The Familiar: A Novel

This book consumed me. I wish I could forget it and read it again every day.

Maybe this just isn’t my kind of book, but I typically love a mixture of history and magic. The characters at the center of this story - Luzia and Santangel - should have been captivating given their powers, personal histories and personalities, but the author never truly mined the depths of their potential. I found myself uninterested in their fate and not particularly convinced of their attraction. In fact, I am known to read a book in a day, and this one took me almost a month because it did not engage me. As I finally finished it, I realized that the two characters I wished I’d known more about were two fairly minor players in the story: Luzia’s employer and later protector Valentina and the female playwright Quiteria Escárcega. I’d love to read a whole book on them and how they transformed the once lifeless Calle de Santos into a haven for singers, actors, artists and poets and their love and passion for each other. In the end, this book has too many words for such a thin and predictable story about one dimensional characters.

This was a DNF at over 20%. I had trouble visualizing a lot of the surroundings and characters. It didn’t seem to have a rich story telling. I don’t think the setting was the issue because Spanish Inquisition is such an interesting time period, however you don’t get any of that here. The pacing was odd. The characters were bland and boring. Also, this book felt like a rehash of all those young adult and new adult books where “plain homely virgin girl has a special power and brooding hero comes to her rescue to teach her how to overcome said tournament or dilemma and they fall in love plot.” Tell me where we have heard this before?? Just like every book after hunger games

Story of witchcraft, religion and desire. Set in 16th century Madrid amidst of the Spanish Inquisition, the story posits a world where magic exists. Luzia is a lowly scullery maid, whose mistress discovers that Luzia is able to work spells. From there Luzia captures the attention of powerful political figures who want to use her ability to win the favor of the King. One such man has his own familiar, Santangel, an immortal being that guides Luiza in her journey to win favor, power, and safety. A familiar whose desires, for eternal life and Luzia, becomes his curse.

The details of the world are well developed by the author. The description of 16th century Spain is fascinating. Religion is a focal point in the story. Luiza is Jewish and must hide her identity from the inquisitors. Other characters must walk the fine line between true belief and being accused of being a heretic. The way magic is described, Luzia sings her spells, is quite beautiful. There are other "magicians" vying for the King's notice, but it is not always clear if they are using magic or illusions. Luzia never knows who to trust, especially Santangel, the most powerful magic user.

Leigh Bardugo is one of my favorite authors. One of the reasons I enjoy her books is because her heroines are characters that resonate with me. Luzia is neither beautiful nor charming. She is a servant that struggles to survive. Something about the underdog who faces adversity and obstacles that comes out the other end as a survivor appeals to me. You see it in the 'Six of Crows' duology and 'The Ninth House' series.

Though it was darker than other books I have read of hers, it lent a sense of realism to the story.