50 pages 1 hour read

Leigh Bardugo

The Familiar

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2024

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo follows orphaned Luzia Cotado, a kitchen maid hiding her Jewish heritage and magical songs in Spain's Golden Age. Her powers attract the attention of a powerful employer, a ruthless patron, and a disgraced official. Luzia gains a lover and ally in the immortal Santángel but faces the Inquisition and ambitious plots, questioning if her magic can help her survive.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Leigh Bardugo's The Familiar is celebrated for its compelling characters and intricate world-building, drawing readers into its richly imagined setting. Many praise its clever plot twists and emotional depth. However, some find the pacing uneven, with sluggish moments detracting from the story's flow. Overall, it's a strong addition to Bardugo's repertoire.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Familiar?

Fans of Leigh Bardugo's The Familiar will likely enjoy richly woven fantasies filled with complex characters and dark, immersive settings. Readers who appreciate the moral ambiguities and intricate world-building in Bardugo's Six of Crows series and Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses will find similar appeal here.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Fantasy

Historical Fiction

Magical Realism

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance

Emotions/Behavior: Fear

Emotions/Behavior: Love

Topics

History: World