A review by kbusemeyer
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo

tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I think there were moments in this book that I really enjoyed, particularly the beginning stages of the trials and Luiza training with Santangel. There were some historical events that I didn’t fully understand and found it a little confusing for me, I wish there were some footnotes just as a refresher of everything.

I love a good happy ending and comeuppance so while I think the ending kind of resolved a little neatly (and off-screen), I liked how it worked out. Valentina surprised me and I really liked her character by the end. Also Luiza healing Santangel everyday made sense but I guess I also just assumed it would keep happening over and over.

I liked the magic in this book, I thought it was fun the different performances put on. There was some really beautiful prose and well-written descriptions in this book which made it fun to read!