The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches

I first heard about The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna through a YouTube short. As someone who has always loved magic—yes, I grew up on Harry Potter—I was immediately intrigued. Lately, I’ve been craving cozy reads, so this felt like the perfect pick.

I’ll admit, my initial excitement took a small hit when the edition I bought on Amazon turned out to be a bit underwhelming—thin pages, cheap feel. But I pushed through, and within a few chapters, I found myself laughing. That’s when I knew: this was going to be a great read.

At the heart of the story is Mika Moon, a 31-year-old witch who has spent her life following strict rules to keep magic a secret. But when she’s invited to a mysterious house filled with magical children in need of guidance, her world changes. It’s a story of belonging, love, and finding a family in the most unexpected places.

Mika is an incredibly fun character to follow. As a fellow 31-year-old (at the time of reading), I found myself relating to her deeply. She’s confident yet carries the weight of her past. She’s overwhelmingly positive, but it’s also a bit of a shield. She knows who she is but also recognizes that growth is necessary to become the best version of herself. And of course, she’s a witch—a minor detail where we drastically differ (I think…).

One of the charming details in this book is how magic drains energy, and chocolate helps replenish it. Mika also has a talent for making incredible teas, which brings me to the perfect treat pairing: a rich, fudgy brownie with the most delicious chai ice cream I’ve ever tasted. The tea might not be actual magic, but trust me, the combination is.

If you’re looking for a warm, whimsical read with found family, romance, and a touch of humor, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is a must. It’s the kind of book that feels like a hug—cozy, comforting, and a little bit magical.