Book Review: ‘The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches’ by Sangu Mandanna

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is a stand-alone cosy fantasy novel set in our world by Sangu Mandanna.

The story follows Mika Moon who, as the title suggests, is part of a society of witches that keeps their magic secret from the rest of the world. Driven by her loneliness, Mika posts videos of herself online performing magic and brewing spells. No one online believes it is real because how could it be. Enter Ian, a kind yet flamboyant older man who realises that Mika is a witch and just the person he needs. Sceptical, wary, yet needing a change in her life, Mika agrees to become a tutor at Nowhere House. Once there she discovers three young witches unable to control their powers, four adults determined to protect them at all costs, and the impending arrival of a nosy solicitor intent on evicting all of them.

I was a little nervous at the start of the book as it does take a few chapters to set up the story but, once Mika arrives at Nowhere House, the story comes alive.

Possibly the novel’s biggest strength is its collection of characters. Mika, with her nervous energy and good heart, is a very likeable protagonist. The three young witches (Altamira, Terracotta and Rosetta) all have distinct personalities. They are great both as individuals and as part of a trio. The four adults who look after them are all strong and caring in their own way. Ian is high energy and excitable while his husband Ken is practical and down-to-earth and housekeeper Lucie is firm and level-headed. Finally there’s the young librarian Jamie. Brooding and mysterious, we watch Jamie’s prickly interactions with Mika start to soften as the story progresses. Together they make an eclectic found family that you wish you were part of.

The novel does an excellent job at balancing the serious with the playful. There is the ticking clock aspect of the story (where the girls have to learn to control their magic before the solicitor’s visit and their true witch nature is revealed) but in between the serious scenes there are also some light-hearted moments. These range from Ian’s blatant attempts at matchmaking, to Mika and Jamie’s awkward interactions, and to the mischievous exploits of the three children.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is everything I hoped it would be. I loved every member of Nowhere House and each character is given a moment to shine. The book definitely fulfils its ‘cosy vibes’ promise and it’s a story I could happily read again and again.

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