Hauntingly Beautiful: a review of The Familiar

Don't sleep on recommendations from friends! Even if you've drifted apart some since high school, if you remember having similar tastes in books, then listen to them, drive to your nearest local bookstore, and buy a copy of their recommendation immediately. That is the story of how I came to purchase and read The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo. Thank you Mikayla!

As generally a fan of the classics, I have been trying to read more modern literature recently. Fantasy, I have found, is the most difficult genre in which to find something I like. Having grown up reading The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia, I have very high expectations of fantasy. This past year, I have read several fantasy books that I have not only liked, but loved, and The Familiar is no exception.

Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell introduced me to what I like to call "historical fantasy." Babel followed next, from a recommendation by Goodreads for books that feel like "dark academia." And The Familiar has been my most recent read, solidifying that historical fantasy may very well be my new favorite genre!

I had very few expectations going into this book-- I thought the cover was pretty, and a little spooky, and the simple premise I gathered from reading the back of the book sparked my interest. Beyond that, I went into this read quite blind.

The Familiar is the story of Luzia Cotado; a girl with fantastical abilities. She is headstrong and longs for much more than her impoverished existence. Set during the Spanish Inquisition, there is also plenty of political turmoil and stress layered with the individual story. These layers intermingle with one another to become a complex story of love, power, betrayal, faith, and ultimately, magic.

I dare not say too much more to avoid spoilers.

But I will say that the historical elements were not dull, and were fully researched. They added complexity, drama, and heartache to the story of a young woman trying to discern her own identity in a world that wants to do that for her. Much of society, in addition to sidelining women in general, also alienated, imprisoned, and even killed anyone who seemed in even the remotest way capable of questioning the king and government of Spain at that time. For a young woman with questionable birth and heritage, already poor, her life is fraught with danger at every turn. Furthermore, in regards to magical abilities: will the king see such abilities as blessings from God, or possession by the Devil? The answer to that question, which is what gave purpose and existence to The Inquisition, will determine Luzia's fate.

Layered with this are Luzia's personal desires for power and wealth. Is it right for her to desire these things, or will these ambitions get her into further trouble? And the final layer is a beautiful love story that caught me quite by surprise (in the best way)!

But Luzia is not the only character with a story and development throughout. In fact, you really are reading Luzia's story through four different perspectives: her own, her aunt's, her mistress', and Santangel's. You will not once find yourself bored of one character or another's POV. It adds depth in a way that I reveled in. Each character has their own dreams, desires, faults, and failings.

Additionally, the writing itself was phenomenal. You truly feel transported to another place and time, but it reads accessibly, and does not feel stuffy or overdone. You can feel the heat of the sun of a bygone world, feel the textures of the clothing, and imagine yourself walking through the streets of Madrid during Spain's Golden Age.

My only critique, and it is a mild one, is that the ending felt a pinch rushed. But the ending as far as content and story, was absolutely perfect.

But that is all I will say for now. You would be upset with me if I spoil anything!

So, in conclusion, I would highly recommend The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo. If you like historical fiction-- you will love The Familiar. If you like fantasy-- you will love The Familiar. If you enjoy romance-- you will love The Familiar.

Trigger warnings and adult content: one mostly "closed door" sexual encounter. Some mild violence. Some language. Suicide. Some mild explanations of abuse, both physical and sexual.