The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
There are some books that feel like a warm cup of tea held between both hands. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is one of those stories.
At its heart, this is a cozy fantasy about Mika Moon — a solitary witch who has spent her life following strict rules meant to keep her safe: stay hidden, stay alone, don’t get attached. When she’s invited to tutor three young witches at the mysterious Nowhere House in the English countryside, everything she believes about safety, secrecy, and belonging begins to soften and unravel.
What unfolds is a story filled with gentle magic, quiet romance, and the kind of found family many of us secretly hope exists somewhere out there — a place where we can finally exhale and be fully ourselves.
As a psychic, solitary witch, and empath, this book resonated with me deeply. There’s something incredibly familiar about Mika’s hesitancy — that tension between longing for connection and fearing it at the same time. When secrecy has been your protection, trust doesn’t come easily. And yet, this story reminds us that sometimes the very thing we’re protecting ourselves from is what we need most.
I loved how this book explores the idea of “finding your people” without forcing it. The relationships grow slowly and organically, wrapped in humor, tenderness, and small everyday moments that feel just as magical as spells. The romance is sweet and understated, the characters are delightfully quirky, and the manor itself feels like a character — holding space, secrets, and warmth.
Most of all, this is a story about belonging in a world that can feel unsafe. About breaking rules not recklessly, but lovingly. About choosing connection even when it feels vulnerable. It’s cozy, comforting, and surprisingly affirming — especially for empaths who know what it’s like to walk carefully through the world.
If you’re craving a gentle escape, a soft landing, or a reminder that found family is real and magic doesn’t always have to be loud, this book is a lovely place to rest.
✨ Pages & Portals Rating ✨
Emotional Impact: 💫 💫 💫
Magic & Mystery: 🌌 🌌 🌌
Empath Resonance: 🪽 🪽 🪽
Spice Level: 🫑
Nervous System Impact: 🌬️
Overall Rating: 🍂 Enjoyed — cozy, comforting, and a solid, heartwarming read
