A review by amelia_t
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo

dark emotional informative mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I have read every single book written by Leigh Bardugo, and lemme tell you, when I read the description for this book, I was a little nervous. I did not think it sounded super great, but of course I still read it and I LOVED IT. It’s nothing like any of her past books, but she keeps a similar tone to how she wrote Ninth House. 

I was so fascinated by the main character and her backstory and even just the reveal of who she was kept me hooked throughout the story. Those the people are all made up and a lot of them a magical, they all felt like such real feelings. The descriptions were perfect and vivid and I could feel the pain of all of the characters. 

I also loved the bits of history that she threw in (cause duh she needed some of it was gonna be set during the Inquisition), but I think wish there was a bit more. A Jewish main character was also great because those are fairly rare. 

Over all, this is such a great book and definitely read it.