The Very Secret Society Of Irregular Witches is the second stand-alone novel by British author, Sangu Mandanna. The audio version is narrated by Samara MacLaren. At the latest meeting of the group that Mika Moon likes to call The Very Secret Society of Witches, the rules of remaining apart (Alone is how we survive) and the reasoning behind them (Too much magic left unchecked in one place would draw attention, which could be dangerous) are reiterated, and Mika is again criticised by the oldest, most powerful and persuasive witch, Primrose Everly, for her witchy social media videos. Mika is undeterred: no one could ever believe from her videos that she’s really a witch!

The email she receives, not much later, has her thinking twice about that: “WITCH WANTED. Live in tutor wanted for three young witches. Must have nerves of steel. Previous teaching experience not necessary. Witchiness essential.” Surely a hoax? But she’s recently jobless and her flat lease nearly up, and a single word in the email exchange has her driving from Brighton to Norfolk to check it out.

Mika meets her prospective employers: a housekeeper, a librarian, a gardener, and a retired actor, if not Lillian Nowhere, the absent archaeologist, witch, owner of Nowhere House and the legal guardian of three young witches. Most are very welcoming.

The job, genuine, it turns out, is to tutor three young witches in magic, to help them gain control over their powers. Mika is amazed that this little enclave of witches has gone unnoticed by the imperious and inflexible Primrose but Nowhere House does have some powerful wards protecting it from detection. And this quirky foursome clearly loves and cares deeply about their charges.

Mika is not at all sure she can do this job: she has no experience with teaching children. There’s also the urgency: Edward Foxhaven, Lillian’s solicitor is due to arrive in weeks on a legal errand, and this meticulous man, who detests Lillian’s employees, is likely to seize on any excuse to have them evicted; an outbreak of uncontrolled magic would easily fit the bill. And then there’s Jamie Kelly, the devastatingly handsome but scowly, cold and unreachable librarian who definitely doesn’t want her there.

But Mika recalls the crippling loneliness of her own childhood, raised by a parade of nannies in a house in York and learning to control her own magic by trial and error: she can’t condemn these young girls to that. After just a few weeks at Nowhere House, Mika realises she is feeling so needed, so comfortable, that she is in danger of forgetting her lifelong promise to herself: don’t get attached. Could she take a risk?

What a charming story Mandanna gives the reader! The plot is clever, the characters are appealing and she subtly and seamlessly inserts the properties and rules governing the fantasy elements into the narrative. All the requirements of an entertaining and enjoyable fantasy novel: quirky characters, magic, romance and a dog, are comprehensively met. The added bonus is plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and a few to bring a lump to the throat.

Sensitive readers should be aware that there is a bit of sex and some characters do use expletives, but Mandanna also gives them wise words and insightful observations: “Niceness is all about what we do when other people are looking. Kindness, on the other hand, runs deep. Kindness is what happens when no one’s looking” and “when someone leaves, all you can do is leave a window open for them so that one day, if they choose, they can come back.” More of this cast would be most welcome! Highly recommended.
This unbiased review is from an audio copy provided by NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton Audio.

Round up to 3.75 stars⭐️
One of the best diverse and unique representations in a book I’ve ever read. I really loved that!

Mika is a sweetheart, and I love her quirkiness, humor and my heart even broke a little at how she had to hide who she is, and especially her upbringing.

Her moving to Nowhere House to teach three young witches how to control their powers was really cute and uplifting- and I absolutely loved all the side characters- except for Teracotta, damn that child worked on my every nerve.

Loved Ian, Loved Jamie. Overall- just amazing cast
of characters. Why I’m giving this 3 stars is the middle part of the book I found quite boring. Only here after about 80% into it again things got quite interesting.

Also- I have no love for children so I might not be the target audience for this. In my mind for some reason I thought the witches would be a bit older.

The narrator did a fantastic job. Nailing the accents, it was a huge cast that she had to portray and she did it excellently. You could distinguish super easy who is speaking.

Overall- beautiful, uplifting and super fun!
I would recommend this highly.

I absolutely adored this book and it exceeded all my expectations. The characters were so, so loveable, and together they formed the most amazing family. Their intentions and the reasons for their behaviour were clear the whole way through. I loved the dialogue between everyone - it was hilarious and felt very natural. I rooted for Jamie and Mika’s relationship the whole way through and loved their communication and love for each other. The representation in this book was also amazing - very diverse and well informed.

Overall, this was the perfect cozy fantasy romance book I needed. Whilst fluffy, this was not a simple book by any means and I am still thinking about passages from the book weeks after reading it.

I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator was captivating and clear. The character voices were distinct and accurate and I had immense pleasure listening to this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I'm slowly getting accustomed to audiobooks so please take this review lightly and from the perspective of someone a beginner-audiobook-reader. The story was whimsical and sparkly based on the image in my head during the narration. Despite actually understanding the events, I can't place my finger on what exactly throws me off; is the love interest too mundane for my liking? is the plot twist too overused? so many questions but I can't seem to find the right answer. In a nutshell, this book was enjoyable and definitely worth the read (or listen) if you enjoy romance subplots in fantasy (or if you're making the jump to fantasy for that matter <33)

3.5 stars

Okay, I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would! This was such a heartwarming read with found family, cute romance, and witches.

📚STORY: The pacing of the story was nice and steady. I really enjoyed the character developments - I really felt connected and invested in the mc, Mika. The story itself was sweet and the magical aspects were so well integrated without making it cheesy.

🎶AUDIO: The audiobook narrator, Samara McLaren, did a great job of bringing the characters to life throughout the story.

📚I recommend this if you’re looking for a cute, funny, heartwarming, magical read.

The romance-part was cute... but the rest of the story sadly didn't really move me...

I am afraid this novel will be one of those, which are rather quickly forgotten again.

DNF. This did not work out for me and I struggled with the narrator's annoying voice for about an hour before giving up.

This is a great light-hearted magically themed romance, which has a bit of a Bewitched vibe about it. I suspect that lovers of chick lit books will find it particularly enjoyable. The characters are unconventional and likeable - I particularly liked eight-year-old Terracotta and eccentric Ian. The story is told at a good pace and at no point was I bored. Overall, a fun read which I highly recommend getting a copy of (the audio is particularly great) when it is out on 23rd August 2022. Many thanks to NetGallery and Hodder & Stoughton Audio for allowing me to get a copy of the book - it thoroughly entertained me.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is the definition of a virtual hug, beautifuly narated by Samara MacLaren, the characters were bought to life with their own distinct voices and the story flowed enchantingly throughout the audiobook.

Sangu's writting captures the magic of this story without being over the top or cheesy, I was instantly invested in Mika and couldn't wait to find out where the story would take her. Thankyou for creating such a charming world for us.

If you want a heartwarming, funny and bewitching story this is the book for you, although in particular I would recommend the audiobook version time and time again.

Although satisfied with the ending, I really hope there will be a sequel!

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for sending me a copy of this audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.

2.5 ⭐️
I’ 'm so bummed that I didn’t enjoy and sadly didn’t love this book. I was so excited to read this, it just sounded like the perfect heart-warming story. Unfortunately, I felt that this book was trying too much at being cute and the perfect lovely story. The characters fell bland to me, especially Mika, I just felt like she was too much okay with everything, it made her a bit unrealistic. The romance was also on the no side for me, it had no build - up and I felt no chemistry between the characters. I also wished that the magical element of the story was explored a bit more. This book thus however has a lot of diversity which is an amazing aspect. Many people seem to love this story, but unfortunately, it’s a no for me.

A huge thanks to Hodder & Stoughton for the eArc!

Thank You to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton Audio for providing me with an Audio Arc, however all opinions are my own.


This read was such a treat! The writing was so easy to listen to.


The characterisation was absolutely fenominal. Mika, Ian, and Altamira for me were definitely my favourites, but all characters were written in a way that made me connect them.

The romance was absolutely adorable, Mika & Jamie had so much chemistry, (and kudos to the narrator for getting Jamie’s accent so right. It added so much to the story).

To speak on the plot, just very well structured, and that twist came out of nowhere and was just such a shock.

I’d also give kudos to Samara MacLaren’s narration. I could tell who was speaking, and the kids voices actually sounded like them (and was able to differentiate between Rosetta, Altamira & Terracota)

All in all, one of my favourites of the year! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars

“She had once believed witches would never have friendship, community and each other, but here they were. She had once believed she would never have a family, but here they were too. She, who had once believed she would never leave a mark on anybody, knew now that the marks she had left were unerasable, as much a part of forever as the sea. And really, who could ask for more than that.”

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches felt like returning home. Maybe helped by the fact it was set partly in Norwich and kept referencing UEA (my uni and home for three years!), it was just easy to read. I didn’t stress about it, and I was happy whenever I picked it up.
The characters in this were a joy. Mika has spent her whole life alone, never quite fitting in, unable to settle down for long in one place. It’s unsurprising she finds solace with three sisters that don’t fit in either. The little, slightly strange, found family was incredible and they all were full of so much love, even if you did have to coax it out of some of them. I loved seeing the family learning to fit Mika in - thanks to a meddlesome old man and her loveable golden retriever, even a grumpy librarian couldn’t avoid her sunny charm.
The family were also fiercely loyal and protective. I really enjoyed the drama and antics at the end - definitely something thought up by children and not stopped by adults that are happy to let them explore!
Although I love huge, complex magic systems, I also love everyday magic. I liked that Mika was good at making potions, so that evolved into making teas to suit your mood, and that was what she wanted to do. Magic was a perfect way for Mika to bond with the children, so I really enjoyed that she was able to teach them through it. It showed the adults that she could be trusted - and we got to see baby witches with magic that went wrong.
I cannot wait to own my own copy of this and keep rereading it. It’s going to be a comfort book for sure.

I loved this book.
It's beautiful and funny and full of love. Genuinely uplifting and hopeful but not unrealistically so. The romance evolved well, as did all of the relationships in the book, even though it is clear from the start how this will pan out.
All of the characters are lovable and unique, leading to some excellent humour. Mika is a great FMC who insists on talking through problems and addresses her trauma in a sensible and mature way. I also loved the small parts we saw from Jamie's point of view, and how it still left us in the dark about his secrets. The narrator was absolutely brilliant and made everything clear.
Although I saw most of the twists coming, they were still enjoyable and fun, adding more layers to the story. I appreciated that nothing was overly easy for the characters, but that they were determined to get a happy ending anyway.

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This story was phenomenal and I am still thinking about it a week after I finished it. I literally could not put this down - I was so pleased to get the audiobook as well as the book as I could switch between them when necessary. This story was beautiful, and I usually hate it when people say this book is like this book. However, this book has all the feels of T J Klune's House on the Cerulean Sea. Obviously, it is not too similar, and that is what makes them both so special.

Mika is such a strong and amazing woman and of course an awesome witch. Her childhood was not the best, but also not the worst. But as an adult, she can never reveal herself fully to anyone. She cannot tell anyone she is a witch, she cannot hang out with other witches and she moves a lot to try and not get too attached. Until someone asks her for help and says please.

No Where house felt like coming home to Mika and somewhere I would love to be as well. Mika starts to realise every rule she has abided by maybe not be all they seem.

Everyone needs to read this book, it has all the cosy vibes and I love seeing such amazing women and girls learn to lean on one another and make their worlds better.

I really enjoyed this book and was hooked from the very beginning. The world felt so vibrant and alive with magic and the characters were lovable. Its comparable to house in the Cerulean Sea but with a more adult romance. I'd recommend for anyone who enjoys found family and some magic in their books. The audiobook was excellent and the narrator had different accents depending on what character was talking. It was brilliant.

Witches are a solitary bunch, coming together only infrequently to share spells, in case too much magical power in one place causes a disaster. This has led to a rather lonely existence for witch Mika Moon, until that is she is invited to act as a tutor to three young witches in an unusual home full of interesting individuals. This is a likeable, cosy and feelgood magical romance - it's funny, engaging and warm. I enjoyed it very much. It is, however, extremely sweary.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this audiobook in return for an honest review.

This was a warm, cosy, feel good book, humorous and engaging from beginning to end. The perfect book to while away a little time. This book starts as if for all ages if readers but there are a few parts of sexiness that wouldn’t be suitable for children. Mika Moon is the sort of witch you would want to meet. She looks for the best in people, has a broom - her yellow car, and occasionally swears. She has grown up on her own, no friends, no long term adult interactions, because she has been told witches should stay hidden and witches should never spend lots of time with other witches. Into her life falls three child witches and the adults that look after them. In becoming involved with these people Mika may find the friendship and happiness that so desperately wants and needs. Thank you to Hodder and Stoughton Audio and NetGalley for the audio ARC. The views expressed are mine, freely given.

This book is just adorable!

I picked it based on the cover with some hesitation. I usually read fantasy romance and hadn't really touched anything witch-related before. But the description sounded like it might win me over. Gosh it did!

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is an amusing feelgood novel about found family set on the English countryside. That is, Mika Moon, an orphaned witch comes into service of an unconventional family to teach three children how to handle their magic. Although, not everyone is happy of her arrival. Cue to the grumpy/sunshine trope!

This book ticked so many boxes for me. Magic, humor and romance.
A very cozy summer read!

This book has my heart, I didnt think there would be another book that gave me the calm feeling that the house on the cerulean sea did for quiet a while, oh how wrong i was.
I was enthralled by this book and the world that has been created. I cannot wait for everyone to devour the lives of these these characters alongside three marvellous children and the fates that await them.
Thank you for netgalley and hodder for the review copy of this book

THE VERY SECRET SOCIETY OF IRREGULAR WITCHES is the exact sort of quirky I love. It's so wryly funny that makes the bizarre set of events (that fits the chaotic brand of magic) seem perfectly reasonable. It has that feeling of "how can any event be more unbelievable and hysterical than this", and then something does, all written with a n understated "and it all went down from there, which didn't really surprise Mika" sort of style.

The narrator (Samara MacLaren) absolutely pulls that offhand humour off without a hitch with the perfect tone to make it seem so reasonable that there are treehouses being set alight with fires that don't burn. Mika is ever cheerful but also exasperated with the nonsense of it all (in a charmed way with the girls, but irritated exasperated with Primrose etc.) I think this book could have ended up feeling a lot less coherent without the tone walking the boundary just right. If you are into audiobooks, this is one I highly recommend you pick up.

The majority of the narration is from Mika (probably 85% of the book is her perspective.) Jamie has a few chapters and then there are two scenes from other POVs (so far as I could tell.) It was fun to occasionally get Jamie's perspective - mostly because it meant more Ian.

Ian was my favourite character, the utterly extravagant (and utterly shameless) older gentleman. He is a complete laugh and steals all the scenes he's in. He is trying to matchmake and knit vivid pink clothes for everyone, and will propose the most excessive plans.

It is a true standalone, without too much space for another (direct sequel) book. But I hope we get another book in the same sort of style from Sangu Mandanna, because this is the sort of quirky I like and I want more of it.