Author: Sangu Mandanna
Genre: Cozy Fantasy, Contemporary Fiction
Ideal For: Fans of Legends & Lattes, The House in the Cerulean Sea, and anyone who loves found family stories wrapped in warmth and whimsy.
Why I Picked It Up
Every once in a while, a book comes along that feels like a hug in written form. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna is exactly that. A cozy fantasy that blends magic, found family, and romance, this novel is as enchanting as it is heartwarming. If you’ve ever wanted to curl up with a story that makes you believe in kindness, belonging, and second chances, this book is the one to reach for.
Mandanna’s novel has been making waves for good reason—it’s part of the growing “cozy fantasy” trend that prioritises character, connection, and warmth over high-stakes battles. And yet, despite its gentleness, the book is anything but simple. It explores themes of loneliness, identity, and acceptance in ways that feel both magical and profoundly human.
Plot Summary (Spoiler‑Free)
Our heroine, Mika Moon, is a witch who has grown used to solitude. Witches, in this world, live apart, hiding their powers for fear of exposure and persecution. Mika has resigned herself to loneliness—keeping others at a distance and living carefully within rules she doesn’t always agree with.
But her life takes an unexpected turn when she receives a strange invitation: to come to Nowhere House, a hidden and crumbling manor by the sea, where three young witches live under the care of an eccentric group of guardians. The children’s magic is wild and untrained, and they desperately need Mika’s help.
Reluctantly, Mika accepts. What she finds is a household unlike anything she’s ever known—a mismatched family of caretakers, each with their quirks, secrets, and flaws. Among them is Jamie, the grumpy yet steadfast librarian whose protective instincts often clash with Mika’s attempts to help. Slowly, through teaching, laughter, and vulnerability, Mika begins to break down her own barriers.
Of course, secrets don’t stay hidden forever. As the outside world encroaches, Mika and her found family must decide what they’re willing to risk for each other—and for the life they’ve built together.
Writing Style and Atmosphere
Mandanna’s prose is warm, witty, and delightfully immersive. Every page feels sprinkled with stardust, balancing whimsy with emotional weight. The descriptions of Nowhere House—the rambling rooms, the sea-salt air, the chaotic yet loving atmosphere—make it the kind of fictional setting readers long to visit.
The pacing is gentle but never dull. Like Legends & Lattes or The House in the Cerulean Sea, this novel thrives on atmosphere and character rather than frenetic action. Yet there’s always enough tension, mystery, and character growth to keep you turning pages well into the night.
Themes and Emotional Resonance
At its heart, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is a story about belonging. Mika’s loneliness and fear of rejection echo deeply for anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider. Her journey from isolation to connection is beautifully handled, showing how love and trust can reshape even the most guarded hearts.
The novel also explores the idea of chosen family. The children at Nowhere House aren’t related by blood, and neither are their guardians—but their bonds are just as strong. Mandanna reminds us that family is something we build, not just something we’re born into.
There’s also a quiet yet powerful message about embracing imperfection. None of the characters are flawless—not Mika, not Jamie, not the children or their caretakers. Yet it’s through those flaws that they grow closer, learning to accept and love each other fully.
Characters
The characters are the soul of this book.
- Mika Moon: A refreshing heroine who is strong yet vulnerable, witty yet deeply human. Her magical abilities are a metaphor for the way many of us hide parts of ourselves out of fear of rejection. Watching her slowly open up is one of the novel’s greatest joys.
- Jamie: The quintessential grumpy hero with a heart of gold. His protective nature and slow-burn chemistry with Mika give the story its romantic spark.
- The Children: Each of the three young witches brings their own charm and mischief, adding levity and warmth to the story. They’re written with authenticity—sometimes chaotic, often hilarious, and always endearing.
- The Guardians: The eclectic caretakers of Nowhere House add richness to the story, each bringing their quirks and layers. Together, they embody the idea of chosen family.
Why This Book Stands Out
What makes The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches special isn’t just its cozy fantasy trappings. It’s the way it makes you feel. The book reminds you that it’s okay to let down your guard, that family can be found in the most unexpected places, and that love—romantic, platonic, or familial—is a form of magic all its own.
Mandanna doesn’t just deliver escapism; she gives us a mirror. Mika’s struggles with identity and trust resonate because they’re real, even if dressed in fantasy. That balance between magic and humanity is what makes the story unforgettable.
You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy…
- Cozy fantasy like Legends & Lattes or The House in the Cerulean Sea
- A feel-good story with a touch of magic
- Found family and grumpy-sunshine romance tropes
Final Thoughts
Sangu Mandanna’s The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is everything I want in a comfort read: magical, heartwarming, and full of characters I wish I could spend more time with. It’s not a book of epic battles or world-shaking stakes—it’s something rarer and more precious. It’s a story about healing, love, and the courage it takes to belong.
By the time I closed the final page, I felt lighter, as though I’d been given a reminder of the quiet magic that exists in everyday life. This is a book I’ll be recommending over and over, especially to anyone in need of a little light in the dark.
