Thursday, February 6, 2025

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

When witches, magic, and romance collide, the result is pure enchantment

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"The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches" is like the best kind of magic—it leaves you feeling warm, happy, and just a little bit changed. It's a book that reminds us that family isn't always about blood, that love can bloom in the most unexpected places, and that sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is let ourselves belong.

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Picture this: You’re curled up in your favorite armchair, a steaming mug of tea in hand, while outside the window, a blustery autumn wind whips colorful leaves into miniature cyclones. Now, imagine the perfect book to accompany this cozy scene—one that wraps you in warmth, tickles your funny bone, and maybe, just maybe, makes you believe in magic again.

Friends, I’ve found that book. Sangu Mandanna’s “The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches” is a positively enchanting concoction of whimsy, romance, and heart. It’s the literary equivalent of sinking into a bubble bath after a long day—pure, unadulterated comfort that leaves you feeling refreshed and just a tad sparkly.

A Witch’s Brew of Delight

At the center of this magical tale is Mika Moon, a solitary witch who’s spent her entire life following The Rules. You know the type—keep your head down, don’t mingle with other witches, and for the love of all that’s magical, don’t let the normies catch on. But Mika’s got a rebellious streak (don’t we all?), which manifests in the form of cheeky online videos where she playacts as a witch. It’s all fun and games until someone takes her seriously and boom! Our girl finds herself summoned to the mysterious Nowhere House to teach three young witches how to control their magic.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Teaching magic to kids? Piece of cake!” Oh, honey. If only. These aren’t your average munchkins. We’ve got Rosetta, the oldest and most serious of the bunch; Terracotta, a pint-sized force of nature with a penchant for murder schemes (don’t worry, they’re mostly theoretical); and Altamira, the baby of the group who’s never met a swear word she didn’t like. Throw in a grumpy-but-gorgeous librarian, a retired actor with a flair for the dramatic, and a pair of long-suffering caretakers, and you’ve got a recipe for chaos, laughter, and maybe, just maybe, a dash of romance.

Stirring Up Trouble (and Feelings)

Let’s talk about that grumpy librarian for a second, shall we? Jamie Kelly is the kind of character that makes you want to simultaneously shake him and smooch him. He’s protective, he’s broody, he’s got a heart of gold hidden under layers of prickly defensiveness. Watching him and Mika dance around each other is like watching two cats circle a particularly enticing ball of yarn—you know someone’s going to pounce eventually, but the anticipation is half the fun.

Mandanna excels at building tension between these two, peppering their interactions with witty banter and meaningful glances that’ll have you screaming, “Just kiss already!” into your pillow at 2 AM. (Not that I did that. Nope. Definitely not.)

A Pinch of This, a Dash of That

But this book isn’t just about the romance (though that part is beautiful). At its core, “The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches” is a story about found family and belonging. Mika, who’s spent her whole life feeling like an outsider, suddenly finds herself surrounded by people who not only accept her magic but celebrate it. It’s heartwarming to watch her slowly let down her guards and allow herself to be loved.

The kids, too, are a highlight. Mandanna has a knack for writing children who feel real—they’re precocious and silly and frustrating and absolutely lovable. I dare you not to fall head over heels for Terracotta’s deadpan delivery of murder plots or Altamira’s creative cursing.

Magical Mishaps and Merry Mayhem

Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper witch story without some magical mishaps, and boy, does this book deliver. From accidental levitation to animated skeletons (yes, you read that right), the magical moments in this book are equal parts hilarious and awe-inspiring. Mandanna’s system of magic feels fresh and organic, with just enough rules to make sense but plenty of room for wonder.

A Dash of Danger

It’s not all fun and games, though. There’s a thread of danger running through the story, primarily in the form of a nosy solicitor who threatens to unravel everything. The stakes feel real, and there were moments where I was genuinely worried for our ragtag family of misfits. But fear not, dear reader—this is a cozy book at heart, and while there are tense moments, they’re balanced out by plenty of warmth and humor.

Spellbinding Style

Mandanna’s writing style is as comforting as a warm hug. Her prose flows effortlessly, peppered with delightful turns of phrase that’ll make you chuckle. Take this gem, for example:

“She wished she hadn’t left Nowhere House the way she did. She had a right to be angry that she had been lied to and manipulated, and the sense of betrayal had been viscerally real, but sitting in this house now, this house with all its ghosts and all its monsters under the beds, she knew her abrupt flight had been a kneejerk reaction to the pain.”

It’s this kind of insightful, empathetic writing that elevates the book from mere fluff to something truly special.

A Sprinkle of Criticism (But Not Much)

Now, I promised you a critical review, so I suppose I should find something to nitpick. Um… let’s see… Oh! There were a couple of moments where the pacing felt a smidge slow, particularly in the middle. And if you’re looking for high-stakes, world-ending drama, this might not be the book for you.

But honestly? Those are minor quibbles in what is otherwise a delightful read. This book knows exactly what it wants to be—a cozy, heartwarming story about love and family—and it delivers on that promise with aplomb.

The Final Spell

In the end, “The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches” is like the best kind of magic—it leaves you feeling warm, happy, and just a little bit changed. It’s a book that reminds us that family isn’t always about blood, that love can bloom in the most unexpected places, and that sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is let ourselves belong.

If you’re a fan of authors like T.J. Klune or Katherine Arden, if you loved “The House in the Cerulean Sea” or “The Night Circus,” or if you just need a book that feels like a warm cup of cocoa on a chilly day, do yourself a favor and pick up this magical little gem. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Magical Miscellany

  • Spellbinding Scale: 4.5 out of 5 wands
  • Romance Level: Slow burn that’ll make you want to scream (in a good way)
  • Laugh-o-Meter: Frequent chuckles with occasional snort-laughs
  • Cozy Factor: Higher than Altamira’s swear word count (which is saying something)
  • Best Enjoyed With: A steaming mug of tea, preferably enchanted

Similar Magical Reads

  • “The House in the Cerulean Sea” by T.J. Klune
  • “Garden Spells” by Sarah Addison Allen
  • “Howl’s Moving Castle” by Diana Wynne Jones
  • “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern

A Final Incantation

As I close the final pages of “The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches,” I find myself wishing for just a little more time at Nowhere House. More tea with Lucie, more banter with Jamie, more of Terracotta’s deadpan delivery and Altamira’s creative cursing. But I suppose that’s the mark of a truly great book—it leaves you wanting more, even as it satisfies you completely.

So, dear reader, if you’re in need of a little magic in your life (and let’s face it, who isn’t?), I wholeheartedly recommend picking up this charming novel. Who knows? You might just find your own irregular family along the way.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some tea to brew and some online witch videos to film. What? I’m sure it’ll be fine. After all, no one takes those seriously… right?

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"The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches" is like the best kind of magic—it leaves you feeling warm, happy, and just a little bit changed. It's a book that reminds us that family isn't always about blood, that love can bloom in the most unexpected places, and that sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is let ourselves belong.The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna