What readers think of The Familiar, plus links to write your own review.

I really enjoyed reading The Familiar. The story is set in 16th-century Spain and follows a young girl named Luzia, who works as a servant but has secret magical powers. She tries to stay hidden, but her powers become harder to hide, especially when powerful people start to notice her.

I liked the mix of history and fantasy in this book. The world felt real, and the characters were interesting and complex. Luzia is a brave and smart heroine, and I enjoyed watching her grow throughout the story. The book also explores themes like power, faith, and freedom, which made it more meaningful.

Leigh Bardugo’s writing is beautiful and easy to follow, even when things get intense or emotional. I think fans of historical fiction and fantasy will really like this book.

I LOVE reading books! However, I usually first borrow books from the library (occasionally from family/friends) and then if I feel the novel deserves five stars AND I would happily re-read it, I will purchase it for my own collection.  This is primarily because I have limited space and limited funds. Occasionally I do buy a work of fiction immediately-when it is part of a series I already have or it is just so intriguing I am 100 confident it meets my criteria.

I was surprised by how quickly I became engrossed in Leigh Bardugo's latest book, "The Familiar."   I have other works by Bardugo, but it usually takes a chapter or two for me to become totally invested in the characters, setting and plot.  Luzia is a strong protagonist who unfortunately lives during the time of the Spanish Inquisition.  She is a converso (one of the Jewish faith who converts to the Catholic religion to stay alive) and an orphan and  a destitute servant, forced to sleep on a dirt floor and work constantly with no hope of a better life.  She is intelligent (having learned how to read as a child) and ambitious-yearning to improve her lot.  She is also gifted with a talent for magic (restoring broken items/healing injuries) and once her mistress, Valentina discovers this power things begin to get interesting.

She is forced to perform and we get to go along for the ride.  We watch her grow and discover her true nature and just how powerful she can be and also find love for the first time with Santangel-an immortal man who is not a good person.  We also see Valentina  blossom as a better woman and realize her husband, Marius, will never make her happy.   There are evil priests, there are powerful wealthy men with their own agendas, and an aunt that is more concerned with her own survival than really helping her niece..
Bardugo weaves a captivating tale, full of detail and richly constructed personalities.  It is difficult to put down!   It is ideal for those who love historical fiction and those who love literary fiction.   I am grateful to BookBrowse and Flatiron Books for the ARC- but I definitely would have gone out to buy it!! It is a keeper!!

THE FAMILIAR By Leigh Bardugo

Thank you to BookBrowse for the ARC of The Familiar

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An entertaining read of speculative fiction, historical fiction and doses of magical fantasy, set in late 16th century Madrid at the height of the Spanish Inquisition. The prose is lyrical and lovely.

Luzia Cotado is a scullion and orphan who sleeps on a filthy floor and dreams of having a better life with money to give her the freedom she yearns for and the love she doesn’t have. To help her get through the menial tasks of her days, she uses a bit of magic, which she keeps secret from everyone.

Luzia’s mistress finds out she can perform “milagritos,” and seizes on the opportunity to benefit herself. To raise her social status she has Luzia perform for her dinner guests. Soon the entertainment catapults her into fame and danger. Luzia fears her secret of Jewish blood will be discovered and she tries to steer clear of the Inquisition. Luzia is thrown into a magical contest to find the king a new holy champion. She is forced to train with, Guillen Santangel, a supernatural servant who is the “familiar” of the book’s title.

Touching on trust, betrayal, belief, survival and love.

This my first read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I look forward to reading more by this author.