Reviews

The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo

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sarahspencerknits's review against another edition

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mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

kbusemeyer's review against another edition

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tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I think there were moments in this book that I really enjoyed, particularly the beginning stages of the trials and Luiza training with Santangel. There were some historical events that I didn’t fully understand and found it a little confusing for me, I wish there were some footnotes just as a refresher of everything.

I love a good happy ending and comeuppance so while I think the ending kind of resolved a little neatly (and off-screen), I liked how it worked out. Valentina surprised me and I really liked her character by the end. Also Luiza healing Santangel everyday made sense but I guess I also just assumed it would keep happening over and over.

I liked the magic in this book, I thought it was fun the different performances put on. There was some really beautiful prose and well-written descriptions in this book which made it fun to read!

myromantasyempire's review

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dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

5.0

alyssa_hope's review against another edition

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medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

nerdygnome's review against another edition

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3.5

Well written, but it fell short of being able to draw me into a genre outside my usual range. I'm sure it will make a much bigger impact on those who love historical fantasy.