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A review by teresaelj
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I don’t think bardugo can disappoint. There is something so addictive about this book and I think it boils down to a few things:
1. You’re constantly rooting for the women- even when they’re incredibly flawed
2. You want to know where the magic comes from and why it is
3. There is a constant sense of danger
4. You hunger just as much as the main character
I feel like I’m gonna have to read this one again but good lord I loved it. It was such a fun read and a type of story I haven’t read before. I know little of Spain in the 1490s and the fear of Jewish heritage or really anybody who wasn’t Christian. That in of itself was enough and then you read of fictional characters based on real life people that had these gifts.
The romance was great- originally a little weirded out that he appeared so old? But it’s less old and sickly ? It got easier but it wasn’t an easy pill to swallow
And boy does this book remind us how awful men are - if we even need that?
I do feel at times I felt a little detached and cold with the main character but that’s where the supporting cast really reels you back into her.
Overall, would def read again. Brilliant book. I wanted more and that’s why it’s not a five - I feel more could have been added; I almost felt it was too short.
1. You’re constantly rooting for the women- even when they’re incredibly flawed
2. You want to know where the magic comes from and why it is
3. There is a constant sense of danger
4. You hunger just as much as the main character
I feel like I’m gonna have to read this one again but good lord I loved it. It was such a fun read and a type of story I haven’t read before. I know little of Spain in the 1490s and the fear of Jewish heritage or really anybody who wasn’t Christian. That in of itself was enough and then you read of fictional characters based on real life people that had these gifts.
The romance was great-
And boy does this book remind us how awful men are - if we even need that?
I do feel at times I felt a little detached and cold with the main character but that’s where the supporting cast really reels you back into her.
Overall, would def read again. Brilliant book. I wanted more and that’s why it’s not a five - I feel more could have been added; I almost felt it was too short.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture
Moderate: Sexism, Sexual content, and Antisemitism