A review by amiascah
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

emotional funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

When some people picture a person reading they see someone curled up all cozy and warm in some blankets, next to a fire, with a hot drink while the weather outside is all stormy and dark and this is exactly how this book feels. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches perfectly sums up the idea of warm and cozy, it hits all the right spots and feelings. The main character is Mika, a 31 year old living in modern England, who happens to be a witch. Witches are not common though and nor is it safe to be a witch especially out in the open. So the witches have adapted to a lifestyle where they keep their distance, most don't tell love ones they are witches and the stay away from other witches lest someone figure out that's what they are. To make matters more sad and depressing witches are always orphans, because of a spell gone bad hundreds of years ago, when a witch is born their parents always die. 

With that horribly grim synopsis its probably very difficult to see this book as the warm and cozy read it is but its true and its all because of how Sangu Mandanna writes Mika, and the wonderful cast of characters she comes across at Nowhere House. Despite the seclusion and secrecy Mika is a wonderful bubble of warmth and happiness. I have to wonder though if I met her in person if I wouldn't find her insufferable and be petty and jealous because of her optimisim. She has so many rejections, betrayals, people she should be able to trust keeping her at arms length or blatantly using her and she keeps getting back up and just doing what she loves. 

It was a joy to read.