Buzzy Book Review: The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches

Title: The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches
Author: Sangu Mandanna
Genre: Fantasy, Contemporary
Page Count: 336
Publisher: Berkley Books
Date Published: August 23, 2022
You can find it here: Bookshop.org

Synopsis:

Witches exist. Of course they do. But they are forbidden from socializing or gathering together, except sporadically, and only in top secret locations. And so, Mika Moon is lonely. Living in her London flat, with her beloved Labrador Retriever, making “magic” videos for YouTube. 

But when she gets an unexpected message begging her to come to Nowhere House and teach a group of three young witches, her world is forever changed. From the young girls themselves, to the cranky librarian, two kindly caretakers, and an odd-ball retired Shakespearean actor, Mika finally finds what she has forever longed for … a home and family to belong to. 

But when forces outside her control threaten those she’s grown to care about, will she be able to save them?

Thoughts:

This book is the definition of a charming, cozy, witchy fall read and will have mass appeal this season. Seeing many comparisons to The House in the Cerulean Sea, I definitely agree those vibes are present here. But whereas Cerulean Sea leans into the fantasy aspect, Irregular Witches leans into the romance side. Personally, I would’ve preferred more magic and more time with the girls learning said magic. 

Does it come off a bit twee and saccharine? Yes, at times. But maybe that’s what you’re looking for? I know I was. As a palate cleanser in-between heavy reads, heavy fantasy, or maybe a strenuous case of reading slump, this is a great story to add to your fall TBR. 

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