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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
Absolutely charming read!! Love the illustrations and the characters, my only marks off are because it got into some very dark themes but written in a light hearted way? Threw me for a loop but overall I really enjoyed this story.
“Blazing fires, I'm already halfway there."
I did not finish this, as it was not for me. It reminded me of Ella enchanted, pride and prejudice, and Snow White all combined. But, combining all of these elements didn't make it good. The main character was unlikable to me. Spoiled, didn't learn any lessons, and was really ill-tempered? I absolutely love unruly characters who follow their hearts and fight for what they want, but she seemed to not have any direction or purpose, and just wanted to be contrary for the sake of it. Perhaps if I was younger, I would have enjoyed this more.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I don’t have a whole lot of notes for this book review, so let’s keep it short and sweet! I thought The Herbwitch’s Apprentice looked adorable, nabbed the duology in a Kindle sale and am chagrined to report that my ebook copy doesn’t come with the author’s own original illustrations, which are lovely.
I’ve seen this described as an ode to the classic Barbie movies, which I can’t comment on because I never watched those as a kid (I know, I know, I was so deprived and sad!). I definitely would have loved it when I was little as it’s a nice blend of comforting, sweet, and funny, with familiar fairy tale tropes, fancy events, and heartwarming relationships. The Jane Austen/regency elements are fairly minor, and I would probably say that they fade more and more to the background as the story progresses. The other comp that stands out most clearly to me is Ella Enchanted: a plucky if unmannered heroine, a sweet prince, secret magic guardians in the place of a deceased mother, a forced servitude plot with a cruel mother/daughter pair, and lots of whimsical quirky details. Ella Enchanted will always reign supreme in my heart, but I recognize what’s happening here and I appreciate it.
Amarante is quite a bit more headstrong and impulsive than she is plucky and spirited, although this does improve over the course of the book. Some plot elements and characterization beats don’t make the most sense when scrutinized, but I think they could have gotten there with just a bit more time cooking. Overall, I wish there had been just slightly *more* of everything, especially the detailed magical descriptions and relationship nuances that really make the classics of this particular middle grade/young YA fairy tale sub-genre shine. Nevertheless, I smiled all the way through, look forward to the sequel, and really, really want some raspberry tarts and puff pastries now.
I’ve seen this described as an ode to the classic Barbie movies, which I can’t comment on because I never watched those as a kid (I know, I know, I was so deprived and sad!). I definitely would have loved it when I was little as it’s a nice blend of comforting, sweet, and funny, with familiar fairy tale tropes, fancy events, and heartwarming relationships. The Jane Austen/regency elements are fairly minor, and I would probably say that they fade more and more to the background as the story progresses. The other comp that stands out most clearly to me is Ella Enchanted: a plucky if unmannered heroine, a sweet prince, secret magic guardians in the place of a deceased mother, a forced servitude plot with a cruel mother/daughter pair, and lots of whimsical quirky details. Ella Enchanted will always reign supreme in my heart, but I recognize what’s happening here and I appreciate it.
Amarante is quite a bit more headstrong and impulsive than she is plucky and spirited, although this does improve over the course of the book. Some plot elements and characterization beats don’t make the most sense when scrutinized, but I think they could have gotten there with just a bit more time cooking. Overall, I wish there had been just slightly *more* of everything, especially the detailed magical descriptions and relationship nuances that really make the classics of this particular middle grade/young YA fairy tale sub-genre shine. Nevertheless, I smiled all the way through, look forward to the sequel, and really, really want some raspberry tarts and puff pastries now.
A fairytale-like story.
The characters were nice. Amarante and Ash were great main characters. The side characters did feel a little less developed, in that we really only got to know one side of their personality. But the personality that we did get to see was nice.
The plot felt a little bit like a fairy tale. It wasn't overly complicated or surprising, but it was charming to read. There were a couple of parts when things felt a little too easy or convenient for the characters, but I didn't let myself think too hard about it, and it didn't ruin anything. And maybe it's because I don't quite know how exactly debutant seasons work, but how was Amarante able to sneak away all of the time without anyone really noticing? Also, her emotional beats when she discovered her witch heritage felt a little off. She seemed to accept it a little too easily. But like I said, none of it ruined the book. :)
The illustrations sprinkled throughout the book were delightful and added an extra layer of charm to the book. It's such a fun addition.
Now, let's talk about the magic in The Herbwitch's Apprentice.
Typically, I don't pick up books if they have anything to do with witches, as the magic systems in witch books typically make me uncomfortable. However, after reading reviews by several people who have similar reading/magic preferences to me, I decided to pick up The Herbwitch's Apprentice.
Chau's witches aren't your typical witches. "Witch" is simply the story world term for someone who has magic; she could have used a different word if she wanted. Chau's witches have magic as a part of them, like an extra talent, which is the type of magic I prefer to read--where it's inherent to the world. There is some potion brewing, but it honestly seemed to just be magical cooking. I don't recall there being any sort of verbal spells.
Overall, the witch aspect of the book didn't make me feel uncomfortable. The magic was never dark, and when poison potion-making is mentioned, it's condemned.
The Herbwitch's Apprentice is a nice debut from Ireen Chau. While there are some weaker areas, the story as a whole points to Chau's strengths as a writer, which I'm sure will only grow. If you're looking for a light-hearted read, consider The Herbwitch's Apprentice.
Cautions: two instances of swearing; a swear word is used twice for its actual meaning; light romance; two kisses; mentions of rumors that a character is illegitimate; brief reference to a character having an affair
The characters were nice. Amarante and Ash were great main characters. The side characters did feel a little less developed, in that we really only got to know one side of their personality. But the personality that we did get to see was nice.
The plot felt a little bit like a fairy tale. It wasn't overly complicated or surprising, but it was charming to read. There were a couple of parts when things felt a little too easy or convenient for the characters, but I didn't let myself think too hard about it, and it didn't ruin anything. And maybe it's because I don't quite know how exactly debutant seasons work, but how was Amarante able to sneak away all of the time without anyone really noticing? Also, her emotional beats when she discovered her witch heritage felt a little off. She seemed to accept it a little too easily. But like I said, none of it ruined the book. :)
The illustrations sprinkled throughout the book were delightful and added an extra layer of charm to the book. It's such a fun addition.
Now, let's talk about the magic in The Herbwitch's Apprentice.
Typically, I don't pick up books if they have anything to do with witches, as the magic systems in witch books typically make me uncomfortable. However, after reading reviews by several people who have similar reading/magic preferences to me, I decided to pick up The Herbwitch's Apprentice.
Chau's witches aren't your typical witches. "Witch" is simply the story world term for someone who has magic; she could have used a different word if she wanted. Chau's witches have magic as a part of them, like an extra talent, which is the type of magic I prefer to read--where it's inherent to the world. There is some potion brewing, but it honestly seemed to just be magical cooking. I don't recall there being any sort of verbal spells.
Overall, the witch aspect of the book didn't make me feel uncomfortable. The magic was never dark, and when poison potion-making is mentioned, it's condemned.
The Herbwitch's Apprentice is a nice debut from Ireen Chau. While there are some weaker areas, the story as a whole points to Chau's strengths as a writer, which I'm sure will only grow. If you're looking for a light-hearted read, consider The Herbwitch's Apprentice.
Cautions: two instances of swearing; a swear word is used twice for its actual meaning; light romance; two kisses; mentions of rumors that a character is illegitimate; brief reference to a character having an affair
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
the herbwitches apprentice
3.5✨
overview: a whimsical, romantic, and light academic novel. I think I would’ve enjoyed it even more if I wasn’t so distracted by life
3.5✨
overview: a whimsical, romantic, and light academic novel. I think I would’ve enjoyed it even more if I wasn’t so distracted by life
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-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:
Yes