I had had this book on my shelf for a few years and finally picked it up as a Books Unbound Mashed Potato May read. Really within the first 2 pages I knew I'd DNF. 

The writing is clunky, the author trying to fit too much new dystopian world things like slang without giving the reader any real point of reference to figure it out themselves, so the narrator has to spell it out. Very world-building info-dumpy in a tell, don't show kind of way. Also, despite having a pretty high tolerance for what I'll believe in a given story, I just don't believe that:

1. The world would change so vastly and horribly in 10 years time that a 16 year old girl wouldn't remember any part of her childhood. (no, I don't think it's The Trauma, it's the author not wanting to spend time with her character's grief over her new reality)
2. That the MMC that was so fortunate to have grown up in the sheltered, protected utopia would have any frame of reference to question the (obviously, to the reader) doctored history. 

Basically, the characters and the world have the depth of a sheet of paper. It's fine for an early writer's short story - No way am I wasting time to read over 400 pages of it. 

Like many other reviews I'm seeing, the premise is really what draws people in, but the writing is choppy and I don't have a reason to root for almost any character. There is a start to some vibes which make the book feel like Gossip Girl meets The Night Circus. But people should just read The Night Circus instead. Erin Morgenstern does this much, much better. 

 If you’re looking for a book that’s has Practical Magic meets Nany McPhee with a sprinkle of Jane Eyre, then start reading this book right now. 

I picked up this book wanting a cute and magical romance story and wow did this hit the spot. Mandanna not only created a cozy, magical sub-culture, but interwove real life issue witches might struggle with in trying to live a normal life. I also think the main leads were well-suited for one another. Their sunshine vs grumpy attitudes stem from similar circumstances, lending well to their affection despite the opposing attitudes. 

While there was romantic elements, I’d say this is more a cozy fantasy story since that’s what the plot revolved around. I honestly didn’t expect the situation to get as dramatic as it did, but I’m glad there were some stakes for the main characters involved. It made for an engaging book about all kinds of relationships - friends, family, and romantic. 

Like the tea the main character Mika is known for, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches was a warm, comforting read that delivers an impactful, heartwarming story.