theespressoedition's review
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
4.0
A little disclaimer: I'm not someone who typically enjoys the most hyped books--especially contemporary romances. Usually, I wind up disappointed that I've even read them at all, and sometimes I even go so far as to resent the internet for hyping them up when it feels so unnecessary.
PSA: The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches deserves every ounce of hype it has received. Hopefully, that says a lot considering the information that I just provided about my reading tastes.
I gave this one a shot with the lowest of the low expectations. I figured I might like it. Maybe I'd give it 3 stars if it was even semi-decent. Instead, I read it all in one sitting and loved every second of it!
The concept is pretty simple. A witch without a family is welcomed into a somewhat mismatched and unusual "family" in need of a witch. Emotions are high, hijinks ensue, and both parties are forced to make adjustments to the way they live and view the world. It's found family at its absolute finest.
Now, I've seen plenty of people compare this book to The House in the Cerulean Sea. While I would agree with some elements resembling one another, this felt different to me for some reason. THITCS actually made me slightly uncomfortable while I read it (sadly) but TVSSOIW brought great coziness and peace. I can see it becoming a comfort reread for sure! There was less innuendo (though some sexual content was in the book), the children were much more likable, and I never felt confused as to which age group it was intended for. It was a wholesome adult novel with lots of great vibes.
This was the last book I read in October, and while I wouldn't say that it absolutely blew me away or became my favorite book of all time, I did thoroughly enjoy it and I can see myself reading it again each year during this time!
PSA: The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches deserves every ounce of hype it has received. Hopefully, that says a lot considering the information that I just provided about my reading tastes.
I gave this one a shot with the lowest of the low expectations. I figured I might like it. Maybe I'd give it 3 stars if it was even semi-decent. Instead, I read it all in one sitting and loved every second of it!
The concept is pretty simple. A witch without a family is welcomed into a somewhat mismatched and unusual "family" in need of a witch. Emotions are high, hijinks ensue, and both parties are forced to make adjustments to the way they live and view the world. It's found family at its absolute finest.
Now, I've seen plenty of people compare this book to The House in the Cerulean Sea. While I would agree with some elements resembling one another, this felt different to me for some reason. THITCS actually made me slightly uncomfortable while I read it (sadly) but TVSSOIW brought great coziness and peace. I can see it becoming a comfort reread for sure! There was less innuendo (though some sexual content was in the book), the children were much more likable, and I never felt confused as to which age group it was intended for. It was a wholesome adult novel with lots of great vibes.
This was the last book I read in October, and while I wouldn't say that it absolutely blew me away or became my favorite book of all time, I did thoroughly enjoy it and I can see myself reading it again each year during this time!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Abandonment
Moderate: Grief and Sexual content
takarakei's review
emotional
funny
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
4.5
This is such a cozy witchy rom-com and I adored it. Found family. Grumpy sunshine. A bit spicy.
I really saw the witches “needing” to stay separated from each other to avoid their power becoming “too strong” as a metaphor for systems of oppression keeping people out of community in order to maintain their control.
3/5 🌶️
I really saw the witches “needing” to stay separated from each other to avoid their power becoming “too strong” as a metaphor for systems of oppression keeping people out of community in order to maintain their control.
3/5 🌶️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Sexual content, and Grief
Moderate: Physical abuse, Alcohol, and Death
Minor: Death of parent
Abusive siblings, isolation/abandonment of child resulting in childhood traumasdupont's review
emotional
funny
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
4.25
What a cute and cozy read, perfect for fall! I enjoyed reading this book. The ensemble of characters all rounded each other out quite nicely. I found the books themes around home, found family, and identity to be well done. I also loved Mika’s distinction between nice and kind- something that really resonated with me. The romance in this story is the B plot so readers should go in expecting a solid fiction novel rather than a romance. I would recommend this book to fans of cozy witchy reads.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, and Child abuse
Minor: Homophobia and Racism
lexa's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
5.0
All the stars and all their star dust for this cozy, romantic, magical book about found family and living as your true self. Perfect autumn read. Great narration.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment and Death of parent
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Homophobia, Child abuse, Grief, and Racism
womanwill's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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: Grief and Death of parent
Moderate: Abandonment
saliwali's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- 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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Abandonment, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Forced institutionalization and Grief
editoryalizing's review against another edition
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, and Car accident
potatogrr's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-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 of parent
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Confinement, Xenophobia, Grief, and Emotional abuse
aimzthereader'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
5.0
Perfection! If you loved House in Cerulean sea you need to read this! Found family, great witchy and magical moments, sweet romance but really it’s the kids who steal this story. I loved all the characters in this and the found family aspect. I dare you not to want to hug this at the end !
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, and Grief
jenmcreads's review
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
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? It's complicated
5.0
This is THE cozy, witchy fall read of the year (it’s early in the season but I’m willing to call it). I loved the cast of characters, and the beautiful sense of chosen family throughout this book. The slight slow burn on the romance was perfectly paced. The characters were both diverse and sensitively written, with just the right level of eccentricity. In the first half the stakes perhaps felt low, but once some secrets came out, the stakes were clarified and I was hooked for the rest of the book.
The themes in this book- such as home, belonging, found family- were fairly explicitly stated and perhaps lacking in subtlety, however with how well written the characters were to back up these themes that didn’t bother me. Overall this was just the book I hoped it would be!
The themes in this book- such as home, belonging, found family- were fairly explicitly stated and perhaps lacking in subtlety, however with how well written the characters were to back up these themes that didn’t bother me. Overall this was just the book I hoped it would be!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Death, and Grief