A review by thenovelmaura
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo

dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Love being disappointed by my first read of the year! I just wish the main character of this one was half as interesting as the side characters were. You know Luzia is boring when I'm more invested in Valentina (her boss) and Hualit (her aunt). Because of this, I liked the narrative style and how we got other characters' perspectives periodically. I also enjoyed when Bardugo leaned into the fairy-tale-esque asides, like
how one of Hualit's jewels ended up helping a woman escape her abusive marriage
. And yes, I'm all about powerful women acquiring more power in an oppressive society.

However, I can't get past the lackluster magic system, dull romance, and how the plot disappeared once the contest was over. It seems that Bardugo's desire to be seen as a serious adult fiction author has sucked the charm out of her stories. I'll still be finishing her Ninth House series,  but I'm not sure if I can be convinced to pick up another adult standalone from her.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings