Book Review: The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Cozy Mystery, Paranormal
Publication Date: August 23, 2022, by Berkley Books
Official Book Synopsis:
This heartwarming novel follows Mika Moon, one of the rare witches in Britain. To avoid attracting attention, Mika keeps her magic hidden and rarely associates with other witches. Orphaned early and raised by strangers, Mika is used to being alone and following strict rules, except for one: she maintains an online account where she “pretends” to be a witch, believing no one will take her seriously.
Unexpectedly, she receives a message inviting her to Nowhere House, a secluded and intriguing place, to teach three young witches to control their powers. Breaking all the rules she’s lived by, Mika accepts and soon finds herself entangled in the lives of not just her three students, but also a traveling archaeologist, a retired actor, two dedicated caretakers, and a protective—and annoyingly attractive—librarian named Jamie. As conflict and danger arise, Mika must decide if she’s willing to risk everything for this newfound family she never knew she needed.
Book Review of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches:
Looking for a cozy, witchy read? Sangu Mandanna’s “The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches” might just be what you need. It’s easy to see why this book was nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award for Best Fantasy. The story features a mix of charming characters, a captivating romance, and an inviting magical world that leaves readers wanting more.
The Story:
The narrative centers around Mika Moon, a witch who grew up without a stable family due to being raised by various strangers. In this world, witches frequently lose their parents and must keep a distance from one another for safety, making for a lonely life. That changes when Mika is invited to Nowhere House to help three young witches manage their abilities. This proximity to other witches breaks all the usual rules, and Mika isn’t sure whom to trust in this secretive household. On top of that, the guardian of the house is quite appealing, though he’s not fully trusting of Mika either.
Overall Thoughts:
Overall, “The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches” is a fun and engaging read for those who enjoy a mix of magic and romance. The setting and world-building are particularly compelling, suggesting that there is much more to explore. While the book leans heavily on the romantic aspects and could benefit from delving deeper into the witch mythology, it’s still an enjoyable and fast-paced story with some unexpected twists.
I did find that some of the strong language and a single steamy scene felt out of place in what is otherwise a cozy tale. Despite this, it’s a bewitching read that will keep you hooked.
Adaptation Recommendation:
This book has great potential to be adapted into a TV series, blending cozy charm with magical romance—a perfect formula for comfort viewing. Turning it into an ensemble show could also allow for further development of both the magical system and the romantic relationships.
Content Note: The book contains occasional strong language and one explicit love scene.
Have you read “The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches”? Share your thoughts on this charming paranormal mystery in the comments!
