A review by cathwren
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo

3.0

I had initially imagined Santángel looking like Claude Frollo from Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame, which is why a large portion of the book did not work for me. The concept and events within the book were compelling enough for me to carry on and the writing was quite beautiful at times. It felt like Bardugo's entry into New Adult and whilst I liked the majority of the writing there were moments that felt crass and unnecessary. I was disappointed that I did not care for any of the characters unlike in Bardugo's other books. 

Aspects of the characterisation and relationships developed felt vaguely similar to The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and I didn't like them then and I don't like them now. The plot armour felt heavy in this ending. 

Would recommend (for an interesting magic system), wouldn't read again.