A review by natashaleighton_
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, by Sangu Mandanna
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Sangu Mandanna’s The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is a cozy and heartwarming hug of a book that, like it’s utterly loveable protagonist will melt even the coldest—and grumpiest—of hearts. It’s a lighthearted (and Hallmark-worthy) tale of love, acceptance, found family and human connection that I literally couldn’t put down.
It follows Mika Moon, a witch who (like most witches) lost her parents at a young age and was raised in isolation so as not to draw attention to her magic. Mika has gotten used to her solitary life, only meeting with fellow witches sporadically to limit the risk of detection. But, all that changes when Mika receives a message asking her to travel to Nowhere House and teach three young witches in need of her guidance—a post she readily accepts.
Mika’s arrival at Nowhere house heralds a big change for the young witches, their guardians and for Mika who feels—for the first time in her life—that she can truly belong.
I loved every second of this adorably sweet and wholesome, witchy romance. It’s Practical Magic meets Mary Poppins premise was utterly perfect! Having sped through this at a record pace, I definitely feel like I’ll be floating on the lighthearted, feel good vibes for a long while to come!
The word building was really good if a little light, but the characters were exceptionally well written and complex which I really enjoyed—I loved the found family that this endearing, rag tag group creates and really brings to mind the feel good/cozy vibes I get from T.J Klune’s books.
Mika, our loveable protagonist was absolutely phenomenal, she’s such an endearing and optimistic person who manages to see the good in almost everyone—even when they try to exploit her kind-hearted nature. Having grown up away from children her own age and with a revolving door of tutors and nannies—it’s not difficult to see just how lonely and guarded she is, never staying in one place longer than six months. But her blossoming confidence and growing friendships (with Ian, Lucie, Ken, Jamie and the girls) were such a delight to watch unfold—especially when seeing just how happy having a place to belong (and finally call home) made Mika.
I also loved all three of the girls (Rosetta, Terracotta and Altamira) and really enjoyed how adorably cheeky they were—though they had each other (something Mika never did) it was great to see just how much being around a fellow witch who could help them control their powers, give insight into their unique situations and really helped them to thrive. Especially the sassy firecracker,Terracotta who was pretty set against Mika to begin with.
I adored the swoon worthy, slow burn romance between Mika and cranky librarian, Jamie and watching Mika’s sunshine personality slowly break down Jamie’s stony defences was an absolute delight!
Overall, this gently humorous contemporary fantasy is full of endearing, larger than life characters and a whimsically uplifting plot that you’ll find yourself fully immersed in—and if you’re anything like me, you won’t want it to end!
I definitely recommend checking this out if you love sunshine/grump, found family or since of life-style fiction.
A massive thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for the e-arc.
It follows Mika Moon, a witch who (like most witches) lost her parents at a young age and was raised in isolation so as not to draw attention to her magic. Mika has gotten used to her solitary life, only meeting with fellow witches sporadically to limit the risk of detection. But, all that changes when Mika receives a message asking her to travel to Nowhere House and teach three young witches in need of her guidance—a post she readily accepts.
Mika’s arrival at Nowhere house heralds a big change for the young witches, their guardians and for Mika who feels—for the first time in her life—that she can truly belong.
I loved every second of this adorably sweet and wholesome, witchy romance. It’s Practical Magic meets Mary Poppins premise was utterly perfect! Having sped through this at a record pace, I definitely feel like I’ll be floating on the lighthearted, feel good vibes for a long while to come!
The word building was really good if a little light, but the characters were exceptionally well written and complex which I really enjoyed—I loved the found family that this endearing, rag tag group creates and really brings to mind the feel good/cozy vibes I get from T.J Klune’s books.
Mika, our loveable protagonist was absolutely phenomenal, she’s such an endearing and optimistic person who manages to see the good in almost everyone—even when they try to exploit her kind-hearted nature. Having grown up away from children her own age and with a revolving door of tutors and nannies—it’s not difficult to see just how lonely and guarded she is, never staying in one place longer than six months. But her blossoming confidence and growing friendships (with Ian, Lucie, Ken, Jamie and the girls) were such a delight to watch unfold—especially when seeing just how happy having a place to belong (and finally call home) made Mika.
I also loved all three of the girls (Rosetta, Terracotta and Altamira) and really enjoyed how adorably cheeky they were—though they had each other (something Mika never did) it was great to see just how much being around a fellow witch who could help them control their powers, give insight into their unique situations and really helped them to thrive. Especially the sassy firecracker,Terracotta who was pretty set against Mika to begin with.
I adored the swoon worthy, slow burn romance between Mika and cranky librarian, Jamie and watching Mika’s sunshine personality slowly break down Jamie’s stony defences was an absolute delight!
Overall, this gently humorous contemporary fantasy is full of endearing, larger than life characters and a whimsically uplifting plot that you’ll find yourself fully immersed in—and if you’re anything like me, you won’t want it to end!
I definitely recommend checking this out if you love sunshine/grump, found family or since of life-style fiction.
A massive thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for the e-arc.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment and Xenophobia
Moderate: Death, Sexual content, and Child abuse
Minor: Death of parent, Homophobia, and Racism