A review by keepcalmblogon
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

For all that I read the synopsis of The Familiar, I truly had no idea what I was getting myself into!  I saw Leigh’s name, historical fantasy, and magic and knew I wanted in.  I didn’t know that my heart would reside firmly in my throat until the very last two pages of the book finally released me like ash on a breeze.  I was so lucky to have won an ARC on Goodreads!  This book hooked me from line one and it was hard not to pick it up when I had other things I had to do!  

I wasn’t quite sure what Luzia and Santángel would be to each other upon their first meeting, but their dynamic and relationship develops magically.  As for Valentina, her character arc from antagonist to sympathetic is one of my favorite types of character growth.

The torneo is one of my favorite magic plots, and this one is higher stakes and more dangerous than most.  After the final challenge, I had absolutely no idea if and how the tragedy of this story could possibly be turned around.  I wallowed with Luzia and Teoda and wondered what was the point of Valentina’s change in tune?  The final chapters took me on a whirlwind dash through the ugliness of the Spanish Inquisition and a milagrera and familiar attempting one last milagro.

This book is 5 stars and definitely a favorite of the year!