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A review by nannerl
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-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? Yes
3.75
There's some Spain in this Darklin au... All right, I'm joking, but the similarities are definetly there
Jokes aside, Laigh Bardugo's first standalone novel is the perfect mix between the fantasy settings we are used to and a new magical realism.
Set in 16th Century Madrid, The Familiar follows the story of Luzia Cotado, an apparently insignifican house-maid who can perform little, domestic magic. When her powers are discovered by her mistress, Luzia is forced to choose between her safety and leaning in into her ambition to seek a better life.
I loved the premise of the book, but I got a bit disappointed by the unfolding of the plot. I hoped it would follow the more "domestic" aspect of magic. Instead it followed the "small character gets entagled into plots bigger than them, moved by a powerful antagonists who is just seeking power(TM)" thrope. Which is not bad, just not exactly what I was expecting.
Plot aside, I really loved the general setting and the mood of this book. The Spanish Inquisition played a big role, the story didn't shy away from any of the horrible things that were happening during those years. Overall, The Familiar is a story deeply set in reality with some magic elements sprinkled here and there.
Jokes aside, Laigh Bardugo's first standalone novel is the perfect mix between the fantasy settings we are used to and a new magical realism.
Set in 16th Century Madrid, The Familiar follows the story of Luzia Cotado, an apparently insignifican house-maid who can perform little, domestic magic. When her powers are discovered by her mistress, Luzia is forced to choose between her safety and leaning in into her ambition to seek a better life.
Plot aside, I really loved the general setting and the mood of this book. The Spanish Inquisition played a big role, the story didn't shy away from any of the horrible things that were happening during those years. Overall, The Familiar is a story deeply set in reality with some magic elements sprinkled here and there.