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A review by glitterpricked
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
this was so cute! i'd been wanting another cosy fantasy read for a while, because my only other one is howl's moving castle, and this definitely fit the criteria. from the beginning the characters are charming and their relationship dynamics are distinct and entertaining. once the found family aspect is more central, the characters grow all the more loveable.
the book as a whole is so sweet! the stakes are low so it's more about the characters growing around each other, which is really lovely. but it's also got some sentimental moments that tied the book together and solidified the character development. at times it can be a little cheesy, but that cheesiness works with the book's overall tone; it's definitely not for everyone, but when it works, it works! one of the messages is the importance of love and community, a theme that makes me cry in any and all media. i really appreciated how much platonic relationships across generations were underlined in this. the romance was also sweet and worked really well alongside the other relationships.
i was going through a difficult month of uni when i read this, and i needed it. it felt like a warm hug from a friend, which is truly all i ever wanted from it. i buddyread this with angel, and thank god for that, because i have no idea when i would've gotten to it if not for her!
i wanted to add a quote, but if you don't want a single spoiler about the romance or themes, don't read it! i personally don't think it's very spoiler-y though so indulge me hehe
the book as a whole is so sweet! the stakes are low so it's more about the characters growing around each other, which is really lovely. but it's also got some sentimental moments that tied the book together and solidified the character development. at times it can be a little cheesy, but that cheesiness works with the book's overall tone; it's definitely not for everyone, but when it works, it works! one of the messages is the importance of love and community, a theme that makes me cry in any and all media. i really appreciated how much platonic relationships across generations were underlined in this. the romance was also sweet and worked really well alongside the other relationships.
i was going through a difficult month of uni when i read this, and i needed it. it felt like a warm hug from a friend, which is truly all i ever wanted from it. i buddyread this with angel, and thank god for that, because i have no idea when i would've gotten to it if not for her!
i wanted to add a quote, but if you don't want a single spoiler about the romance or themes, don't read it! i personally don't think it's very spoiler-y though so indulge me hehe
"People are usually like the sea, a constant, unerasable part of something bigger, but I’m more like a single wave that washes over the shore, ebbs away, and doesn’t leave a trace behind.”
He swallowed, his knuckles almost white on the wheel.
Mika looked away. “I’m afraid I’ll never leave a mark on anybody.”
It was quiet for so long that Mika wished she could take the too-reckless, too-honest words back, but then she heard him, rough and uneven and so quiet she almost missed it:
“It’s a little late for that, I’m afraid.”