A review by akamm
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo

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

4.0

This book was not what I expected based on the cover description - but I liked it.

I liked the magic and the characters made sense. I did feel like I got a lot of historical context about the Spanish Inquisition.

I think he most difficult part of the book was that the ties to history felt a bit contrived. For example, I kind of understood why the tourney was happening but I didn't understand the point of winning. But I do understand it features historical people.

Overall, maybe a bit too much of a love story for me, but I enjoyed it.