Book Review: The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches

This is such a great book for a cozy reading session, and I can’t wait to share it with you. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna is a perfect read if you’re into cozy fantasy stories with a sweet and gentle romance.

In this book, magic is a big secret but it is there, hiding under our noses. It’s the kind of story that makes you feel warm and welcome, like you’re part of a special secret. As I read it, I felt like I was stepping into a hidden world where everyday life has a sprinkle of magic you wouldn’t usually see.

The storytelling is gentle yet captivating, creating a space where the hustle and bustle of everyday life fade away, immersing you in a soothing and exhilarating story. So, let’s cozy up and dive into the magical world Sangu Mandanna has so beautifully created for us.

“The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches” Summary

Mika Moon’s life as a witch in Britain is marked by solitude and secrecy. Raised by the distant Primrose Beatrice Everly and a series of nannies, she has learned to hide her magical identity. Her only rebellion? Pretending to be a witch on the internet. The irony, right?

But things get interesting when Mika receives an unexpected message. She gets a proposition: teach three young witches – Rosette, Terracotta, and Altamira – how to control their magic. It’s an offer that turns Mika’s world upside down and challenges everything she’s ever known.

As Mika starts teaching the girls, she finds something she didn’t even know she was missing – a sense of belonging. But there’s trouble brewing. Edward Foxhaven’s upcoming visit threatens to expose the girls and unravel everything Mika’s come to cherish. Faced with a tough choice, Mika must decide whether to stick to the rules or protect this newfound family she’s grown to love.

My Review

Let me tell you, “The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches” is the kind of book that immediately creates a cozy escape. Sangu Mandanna has this magical way of blending the fantastical with the profoundly human, making the story both a dreamy escape and a relatable journey.

I couldn’t help but root for Mika. Her journey from a lone witch to slowly realizing life may not have to be that way is genuine and touching. And what better to help her realize that than a little romantic tension? I enjoyed the slow burn unraveling, allowing both characters to expand their worldviews thanks to the other.

That said, all the characters had something special to the table. Ken’s gentle soul, Lucie’s nurturing heart, and the young witches’ adorable quirks all weave together into this beautiful narrative tapestry. 

I was completely invested in the characters and their stories as a reader. The pacing is just right, allowing for meaningful character development and the gradual build-up of relationships. And the magic? It’s there, sparkling through the story, but never overshadowing the very human heart of the plot. The story flows with a whimsical charm that’ll remind you of books like Good Omens or the heartwarming The House in the Cerulean Sea, making you chuckle and tear up all in the same chapter.

This novel is the literary equivalent of a cozy fall day spent in your favorite sweater. It’s a story that offers comfort, laughter, and a little reminder of the magic found in our everyday lives. Sangu Mandanna has created a world so captivating, you’ll be sad to leave it behind.

If you found this review helpful, you can check out the book at Bookshop.org here and support local bookstores along the way!