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nannerl's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-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? Yes
3.75
There's some Spain in this Darklin au... All right, I'm joking, but the similarities are definetly there
Jokes aside, Laigh Bardugo's first standalone novel is the perfect mix between the fantasy settings we are used to and a new magical realism.
Set in 16th Century Madrid, The Familiar follows the story of Luzia Cotado, an apparently insignifican house-maid who can perform little, domestic magic. When her powers are discovered by her mistress, Luzia is forced to choose between her safety and leaning in into her ambition to seek a better life.
I loved the premise of the book, but I got a bit disappointed by the unfolding of the plot. I hoped it would follow the more "domestic" aspect of magic. Instead it followed the "small character gets entagled into plots bigger than them, moved by a powerful antagonists who is just seeking power(TM)" thrope. Which is not bad, just not exactly what I was expecting.
Plot aside, I really loved the general setting and the mood of this book. The Spanish Inquisition played a big role, the story didn't shy away from any of the horrible things that were happening during those years. Overall, The Familiar is a story deeply set in reality with some magic elements sprinkled here and there.
Jokes aside, Laigh Bardugo's first standalone novel is the perfect mix between the fantasy settings we are used to and a new magical realism.
Set in 16th Century Madrid, The Familiar follows the story of Luzia Cotado, an apparently insignifican house-maid who can perform little, domestic magic. When her powers are discovered by her mistress, Luzia is forced to choose between her safety and leaning in into her ambition to seek a better life.
Plot aside, I really loved the general setting and the mood of this book. The Spanish Inquisition played a big role, the story didn't shy away from any of the horrible things that were happening during those years. Overall, The Familiar is a story deeply set in reality with some magic elements sprinkled here and there.
hej97's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
jasbah's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
sian_24's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I will admit to this taking me a few pages to get into, but oh my it hooked me soon after and I just needed to know what happened, I finished the last 130 odd pages in one sitting. Leigh Bardugo has got me again with great characters and an incredible world that completely absorbs me with every page.
Luzia and Santangel are so beautifully written, and this could be because I’ve recently read Psyche and Eros, but I could see so many similarities between their equally heart-wrenching and tragic stories. Another great read from Bardugo, once again solidifying her books as pre-order musts for me (even if it did take me a couple of months to get round to this one).
Luzia and Santangel are so beautifully written, and this could be because I’ve recently read Psyche and Eros, but I could see so many similarities between their equally heart-wrenching and tragic stories. Another great read from Bardugo, once again solidifying her books as pre-order musts for me (even if it did take me a couple of months to get round to this one).
barbarajj's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
4.5
averycm4's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.75
Such a fun book! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and I loved all the Madrid references. Great for interesting characters and world building, not sure how much it’ll linger with me. But a fun fast read.
nicolagua's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
randis32's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
juliajjshields's review against another edition
3.75
3.75✨this was my first Leigh Bardugo book & it won’t be my last ! I enjoyed the storytelling and layers to this story. I don’t know too much about the Spanish inquisition so I didn’t feel I was able to appreciate the research that went into the historical fiction aspect but was a fan of the magic elements.This was a bit longer of a read as I picked it up every now and then amidst running around traveling. I wasn’t blown away but I was engaged & intrigued. book besties pls read this so we can discuss because there were layers fr! definitely want to read her ninth house series next
apipes_14's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
3.75