Review by tetiyet - The Familiar

tetiyet 's review for:

The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo

3.5

adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: N/A

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Overall a good read. It took me some time to get myself immersed into the world of the story, and ended up enjoying certain parts but I couldn't help but feel a little distance from the characters. This book was more plot heavy and I didn't feel so involved with the characters motives/ goals, especially Luzia herself. In certain parts it felt difficult to keep up with certain workings of the different parties involved. While I appreciate the romance and the fated setup of

Luzia and Santangel,

it developed too quickly for me and I also didn't really end up rooting/ feeling much for their relationship which I understand if it was skimmed over for plot reasons. Some dynamics I enjoyed and felt were done tastefully like Victor and Santangel, Luzia and Valentina. I loved Teodas character though, but again, didn't find myself liking anyone greatly. Santangels story and circumstances were a great addition to the story,

but again him living for centuries and falling for Luzia despite rhyme and reason and giving in (quicker than I expected, and for plot reasons over character development I suppose) felt like just another entanglement in an already thick web, even though i would have loved to see his story/past more fleshed out, as well as the love story aspect

. I loved the historical/ cultural aspects of the story and the world building.

Content Warnings