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diazona's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
There are a couple of pretty neat plot twists toward the end. They definitely make the last quarter or so very interesting indeed, I just don't think it's enough to make me forget about the lack of things happening during the first three quarters.
Normally a story without meaningful events is not one I'm going to be very interested in, but I think what saves this one is the rich character development. All the main characters have distinct and consistent personalities (except for gruff Jamie who shows an unexpectedly soft side at some point in the middle), they feel realistic and relatable, and most of all they're nice. These are the kinds of people I wish I could have as friends and family. So it didn't take very far into the book before I started caring about them and getting invested in their successes and failures. According to the afterword, the author was inspired to write this story as a reaction to the loneliness of the pandemic, and in that sense, mission accomplished.
All in all, it's a good book. I wouldn't put it on my list of all-time favorites, and it's not one that I see myself coming back to read and reread regularly, but any time I'm in the mood for something heartwarming and comforting, I'll be glad to have this on my (virtual) shelf.
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Abandonment and Cursing
Minor: Vomit, Murder, Death, Alcohol, Confinement, and Death of parent
moonlitreading_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A secret witch making silly witchcraft videos because she doesn’t think anyone will take her seriously suddenly gets hired to teach three witch children about magic. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches was fun and cozy and I had a really great time reading it. It took me less than a day to finish and that’s saying something because I’ve been an awful reading slump for weeks now.
The characters were funny and their different personalities made for a chaotic bunch. I found myself anticipating what’s going to happen next just because their interactions were really entertaining and heartwarming. Bonus points for the romance in the book<333
Moderate: Death of parent and Death
bronzel's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Moderate: Cursing and Sexual content
Minor: Racism, Death of parent, Xenophobia, and Death
kaylurzz's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Death, Abandonment, and Death of parent
Moderate: Racism
maeverose's review against another edition
5.0
I feel so stupid for ever thinking I wasn’t interested in this book. I don’t tend to like romance genre books, so I found it so refreshing that this completely subverts all the tropes I hate in romance. They actually communicate. I could cry. The third act conflict is a completely understandable conflict and is resolved quickly. There’s absolutely zero pettiness between the love interests. And it has tropes I like! Grumpy / sunshine!! Semi-dislike to love!!! I’m actually screaming internally. This was so good.
It’s definitely cozy fantasy, but it does have stakes and plot (which I personally prefer). It’s very much a comfort book.
I loved all the characters, they all had distinct personalities and quirks. They’re the found family I wish I had. Jamie was my type of love interest. Wouldn’t mind one of those for myself thank you.
It’s also really funny, and I don’t often find funny books to be funny. But the humor worked for me in this.
My only very minor not very serious complaint is I wish it was just a tad steamier… but I’ll take what I can get.
I had a stupid smile on my face the whole time reading this (except for when I was crying). If you like romance books, witchy books, or cozy fantasy, please read this. I don’t even tend to like any of those things, hence why I wasn’t interested initially, but this is now one of my favorite books. I need to go buy a copy.
Graphic: Sexual content and Death
Moderate: Bullying, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Death of parent, and Cursing
Minor: Homophobia, Body horror, and Racism
Plot twist spoiler, but kept vague:zahrahm's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
There were some plot points that I thought happened suddenly or without proper buildup, but I was able to get over it to enjoy the moment.
The authour mentions her intent was to write about human connection and love, and she definitely did that. The interactions between all of the characters felt so real, and I could relate to the types of people Mika encountered in her life. It’s a beautiful message about opening yourself up to love, how your upbringing informs you adulthood and the trauma you can work through if you open yourself up to vulnerability. I’ll definitely want to revisit this, and will be recommending it to anyone who will listen.
Minor: Death and Physical abuse
rcknnrllnwthrbcca's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Minor: Death and Child abuse
singalana's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Minor: Cursing, Abandonment, Alcohol, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, and Sexual content
lisavandonselaar's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death, Gaslighting, Child abuse, and Grief
jspells's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Death