Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo is an atmospheric and richly woven tale, but it has its highs and lows. One of its strengths is Bardugo’s immersive writing, bringing 16th-century Spain to life with vivid detail. The romance between Luzia and Santángel is beautifully developed, with moments of deep longing and connection. The ending, in particular, is powerful, offering a satisfying resolution that makes up for the slower parts of the novel. “You have always been a miracle,” Luzia tells Santángel, solidifying the emotional weight of their bond. However, some of the main characters feel underdeveloped or fail to leave a lasting impression. Luzia herself is compelling, but the supporting cast can be dull, making certain sections drag. Additionally, while the historical setting is well-researched, the pacing suffers in the middle, where political intrigue overshadows character growth. Despite these flaws, the magic system is intriguing, and Bardugo’s prose remains a highlight. “Power is an illusion—until it isn’t,” Luzia reflects, encapsulating the novel’s themes of control and transformation. Ultimately, while The Familiar has its breathtaking moments, particularly in its finale, it struggles with uneven pacing and underwhelming character arcs.
medium-paced
I’m conflicted and still slightly confused by this book. Slow first half then it picked up, hit the gas pedal and didn’t let go. I also think the ending wasn’t what I expected and went beyond the magic used throughout the whole thing imo
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
I’m obsessed with this like Leigh bardugo you and your morally gray men always destroy me.
It was so boring. It takes over 200 pages to get to a point, while being boring, it was just too much. I like to finish books, but this was so painful. The characters are dull and the plot is predictable. I just couldn't get invested. I also absolutely hated that the author would add random Spanish words without context. I didn't understand why she would add some in some circumstances but not others.
For example, I get streets and cities being in Spanish, of course, but for a book about court policies there's very little of it. Or at least keep it consistent, it was one of my biggest peeves and a big reason I just couldn't continue. I tried with the audiobook as well and it's still boring. It's just not for me. While the premise of good, I was hoping for a more involved storyline
For example, I get streets and cities being in Spanish, of course, but for a book about court policies there's very little of it. Or at least keep it consistent, it was one of my biggest peeves and a big reason I just couldn't continue. I tried with the audiobook as well and it's still boring. It's just not for me. While the premise of good, I was hoping for a more involved storyline
adventurous
dark
emotional
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:
No
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes