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Reviews tagging 'Abandonment'
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
258 reviews
lucystolethesky's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Minor: Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Racism, Toxic relationship, and Xenophobia
annorabrady's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- 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
I loved the relationships formed in this book and that magic took more of an "every day" role than one usually sees in fantasy books. I also love that the development of relationships in this book was realistic. It didn't happen all at once and the interruptions to advancements were rooted in the characters' arcs rather than nonsense reasonings like "someone burst into the room and they never went back to their conversation" or whatever.
Also, I love that characters talked through their problems instead of just apologizing and moving on or deciding that "it didn't matter if they'd been hurt." There were real consequences to behaviors, words, and beliefs. And the characters had to face the consequences to move forward.
Also, I love that characters talked through their problems instead of just apologizing and moving on or deciding that "it didn't matter if they'd been hurt." There were real consequences to behaviors, words, and beliefs. And the characters had to face the consequences to move forward.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
gardens_and_dragons's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This was very cute book with a side of romance. Reminded me a lot of House in the Cerulean Sea in terms of tone.
I liked all of the characters and liked the found family aspect of the story. I’m not really into grumpy/sunshine romances so I couldn’t really love-love the main romance, but individually I think the main two were great characters.
I liked all of the characters and liked the found family aspect of the story. I’m not really into grumpy/sunshine romances so I couldn’t really love-love the main romance, but individually I think the main two were great characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Homophobia and Racism
thereadinghammock's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- 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
This was an excellent mix of magical realism, wacky hijinks, emotional honesty, and found family I would love to be a part of. I was hooked with Mika's sense of humor in chapter one; her millennial humor was perfect and so, so relatable. Once you add into the mix the delightfully eccentric residents of Nowhere House? You would have needed to pry it from my cold dead hands. This checks so may of my wheelhouse boxes. Witches? Check. Adorable, snarky, sassy, and smart women (and a few men too)? So many checks. A fiercely protective found family? Big ol' check! A not insignificant romantic grumpy/sunshine subplot? A sneaky lil check there too! Diverse cast of characters? Present and accounted for!
I don't know if I could pick any favorite character in the book. I loved them all for different reasons. Ian for his enthusiasm for everything. Ken's calm, solid presence in the household. Mika for her willingness to think outside the box and question the status quo. Lucie's amazing kindness and love. Rosetta for her passion for learning. Terracotta for her fierceness--both loyalty and stubbornness! Altamira for her innocent wonder and the comedic timing that children can effortlessly nail. And Jamie for his loyalty to the people he loves (and a sexy Irish accent to boot, thank you audiobook narrator!)
I loved the characterization of magic in this book as well. While a mostly silent "character", the fact that it had characterization at all was a nice touch the author added. That it was mischievous by nature; that the more witches around, the more magic was attracted to them; and that intrinsically it wants to be utilized. That it truly is an extension of the witches themselves. But that left unchecked or ignored, can get destructive in it's pursuit of attention.
I don't know if I could pick any favorite character in the book. I loved them all for different reasons. Ian for his enthusiasm for everything. Ken's calm, solid presence in the household. Mika for her willingness to think outside the box and question the status quo. Lucie's amazing kindness and love. Rosetta for her passion for learning. Terracotta for her fierceness--both loyalty and stubbornness! Altamira for her innocent wonder and the comedic timing that children can effortlessly nail. And Jamie for his loyalty to the people he loves (and a sexy Irish accent to boot, thank you audiobook narrator!)
I loved the characterization of magic in this book as well. While a mostly silent "character", the fact that it had characterization at all was a nice touch the author added. That it was mischievous by nature; that the more witches around, the more magic was attracted to them; and that intrinsically it wants to be utilized. That it truly is an extension of the witches themselves. But that left unchecked or ignored, can get destructive in it's pursuit of attention.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Death and Abandonment
Minor: Sexual content, Grief, and Death of parent
cinderellasbookshelf's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Have you ever described a book as wonderful? Because that was the first thought that came to mind as soon as I finished reading Sangu Mandanna’s THE VERY SECRET SOCIETY OF IRREGULAR WITCHES.
This absolutely delightful book follows Mika Moon, a witch who has spent the majority of her life alone, having grown up an orphan under the care but distance of a fellow witch. She has always never stayed in one place for long periods of time or formed any close relationships, though she desperately longs to. All of that changes however, when she is hired to help three young witches harness and control their magical abilities.
From the first page alone, I immediately fell in love with the writing. It is so warm and welcomes you into this world that once the story takes off, you are excited to go on this journey. The magical elements as well are what makes this book a cozy read and perfect for fans of Practical Magic with a touch of Mary Poppins, Nanny McPhee, and The Worst Witch. There is nothing too complex about the rules of magic, and the backstory about how witches are always orphans is explained and all connect back to Mika’s own story and growth as she trains these three young girls.
I love the cast of the characters in this book, each and every one of them. The girls are adorable with curious and vibrant personalities. Terracotta especially is a fun character. I really like how Mika’s relationship with them grows over time as they warm up to her and how in the same way Mika begins to feel at home as she befriends the people who invited her. There is a romance that simmers between her and curmudgeon librarian, Jamie, but it is just one part of an all encompassing story. How it’s handled alongside Mika and the girls, and Mika opening herself up to this newfound family she never had but always wanted, all together make up a beautiful novel.
I saw recently Sangu Mandanna has a new book coming out and after reading The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, I honestly cannot wait to read more from her.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Death of parent
twistykris's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- 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
OH MY HEART. I absolutely adored everything about this book. A wonderful cozy, witchy, found-family story, with a dash of a grumpy-sunshine romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Abandonment
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, and Sexual content
Minor: Bullying, Homophobia, Racism, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
theinkdrinkerhouse's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- 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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Abandonment
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Homophobia and Racism
ophycore's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Sexual content, and Abandonment
Moderate: Child death, Confinement, Racism, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cancer, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, and Fire/Fire injury
bookishvanessa's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- 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
4.0
Mika is a witch living an isolated life in Britain due to witches steering clear of one another so that their powers don’t mingle. When the opportunity for a new position as a teacher to three young witches presents itself, Mika embarks on a life-changing adventure.
What I loved:
■ Quirky, lovable characters
■ Nowhere House was so charming and felt like a character in and of itself
■ Genre-bending (fantasy, romance, mystery)
■ Found family and warm, fuzzy feels
What fell short for me:
■ I’m not sure how to explain it, but I wanted more… witchy vibes? I feel like it didn’t dive deep enough into the magic for me.
■ I got a little bored because I wanted more depth or for it to be a bit less cutesy.
Overall, I enjoyed this and recommend it if you’re in the mood for something cozy and feel-good.
What I loved:
■ Quirky, lovable characters
■ Nowhere House was so charming and felt like a character in and of itself
■ Genre-bending (fantasy, romance, mystery)
■ Found family and warm, fuzzy feels
What fell short for me:
■ I’m not sure how to explain it, but I wanted more… witchy vibes? I feel like it didn’t dive deep enough into the magic for me.
■ I got a little bored because I wanted more depth or for it to be a bit less cutesy.
Overall, I enjoyed this and recommend it if you’re in the mood for something cozy and feel-good.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Sexual content
feistygarlicroll's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment