A review by yousei
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo

challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The Familiar is a historical fantasy novel set in late 16th century Madrid, Spain. It is an adult standalone, and, as the author has said herself, inspired by Leigh Bardugo’s own family history.

Historical fantasy / fiction is always a fascinating genre to me. I only know surface level details of what it was like back during the Golden Age of Spain, at the Height of the Spanish Inquisition. But I know enough to realise the fine line Luiza was walking as she let her ambitions and wants driver her actions.

As with any new fantasy setting, especially one rooted in real world history, I was intrigued by the magic we were going to encounter — the milagritos, as they are called. As with the magic in the Alex Stern books, in the Familiar there is frightening consequences for magic bargained away or powered by unbridled want without direction. This all wrapped up in a time when the Church was on high alert for any and all signs of witchcraft, heresy, and dissemination of anything but their teachings, made each moment of magic shadowed with uncertainty.

For me, that was enticing. Kept me wanting to read more, to find out how far Luiza’s ambitions would take her, and who might be there for her when things finally came to a head.

Of course, there is also the romance part of the story. Santángel (san-tang-ill) is yet another tall, cloaked in shadows, mysterious figure, with a tragic backstory.

— This seems to be a favourite trope for the main male characters in Leigh’s novels and quite frankly I love it, a lot —

To me, it was clear there was something between Luiza and Santángel from the start, and though their relationship developed and progressed more as Luiza sought out more for her life than what she had, I found her a very practical, or level headed, romantic heroine. It’s why the ending surprised me, in a delightful and cathartic way. I won’t say more than that, because SPOILERS, but to suffice to say, a change in scene really can make a change in fortune.

Overall, I’d give this novel a 4 out of 5 stars for my first read of it. Of course, if/when I choose to reread it at a future date, I reserve the right to change my mind on this rating. But overall, definitely on my summer recommended reads list!

Watch my review on TikTok! https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGeo1kP5V/