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Society of Magical Botanists #2
Evergreen Conservatory
Welcome back to Evergreen Academy, the secret college for Magical Botanists.
Ever since enrolling at Evergreen Academy last year, I have struggled to belong in the elite world of plant magic and affinity powers. And thanks to a curse tied to a decision I made on the spring equinox, I’m further from fitting in than ever.
When I’m invited to join a mission to uncover a long-lost magical artifact, it feels like my chance to prove myself—and help protect the academy, which appears to be under threat by the increasingly present Magical Botanical Board of Regents.
As the new academic year unfolds, I’m navigating an unexpected field studies assignment, the mysteries of my elusive powers, and my growing feelings for my impossibly attractive and possibly off-limits tutor, Callan Rhodes.
But when the mission to find the artifact takes us beyond the safety of the academy’s verdant shield, I realize the stakes may be greater than I imagined. Can we succeed in recovering the artifact, or are we about to unearth more than we bargained for?
Elements you'll find in this Second in seriesMagical academyStrengthening of powersForestcoreGreen academiaForbidden loveSweet, kisses only romanceFound familyStrong female friendshipsNature vibes
Ever since enrolling at Evergreen Academy last year, I have struggled to belong in the elite world of plant magic and affinity powers. And thanks to a curse tied to a decision I made on the spring equinox, I’m further from fitting in than ever.
When I’m invited to join a mission to uncover a long-lost magical artifact, it feels like my chance to prove myself—and help protect the academy, which appears to be under threat by the increasingly present Magical Botanical Board of Regents.
As the new academic year unfolds, I’m navigating an unexpected field studies assignment, the mysteries of my elusive powers, and my growing feelings for my impossibly attractive and possibly off-limits tutor, Callan Rhodes.
But when the mission to find the artifact takes us beyond the safety of the academy’s verdant shield, I realize the stakes may be greater than I imagined. Can we succeed in recovering the artifact, or are we about to unearth more than we bargained for?
Elements you'll find in this Second in seriesMagical academyStrengthening of powersForestcoreGreen academiaForbidden loveSweet, kisses only romanceFound familyStrong female friendshipsNature vibes
406 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2025
About the author
Heather Schneider
7 books259 followersHeather Schneider enjoys writing cozy novels with a light romance and mystery angle, often inspired by some of her favorite places.
Heather lives in Las Vegas with her husband and their Chiweenie, Toby.
When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, listening to podcasts, traveling, or spending time with family.
Heather lives in Las Vegas with her husband and their Chiweenie, Toby.
When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, listening to podcasts, traveling, or spending time with family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
May 31, 2025
The way this world has a chokehold on me and I’ve known about it for a total of 3 days? My thoughts are consumed by plants.
I read this book in one sitting.
★★★★ 4.5 Stars
I feel so lucky to have stumbled across the first book when this second book was 3 days away from being released. But now I have to wait who knows how long for the next one? The cliff-hanger is killing me.
🌱🌿🍃🪷🌱🌿🍃🪷🌱🌿🍃🪷🌱🌿🍃
I am absolutely obsessed with this series and its uniqueness. We follow off where Evergreen Academy left off, and this book, while still cozy fantasy, has an ominous undertone and a little bit higher of stakes throughout. Someone is messing with the verdant shield that protects the academy, and the Board of Regents (kind of like the Ministry of Magic) are looking to further insert themselves into the school and have more power over how things are run. More romance, more adventures, and more botany-related fun and holidays? I’m obsessed.
Vibes: Even more Hogwarts undertones with a special emphasis on seasonal celebrations, an underlying evil, and the equivalent of “government” seeking to find ways to control
We Get:
🌿 A further deep dive into botany
🌱 An enchanted, magical environment and school with magical classes
🍃 The literal sweetest (but dark haired and tattooed) MMC the world has ever known…have I mentioned I’m swooning?
🪷 Slow burn closed-door romance (but we *FINALLY* got a lil something something)
🌿 Whimsical descriptions
🌱 Cozy fantasy with higher stakes, a bit of a heist situation?
🍃 Forestcore, green acadaemia
🌱🌿🍃🪷🌱🌿🍃🪷🌱🌿🍃🪷🌱🌿🍃
This might just be one of my favourite romances I’ve read in a long time - I mean, a man who creates a cologne for himself based off of his girl’s favourite scent? Like he snuck a peak at her pheromone preferences!?!? Literally DYING.
*Mild spoiler but not really* I think there is something to be said about romance that is not spice-filled (this is closed-door). I feel like I’ve forgotten the tenderness and sweetness that can be conveyed in writing with a romance until this book? I was eagerly awaiting every single touch of Callan and Briar, and the way I was dancing around my house when they FINALLY kiss!? I swear I haven’t been this excited about a book relationship in so long, and I think it had to do with the fact that this was in fact, a very slow burn, and there was no spice? It made everything feel so much more perfect for this book.
*I do not have a preference toward open-door or closed-door books, but this book just manages to give us the romance perfectly without having to add spice
A quote from our botany king 🙂↕️🤴🏻
”Your power is yours, Briar. No one gets to put limits on it but you. I won’t rest until you have access to every ounce of what is yours. If there is a way to restore access to your power, we’ll find it. And then no one will ever threaten to control you again.”
🌱🌿🍃🪷🌱🌿🍃🪷🌱🌿🍃🪷🌱🌿🍃
The plot development in this second book was fantastic, and I found myself eating up every moment of it. The character development was done so well, and I equally enjoyed the new characters we were introduced to (welcome Hollis and Meadow). This was a stellar installment of a second book in a series, and I need the next one now.
Heather Schneider, I know you don’t know me, but I’m afraid I need book 3 in my hands stat.
🌱🌿🍃🪷🌱🌿🍃🪷🌱🌿🍃🪷🌱🌿🍃
★★★★ 4.5 Stars
I feel so lucky to have stumbled across the first book when this second book was 3 days away from being released. But now I have to wait who knows how long for the next one? The cliff-hanger is killing me.
🌱🌿🍃🪷🌱🌿🍃🪷🌱🌿🍃🪷🌱🌿🍃
I am absolutely obsessed with this series and its uniqueness. We follow off where Evergreen Academy left off, and this book, while still cozy fantasy, has an ominous undertone and a little bit higher of stakes throughout. Someone is messing with the verdant shield that protects the academy, and the Board of Regents (kind of like the Ministry of Magic) are looking to further insert themselves into the school and have more power over how things are run. More romance, more adventures, and more botany-related fun and holidays? I’m obsessed.
Vibes: Even more Hogwarts undertones with a special emphasis on seasonal celebrations, an underlying evil, and the equivalent of “government” seeking to find ways to control
We Get:
🌿 A further deep dive into botany
🌱 An enchanted, magical environment and school with magical classes
🍃 The literal sweetest (but dark haired and tattooed) MMC the world has ever known…have I mentioned I’m swooning?
🪷 Slow burn closed-door romance (but we *FINALLY* got a lil something something)
🌿 Whimsical descriptions
🌱 Cozy fantasy with higher stakes, a bit of a heist situation?
🍃 Forestcore, green acadaemia
🌱🌿🍃🪷🌱🌿🍃🪷🌱🌿🍃🪷🌱🌿🍃
This might just be one of my favourite romances I’ve read in a long time - I mean, a man who creates a cologne for himself based off of his girl’s favourite scent? Like he snuck a peak at her pheromone preferences!?!? Literally DYING.
*Mild spoiler but not really* I think there is something to be said about romance that is not spice-filled (this is closed-door). I feel like I’ve forgotten the tenderness and sweetness that can be conveyed in writing with a romance until this book? I was eagerly awaiting every single touch of Callan and Briar, and the way I was dancing around my house when they FINALLY kiss!? I swear I haven’t been this excited about a book relationship in so long, and I think it had to do with the fact that this was in fact, a very slow burn, and there was no spice? It made everything feel so much more perfect for this book.
*I do not have a preference toward open-door or closed-door books, but this book just manages to give us the romance perfectly without having to add spice
A quote from our botany king 🙂↕️🤴🏻
”Your power is yours, Briar. No one gets to put limits on it but you. I won’t rest until you have access to every ounce of what is yours. If there is a way to restore access to your power, we’ll find it. And then no one will ever threaten to control you again.”
🌱🌿🍃🪷🌱🌿🍃🪷🌱🌿🍃🪷🌱🌿🍃
The plot development in this second book was fantastic, and I found myself eating up every moment of it. The character development was done so well, and I equally enjoyed the new characters we were introduced to (welcome Hollis and Meadow). This was a stellar installment of a second book in a series, and I need the next one now.
Heather Schneider, I know you don’t know me, but I’m afraid I need book 3 in my hands stat.
🌱🌿🍃🪷🌱🌿🍃🪷🌱🌿🍃🪷🌱🌿🍃
June 12, 2026
2 stars ⭐️ Clean Fiction - YA Fantasy/Magic Realism (contemporary setting with inherited magic)
As someone who has never read Harry Potter, this series has been what I imagine that series would be if it was more cozy fantasy. Mainly the random Latin phrases being connected to magic and whatnot in a school setting. That’s basically all I know about Harry Potter anyway.
The love interest is a little too close-off and broody for my tastes, so I can’t quite see what Briar sees in him, but I think it’s probably because of how he protects her and she’s never really had someone do that for her before. I will give credit where credit is due and say I did like him ever-so-slightly better in this book than the first book. Though she's a little too willing to tell him all her secrets and strives for his approval, which I don't think is the healthiest at this point in their not-actually-dating relationship.
That said, like the first book, there was too much science stuff for me to follow along with. Pretty sure my brain was going “blah blah blah la la la 🙃” at those parts and not grasping a lick of it. This book is just under 400 pages, but I don’t think a lot really happens in the grand scheme of the plot (some would call this the curse of the middle book in a trilogy and I would have to agree), so all the science and details to the magic system made the book drag at times to me and other times it felt strangely unrealistic—which feels like a weird complaint for a magic realism series but maybe that’s because I haven’t read a lot of the genre and it’s normal for it? For example, Briar stacks a bunch of round grapefruits to climb over a wall. She notes how it wasn’t the best option, but all she had. I seriously do not understand how that worked for her. I honestly had to turn off the logical side of my brain a few times and just say “oh…magic. Sure, Briar.”
Overall verdict? I would call it okay, which would be a two star rating. Some random language I would have preferred not to have and not a ton happening with the plot. I would be curious to read the last book just to see how it all wraps-up, but it’s not a high priority for me.
Main Content-
Magic/Spiritual-
Those who go to the academy are magical botanists that have special abilities/powers that can tap into and amplify the characteristics of some plants (such as flowers leaning towards them, grass part for them when talking through a field, being able to walk in the trees, etc.).
The students at the academy are taught ‘Floracantus’ which are Latin phrases or “spells” to have a plant do what they want (like for a flower to have longer lasting blooms); We see this on-page with Briar saying and using these spells.
To enter the academy, you have to have a charged gemstone; The love interest shares about his aunt who is more into the “mystical side” of magical botany and believes in birthstone combinations being nature-blessed matches.
All about & many mentions of magic & controlling and helping plants through that magic; Mentions of a “curse” (when someone is unable to do something at the academy due to old rules by the founders); Mentions of luck & praying for luck; A few mentions of fairies/sprites & fairy rings; A couple mentions of praying (but not towards Who); A mention of someone working miracles with their magic; A mention of a guy looking like a Greek god.
Language-
Moderate: “b*d*ss”, “kick*ss”, and “pissed” are all said once.
God’s name is taken in vain once (Good Lord); “Gahhh!” is also exclaimed twice.
Phrases like “thanked my lucky leaves/thank the leaves”, “holy leaves”, “holy pine needles”, “by the leaves”, “what the spores”, “hollyhocks”, “fronds” and similar are said multiple times.
A mention of almost cursing.
Eye rolling & Sarcasm.
Negative/Other-
Five scenes of implied/hinted to drinking: 1- Briar and others are given an “enhanced herb” that could cause short-term memory loss and a drink that nulls it (she was unaware about it until after it was done); 2- later, that drink is given to someone else to cause a short-term memory loss; 3- drinking an “enhanced” drink at a wedding which heightens Briar’s senses; 4- Briar and the love interest have hot toddies and it makes them extra exuberant; 5- someone drinks a “moss-tini” at a party but it’s not said if Briar drinks anything.
Briar and others eat a magical pie that calms their anxiety.
Some grief (Briar for her mother who died in a car accident); The love interest and another side character have “adversarial relationships” with their parents due to their parents planning their futures for them.
The love interest has many tattoos.
Mentions of deaths, grief, & a car accident; Mentions of stealing, stolen items, & felons; Mentions of alcohol, spiked drinks, & spiking drinks; Mentions of poisons & being drugged; Mentions of lies, lying, liars, & deception; Mentions of gossip & rumors; Mentions of Halloween & costumes; A couple mentions of injuries.
A few mentions of the being worried about the political climate & a field study feeling political.
Sexual/Romance-
Staring at lips,
1 hand kiss,
1 kiss lasting 3-4 sentences,
1 kiss lasting 5-8 sentences,
Remembering kisses (up to a few sentences).
Touches, Embraces, Dancing, Hand holding, Flutters, Warmth, Shivers/Sparks, Nearness, Noticing, & Smelling (including noticing abs and muscles, up to a few sentences); Wanting to kiss, touch, & embrace (up to a couple sentences); Blushes & Flirting.
Briar images the love interest without a shirt and tries to push the thought away; Briar and another girl share a room with the love interest and another guy, but nothing happens as they are all tired.
A guy is called “sexy”.
Mentions of kisses/kissing & making out; Mentions of boyfriends/girlfriends, dates, dating, break-ups, & exes; Mentions of hot/cute guys; Mentions of flirting, winks, & blushes; A few mentions of pheromones & creating scents that will make someone else crazy for them; A mention of a summer fling; A mention of a girl who has no interest in romantic relationships.
As someone who has never read Harry Potter, this series has been what I imagine that series would be if it was more cozy fantasy. Mainly the random Latin phrases being connected to magic and whatnot in a school setting. That’s basically all I know about Harry Potter anyway.
The love interest is a little too close-off and broody for my tastes, so I can’t quite see what Briar sees in him, but I think it’s probably because of how he protects her and she’s never really had someone do that for her before. I will give credit where credit is due and say I did like him ever-so-slightly better in this book than the first book. Though she's a little too willing to tell him all her secrets and strives for his approval, which I don't think is the healthiest at this point in their not-actually-dating relationship.
That said, like the first book, there was too much science stuff for me to follow along with. Pretty sure my brain was going “blah blah blah la la la 🙃” at those parts and not grasping a lick of it. This book is just under 400 pages, but I don’t think a lot really happens in the grand scheme of the plot (some would call this the curse of the middle book in a trilogy and I would have to agree), so all the science and details to the magic system made the book drag at times to me and other times it felt strangely unrealistic—which feels like a weird complaint for a magic realism series but maybe that’s because I haven’t read a lot of the genre and it’s normal for it? For example, Briar stacks a bunch of round grapefruits to climb over a wall. She notes how it wasn’t the best option, but all she had. I seriously do not understand how that worked for her. I honestly had to turn off the logical side of my brain a few times and just say “oh…magic. Sure, Briar.”
Overall verdict? I would call it okay, which would be a two star rating. Some random language I would have preferred not to have and not a ton happening with the plot. I would be curious to read the last book just to see how it all wraps-up, but it’s not a high priority for me.
Main Content-
Magic/Spiritual-
Those who go to the academy are magical botanists that have special abilities/powers that can tap into and amplify the characteristics of some plants (such as flowers leaning towards them, grass part for them when talking through a field, being able to walk in the trees, etc.).
The students at the academy are taught ‘Floracantus’ which are Latin phrases or “spells” to have a plant do what they want (like for a flower to have longer lasting blooms); We see this on-page with Briar saying and using these spells.
To enter the academy, you have to have a charged gemstone; The love interest shares about his aunt who is more into the “mystical side” of magical botany and believes in birthstone combinations being nature-blessed matches.
All about & many mentions of magic & controlling and helping plants through that magic; Mentions of a “curse” (when someone is unable to do something at the academy due to old rules by the founders); Mentions of luck & praying for luck; A few mentions of fairies/sprites & fairy rings; A couple mentions of praying (but not towards Who); A mention of someone working miracles with their magic; A mention of a guy looking like a Greek god.
Language-
Moderate: “b*d*ss”, “kick*ss”, and “pissed” are all said once.
God’s name is taken in vain once (Good Lord); “Gahhh!” is also exclaimed twice.
Phrases like “thanked my lucky leaves/thank the leaves”, “holy leaves”, “holy pine needles”, “by the leaves”, “what the spores”, “hollyhocks”, “fronds” and similar are said multiple times.
A mention of almost cursing.
Eye rolling & Sarcasm.
Negative/Other-
Five scenes of implied/hinted to drinking: 1- Briar and others are given an “enhanced herb” that could cause short-term memory loss and a drink that nulls it (she was unaware about it until after it was done); 2- later, that drink is given to someone else to cause a short-term memory loss; 3- drinking an “enhanced” drink at a wedding which heightens Briar’s senses; 4- Briar and the love interest have hot toddies and it makes them extra exuberant; 5- someone drinks a “moss-tini” at a party but it’s not said if Briar drinks anything.
Briar and others eat a magical pie that calms their anxiety.
Some grief (Briar for her mother who died in a car accident); The love interest and another side character have “adversarial relationships” with their parents due to their parents planning their futures for them.
The love interest has many tattoos.
Mentions of deaths, grief, & a car accident; Mentions of stealing, stolen items, & felons; Mentions of alcohol, spiked drinks, & spiking drinks; Mentions of poisons & being drugged; Mentions of lies, lying, liars, & deception; Mentions of gossip & rumors; Mentions of Halloween & costumes; A couple mentions of injuries.
A few mentions of the being worried about the political climate & a field study feeling political.
Sexual/Romance-
Staring at lips,
1 hand kiss,
1 kiss lasting 3-4 sentences,
1 kiss lasting 5-8 sentences,
Remembering kisses (up to a few sentences).
Touches, Embraces, Dancing, Hand holding, Flutters, Warmth, Shivers/Sparks, Nearness, Noticing, & Smelling (including noticing abs and muscles, up to a few sentences); Wanting to kiss, touch, & embrace (up to a couple sentences); Blushes & Flirting.
Briar images the love interest without a shirt and tries to push the thought away; Briar and another girl share a room with the love interest and another guy, but nothing happens as they are all tired.
A guy is called “sexy”.
Mentions of kisses/kissing & making out; Mentions of boyfriends/girlfriends, dates, dating, break-ups, & exes; Mentions of hot/cute guys; Mentions of flirting, winks, & blushes; A few mentions of pheromones & creating scents that will make someone else crazy for them; A mention of a summer fling; A mention of a girl who has no interest in romantic relationships.
May 22, 2026
Cozy fantasy with spying plants, vanished books, enchanted quills, magical leaf letters, 🍃and secret societies at an enchanted plant academy? Yes please. 🌿✨
This sequel drops us straight into trouble as Briar sneaks onto campus with Meadow, a founder’s daughter, only to get caught by Callan, resident heartthrob with his wafting sandalwood-and-peach scent. 👀
*Activate smolder* 🌱But after that, the story grows a little slowly. The rock climbing section never fully rooted itself into the story.🌼But once the plot starts blooming, I was completely hooked.
Especially when Briar discovers that Callan literally created a cologne based on her ideal pheromone profile.🤣
You’ll laugh when the infamous poinsettia reappears angaon after hiding it a year because WOULD NOT DIE 🤣 Exactly the chaotic plant magic energy I signed up for.
The wedding date was sweet, but you may find it doesn’t quite capture the same sparkling magic as the restaurant date from book 1.🤷
The quill sequence, however? Incredible.👏Captures the Mission Impossible white-room tension and will give you a racing heartbeat. I only wish it had lasted longer because the suspense was delicious.
And FINALLY, those suspicious little villain seeds planted in the first book are starting to sprout into something darker. 🥀I knew that man was shady.
👉The ending delivered what I wanted: more quill drama, danger and secrets beneath the surface. A satisfying middle-book ending that leaves the greenhouse door wide open for the next installment. 🌱
This sequel drops us straight into trouble as Briar sneaks onto campus with Meadow, a founder’s daughter, only to get caught by Callan, resident heartthrob with his wafting sandalwood-and-peach scent. 👀
“You’re trouble, Local.”
*Activate smolder* 🌱But after that, the story grows a little slowly. The rock climbing section never fully rooted itself into the story.🌼But once the plot starts blooming, I was completely hooked.
Especially when Briar discovers that Callan literally created a cologne based on her ideal pheromone profile.🤣
“I just thought since we are spending so much time together, it wouldn’t hurt to smell good to you.”
You’ll laugh when the infamous poinsettia reappears angaon after hiding it a year because WOULD NOT DIE 🤣 Exactly the chaotic plant magic energy I signed up for.
“You sure I don’t look like a wilted flower?”
“That’s impossible.”🌻
The wedding date was sweet, but you may find it doesn’t quite capture the same sparkling magic as the restaurant date from book 1.🤷
The quill sequence, however? Incredible.👏Captures the Mission Impossible white-room tension and will give you a racing heartbeat. I only wish it had lasted longer because the suspense was delicious.
“You got away clean.”
“Define clean, I’m sweating like an animal.”
And FINALLY, those suspicious little villain seeds planted in the first book are starting to sprout into something darker. 🥀I knew that man was shady.
👉The ending delivered what I wanted: more quill drama, danger and secrets beneath the surface. A satisfying middle-book ending that leaves the greenhouse door wide open for the next installment. 🌱
January 4, 2026
The final book is coming out in a couple of months. I’ve pre-ordered it and am looking forward to reading it!
This volume was quite good, and seemed a bit more polished than the first one.
This volume was quite good, and seemed a bit more polished than the first one.
May 6, 2025
Return to the magical, fragrant campus of Evergreen Academy. Walk amongst the trees and take a soak in the hot pools with Briar and the ferns, as they make new friends and try to unearth the enigma surrounding the university.
This slow burn, clean romance, had me laughing out loud as I journeyed along Briar as she tried to reign in her new powers and explored her relationship with Callan. Beware, the book does end on a cliffhanger.
This slow burn, clean romance, had me laughing out loud as I journeyed along Briar as she tried to reign in her new powers and explored her relationship with Callan. Beware, the book does end on a cliffhanger.
May 1, 2025
I ADORE THIS SERIES, and it is so delightful to read! I was happy with the plot development in this second book. My favorite characters were back, and I liked the new characters, especially Hollis. Seeing the world expand and learning more about the magical botanists and their operations was so cool. This is one of my favorite magic systems I've read about. I loved the imagery! Briar and Callan interacting again was just as lovely as I expected and even more. They both had tough decisions to make and a lot to juggle, and I feel like they brought out the best in each other (and flirting, haha). This book also felt adventurous with a quest, as the students at the academy were standing up against the power imbalance increasing at the academy. Also, going to an Evergreen Academy party sounds AMAZING, because they get to dress up, eat the best food, and do the funnest activities. Are you looking for a perfect spring or summer read? READ THESE BOOKS.
If you prefer not to read spice, you have nothing to worry about.
I received an eARC for a review.
If you prefer not to read spice, you have nothing to worry about.
I received an eARC for a review.
May 30, 2025
Loved the first book. The 2nd was a let down.
The sequel proved to be a significant letdown in comparison to the first installment, feeling more like a filler than a substantial contribution to the narrative. I have decided against continuing with the series. The initial book was excellent and established considerable potential, which this sequel failed to realize. I nearly DNFed several times.
The sequel proved to be a significant letdown in comparison to the first installment, feeling more like a filler than a substantial contribution to the narrative. I have decided against continuing with the series. The initial book was excellent and established considerable potential, which this sequel failed to realize. I nearly DNFed several times.
May 9, 2025
3.7 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
ARC Review— This is the second book to the trilogy of the Society of Magical Botanists. The series is about college-aged students in a secret magical botanical school/world. It’s a cozy fantasy genre for young adults!
The second book follows the story of the first book as the main characters attempt to solve the mystery of who is trying to weaken the magical shield surrounding the school.
Writing: 4/5
Pace: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 3/5
Ending: 3/5
Enjoyability: 4/5
(More in-depth analysis below)
👩🏻🏫💡 I received this book to read as an Advanced Reader/Review Copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are entirely my own. Thank you Heather!
💕Would you recommend this book?
Yes. If you want to read a cozy fantasy with low stakes and want to transport to a magical botanical world, I recommend this!
🪶Favorite Quote:
“Life is too short for us to make decisions rooted in fear.”
🌶️ Spice Level: ❌
No spice. Young Adult appropriate 😇
——
📝Writing Style: 4/ 5
Written in first-person POV through the FMC (Briar). The writing is simple and easy to read. I do think it’s written for younger adult audiences— possibly even middle/high school aged. However, the writing fits the “cozy fantasy” genre very well, and I love how well thought-out the magical botanical world is.
🏃🏻♀️Pace: 4/5
The pacing in this book feels “just right.” Although I wanted more action & resolution, we are slowly introduced to a different side of the magical botanical world. It reminds me of meeting Harry Potter’s Ministry of Magic.
🗺️Plot: 4/ 5
Plot Themes/Tropes-
* Slow Burn
* Identity/Powers
* Friendships
* Light Academia
* ⚠️Trigger Warnings/Other topics: Mention of parental death/trauma, Difficult family dynamics
Quick Summary: Following the events from Book 1 (Evergreen Academy), Briar must navigate and strengthen her powers outside of the academy. Together, with the introduction of new characters and with the old, they set out to solve the mystery behind the weakening of the magical shield surrounding the Evergreen Academy.
The plot follows nicely with the first book. We discover more of Callan and more of the founder’s descendants. We are *slowly* learning about their ancient history and secrets of their world. I feel like the plot is finally going somewhere, especially with this mystery element to the story.
👨👩👧👦Characters: 3 / 5
Female Main Characters (FMCs):
Briar- She goes through some character growth in this book. She’s a bit more independent, and she’s shining her strengths by the end of the book. HOLD YOUR GROUND BRIAR & SHOW THEM WHO’S BOSS!
Male Main Characters (MMCs):
Callan- I had my doubts about him in this book. I don’t know why. He’s all over the place!! In a good way and a mysterious way. But I’m glad we finally discover new things about him. I just hate how one-dimensional his character is because we can’t see his POV!
Supporting Characters: I love the addition of the new characters in this book. All the students are very supportive of one another and likable. The other characters outside of the Academy definitely play the part of being antagonists. I just wish we meet and UNDERSTAND more of these characters instead of just seeing them once or twice.
🎬Ending: 3/ 5
I’m sooooo underwhelmed with the ending!! I feel like it ended AT the climax of the plot! We are finally getting somewhere with the mystery, but then to have NONE of our questions answered?? 😭😭 It’s going to be a LONG wait for Book 3! 💔
🙂Enjoyability: 4/ 5
This was a quick and easy read for me. I definitely used this opportunity to go into a *cozy fantasy world* with low stakes, and it’s honestly worth it! I feel like a happy middle-schooler reading this book & this series! 🌱🍃
📈Final Rating Averaged: 3.7 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
——
Rating Rubric:
1/5: 🌟 Horrible - “Why did I even waste my time?”
2/5: 🌟🌟 Unimpressed - It could have been better.
3/5: 🌟🌟🌟 Good/Average- I would recommend this, but nothing was too out of the ordinary; it’s what’s expected.
4/5: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Great! - There were some good surprises, but not enough to blow my mind.
5/5: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Outstanding - Above & Beyond, It left me wanting more and thinking more about it.
ARC Review— This is the second book to the trilogy of the Society of Magical Botanists. The series is about college-aged students in a secret magical botanical school/world. It’s a cozy fantasy genre for young adults!
The second book follows the story of the first book as the main characters attempt to solve the mystery of who is trying to weaken the magical shield surrounding the school.
Writing: 4/5
Pace: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 3/5
Ending: 3/5
Enjoyability: 4/5
(More in-depth analysis below)
👩🏻🏫💡 I received this book to read as an Advanced Reader/Review Copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are entirely my own. Thank you Heather!
💕Would you recommend this book?
Yes. If you want to read a cozy fantasy with low stakes and want to transport to a magical botanical world, I recommend this!
🪶Favorite Quote:
“Life is too short for us to make decisions rooted in fear.”
🌶️ Spice Level: ❌
No spice. Young Adult appropriate 😇
——
📝Writing Style: 4/ 5
Written in first-person POV through the FMC (Briar). The writing is simple and easy to read. I do think it’s written for younger adult audiences— possibly even middle/high school aged. However, the writing fits the “cozy fantasy” genre very well, and I love how well thought-out the magical botanical world is.
🏃🏻♀️Pace: 4/5
The pacing in this book feels “just right.” Although I wanted more action & resolution, we are slowly introduced to a different side of the magical botanical world. It reminds me of meeting Harry Potter’s Ministry of Magic.
🗺️Plot: 4/ 5
Plot Themes/Tropes-
* Slow Burn
* Identity/Powers
* Friendships
* Light Academia
* ⚠️Trigger Warnings/Other topics: Mention of parental death/trauma, Difficult family dynamics
Quick Summary: Following the events from Book 1 (Evergreen Academy), Briar must navigate and strengthen her powers outside of the academy. Together, with the introduction of new characters and with the old, they set out to solve the mystery behind the weakening of the magical shield surrounding the Evergreen Academy.
The plot follows nicely with the first book. We discover more of Callan and more of the founder’s descendants. We are *slowly* learning about their ancient history and secrets of their world. I feel like the plot is finally going somewhere, especially with this mystery element to the story.
👨👩👧👦Characters: 3 / 5
Female Main Characters (FMCs):
Briar- She goes through some character growth in this book. She’s a bit more independent, and she’s shining her strengths by the end of the book. HOLD YOUR GROUND BRIAR & SHOW THEM WHO’S BOSS!
Male Main Characters (MMCs):
Callan- I had my doubts about him in this book. I don’t know why. He’s all over the place!! In a good way and a mysterious way. But I’m glad we finally discover new things about him. I just hate how one-dimensional his character is because we can’t see his POV!
Supporting Characters: I love the addition of the new characters in this book. All the students are very supportive of one another and likable. The other characters outside of the Academy definitely play the part of being antagonists. I just wish we meet and UNDERSTAND more of these characters instead of just seeing them once or twice.
🎬Ending: 3/ 5
I’m sooooo underwhelmed with the ending!! I feel like it ended AT the climax of the plot! We are finally getting somewhere with the mystery, but then to have NONE of our questions answered?? 😭😭 It’s going to be a LONG wait for Book 3! 💔
🙂Enjoyability: 4/ 5
This was a quick and easy read for me. I definitely used this opportunity to go into a *cozy fantasy world* with low stakes, and it’s honestly worth it! I feel like a happy middle-schooler reading this book & this series! 🌱🍃
📈Final Rating Averaged: 3.7 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
——
Rating Rubric:
1/5: 🌟 Horrible - “Why did I even waste my time?”
2/5: 🌟🌟 Unimpressed - It could have been better.
3/5: 🌟🌟🌟 Good/Average- I would recommend this, but nothing was too out of the ordinary; it’s what’s expected.
4/5: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Great! - There were some good surprises, but not enough to blow my mind.
5/5: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Outstanding - Above & Beyond, It left me wanting more and thinking more about it.
May 4, 2025
thank you so much to heather for allowing me to ARC read book 2!! (and for emailing me to ensure I had gotten the newsletter notifying me it was ready to come out... you saved this book from sitting in my spam folder!😂) ever since I read book 1, i've been WAITING for book 2 to come out. and Evergreen Conservatory absolutely exceeded my expectations.
if you're into cozy fantasies or light academia YA, then this series is for you. once again, we were immersed in the world of magical botanists and I simply couldn't get enough... this series gives me Herbology vibes from Harry Potter and I absolutely love it.
it's been 7 months since I read book 1... and what I loved most about this book was the way Heather wove in enough details/reminders from book 1 that it felt like I immediately picked up book 2 after reading book 1. it really irks me when it feels like an author just copy/pasted a synopsis of previous books so you don't feel lost... but it was done so naturally in this book that it felt like I never left Weed, California to begin with.
I think book 2 really took the unique lore of book 1 and ran with it. we got Heather's usual writing style- likable characters, unique magic system, descriptive imagery, poetic word choice, foreshadowing and full circle moments, and strong dialogue... BUT, I think we got more comfortability and confidence in book 2. it really felt like Heather found her groove and stayed in it throughout this book. the storyline was amazing; I found myself so invested in the plot and what the characters were up to. I think I was much more engaged in this plot (not that I wasn't engaged in book 1, but I think book 2 just really stepped it up so much so that it made a noticeable difference in my brain). and for that reason, my rating of 4.5 stars from Evergreen Academy bumped up to 5 stars for Evergreen Conservatory.
I truly loved this book. i'm SO excited for book 3 because Heather really raised the stakes in this. without giving anything away- i'm invested in the change in Briar's aunt, in a certain someone that popped up where he shouldn't be, in her powers, in her field studies, in the secret society, in the board of regents, in the future of Evergreen, in her future with Callan, and in that CLIFFHANGER. needless to say, i'll be reading book 3 the moment that ARC hits my inbox.
thank you again, Heather! as always, it was a pleasure to read your book.
if you're into cozy fantasies or light academia YA, then this series is for you. once again, we were immersed in the world of magical botanists and I simply couldn't get enough... this series gives me Herbology vibes from Harry Potter and I absolutely love it.
it's been 7 months since I read book 1... and what I loved most about this book was the way Heather wove in enough details/reminders from book 1 that it felt like I immediately picked up book 2 after reading book 1. it really irks me when it feels like an author just copy/pasted a synopsis of previous books so you don't feel lost... but it was done so naturally in this book that it felt like I never left Weed, California to begin with.
I think book 2 really took the unique lore of book 1 and ran with it. we got Heather's usual writing style- likable characters, unique magic system, descriptive imagery, poetic word choice, foreshadowing and full circle moments, and strong dialogue... BUT, I think we got more comfortability and confidence in book 2. it really felt like Heather found her groove and stayed in it throughout this book. the storyline was amazing; I found myself so invested in the plot and what the characters were up to. I think I was much more engaged in this plot (not that I wasn't engaged in book 1, but I think book 2 just really stepped it up so much so that it made a noticeable difference in my brain). and for that reason, my rating of 4.5 stars from Evergreen Academy bumped up to 5 stars for Evergreen Conservatory.
I truly loved this book. i'm SO excited for book 3 because Heather really raised the stakes in this. without giving anything away- i'm invested in the change in Briar's aunt, in a certain someone that popped up where he shouldn't be, in her powers, in her field studies, in the secret society, in the board of regents, in the future of Evergreen, in her future with Callan, and in that CLIFFHANGER. needless to say, i'll be reading book 3 the moment that ARC hits my inbox.
thank you again, Heather! as always, it was a pleasure to read your book.
June 9, 2026
Amazing follow up in the series!
February 25, 2026
This was such an interesting & captivating sequel to "Evergreen Academy".
At the same time though, it's like the story is at a standstill & doesn't move forward for one reason or another. Maybe it's because I got used to the Evergreen universe because of the first book, but I'm so curious to see what's next in the coming book!
At the same time though, it's like the story is at a standstill & doesn't move forward for one reason or another. Maybe it's because I got used to the Evergreen universe because of the first book, but I'm so curious to see what's next in the coming book!
May 18, 2025
Evergreen Conservatory was amazing! Heather Schneider has outdone herself; there are no second-book blues here. This book feels like one big adventure. It has grand events, secret notes, big political moves, a quest, whimsical magic, great friends, and all set against beautiful backdrops.
Briar's life has taken a big turn after discovering she's a magical botanist. She fits so harmoniously with her new world, and now she has some decisions to make. Stick with the life she had planned or go for something new. Briar fits in with her new world more than ever. She's not only making a place for herself, but in this, she's making the magical community her home, even if she doesn't fully realize it yet. The angst between her and Callen gets real. Just when things finally start to develop, a monkey wrench gets thrown. Ugh! I adore Callen, and I think he and Briar would make a wonderful couple.
I enjoyed the world-building. Not only do we meet new characters, but we visit new places as well. The tree affinity conservatory seems like something out of a dream; I cannot tell you how much I wish it were a real place. There was a lot of political intrigue. Things are changing, and fractures are everywhere. Between the young and the old, the descendants and everyone else, and between the different affinities themselves. It's a mess, and I really can't imagine how it's all going to play out. One thing is for sure, Briar is in the thick of it. There were more than enough hints and developments to have me coming up with a few theories. I can't wait to see how it all pans out.
What a read. Everwood Conservatory was fantastic! It ended on such a cryptic note. I have so many questions that I can't wait to get answered. I'm crossing my fingers that the next book is sooner rather than later.
Briar's life has taken a big turn after discovering she's a magical botanist. She fits so harmoniously with her new world, and now she has some decisions to make. Stick with the life she had planned or go for something new. Briar fits in with her new world more than ever. She's not only making a place for herself, but in this, she's making the magical community her home, even if she doesn't fully realize it yet. The angst between her and Callen gets real. Just when things finally start to develop, a monkey wrench gets thrown. Ugh! I adore Callen, and I think he and Briar would make a wonderful couple.
I enjoyed the world-building. Not only do we meet new characters, but we visit new places as well. The tree affinity conservatory seems like something out of a dream; I cannot tell you how much I wish it were a real place. There was a lot of political intrigue. Things are changing, and fractures are everywhere. Between the young and the old, the descendants and everyone else, and between the different affinities themselves. It's a mess, and I really can't imagine how it's all going to play out. One thing is for sure, Briar is in the thick of it. There were more than enough hints and developments to have me coming up with a few theories. I can't wait to see how it all pans out.
What a read. Everwood Conservatory was fantastic! It ended on such a cryptic note. I have so many questions that I can't wait to get answered. I'm crossing my fingers that the next book is sooner rather than later.
March 1, 2026
I was lucky enough to get an ARC copy of Evergreen Conservatory. It proved just as, if not more, delightful as Evergreen Academy. The same magical cozy fantasy feeling makes me wish I was a student at Evergreen Academy.
The sweet slow burn of Callan's and Briar's relationship was really amped up in this book and they had so many great moments that made me say "finally!" The political botanical climate is also leveled up in this book. The mysteries surrounding the forces threatening to harm Evergreen Academy continue to thicken and will leave you counting down the days until book 3.
The sweet slow burn of Callan's and Briar's relationship was really amped up in this book and they had so many great moments that made me say "finally!" The political botanical climate is also leveled up in this book. The mysteries surrounding the forces threatening to harm Evergreen Academy continue to thicken and will leave you counting down the days until book 3.
January 25, 2026
I guess if you liked the first book, this one is more of the same but I really can't say that this is my cup of tea.
1. This book reads extremely young. The characters are supposed to be in college but talk like 8th graders most of the time.
2. I really can't stand the use of vegetation in place of curse words or other exclamations.
3. Um.... was a significant part of the plot "inspired" by Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix????
1. This book reads extremely young. The characters are supposed to be in college but talk like 8th graders most of the time.
2. I really can't stand the use of vegetation in place of curse words or other exclamations.
3. Um.... was a significant part of the plot "inspired" by Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix????
June 3, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
After finishing book 1: Evergreen Academy, I couldn't wait to read the second book!
Evergreen Conservatory picks up where book 1 ended, so if you still want to read book 1 don't read any further! Just know I love this series :D
Again we follow Briar who will be starting her second year at the Academy. During the final events of book 1, she lost her ability to use her magical botanists powers on campus, making studying a little harder. But she's not giving up! Together with the very attractive Callan - who also happens to be her tutor - and Professor East they are trying to figure out how to undo the curse.
While completing schoolwork, getting assigned her very special field study, hanging out with her friends, and trying not to fall in love with Callan... Briar is still trying to find her way in this new world and new powers to her. But because she has all the magical plant affinities, she caught the eye of the board of the magical botanists, and they are all trying to win her over to their side.
And if you thought this wasn't enough to navigate for Briar they also need to go on a mission to retrieve a missing artifact, while trying to not get the attention of the rest of the magical botanist world.
Will Briar get her powers back? Will she be able to surpress her feelings for Callan? Will she be able to navigate the magical botanist politics? Oh and did I forget to mention they breath new life into a secret society on campus?
This book has everything I love: a unique magic system, an academy, slow burn love and forbidden love, a secret society, a mission, and this all combined with politics! I hope I have convinced you know because I cannot recommend this book enough!
After finishing book 1: Evergreen Academy, I couldn't wait to read the second book!
Evergreen Conservatory picks up where book 1 ended, so if you still want to read book 1 don't read any further! Just know I love this series :D
Again we follow Briar who will be starting her second year at the Academy. During the final events of book 1, she lost her ability to use her magical botanists powers on campus, making studying a little harder. But she's not giving up! Together with the very attractive Callan - who also happens to be her tutor - and Professor East they are trying to figure out how to undo the curse.
While completing schoolwork, getting assigned her very special field study, hanging out with her friends, and trying not to fall in love with Callan... Briar is still trying to find her way in this new world and new powers to her. But because she has all the magical plant affinities, she caught the eye of the board of the magical botanists, and they are all trying to win her over to their side.
And if you thought this wasn't enough to navigate for Briar they also need to go on a mission to retrieve a missing artifact, while trying to not get the attention of the rest of the magical botanist world.
Will Briar get her powers back? Will she be able to surpress her feelings for Callan? Will she be able to navigate the magical botanist politics? Oh and did I forget to mention they breath new life into a secret society on campus?
This book has everything I love: a unique magic system, an academy, slow burn love and forbidden love, a secret society, a mission, and this all combined with politics! I hope I have convinced you know because I cannot recommend this book enough!
May 8, 2025
Well, I am not even a little bit surprised that I adored this book. I loved Evergreen Academy but if it’s possible, I loved Evergreen Conservatory even more.
I am obsessed with the plant magic in this series. I love the way it feels so whimsical, cozy, and wholesome. Heather has done an incredible job weaving together this world and I want to spend as much time as possible there. The characters are people that I want to be friends with! The build of this story from book 1 to book 2 is done so smoothly and the pacing and trajectory feel perfect to me. The added suspense and intrigue is there without feeling way more intense than the first book.
It is still so inviting and such a comfort series for me already that I know this is one I will always revisit. I also will be displaying them proudly on my shelves- Heather has outdone herself with these stunning covers!
If you love magic academy stories, plant magic intrigues you, you enjoy low stakes/light suspense, and a slow burn sub plot, you will love this. I really can’t praise this highly enough, I love it and it is absolutely worth reading.
I am obsessed with the plant magic in this series. I love the way it feels so whimsical, cozy, and wholesome. Heather has done an incredible job weaving together this world and I want to spend as much time as possible there. The characters are people that I want to be friends with! The build of this story from book 1 to book 2 is done so smoothly and the pacing and trajectory feel perfect to me. The added suspense and intrigue is there without feeling way more intense than the first book.
It is still so inviting and such a comfort series for me already that I know this is one I will always revisit. I also will be displaying them proudly on my shelves- Heather has outdone herself with these stunning covers!
If you love magic academy stories, plant magic intrigues you, you enjoy low stakes/light suspense, and a slow burn sub plot, you will love this. I really can’t praise this highly enough, I love it and it is absolutely worth reading.
May 10, 2025
This series is absolutely one of my favorite cozy fantasy books. I love that there is a little bit of romance, magic, and the problem is one that is not easily solved.
The characters are easy to like, and this books puts you right there in the beautiful academy. A school for magical botanists is every plant loving person’s dream.
This second book focused on the problem they are having, but allowed you to enjoy the fun events and activities at the school more deeply. The same characters came back, but new ones were introduced.
I feel like this book is a perfect read for every season. It goes through different seasons, and the seasonal activities we all want to be part of.
Romance? Yessss. The slowest of burns. I enjoyed it so much. Th FMC came out of her shell more, and the MMC is just the best. It’s great seeing their relationship develop, because it feels like such a natural progression (especially for their age).
I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be chosen for this ARC. I enjoyed every second reading it.
The characters are easy to like, and this books puts you right there in the beautiful academy. A school for magical botanists is every plant loving person’s dream.
This second book focused on the problem they are having, but allowed you to enjoy the fun events and activities at the school more deeply. The same characters came back, but new ones were introduced.
I feel like this book is a perfect read for every season. It goes through different seasons, and the seasonal activities we all want to be part of.
Romance? Yessss. The slowest of burns. I enjoyed it so much. Th FMC came out of her shell more, and the MMC is just the best. It’s great seeing their relationship develop, because it feels like such a natural progression (especially for their age).
I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be chosen for this ARC. I enjoyed every second reading it.
February 10, 2026
It's rare to enjoy a second book just as much as the first, but I did in this case! I am so invested and have many theories, plus I loved the character development. I always end up wanting more!! Like- tell me more about Yasmin's summer with Jordan?? Or Waylon and Coral?? I want to know EVERYTHING! I love the descriptions and details of the places and scenes, it truly sucks me right into the story and Academy. I devoured this book and cannot wait for the third- I need more Callan, more Hollis, more Fern girls, more more more!!
May 30, 2025
Thank you to the author for the digital ARC copy of this book. I loved being back in this cozy fantasy world! It was such a fun adventure watching these characters grow separately and together, solve problems, and attend the most fun parties. If you are looking for a clean, low stakes but there are still mysterious elements, light academia, cozy fantasy about a secret society of magical botanists…this one is for you!
August 15, 2025
Thank you to Heather Schneider for the ARC!
I sincerely love these books! The slow burn continues in this one, but we get a lot more into the romance between Briar and Callan. I loved seeing more in the world of the botanists - the world building and descriptions are next level. This book perfectly set up the scene for the next book, except I feel like so much has to happen!!! Pacing was a little off in this one. The 2nd half was HOPPING though. Overall, can’t wait to read the conclusion!!
I sincerely love these books! The slow burn continues in this one, but we get a lot more into the romance between Briar and Callan. I loved seeing more in the world of the botanists - the world building and descriptions are next level. This book perfectly set up the scene for the next book, except I feel like so much has to happen!!! Pacing was a little off in this one. The 2nd half was HOPPING though. Overall, can’t wait to read the conclusion!!
May 3, 2025
This book was so magical and was so difficult to put down. I love everything about the Society of Magical Botanists books because their magic system is well developed but still easy to keep up with. I liked spending more time with the characters from the academy and loved the dialogue and the increased interaction of Briar with other Evergreen Academy students now that she lives at the academy. The Society of Magical Botanists world is becoming a comfort series for me as its books are fast-paced, whimsical, and comforting. Also, this book had many quotes that I loved!
My fav quote: "Power can't have meaning without passion."
My fav quote: "Power can't have meaning without passion."
March 27, 2026
Ik vind het echt wel een tof verhaal. Soms een beetje langdradig maar ik blijf wel heel benieuwd. Absoluut niet het beste boek ooit!
Maar wel heel slim geschreven want er gaat nog zoveel gebeuren dus je voelt u bijna verplicht om het volgende boek ook weer aan te schaffen 😂 wat ik dus ook ga doen… 🙈
Maar wel heel slim geschreven want er gaat nog zoveel gebeuren dus je voelt u bijna verplicht om het volgende boek ook weer aan te schaffen 😂 wat ik dus ook ga doen… 🙈
April 15, 2026
For a fantastical book and magical series that has been a refreshing joy to read, I was surprisingly on edge coming to the end of this book. Thank goodness I can jump right into book three, I am so invested in my favorite magical botanists and their futures at Evergreen Academy.
May 30, 2025
3.75 stars
September 27, 2025
Highly enjoyable series. I’ve loved the journey and this author who is new to me!
April 21, 2026
3.75 ✨ but very cute ✨✨
June 4, 2026
FINALLY THEY KISSED
Me gustó el progreso de la historia, la trama se va complejizando cada vez más. Hay detalles que quizás son inverosímiles, pero me están gustando mucho los personajes y la magia botánica así que lo perdono.
Obviamente ya voy empezando el tercero
Me gustó el progreso de la historia, la trama se va complejizando cada vez más. Hay detalles que quizás son inverosímiles, pero me están gustando mucho los personajes y la magia botánica así que lo perdono.
Obviamente ya voy empezando el tercero
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2025
Light academia
Cozy fantasy
Good communication between love interests
Tinkerbell and Harry Potter vibes
Love the characters
Excited for 3rd book
Cozy fantasy
Good communication between love interests
Tinkerbell and Harry Potter vibes
Love the characters
Excited for 3rd book
June 23, 2026
Definitely getting more Harry Potter vibes in this one, still pleasant and lighthearted
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