Reviews tagging 'Emotional abuse'
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, by Sangu Mandanna
20 reviews
andloveistoolong's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse
Moderate: Cursing, Death of parent, Death, Abandonment, Alcohol, Sexual content, and Child abuse
Minor: Homophobia, Racism, Injury/injury detail, and Physical abuse
hunkydory's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Death, and Domestic abuse
tragedies's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I started The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches around November last year, but I only got around to finishing it this January while my sister and I were completing a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle for the holiday break. I blame this for my recent, all-consuming affinity for the cozy fantasy subgenre, which I never knew was a thing until I stumbled upon this wonderful novel. It was first pitched to me as The House in the Cerulean Sea meets Practical Magic, and I couldn’t agree more. It has the charming, whimsical tropes reminiscent of The House in the Cerulean Sea, while the magic system and the lore echo that of Practical Magic. I love both, so it’s not entirely surprising why this book captured my heart.
It follows Mika Moon, a member of the Secret Society of Witches (which was not its actual name but Mika likes to pretend it is). All her life, she has lived by two rules — hide your magic and stay away from other witches. “Alone is how we survive,” declared Primrose, head of the society and her mentor. And so Mika does. She moves to a new place every few months and mostly keeps her magic to herself. Operative word being mostly. Sometimes, she shares her magic on the Internet by pretending to be a witch on camera, confident that no one would take her blatant displays of power seriously.
However, someone does. That person reaches out and asks for her help to train three young witches in a place called Nowhere House. Intrigued, Mika agrees and moves to this mysterious estate which, apart from the children she just took under her wing, also houses a retired theater actor, his husband slash resident gardener, a housekeeper, and a grumpy librarian. As she spends more time with this eccentric yet loveable group of people, she begins to realize what it means to have a family and a home. She also experiences what it feels like to love and be loved in return. For once, that familiar chasm of loneliness she'd known since childhood is merely a whisper to the boisterous cheer and laughter of Nowhere House.
Sangu Mandanna has the gift of turning mundanity into moments of pure and utter magic that warms the heart and soothes the soul. I wouldn’t be surprised if she was a witch herself because she has definitely casted a spell on me with this enchanting tale about found families and coming home.
P.S. Anyone else here who's weak for the grump and sunshine dynamic? It's my absolute favorite! I've read my fair share of it, so when I say this book delivered, I mean it DELIVERED. Sangu Mandanna not only understood the assignment, she aced it with flying colors too. Special shoutout to Ken and Ian, who melted my cold cynical heart just as much as Mika and Jamie did.
It follows Mika Moon, a member of the Secret Society of Witches (which was not its actual name but Mika likes to pretend it is). All her life, she has lived by two rules — hide your magic and stay away from other witches. “Alone is how we survive,” declared Primrose, head of the society and her mentor. And so Mika does. She moves to a new place every few months and mostly keeps her magic to herself. Operative word being mostly. Sometimes, she shares her magic on the Internet by pretending to be a witch on camera, confident that no one would take her blatant displays of power seriously.
However, someone does. That person reaches out and asks for her help to train three young witches in a place called Nowhere House. Intrigued, Mika agrees and moves to this mysterious estate which, apart from the children she just took under her wing, also houses a retired theater actor, his husband slash resident gardener, a housekeeper, and a grumpy librarian. As she spends more time with this eccentric yet loveable group of people, she begins to realize what it means to have a family and a home. She also experiences what it feels like to love and be loved in return. For once, that familiar chasm of loneliness she'd known since childhood is merely a whisper to the boisterous cheer and laughter of Nowhere House.
Sangu Mandanna has the gift of turning mundanity into moments of pure and utter magic that warms the heart and soothes the soul. I wouldn’t be surprised if she was a witch herself because she has definitely casted a spell on me with this enchanting tale about found families and coming home.
P.S. Anyone else here who's weak for the grump and sunshine dynamic? It's my absolute favorite! I've read my fair share of it, so when I say this book delivered, I mean it DELIVERED. Sangu Mandanna not only understood the assignment, she aced it with flying colors too. Special shoutout to Ken and Ian, who melted my cold cynical heart just as much as Mika and Jamie did.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Cursing, and Death
elizmoe's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Child abuse, Homophobia, and Racism
lotte5322's review against another edition
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Minor: Death, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, and Physical abuse
brontesauruses's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, and Child abuse
Minor: Homophobia, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Racism, Classism, Alcohol, and Xenophobia
bettysbookishworld's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
3.0
It was a beautiful cozy fantasy about the found family where a society of witches is taught to live in an isolation. It was quite emotional at parts as well, however, the cozy and whimsical vibes were the most present throughout the book. It's a perfect read to feel hopeful and to be happy for the characters that they found their happiness. I recommend it if you want to fully relax with a book that provides only the good vibes.
Content Warnings
Minor: Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, and Abandonment
slythjetta's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I personally want to exclaim how freaking good this audio is!!!!!!
To be in honest, I did not give this much thought in the beginning. My love of witchy woo things and seeing readers on insta rave about this title peeked my interest. So I placed a hold on it at my library and forgot about it. Now, I am so happy past me did this as I'm on my second round of listening to it. Now I'm kinda bummed missing out on Fairyloot's special edition of this book and hope to get a copy in the future.
I adore Mina Moon's character along with the entire cast. Later discovering it contains "found family" made my heart swell and love TVSSOIW even more🥰 mixed with a bit of romance was the frosting on top of this magical cake
To be in honest, I did not give this much thought in the beginning. My love of witchy woo things and seeing readers on insta rave about this title peeked my interest. So I placed a hold on it at my library and forgot about it. Now, I am so happy past me did this as I'm on my second round of listening to it. Now I'm kinda bummed missing out on Fairyloot's special edition of this book and hope to get a copy in the future.
I adore Mina Moon's character along with the entire cast. Later discovering it contains "found family" made my heart swell and love TVSSOIW even more🥰 mixed with a bit of romance was the frosting on top of this magical cake
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Injury/injury detail, Abandonment, and Emotional abuse
hanna's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Typical "it's not you, it's me". This had everything I usually love — found families, grumpy x sunshine, witches!! — it just didn't work out for me in the end. It felt like the book itself didn't know what genre it was trying to be.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Homophobia
roget's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Where to begin with this...
Mika Moon is a 31 year-old witch living in a world where magic people must hide to avoid danger. The only interaction she has with other witches are her adopted guardian's meetings, which are held briefly and sporadically a few times a year. Mika calls their group "the very secret society of witches," though Primrose (aforementioned distant-guardian and leader of the group) resists the idea that they are a society at all. Primrose doesn't like anything that promotes dangerous unnecessary connection and its resultant, potential reveal of witches. She loathes that Mika has taken to uploading magical videos online, even though all the viewers assume the magic is simply good editing.
It's a surprise, then, when Mika is identified as magic through the content she'd uploaded. The message asks her to come to Nowhere House to tutor three young witches and help them gain control of their rambunctious powers. Nudged to accept by her instincts and magic, Mika travels to this place to meet the house's caretakers, Ken, Ian, Lucie, Jamie, and the three little girls they look after--Rosetta, Terracotta, and Altamira (named by their adopted guardian and fellow witch, Lillian, who spends most of her time away from home). (It must be mentioned that all witches become orphans shortly after their birth, due to an unfortunate magical backfiring centuries before). Lillian hasn't taught the girls anything about how to use their powers, and the wards on the property can only hide so much. The greater the number of witches together, the more reactive and difficult to manage the magic becomes. With a mundane solicitor and his many prejudices coming for a visit soon, the grown folks at the Nowhere House beg Mika to stay, tutor the girls, and help them get a handle on things, lest the children be discovered. (Jamie does not quite beg. He seems reluctant to invite anyone new into their home).
Mika accepts, and what follows is one of the most precious stories of acceptance, belonging, found family, and love that I've read this year.
The characters.
Ian
An absolute gumball of a goober. Definitely gets ahead of himself and has some poor decision making moments, though we get enough development for him that we're able to understand his motivations, I think. I loved his knitting, his penchant for getting carried away, and his never-ending, unfinished projects. If a craft store exploded into a human being, it would be Ian.
Ken
Ian's husband, and also the gardener. I think the book said it best: he is "kind and nice." Ken is not a loud character, but he is a much needed sensible and calming presence in the Nowhere House. One of Jamie's surrogate dads (that one talk made me emotional), and if I had to pick someone to get a hug from, it would probably be him.
Lucie
Probably the least developed of the main bunch, but still lovely. A mix of pragmatic, humorous, good-natured, and stubborn. I appreciated her maternal nature and the caretaking she does, as well as some of her more forthcoming moments of comedy or honesty.
Jamie
The house's librarian (there is a library extension on the house that now operates digitally and through post) and the primary caretaker/guardian of the children. He's got a backstory that I found both harrowing and heartbreaking, but not melodramatic. A perfect example of "grumpy-with-a-heart-of-gold" played out to its full effect. The book does a great job balancing his reservations and grouchiness with the softer sides of him. He doesn't do things for no reason. He genuinely loves the children, and the book never has to tell us that, because it's so obvious through what he does. His development unrolls at a steady, well orchestrated pace, and by the end, I adored him. (I adored him even at the beginning, but my appreciation deepened quite a lot).
Rosetta (10), Altamira (7), and Terracotta (8)
I'm grouping the girls together because I don't want to give too many spoilers. But, you should know that they each have their own growth moments. They aren't convenient little props, and you can see the unique traces love has left on them just as you can see the effects of displacement, loss, and other traumas. If you're like me, you'll be wholeheartedly invested in making sure they get to stay together, no matter the magical risks.
Mika
This character's arc is not revolutionary. It's not the first time I've seen a lonely-loner-finds-a-home style story. But her conviction, her insecurities, and her values are quite well balanced and tested. I think the story's conclusion really put her growth on display, and I appreciated that.
This book is cozy. It's kind. It's got some swearing and a few, brief mature scenes (which are skippable if you are not one for those). The magic is an interesting element that seems to provide a good foil for many kinds of difference, and I'm sure many people will connect with Mika's descriptions about struggling to be normal when she is not.
What puts this over the top for me was the balance. The pacing is excellent, all the way through. The plot moves at a steady, good clip, and the characters are all unique and filled in. They all have a distinct role, and that role is never "ticking a checkbox." Hard topics are explored with kindness and lots of support. It's very uplifting, and there are well-put lines throughout it that make you stop and go, "Mm. Yeah."
It's not often that I find a book with strong plot, strong characterization, and strong pacing--especially one that's this short. I really did enjoy it, its hopeful message, and the family at its core.
Mika Moon is a 31 year-old witch living in a world where magic people must hide to avoid danger. The only interaction she has with other witches are her adopted guardian's meetings, which are held briefly and sporadically a few times a year. Mika calls their group "the very secret society of witches," though Primrose (aforementioned distant-guardian and leader of the group) resists the idea that they are a society at all. Primrose doesn't like anything that promotes dangerous unnecessary connection and its resultant, potential reveal of witches. She loathes that Mika has taken to uploading magical videos online, even though all the viewers assume the magic is simply good editing.
It's a surprise, then, when Mika is identified as magic through the content she'd uploaded. The message asks her to come to Nowhere House to tutor three young witches and help them gain control of their rambunctious powers. Nudged to accept by her instincts and magic, Mika travels to this place to meet the house's caretakers, Ken, Ian, Lucie, Jamie, and the three little girls they look after--Rosetta, Terracotta, and Altamira (named by their adopted guardian and fellow witch, Lillian, who spends most of her time away from home). (It must be mentioned that all witches become orphans shortly after their birth, due to an unfortunate magical backfiring centuries before). Lillian hasn't taught the girls anything about how to use their powers, and the wards on the property can only hide so much. The greater the number of witches together, the more reactive and difficult to manage the magic becomes. With a mundane solicitor and his many prejudices coming for a visit soon, the grown folks at the Nowhere House beg Mika to stay, tutor the girls, and help them get a handle on things, lest the children be discovered. (Jamie does not quite beg. He seems reluctant to invite anyone new into their home).
Mika accepts, and what follows is one of the most precious stories of acceptance, belonging, found family, and love that I've read this year.
The characters.
Ian
An absolute gumball of a goober. Definitely gets ahead of himself and has some poor decision making moments, though we get enough development for him that we're able to understand his motivations, I think. I loved his knitting, his penchant for getting carried away, and his never-ending, unfinished projects. If a craft store exploded into a human being, it would be Ian.
Ken
Ian's husband, and also the gardener. I think the book said it best: he is "kind and nice." Ken is not a loud character, but he is a much needed sensible and calming presence in the Nowhere House. One of Jamie's surrogate dads (that one talk made me emotional), and if I had to pick someone to get a hug from, it would probably be him.
Lucie
Probably the least developed of the main bunch, but still lovely. A mix of pragmatic, humorous, good-natured, and stubborn. I appreciated her maternal nature and the caretaking she does, as well as some of her more forthcoming moments of comedy or honesty.
Jamie
The house's librarian (there is a library extension on the house that now operates digitally and through post) and the primary caretaker/guardian of the children. He's got a backstory that I found both harrowing and heartbreaking, but not melodramatic. A perfect example of "grumpy-with-a-heart-of-gold" played out to its full effect. The book does a great job balancing his reservations and grouchiness with the softer sides of him. He doesn't do things for no reason. He genuinely loves the children, and the book never has to tell us that, because it's so obvious through what he does. His development unrolls at a steady, well orchestrated pace, and by the end, I adored him. (I adored him even at the beginning, but my appreciation deepened quite a lot).
Rosetta (10), Altamira (7), and Terracotta (8)
I'm grouping the girls together because I don't want to give too many spoilers. But, you should know that they each have their own growth moments. They aren't convenient little props, and you can see the unique traces love has left on them just as you can see the effects of displacement, loss, and other traumas. If you're like me, you'll be wholeheartedly invested in making sure they get to stay together, no matter the magical risks.
Mika
This character's arc is not revolutionary. It's not the first time I've seen a lonely-loner-finds-a-home style story. But her conviction, her insecurities, and her values are quite well balanced and tested. I think the story's conclusion really put her growth on display, and I appreciated that.
This book is cozy. It's kind. It's got some swearing and a few, brief mature scenes (which are skippable if you are not one for those). The magic is an interesting element that seems to provide a good foil for many kinds of difference, and I'm sure many people will connect with Mika's descriptions about struggling to be normal when she is not.
What puts this over the top for me was the balance. The pacing is excellent, all the way through. The plot moves at a steady, good clip, and the characters are all unique and filled in. They all have a distinct role, and that role is never "ticking a checkbox." Hard topics are explored with kindness and lots of support. It's very uplifting, and there are well-put lines throughout it that make you stop and go, "Mm. Yeah."
It's not often that I find a book with strong plot, strong characterization, and strong pacing--especially one that's this short. I really did enjoy it, its hopeful message, and the family at its core.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Abandonment, Alcohol, Death, and Death of parent
Minor: Colonisation, Emotional abuse, Child abuse, and Classism