Reviews with content warning for Sexual content - The Familiar

The book was painfully slow at times. I love how Bardugo writes, but the writing can come across as trying to be edgy. For example; they mention men’s genitalia almost every chapter at a random point, and almost everyone discuses sleeping with someone for power or “freedom”, but it does not do much to enhance the story. In my opinion, since these stories or lines are repeated so much, it loses the conversation surrounding each characters unique level of desperation for craving a better life for themselves. The story got more interesting once they reached the castle at about 30% of the way into the book, but it got slow again. I didn’t care for any of the characters, so that might be why I was not enjoying the story. The world building is good, and I thought she executed this historical era well. Lastly, I did not like the romance because you could tell that they had crushes on each other, but I think it needed more tension building that led into a slow burn romance story.

Content Warnings

teresaelj's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

I don’t think bardugo can disappoint. There is something so addictive about this book and I think it boils down to a few things:
1. You’re constantly rooting for the women- even when they’re incredibly flawed
2. You want to know where the magic comes from and why it is
3. There is a constant sense of danger
4. You hunger just as much as the main character
I feel like I’m gonna have to read this one again but good lord I loved it. It was such a fun read and a type of story I haven’t read before. I know little of Spain in the 1490s and the fear of Jewish heritage or really anybody who wasn’t Christian. That in of itself was enough and then you read of fictional characters based on real life people that had these gifts.
The romance was great-

originally a little weirded out that he appeared so old? But it’s less old and sickly ? It got easier but it wasn’t an easy pill to swallow

And boy does this book remind us how awful men are - if we even need that?
I do feel at times I felt a little detached and cold with the main character but that’s where the supporting cast really reels you back into her.
Overall, would def read again. Brilliant book. I wanted more and that’s why it’s not a five - I feel more could have been added; I almost felt it was too short.

Content Warnings

temperamentalprotagonist's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional funny hopeful informative mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Content Warnings

meowata's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark mysterious slow-paced

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

3.75

Very slow burn.

Content Warnings

sarahsbooklife's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced

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

3.5

Honestly, I wasn't really sure what to expect going into this book. I knew very little, just that it was set in late 16th century Spain and a woman could do magic. And I'm glad that I didn't have any expectations going into this book.
It has a bit of a slow start. When I was reading it, it felt like it took longer than it actually did for characters to be introduced and for the plot to actually start. The overall pacing of the book is pretty slow. Maybe that's because I never felt like there were particularly highstakes for the characters. I was pretty sure that the main couple would get a happy ending even if no one else did. Although, towards the end I did begin to doubt that.
I wouldn't say that this book was amazing. It was good and I enjoyed reading it. But it's not one that I would recommend to everyone.

Content Warnings

More...