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4.25 AVERAGE
4.25 AVERAGE
It always fascinates me how cosy fantasy books have to explicitly describe their settings and characters as cosy multiple times. Almost like they don't trust their audience to get it instinctively. But then, they also don't trust their audiences with conflict so....
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I enjoyed this story, but it didn't have quite the same fun, cozy vibes as the first one in this world.
adventurous
adventurous
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:
Complicated
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
funny
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content, Xenophobia, Abandonment
Moderate: Ableism, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Racism, Violence, Classism
Minor: Death, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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
The idea was cute and I liked how the themes of self worth and depression were portrayed but I couldn't really get into it. I wasn't super attached to the characters and there was something off about the romance. Also a lot of parts about the ending felt out of place, I was surprised when she was actually able to get her powers back because I thought she was going to just grow beyond the need/desire for it, then the Clemmy betrayal, then the random battle scene, then Clemmy is chill now actually, then she loses her powers again?? And then also the smut was kinda out of left field lmao like the whole rest of the book was pretty tame, but maybe I just didn't really care for that romance very much
“Your magic knew exactly who you were. That’s why your spell was a shield, not a sword.”
Cozy, enchanting, and healing - this book is everything I hoped it would be.
I love The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches and I think I love this book even more. It had everything I was looking for, from the coziest magic system to the found family and the enchanting characters. Even the romance was something I enjoyed, which caught me off guard because it was my least favorite aspect of TVSSIW.
There isn't really a better word for this book than enchanting. The way the magic was described, the things the magic was used for, the bone-rooster and the aspiring villainous fox, the contribution each character made to the story, and the journey that Sera goes on to reclaim her magic; each and every part of the story was so purposeful and beautifully crafted.
Something I found myself impressed by was the way the discussion of heavy topics actually only increased the cozy atmosphere of the book, which is something I've never seen another cozy fantasy pull off before. This book doesn't ignore the fact discrimination and mistreatment exist, but instead they illustrate a sharp contrast from the safe haven of the inn and the main cast of characters. Discrimination was acknowledged but overpowered by the casual acceptance and love that each of the characters had for each other.
On a personal note, there were so many moments in this book that felt like someone had written it knowing exactly what I needed to hear right now, which is perhaps one of the most precious and beautiful things about being a reader.
Overall, this will definitely be a book I recommend (and revisit) for many years to come. I hope Sangu Mandanna continues to write cozy witch, found family books forever.
Cozy, enchanting, and healing - this book is everything I hoped it would be.
I love The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches and I think I love this book even more. It had everything I was looking for, from the coziest magic system to the found family and the enchanting characters. Even the romance was something I enjoyed, which caught me off guard because it was my least favorite aspect of TVSSIW.
There isn't really a better word for this book than enchanting. The way the magic was described, the things the magic was used for, the bone-rooster and the aspiring villainous fox, the contribution each character made to the story, and the journey that Sera goes on to reclaim her magic; each and every part of the story was so purposeful and beautifully crafted.
Something I found myself impressed by was the way the discussion of heavy topics actually only increased the cozy atmosphere of the book, which is something I've never seen another cozy fantasy pull off before. This book doesn't ignore the fact discrimination and mistreatment exist, but instead they illustrate a sharp contrast from the safe haven of the inn and the main cast of characters. Discrimination was acknowledged but overpowered by the casual acceptance and love that each of the characters had for each other.
On a personal note, there were so many moments in this book that felt like someone had written it knowing exactly what I needed to hear right now, which is perhaps one of the most precious and beautiful things about being a reader.
Overall, this will definitely be a book I recommend (and revisit) for many years to come. I hope Sangu Mandanna continues to write cozy witch, found family books forever.