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emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Not what it advertises itself to be. Kinda boring, definitely not convincing. It was a struggle to finish this.
Also not very audio book friendly it was so hard to keep track of the characters and there were so many words and phrases I wanted to look up to understand and couldn’t.
Also not very audio book friendly it was so hard to keep track of the characters and there were so many words and phrases I wanted to look up to understand and couldn’t.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This was pretty good, but I feel like if you took away the romance subplot or even the character of Santángel altogether, the only significant change would be the change of the title of this book. Okey, maybe I’m over exaggerating, but he was just so bland.
Other than that, I have to say this was a pleasant read. I have forgotten how well Leigh Bardugo writes. It’s so smooth, you almost fly through the pages. Can she finish the ninth house series now, please?
Other than that, I have to say this was a pleasant read. I have forgotten how well Leigh Bardugo writes. It’s so smooth, you almost fly through the pages. Can she finish the ninth house series now, please?
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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
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