The Herbwitch Princess: (Mung Bean Press Edition)

Witches of Olderea #2

by Ireen Chau

A betrothal to quell a rebellion…

Lady Narcissa Greenwood has been haunted by her past since the disaster of last summer’s Season. The society she once reveled in now sees her as the traitor’s daughter. Narcissa fears she can never prove them wrong.

But when rising anti-witch riots lead to her betrothal to Crown Prince Bennett and a grand kingdom tour, Narcissa seizes the chance to atone her mistakes. She is determined to become the dutiful crown princess—even if her stoic fiancé is less than eager to play the loving couple.

However, the crown prince isn’t as unaffected as he seems. Amidst Olderea’s flax fields, bustling marketplaces, and whispers of rebellion, Narcissa must decide whether her past should hinder her future—and whether duty, love, and redemption are separate things after all.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult, Magic, Witches, Cozy, Fantasy Romance

444 pages, Paperback

Published March 20, 2023

About the author

Ireen Chau is a long time artist, writer, and above all, a lover of stories located in the Bay Area. When not reading, writing, or drawing, Ireen can be found browsing Pinterest for inspiration or watching YouTube commentary videos.

Visit her Instagram @theherbwitchsapprentice for news about future projects!

Reviews

[ingrid ₊ · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS AIN'T FOR THE BEST MY REPUTATION'S NEVER BEEN WORSE SO YOU MUST LIKE ME FOR ME!!!!!!!!!! 😭💚

[Ireen]

I wrote this book because I wanted to bring back Barbie movie love interests and also write a cat romance subplot. This is also dedicated to my friend Jenni who is awesome. Hope you like, okay thanks bye.

[Faith Mathewson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it even more than the first book! Bennett and Narcissa are the sweetest couple! 🥰

[Erin Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You are capable of change."

I absolutely adored this book! And not only because the illustrations were mesmerizing and gorgeous every single time they graced the page, although that was certainly a delicious experience.

This was a beautiful sequal to The Herbwitch's Apprentice, following Narcissa. It was great to see her in her post-villain stage, wanting to prove that she had learned and that she wanted to be kind and honorable. It was so authentic, because she struggled to accept the fresh slate for herself, and felt unable to escape the influence of her evil mother at times. She invalidated her own progress so often and needed the helpful reminds of her friends that change is always possible. Everyone deserves a second chance.

The Herbwitch Princess is if a cozy YA fantasy and a Barbie movie (especially one with talking cats) were mixed up with some mischevious magic. I was skeptical at first, but I absolutely adore Narcissa now (and Bennet too!)

Although Pippin may be my favorite.

[Alissa J. Zavalianos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this second book in the Witches of Olderea!

At first I thought it would be a marriage of convenience story, but it was so much better!! Not like I expected anything less from Ireen.

Bennett’s character had so many layers, and I loved getting to see Narcissa post-villain-antics haha. She was incredibly lovable, and I wish I had her ability to talk to animals, namely Moo. I adored Bennett & Cissa together 🥹

And the illustrations are simply amazing! I loved every single one, though my favorite might be Ulysses losing his lunch whilst out in the water 😂 (due to my recent stomach bug, it’s something I can relate to lol).

And the CATS! 🥹 so sweet to have a kitty romance haha.

I loved this book!!!!

Content:
Only a couple minor curse words
Some drinking
Magic (both good and bad, though nothing demonic or creepy)
Super cute and adorable romance!
CATS 🐈‍⬛ 🐈

[Abigail McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a big supporter of the idea of "right book, wrong time", which is my story with this one. I've been excited for this sequel since reading book 1, and I knew (I just knew) I was going to love it once the time was right. Considering I read the entire thing in like... 5 hours, I was correct. I LOVED it.

I adore a redemption arc, and Narcissa's is no exception. If you thought Luciana from "Barbie as the Island Princess" deserved better, this is the book for you. If you loved the cat romance subplot of "Barbie Princess and the Pauper", that's here too. If you love Mr. Darcy, you're going to love Crown Prince Bennett.

I was giggling and kicking my feet and obsessed with every interaction between the leads. The actual political intrigue plot was done very well. I adore the sibling/friendship arc. It's just... it's my perfect book, I don't know how else to say it.

also, "Kiss me again, Cissa?" took me OUT I literally had to put the book down and catch my breath because AHH

Anyway yes, 5 stars, I'm obsessed. I knew I would love it and I'm so glad I was right.

[Kate Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh what a gloriously beautiful sequel! I read the Kindle edition for ease of reading, but I also got the paperback so I could experience the BEAUTIFUL (even more so than book one!) illustrations.

I wasn't sure about Narcissa being the main character at first, but she proved so dimensional, so interesting, and so heartbreakingly real. I was really rooting for her, and I was surprised by how much I related to her in small ways. Her journey was so perfect, even down to her book being green. 💚💚

Bennet was an adorable, Darcy-ish bean, and I enjoyed Prince Ash, Lady Vanessa, and Giselle as side characters. I'm excited to see Giselle, especially, in a future book. 🤞

Also, the CATSSSSS. I'm not a huge fan of cats in real life, but these were the best?! Narcissa's animal telepathy added so much to the story, and I really enjoyed these additional characters.

The continuation of the justice themes from book one was even stronger, in a good way. I loved how thoughtful Narcissa and Bennet were, and how much the story acknowledged that social change does not come easily.

I can't say much more without spoilers except that you must read this series! 💜💚

CW: hypnotism, magic, kidnapping, slight wounds, allegorical racial tensions.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25**
this was literally the cutest thing ever oh my god!!! it promises a barbie movie-style story and it genuinely delivers. i skipped the first book in the series because i don’t like to read about teenagers very much, but it didn’t deter me from understanding the story (altho i unfortunately missed out on narcissa being an evil baddie) and it was so much fun.
my only thing is that i wish there had been more groveling cause bennett is a grown ass 21 year old man like!!! he could have defied his father imo… personally i would have broken his heart after all that and forced him to apologize for months on end but that’s just me tho. narcissa i respect your Good Girl vibe

very adorable and read it in one day which doesn’t happen for me anymore since i’m usually busy

also i WILL be reading the next book because when i tell y’all that maddox is bae… they could never make me hate u even tho what you was doing wasn’t tasteful

[Micheline Ryckman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was sweet and exactly as marketed; a cozy YA fantasy romance that’s reminiscent of the Barbie fairytale films.🤍

I will only say that I wish Bennet had gotten more limelight, and a cameo of Amarante (the MC from the first book) would have been nice. But those are completely selfish and subjective wants. 😄

[Sarah Ryder]

****DNFed at 20%****

I was getting so depressed and frustrated it was unreal.

The whole plot is just sad because the main female lead is trying to overcome her villain past plus recover from mental/emotional/who-knows-what-other-kind-I-didn’t-see-at-DNFing of parental abuse, but on top of all this no one likes her nor does she help her situation with the few people who DO reach out (they’re not many, but they’re there) so there’s nothing for me to really like about her or make me want to root for her at all, so why am I here again?

Then the prince is a stiff board who apparently from the negative reviews I skimmed doesn’t get better and then there’s apparently not much romance? Why?! I came for romance, what the heck is up with these Regency type “romances” not having romance?!

Not to mention her half brother whines and rants and raves like a six year old, which I thought he was at first until his father’s trying to force him into the royal guard and this kingdom doesn’t have child soldiers sooo…yeah, a real flattering, mature adult there, good grief. I see enough bratty adults in the world, I don’t want to read about one.

So even though I liked the first book (though I don’t recall much of it, hmm) this one fell flat on its face for me which I’m disappointed by as I really wanted to like it and the cover for the paperback? STUNNING.


‼️Content (up to 20%)‼️

TRIGGER WARNING: a mentally/emotionally abusive mother to her daughter

Language: gah; bastard (used for an illegitimate child, not a swear word); hell

Violence: would be assassins break into a palace (nothing happens); injuries and blood (not detailed)

Alcohol/Drugs: characters drink alcohol

Other: magic, magical powers; magical people are called witches; a mentally/emotionally abusive mother to her daughter

[K.J. Haakenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, I read a book that felt like eating the best cake ever. And I enjoyed every single bite *ahem* page. So let me describe it to you...

You are looking for a magical bakery and you get directions from two talking cats. As soon as you step in, a 3-tiered cake perched on the counter catches your attention. It's frosted with the fluffiest emerald green mean-girl-redemption-arc buttercream you've ever seen and piped with the white trim of an arranged engagement. Sprinkled on top are tiny gold stars and crescent moons that shimmer with magic in the early spring sunlight. And cascading down each layer of cake are yellow fondant daffodils, blossoming as a sign of new beginnings. When you cut into the cake, the slow-burn romance spice cake batter reveals a cinnamon streusel filling that tastes of mystery and political rebellion. You serve yourself a piece and then one for each of the talking cats who guided you here. The bakery feels like comfort and the cake taste of hope and you are happy.

I swooned, I laughed, I cried. I hugged the book when I finished it. 5 stars, no doubt about it.

[Malia Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I stared, wondering when he started looking like he was mine.” 🥹🫶🏼

LOVED:
- the cozy, classic Barbie movies vibes are immaculate 🤌🏼✨
- THE LAYERS IN THIS WORLD are insane!! Every character has a purpose and connection with other characters. Every mention of magic is understandable and whimsical.
- The family dynamics, especially parent and sibling relationships.
- Misty & Pippin 🐱🐱
- Cissa’s journey in learning to forgive herself and receive love from others!!
- when I tell you that I would stare at each illustration for 5 minutes because WOWOWOW the details!!
- that ending 👏🏼
- Bennett and Cissa’s relationship journey was perfection 🥰

LIKED:
- the political intrigue!!
- justice for the bad guys 😎
- Maddox & Giselle 👀 so happy they’re the next couple in book 3!

MEH:
- nothing major!

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5 Stars*
Summary: A super cozy fantasy romance with a focus on personal growth.

Overall, I thought THP was a great follow-up to The Herbwitch's Apprentice, following Narcissa Greenwood instead. It's told entirely from her perspective past-tense, and the chapters aren't overly long. There's a great cast of new characters to love with cameos from old ones, and there's even talking cats! More about what I did and didn't like below :)

Things I Liked:

- The Atmosphere: I was in such a mood to read something wintery yet cozy, and this does a great job at both! The descriptions for the environments were illustrative without becoming overly flowery. I also loved the different places we visit as the characters travel on their tour.

- Narcissa's Road to Recovery: I loved loved loved how Narcissa's internal and external struggles were written, especially with how hard it was for her to shake her mother's voice and rules out of her mind. It was incredibly realistic and showed just how hard personal recovery can be, especially when your family is the tormentor. I also enjoyed the role she had to play as future crown princess and how she utilized her less than stellar upbringing to her advantage. I'm also glad that her carving into Amarante's skin in the first book was addressed, as that was one of the main reasons I was wary to read a Narcissa redemption.

- Side Characters: I loved many of the side characters and their little side plots, from the cats Misty and Pippin to Maddox (who I loved the arc of) and Giselle. I thought we got just the right amount of them, even if some of the development was off-page.

- Bennett: I think he's a great character! Loved the struggle he faced too and that it was never expected for him to abandon his responsibilities like *cough* many romances try to do.

Things I Didn’t Like:

- I wish we could have seen more of Narcissa's change of heart from the first book on page from her perspective, but I understand how rehashing those events would just be repetitive. I also wish we saw more of Bennett's feelings toward Narcissa when they were younger, because his declaration of having fallen in love with her when she defied her mother in the last book felt a bit inaccurate for what we saw of him as a kid/teen.

- I wish the final "showdown" at the opera could have been more drawn out, but part of me is relieved that it was solved with as little pain as possible lol

That being said, this book was so easy to read and super adorable, I can't wait to read it again when it's officially published!

[Brend · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cat lady gets her redemption arc after being thought a traitor when, in reality, she’s just a mirrorball: just a believer though she doesn’t know why, she’s never been a natural, all she does is try try try. She’s still on that thigh trope, trying everything to keep you looking at her.

[Mariana ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 * — Cute!!! I’m really enjoying these cozy romances from Ireen Chau! I just love the Barbie movie vibes (royalty, magic, talking animals!!) and the slow-burn love story is super sweet! 🤭

I preferred the 1st book in this series, but that might be because I’m not the biggest fan of the arranged marriage trope that’s in this book. Also, I think some plot related things could’ve been better: Dominic (Narcissa’s ex) could’ve had more development, the investigation of the rioters/rebels could’ve started sooner, etc.

But still, I really enjoyed this book regardless! I especially enjoyed the SCs (particularly Giselle and Maddox; and where is their book???!?!?!?!! 👀). I can’t wait to get the physical version so I can appreciate all the illustrations!

[ize ‧₊˚ ☁️⋅👼 ‧₊˚ ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

THEY’RE GONNA CRUCIFY ME ANYWAY!!! WHAT IF THE WAY YOU HOLD ME IS ACTUALLY WHAT’S HOLY 😇 my guilty as sin babies. the witch princess and her prince <3

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book to my 11 year old daughter in the evenings. We had both read and enjoyed the first book separately, so we were pretty excited to begin this one together. However, my enthusiasm died a little every day. I’m sorry to report that it was a long, frustrating non-romance and a boring, drawn-out storyline. So sad!


Cover and art- LOVED IT! The art sprinkled throughout the novel was definitely the best part! Every drawing was like a treasure that we were pleased to uncover and anxious to examine. The cover art (of the Prince looking at the FMC) is brimming with chemistry and sexual tension. Love it!


Plot- The more we read, the more bewildered I became because nothing meaningful was happening. There were little things going on and lots of FMC ruminating, but it felt repetitive and circuitous. There was almost no character growth, no tension to the “romance,” and no developing plot. This could have really benefited from a good editing and a rework for the pacing. The book is way too long and things needed to progress quicker.


Characters- The characters were in a holding pattern for 4/5 of the book.

The FMC had an unhealthy attachment to her cat (like a social crutch) which prevented her from forming meaningful attachments with people in her life. She spent hundreds of pages repeatedly pushing away the Prince (this became very dissatisfying) and bemoaning how he rebuffed her once at the age of 6 and so what’s the point in trying to get him to like her now? (Yes, the reasoning needed some help.) She was plagued with self doubt.

The Prince was basically a nonentity. His lack of personality and bland conversation made him entirely forgettable.

The bother, Maddox, and his fellow guard, Flannery, were too incompetent to be taken seriously.

The only character I really liked was Lady Vanessa, the nurturing and kind step-mother.


Romance- No tension, no chemistry. He tries to show the FMC his romantic interest in his own shy, inept way. She refuses to give his subtle hints any credence and keeps figuratively pushing him away, unable to believe that he could possibly like her. This continues for hundreds of pages with no change. (Kill me now emoji.)


Content-
Language- no swearing
Spice- perfectly clean for a tween reader.
Format- I bought the soft cover.

[Faith Grimaldi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book so much! Had me giggling and kicking my feet at so many parts 🤣

[Rio Miras · Rating 4 out of 5]

As my bestie Taylor Swift said; MY REPUTATION'S
NEVER BEEN WORSE SO YOU MUST LIKE ME FOR ME 3

[Kaylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lemme tell you this book was scrumptious!!!! I smiled like a idiot the whole time 😫. The characters are very likable and you see a lot of development throughout the book and it’s just such a sweet story with a good plot and amazing romance!! And it’s also clean which is a big plus for me. Also The first book was great too but this one just steps it up a notch. Just 🤌🤌

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

AHHHHHHHHHHHH


OKAY
SO

THIS BOOK HAD ME BLUSHING AND GIGGLING, FUCKIBN TOP TIER SHIT

[ʚ aswah ɞ · Rating 5 out of 5]

so sweet and soft

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want something light and easy to read this is perfect. Finished this in one day. A lovely read and fun. I love the authors instagram:)

[Ravs · Rating 4 out of 5]

To say I loved the second book more than the first means a lot. God, I loved Narcissa. Fuck the king. And bless Bennet’s shy little heart.

[Arisha (Free Palestine &#x1f1f5;&#x1f1f8;) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Format read: ebook
Best format: ebook

AHHHH this was so fun. While the plotting definitely could have been better, it was interesting to see the mindset behind Narcissa and why she did what she did. I loved seeing her grow as a character and I loved seeing her relationship with the prince even more. Their relationship was so adorable, especially when they finally grew to love one another. They changed each other in the best ways.

[Elsa Rosell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I made a playlist inspired by this book, check it out if you'd like!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6Mp...


** I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review **

After loving The Herbwitch's Apprentice, I had high expectations for this one, and it exceeded every single one of them!

Narcissa's redemption arc was wonderfully completed. The way the story dealt with her trauma as a result of her mother plus her own self doubt just made her a nuanced, strong and self aware protagonist. It was so nice to see a positive depiction of family members, a rarity in fantasy.

Narcissa and Bennett's relationship was definitely slow-burn. The tension, the banter, the angst and, of course, the sweetness!

There is not a single dull moment in the book. The author mixes perfectly the high stakes with the funny moments, and the worldbuilding is expanded in an organic way that doesn't feel like info-dumping.

If I had to pick my favourite element of the book, I'd choose the cats. Adorable and witty, they added such memorable scenes through the book.

I also loved the little glimpses of Ash and Amarante that we got, and I hope we get to see more of them in the future.

I can't wait to read more from this universe! Thank you to the author for providing an ARC :)


** He recibido un ARC de este libro a cambio de una reseña honesta **

Después de que me encantara The Herbwitch's Apprentice, tenía grandes expectativas para este libro, y las ha superado con creces!

El arco de redención de Narcissa queda completado de manera maravillosa. La forma en que la historia aborda su trauma como resultado de su madre junto con sus propias dudas la convierten en una protagonista con matices, fuerte y consciente de sí misma. Es muy agradable ver una representación positiva de los miembros de la familia, una rareza en la fantasía.

La relación de Narcissa y Bennett es definitivamente slow-burn. La tensión, las bromas, la angustia y, cómo no, la dulzura.

No hay un solo momento soso en el libro. La autora combina a la perfección los momentos de tensión con los divertidos, y la construcción del mundo se expande de manera orgánica, que no se percibe como un sermón.

Si tuviera que elegir mi elemento favorito del libro, elegiría los gatos. Adorables e ingeniosos, añaden escenas muy memorables a lo largo del libro.

También me encantaron los pequeños vistazos de Ash y Amarante que tuvimos, y espero que podamos ver más de ellos en el futuro.

¡Tengo muchas ganas de leer más sobre este universo! Gracias a la autora por proporcionarme un ARC :)

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

The lovely author sent me a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I read this book in one sitting, not only did it keep the same lovely writing style of the first but, but similarly as in the first book you can once again feel the passion behind the authors writing. She truly loves these characters and this world and it shows in every aspect of how she writes. Now onto the actual story:

I will admit when I first learned that this book would be about Narcissa and not Amarante I was a bit disappointed, I had grown to love Amarante and her story and while I did not dislike Narcissa I did not see her worthy of her own story. But this book changed they very quickly, I found myself deeply relating to the feelings Narcissa went through and every time she began trying to understand not only herself but the people around me it made me realize I took had judged her too quickly.

I had seen a villain when truly she was a misunderstood kid and the author does a wonderful way of showing that, you are meant to dislike her at first you are meant to view her badly and this story is her wonderful redemption. From the way she tries doesn’t understand her fathers unconditional love for her to the way she misunderstands the Princes kindness it truly shows how much depth and love the author has given to this character. She is not treated as lesser than Amarante. In fact she is given the same love and attention and I loved every second of seeing her walls break down and as she finally let people in.

As someone who knows all to well how hard it can be to allow people in specially when it feels as if you do not deserve that love and kindness I can relate so heavily to Narcissa and I hope everyone reads this book. If not to read an amazing book than to understand how many people who went through mental abuse view the world around them.

Thank you again Ireen for sending me a arc and thank you for creating such a wonderful world and I can not wait to read the next book in this series!

[N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought THA was amazing but THP? Dear, oh dear. Once again, i am charmed by the author’s witchcraft. I could not put this book down, it has all the elements you want to find in a fantasy world. Everyone needs to read that book asap.

Narcissa and Bennett have the best character development, cats fall in love and the real meaning of love (and its multiple aspects) can be find within those pages.

I follow the author on instagram and I remember her doubting the kindle version will be a success as people might get the boon for her illustrations. I truly hope she was kidding because I’ve read it on kindle and I was not disappointed once! I’m just obviously going to get a physical version of it as well, that’s just how much I loved it.

We’re in april, almost at the end of the month, but I can honestly say this is my favourite book of the year. (No one ever sees me writing reviews but I obviously did for THA and I had to do it for THP, that’s how amazing Ireen Chau’s writing is.)

[C.L. Jarvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

After what felt like a slow start, this turned into a super-cute, gentle romcom with an exceptionally drawn-out slowburn romance (and a legit slowburn instead of ‘nothing for the first 30% followed by wild passion’).

Cissa was a great lead, and her complicated family relationships were handled well (particularly her bratty brother). The real charm in the Herbwitch series are the accompanying illustrations, which I’m sorry not to have in the electronic version.

I felt the absence of Prince Bennett’s perspective a bit, though. He spent a lot of the book being broody and avoidant, so we didn’t get much page time with him or get deep into his psychology. Him being awkward around cats was 👌.

I received an advance copy of this book, and I am leaving a review voluntarily.

[Andromeda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing hurts like the ending of a book like this. It felt as if my heart forgot how to beat for a few seconds and the smile, the happiness I had while reading it, melted away.
I'm so glad I changed my mind and gave Narcissa a chance. Brend said this book was like Reputation era. In a lot of way, it was. I'm so grateful to Pinterest, Brend and the universe for bringing this series to my attention. Now I want to get back to this world again and again.

I can't wait for Giselle's story in 2024. Trust me when I say this, my words aren't doing justice when I talk about these books. You HAVE to read them to live them. 🐈‍⬛🐈