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eddoodle's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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
4.0
So I will be obsessing over Bardugo’s references for this period in Spanish history now. Love me a book that makes me want to deep dive into real life history.
uncommongrace25's review against another edition
4.0
I always enjoy this author’s books. A little magical, a little creepy, complex and wrapped in arcane history. This one was very different (set in the past) but beautiful.
adenevosirch's review against another edition
5.0
i don’t have many coherent things to say about this except that leigh bardugo is SO BACK and that santángel should’ve been at my front door as of yesterday
denisa13's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
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
5.0
tuxedoreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
grimpantaloon's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-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
4.75
sara_reads_things's review against another edition
5.0
Leigh Bardugo's The Familiar is a masterful work that brilliantly intertwines fantasy and reality, creating a spellbinding tale that captivates from start to finish. Bardugo, known for her rich storytelling and compelling characters, has once again delivered a novel that is nothing short of extraordinary.
What Shines: Bardugo's world-building is unparalleled. The Familiar introduces readers to a meticulously crafted universe where magic and mystery abound. The setting is vividly described, immersing readers in a world that feels both fantastical and tangibly real. Her attention to detail is evident in every page, from the intricate lore to the vibrant landscapes.
The characters in The Familiar are complex and multi-dimensional. Protagonist Luzia is a particularly standout figure, with a backstory that unfolds gradually, revealing layers of depth and nuance. Her journey is one of self-discovery, resilience, and transformation, making her a character that readers can deeply connect with and root for.
Bardugo's prose is another highlight. Her writing is lyrical and evocative, painting vivid pictures with her words. The dialogue is sharp and natural, adding authenticity to the characters' interactions and relationships. The pacing of the story is expertly managed, keeping readers engaged with a perfect balance of action, suspense, and emotional moments.
Themes and Depth: The Familiar delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the search for one's true purpose. Bardugo weaves these themes seamlessly into the narrative, offering readers not just an entertaining story, but also a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to find one's place in the world. The book's emotional depth is enhanced by its exploration of love, loss, and the power of friendship and loyalty.
Conclusion: In summary, The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo is a literary triumph. It is a testament to Bardugo's skill as a storyteller that she can create such a rich, immersive world while delivering a narrative that is both thrilling and deeply moving. This book is a must-read for fans of fantasy and anyone who appreciates masterful storytelling.
Sara | Book Confessions of an ExBallerina | Instagram | Facebook
What Shines: Bardugo's world-building is unparalleled. The Familiar introduces readers to a meticulously crafted universe where magic and mystery abound. The setting is vividly described, immersing readers in a world that feels both fantastical and tangibly real. Her attention to detail is evident in every page, from the intricate lore to the vibrant landscapes.
The characters in The Familiar are complex and multi-dimensional. Protagonist Luzia is a particularly standout figure, with a backstory that unfolds gradually, revealing layers of depth and nuance. Her journey is one of self-discovery, resilience, and transformation, making her a character that readers can deeply connect with and root for.
Bardugo's prose is another highlight. Her writing is lyrical and evocative, painting vivid pictures with her words. The dialogue is sharp and natural, adding authenticity to the characters' interactions and relationships. The pacing of the story is expertly managed, keeping readers engaged with a perfect balance of action, suspense, and emotional moments.
Themes and Depth: The Familiar delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the search for one's true purpose. Bardugo weaves these themes seamlessly into the narrative, offering readers not just an entertaining story, but also a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to find one's place in the world. The book's emotional depth is enhanced by its exploration of love, loss, and the power of friendship and loyalty.
Conclusion: In summary, The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo is a literary triumph. It is a testament to Bardugo's skill as a storyteller that she can create such a rich, immersive world while delivering a narrative that is both thrilling and deeply moving. This book is a must-read for fans of fantasy and anyone who appreciates masterful storytelling.
Sara | Book Confessions of an ExBallerina | Instagram | Facebook
kathrynb1's review against another edition
3.0
3.5, I did enjoy it. Through no fault of the author, the word familiar makes me think of Guillermo De la Cruz and that was too funny to me and threw me off a bit
anneliseb23's review against another edition
3.0
Historical fantasy wherein Luzia is either a witch or so holy and christian that she's god-blessed. She participates in a contest to prove she is the most devote and will use her gifts to help the king rule all other nations because if she doesn't participate and pretend to love this whole christian monarchy, her actual bloodline could be discovered and she might die. The stakes.
She's accompanied by her employer (she is but a lowly maid), her aunt who won't publicly acknowledge they are kin, her patron (aka her aunt's wealthy sugar daddy), and her patron's very old but then suddenly sexy hit man and protector.
I won't lie, I was confused when the old man (Santangel) was suddenly a very hot man and he was the love interest. I thought this book would have no love interest since its general vibe was "men are trash and so is the patriarchy," but it became a central plot point. Almost every single man in this book was truly awful, filled with greed and misogyny. Only Santangel (plus one brief side character) was painted in a pleasant light and that's because he had to be since he was the love interest, but even he had questionable moments. He was supposed to be a scary dude but we don't really get to see that unfortunately. The romance was fine I suppose. It was boring. They are somewhat star-crossed and doomed because of their predestined fates, but they want to try. They fell in love pretty rapidly even though they have nothing in common save their magic.
I wish we got more of Luzia practicing and mastering her magic. It came very easy to her, and when something did go wrong there was an immediate fix - either by her or Santangel, who helped teach her. I have to be honest, I don't fully understand where her magic originates from.
Unfortunately the plot just never really hooked me. I was listening and I could easily pause the audiobook in the middle of a chapter and walk away. The commentary on class and religion was pretty repetitive and on the nose. I think the premise was cool but the execution was lacking. I don't think this author is for me considering I didn't like Ninth House either.
She's accompanied by her employer (she is but a lowly maid), her aunt who won't publicly acknowledge they are kin, her patron (aka her aunt's wealthy sugar daddy), and her patron's very old but then suddenly sexy hit man and protector.
I won't lie, I was confused when the old man (Santangel) was suddenly a very hot man and he was the love interest. I thought this book would have no love interest since its general vibe was "men are trash and so is the patriarchy," but it became a central plot point. Almost every single man in this book was truly awful, filled with greed and misogyny. Only Santangel (plus one brief side character) was painted in a pleasant light and that's because he had to be since he was the love interest, but even he had questionable moments. He was supposed to be a scary dude but we don't really get to see that unfortunately. The romance was fine I suppose. It was boring. They are somewhat star-crossed and doomed because of their predestined fates, but they want to try. They fell in love pretty rapidly even though they have nothing in common save their magic.
I wish we got more of Luzia practicing and mastering her magic. It came very easy to her, and when something did go wrong there was an immediate fix - either by her or Santangel, who helped teach her. I have to be honest, I don't fully understand where her magic originates from.
Unfortunately the plot just never really hooked me. I was listening and I could easily pause the audiobook in the middle of a chapter and walk away. The commentary on class and religion was pretty repetitive and on the nose. I think the premise was cool but the execution was lacking. I don't think this author is for me considering I didn't like Ninth House either.