Scan barcode
A review by theespressoedition
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
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
5.0
Updated in 2023 to 5 stars after a reread!
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!
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!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment and Death of parent
Moderate: Sexual content and Grief