Member Review
Review by
Sara B, Reviewer
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
Thank you Netgallery for providing me with an audio copy to review.
I wasn't sure what to expect going into this book, but before I say anything more, I loved it!
But why did I love it so much?
I think from the start, when we get introduced to Mika Moon, you just sense this is going to be a magical journey in more ways than one.
When Mika becomes an adult, after being told to hide her magic, hide that she is a witch, she decides to bend the rules and makes videos 'pretending' to be the witch she is.
What she doesn't expect is that someone watches the videos and realises just who, and what she is. Before she knows it, her life is irrecoverable changed when she becomes involved with Nowhere House, and the 3 children there, all of whom are witches. Then she gets to know others at the house.
The moment Mika goes to Nowhere House, the story truly blossoms into its own.
We have characters that are cute, ones who are surly and we have Circe, the dog! A dog called Circe. Need I say more?!
There is a wonderful diversity of backgrounds for the characters, and it made it all the more enjoyable for me. Nothing was shoved in or felt forced. It was just who they are, and allowed differences to flourish in the same way likeness did. It left it feeling beautifully balanced.
Although not a large part of the book there is wonderful LGBTQIA rep, that I wasn't expecting, and it helped really just solidify how much I was enjoying it at that point.
We have the trope of 'found family,' that wasn't stale. There is also a 'slow burn' romance, but not too slow burn. Or too quick either. Again the balance felt right for the book.
The writing was a joy to read, and not difficult to get through, yet remained engaging pretty much throughout. I felt there were a couple of hiccups but they were so minor for me, I couldn't mark it down.
This is a book I'd more than happily have on my bookshelves. So if you want a great diverse magic based book, with found family and some romance thrown in, you really should grab this.
I would love if there was a 2nd book to this as I feel there are areas to explore to expand on what was told here. Although this ended nicely on its own merits, it just seems as if it could go forward some more if the author can do that.
A cozy kind of read that requires tea, a warm blanket and fire to snuggle up. Although a warm beach somewhere works too!
Easily 5/5 stars 🌟
Thank you Netgallery for providing me with an audio copy to review.
I wasn't sure what to expect going into this book, but before I say anything more, I loved it!
But why did I love it so much?
I think from the start, when we get introduced to Mika Moon, you just sense this is going to be a magical journey in more ways than one.
When Mika becomes an adult, after being told to hide her magic, hide that she is a witch, she decides to bend the rules and makes videos 'pretending' to be the witch she is.
What she doesn't expect is that someone watches the videos and realises just who, and what she is. Before she knows it, her life is irrecoverable changed when she becomes involved with Nowhere House, and the 3 children there, all of whom are witches. Then she gets to know others at the house.
The moment Mika goes to Nowhere House, the story truly blossoms into its own.
We have characters that are cute, ones who are surly and we have Circe, the dog! A dog called Circe. Need I say more?!
There is a wonderful diversity of backgrounds for the characters, and it made it all the more enjoyable for me. Nothing was shoved in or felt forced. It was just who they are, and allowed differences to flourish in the same way likeness did. It left it feeling beautifully balanced.
Although not a large part of the book there is wonderful LGBTQIA rep, that I wasn't expecting, and it helped really just solidify how much I was enjoying it at that point.
We have the trope of 'found family,' that wasn't stale. There is also a 'slow burn' romance, but not too slow burn. Or too quick either. Again the balance felt right for the book.
The writing was a joy to read, and not difficult to get through, yet remained engaging pretty much throughout. I felt there were a couple of hiccups but they were so minor for me, I couldn't mark it down.
This is a book I'd more than happily have on my bookshelves. So if you want a great diverse magic based book, with found family and some romance thrown in, you really should grab this.
I would love if there was a 2nd book to this as I feel there are areas to explore to expand on what was told here. Although this ended nicely on its own merits, it just seems as if it could go forward some more if the author can do that.
A cozy kind of read that requires tea, a warm blanket and fire to snuggle up. Although a warm beach somewhere works too!
Easily 5/5 stars 🌟
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