Masuk Free Press

Lauren: As a die hard fan of Six of Crows, and a lukewarm enjoyer of Shadow and Bone, I had high hopes for The Familiar. After finishing it, I cannot say that I was disappointed, but it also did not necessarily knock my socks off. 

I absolutely adore all things historical, and hearing about a book with a well researched historical setting and elements of fantasy, I was sold. Throw in the fact that Bardugo’s writing is gorgeous and the romance was supposed to be amazing, and I was ready to be blown away. 

One thing that I can say for certain is that the world building in this book did not disappoint. The plot was complex and the historical background well researched and established, and it was threaded intricately with fantasy. 

However, the whole book felt like it was lacking some substance, something under the surface. It was a bit slow for my taste, I did not connect too strongly with the characters, and it felt like we only explored the tip of some potentially interesting plot icebergs. 

I overall very much enjoyed the book, and Bardugo never disappoints, but I do feel like she could have done a bit more with this book and her amazing concept. On my personal scale from Six of Crows to Shadow and Bone, it would definitely fall closer to the latter. Overall, I would still recommend this book to anyone and everyone, just be prepared for a slower read. 

Anastasia: I really really wanted to like this book. I have loved Leigh Bardugo’s books in the past and I was hoping this was not an exception. Unfortunately it was. 

I usually love Bardugo’s writing style but for some reason it didn’t seem to click with this book. The intricate descriptions that usually immerse me in the story instead seemed to drag on. 

I really enjoy historical books that include elements of fantasy and this book had so much potential. That was my biggest problem. Everything about this book seemed like it was going to be perfect, but it fell flat.

The worst part for me however was that it was SOOO very slow. I had no desire to pick it up and felt like I was forcing myself through the first two thirds or so of the book. 

Overall I really wanted to like it, it just felt like it could be more and it didn’t live up to the hype.

Sarah: As this is the last book review from the three of us before we graduate, we knew we had to pick something good to leave a lasting mark on the Carpe Librium column. So of course, we chose the new Leigh Bardugo.

The Familiar is different, not just because it is Bardugo’s first historical fantasy and standalone, but because of the time period in which it is set. The story takes place during the Spanish Inquisition and the conflict with England’s Protestant Queen Elizabeth, which ultimately defeated Spain and took over its status as a world power. And it’s inspired by the author’s own family history which is absolutely fascinating to me.

I loved the intricacies that made this novel what it is. European history is my favorite and I could tell it was incredibly well-researched in regard to both history and religion. What’s interesting about the fantastical elements is that many people of the time believed in those occurrences and powers, so who’s to say they were or weren’t true? It leaves it up to the reader’s interpretation if they were real, deluded by religion or just generally delusional.

One of the things I admire most about authors like Leigh Bardugo is their ability to create such a complex story and environment, while also incorporating many different characters and their stories into it. From Luzia to Santángel, so different, but so compelling in their own rights.

I would be remiss if I did not mention my favorite character dynamic; the relationship between Luzia and her employer’s wife, Valentina. I loved watching their connection evolve throughout the story from mutual loathing to something resembling respect and love. The best character relationships are the ones that start out not realizing how much they have in common.

All in all, I highly recommend this book to the history buffs and the fantasy addicts in equal measure.