Reviews - The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches

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36.8k reviews for:

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches

Sangu Mandanna

4.15 AVERAGE

iamlaia's review against another edition

4.25

adventurous emotional funny 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: Complicated

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, written by Sangu Mandanna, is probably the sweetest, cosiest, most feel-good and heartwarming book I have ever read. I must start this review by just saying… thank you, Sangu!

From the start, it’s obvious that Mandanna has a grounded knowledge of storytelling. She knows how to catch your attention, keeping you in the flow of the story from the very first lines, while also introducing the lore and worldbuilding in an organic way. I feel there wasn’t a single unnecessary scene or sentence I wanted to skip — she’s a perfect puzzle-builder of a storyteller.

Something I also have to highlight is the balance in the cast and their personalities. And a special mention (hooray!) goes to the diverse representation: despite the small cast, there’s diversity in gender, race, age, sexuality, etc. Again: thank you! I know there’s more literature like this out there, but I haven’t yet read as much — I’m on my quest — and it feels so refreshing and comfortable compared to anything else.

The found family is so wholesome that I cried a couple of times. Everyone is so cute, it makes my heart overflow with love!

If I’m being picky, I’d say the plotline or the final goal might have felt a bit “small”… but maybe that was the point. And honestly, I didn’t mind. I don’t mind. This book is, in many moments, proof that sometimes less is more. It’s a story to fall in love with the characters, watch them grow through their arcs, and see them come together as a family of “stray puppies” (quoting Rosetta).

There are so many love stories going in so many directions, so much love and healing, that I can only say… what’s next, Mandanna? You’ve got a fan :)