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A review by jordannahamel
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I can’t actually remember the last time it took me THIS long to finish a book, let alone one by Leigh Bardugo. This dragged for a solid 2/3 and even when it did pick up and conclude I felt like I was left wanting (and not in a good way).
I can tell this book was heavily researched for historical context. But rather then it aiding my immersion into the story it just made it harder to get into. I felt like so much was crammed into establishing the world that little was left to developing the characters and the plot. Luzia was one dimensional and even with her powers felt very unremarkable. I surprisingly enjoyed the Valentina’s development and felt like she had a more nuanced journey than anyone else. I feel like so much time was spent on the narrative telling the reader how the world and other people viewed the characters and the boxes they fit into then it did actually establishing their voices especially if it contradicted their story imposed narrative.
I saw LB describe this as her most romantic book which I would be inclined to agree. Santangel and Luzia definitely have their romance and it charmed me for sure but I attribute that to LBs writing and not the chemistry of the leads. I did NOT expect their relationship to shift from reluctant colleagues to immortal lovers because I don’t know what drew them to one another. It all felt very premature without any real development or build up.
Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this book as it does not have much to say for as long as it is.
I can tell this book was heavily researched for historical context. But rather then it aiding my immersion into the story it just made it harder to get into. I felt like so much was crammed into establishing the world that little was left to developing the characters and the plot. Luzia was one dimensional and even with her powers felt very unremarkable. I surprisingly enjoyed the Valentina’s development and felt like she had a more nuanced journey than anyone else. I feel like so much time was spent on the narrative telling the reader how the world and other people viewed the characters and the boxes they fit into then it did actually establishing their voices especially if it contradicted their story imposed narrative.
I saw LB describe this as her most romantic book which I would be inclined to agree. Santangel and Luzia definitely have their romance and it charmed me for sure but I attribute that to LBs writing and not the chemistry of the leads. I did NOT expect their relationship to shift from reluctant colleagues to immortal lovers because I don’t know what drew them to one another. It all felt very premature without any real development or build up.
Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this book as it does not have much to say for as long as it is.