Book Review

The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo

Published by Flatiron Books, April 9, 2024

This story is set during the Spanish Golden Age in late 16th century Madrid. We meet Luzia, a housemaid with a talent for simple magic, and Santangel, an immortal familiar with a fascinating backstory. Luzia's mistress discovers her talent, and thrusts her into the public eye, forcing her to perform for nobility, putting Luzia in a dangerous situation. The story is a slow build, and if you're a fan like me of Bardugo's Grisha and Six of Crows series, you will find this to be very different. Despite the slow start, I found the ending to be well worth the journey.

Rating: ★★★★