being a witch. She has to hide it since witches and humans do not mix well. Now, I honestly didn’t think I would enjoy this book as much as I did because I love romance. And I love when the romance part is a major plot line. But The Herbwitch’s Apprentice is now one of my favorite books!


adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Loveable characters: Yes
adventurous emotional funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious relaxing fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

very fun light read. fun worldbuilding and cute romance. 
lighthearted mysterious relaxing medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

I bought the book because I thought the hardcover edition was beautiful, and I’m not wrong. However, I did find the characters a little 2D, particularly Ash. There wasn’t much character development, or even much going on for the characters. Everything was definitely based on the plot, which I will say was very good. It was engaging the entire time. However, I would’ve liked to seen more scenes between her and Ash. Chemistry in their personal story just wasn’t there for me… But maybe I’ll just have to read book 2. I would definitely recommend getting the illustrated version, it’s beautiful.

This was such a wholesome story!!
Cosy, witchy, regency era, fantasy romcom with a hint of The Bachelor.
I laughed out loud several times (not giggled, actually laughed). The art is beautiful.
Was it perfect? Of course not, but did it need to be? Not at all!
I recommend this for everyone from age 12 till death!!

i really enjoyed this. very bridgerton but also fairy vibes. could tell the writing style wasn’t super developed in some places, but still enjoyed it a lot
3.5

If you are looking for a cozy fantasy witchy read with illustrations to warm your heart to the core, this is it.

First off, the cover of this book is everything. I adore it. It sits on my desk and every day I get a little dopey smile looking at it.

Next, the book itself is super cute. It's a little predictable, but I would've adored this one in middle school. There's lots of magic, a cute romantic subplot, and treason afoot.

Amarante is our main character, and she's very spirited. She's not afraid to get into a little trouble, but she also learns when subtlety might suit her better. In that sense, she makes a great role model for younger readers.