I recently finished reading "The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches" by Sangu Mandanna, and I must say, it was a delightful escape into a world of magic, warmth, and the power of found family. Being a sucker for cozy, whimsical tales, this book caught my eye, especially with the enticing promise of a witch navigating love and community in a charming, enchanted setting.
The story revolves around Mika Moon, an isolated witch in Britain who has to keep her magic hidden due to the historical risk of persecution. She’s used to a lonely existence, raised by strangers after losing her parents at a young age. Yet, her online “pretend” witch persona leads her to a remote place called Nowhere House—a literal breath of fresh air! Here, she’s asked to help teach three young witches to control their magic. The notion of breaking the rules to embrace a new family that she didn’t know she craved tugged at my heartstrings.
What truly resonated with me was the sense of belonging that Mika discovers. The characters surrounding her— from the awkward young witches to the brooding but handsome librarian, Jamie—each have their own quirks that contribute to a rich tapestry of narratives about family, love, and acceptance. The warmth of the relationships contrasts beautifully with Mika’s initial isolation, showcasing the transformative power of love and friendship.
However, while the story is largely uplifting, I felt the pacing could have been smoother in certain sections. Some readers have mentioned that they found parts of the plot meandering without enough focus, and I can agree that there were moments that could have benefitted from a tighter narrative. The emotional depth and character backgrounds are explored well, but at times, it felt like it meandered a bit.
Another drawback is the predictability of some plot points. I saw certain twists coming quite early on. While this didn’t necessarily detract from my overall enjoyment, I can understand how some might find it less engaging if they were hoping for unexpected turns.
On the other hand, the world-building is stunning. Mandanna’s writing is infused with a whimsical quality that makes the setting almost feel like a character in its own right. The Nowhere House itself is an enchanting backdrop that truly made me feel as if I was embracing its magic alongside Mika. As Emily Henry might say, it’s “one of the coziest reads of the last year,” and I find that I, too, can’t stop thinking about the enchanted setting.
The inherent message in the book—that family isn’t always blood, but whom you choose to surround yourself with—struck a chord with me as well. As Mika finds her place among her charges at Nowhere House, the healing that occurs through these connections was beautifully woven into the storyline. This is truly what made the book stand out for me.
In conclusion, "The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches" is a light-hearted, whimsical journey filled with charm and heart. While it has its pacing issues and predictable moments, the enchanting setting, lovable characters, and touching themes of connection and belonging made it a wonderful reading experience. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone looking for a cozy escape filled with magic and the warmth of newfound family. If you’re open to a few predictable moments, you’ll find yourself immersed in a story that will leave you with a smile long after the last page is turned.