Can you name a historical fantasy novel where the blending of history and fantasy was particularly well done ❓❓❓
Name of Book: The Familiar
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Publication Date: April 8, 2025
No. of Pages: 400
Format: Digital
In a shabby house, on a shabby street, in the new capital of Madrid, Luzia Cotado uses scraps of magic to get through her days of endless toil as a scullion. But when her scheming mistress discovers the lump of a servant cowering in the kitchen is actually hiding a talent for little miracles, she demands Luzia use those gifts to improve the family's social position.
What begins as simple amusement for the nobility takes a perilous turn when Luzia garners the notice of Antonio Pérez, the disgraced secretary to Spain's king. Still reeling from the defeat of his armada, the king is desperate for any advantage in the war against England's heretic queen―and Pérez will stop at nothing to regain the king's favor.
Determined to seize this one chance to better her fortunes, Luzia plunges into a world of seers and alchemists, holy men and hucksters, where the lines between magic, science, and fraud are never certain. But as her notoriety grows, so does the danger that her Jewish blood will doom her to the Inquisition's wrath. She will have to use every bit of her wit and will to survive―even if that means enlisting the help of Guillén Santángel, an embittered immortal familiar whose own secrets could prove deadly for them both.
Leigh Bardugo is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and the creator of the Grishaverse (now a Netflix series) which spans the Shadow and Bone trilogy, the Six of Crows duology, The Language of Thorns, and the King of Scars duology―with more to come. Her other works include Wonder Woman: Warbringer and Ninth House (Goodreads Choice Winner for Best Fantasy 2019). She lives in Los Angeles and is an Associate Fellow of Pauli Murray College at Yale University.
My Opinion
A Captivating Blend of History, Magic, and Romance
If you’re a fan of historical fantasy, The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo is a must-read. As a first-time reader of Bardugo, I was impressed by how she skillfully weaves together history, magic, and romance. The story follows Luzia, a determined woman who rises from a humble maid to a powerful magician, overcoming numerous obstacles in her path.
What sets The Familiar apart is the character of Santangel, who intriguingly plays both hero and villain. His duality adds depth to the narrative, making him both charming and terrifying. The romantic elements of the story are particularly captivating, adding an emotional layer that complements the themes of power and politics.
The climax of the novel is both unexpected and poignant, leaving readers with an open-ended conclusion that hints at more to come. The Familiar feels like a love story cleverly disguised within a tale of ambition and magical intrigue. If you're searching for a historical fantasy novel with a strong female lead, complex characters, and an engaging plot, The Familiar should be on your reading list. Definitely, the book deserves 4 stars.
- Characters ------------------ ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Atmosphere ---------------- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Writing Style -------------- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Plot ------------------------- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Intrigue -------------------- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Logic ---------------------- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Enjoyment ---------------- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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