Sometimes you come across a book that completely entraps you. I mean, it has the potential to become your WHOLE personality. They’re the books that pull you out of reading rutoe as. They’re the ones you keep talking about, even when you know everyone around you is tired of hearing it. This is that book.
By: Heather Schneider
Genre: YA Cozy Mystery
No-spice
Synopsis (from Goodreads)
Welcome to Evergreen Academy, the secret college for Magical Botanists.
I’d always sensed something peculiar about the reclusive Evergreen Academy, tucked deep in the woods of my hometown. But I never could have imagined it was a college for magical botanists–and that I am one of them.
An invitation to the academy opens up a whole new world of wonder, yet my plant affinity powers remain elusive, and my scientific training is far behind that of my peers.
When I’m assigned a tutor, Callan Rhodes, a powerful descendant of the academy’s founders, I’m baffled by his willingness to help me.
Despite my challenges, I’m enchanted by the academy’s glass schoolhouse, its grounds which are overflowing with plants that defy the climate, and the quirky festivals held each equinox and solstice.
But disaster looms as the verdant shield that protects the academy from the prying eyes of nonmagical people begins to falter. Can Callan and the other founder’s descendants sustain the magic on their own, or will the clock finally start to tick on figuring out my powers?
Elements you’ll find in this story:
Magical academy
Plant magic
Small town setting
Cozy fantasy
Light academia
Science-based magic system
Slow burn romance
No spice
First person POV
An enchanting world
My Review
Love, love, loved this! I want to devour every book Schneider writes in this series! I’m obsessed with the setting. I want to BE there! I mean… that library! The treehouses! Yes, please!
The magic system was subtle, yet beautiful. The students are using magic to enhance the world around them, not manipulate it. I love that it wasn’t too dark. The mystery and conflict wasn’t too heavy.
This was a perfectly appropriate YA. The romance stayed flirty. I look forward to seeing where it goes in the next book. There were two scenes that involved parties and alcohol, but it was merely acknowledged rather than celebrated. The main character was annoyed by it, and did not participate. As a teacher, I love this. I feel more comfortable with that in my classroom.
I It reminded me of the house rsorting at Hogwarts. Students are sorted into their plant affinities, and that’s where their studies focus. Personally, I would love a floral affinity!
I will definitely be reading more in the series! I’ve been in a bit of a reading rut, and this was exactly what I wanted. I commented to a friend that it was about to become my whole personality. I love when a book grabs me like that, and this was certainly a delightful reading experience!
Content Warnings
*2 mentions of alcohol at parties