A review by trying_ceratops
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo

adventurous hopeful 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

4.0

This is a good mix of historical fiction and magic and romance. None of these really overpower the others and the story is able to move along well. 

I was afraid this character would be another meek yet powerful character from Bardugo like Shadow and Bone (which I did not enjoy) but the character has great, believable, growth and doesn’t disappoint. The romance feels like it grows realistically and isn't superficial. I’d give it a .5 🌶️ for spice. It’s there but not overly explicit and only a small part of the book. 

The era of it made sense and I felt like I was back then, but not so much that it’s the sole part that drives the story.

The magic system is lovely and I enjoyed the language aspect of it. 

I’d suggest this for people who like magic set in the real world but the real world is historical. Who want romance but with a story that is about more than that. And who like characters who choose their own fates. 

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