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kibiiiariii's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
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
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Blood, Infertility, Rape, Ableism, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Classism, Grief, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Adult/minor relationship, Pedophilia, Pregnancy, Toxic relationship, Child death, Gaslighting, and Animal cruelty
heather_lt's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
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? No
4.5
My first Stacey Halls novel and I wasn't disappointed.
The Familiars is set during the frenzy of the witch hunts in the 17th century, specifically the Pendle witch trials in Lancashire. The story isn't necessarily about the witch trials, but rather follows a desperate young woman who happens to befriend one of the women accused of witchcraft and from there the author brings to life a fictional explaination for why Alice Gray was the only accused witch to be acquitted.
This book held me firmly in its grip from start to finish. I enjoyed so much about it - the general sombre atmosphere with that fantastic creeping sense of dread, the descriptive writing giving a sense of otherworldliness, and the relationships the main character has with her husband, her mother, and her friend.
4.5 stars because I have a slight issue with the ending... Everything was wrapped up a little too neatly for my liking, everything explained with everyone at peace. Too picture perfect.
The Familiars is set during the frenzy of the witch hunts in the 17th century, specifically the Pendle witch trials in Lancashire. The story isn't necessarily about the witch trials, but rather follows a desperate young woman who happens to befriend one of the women accused of witchcraft and from there the author brings to life a fictional explaination for why Alice Gray was the only accused witch to be acquitted.
This book held me firmly in its grip from start to finish. I enjoyed so much about it - the general sombre atmosphere with that fantastic creeping sense of dread, the descriptive writing giving a sense of otherworldliness, and the relationships the main character has with her husband, her mother, and her friend.
4.5 stars because I have a slight issue with the ending... Everything was wrapped up a little too neatly for my liking, everything explained with everyone at peace. Too picture perfect.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Miscarriage, and Misogyny
Moderate: Child death, Blood, Grief, Medical content, and Medical trauma
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
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