As a devoted fan of Leigh Bardugo, eagerly anticipating her foray into adult standalone fantasy with The Familiar, my excitement was palpable. Bardugo, the author behind masterpieces like Shadow and Bone, Six of Crows, King of Scars, and the brilliant Ninth House, has consistently delivered intricate worlds and compelling characters. Therefore, the arrival of The Familiar was met with high expectations. However, despite Bardugo’s signature beautiful prose, The Familiar unfortunately fell short, diverging significantly from my anticipated reading experience.
Bardugo’s writing in The Familiar remains undeniably captivating. Her prose is as enchanting as ever, making the reading experience smooth and aesthetically pleasing. However, the narrative itself felt somewhat adrift, especially considering this is her first adult standalone novel. It’s almost as if Bardugo, in venturing outside the familiar territory of series and the Grishaverse, lost some of her footing. This is most evident in the characters, who, regrettably, proved to be remarkably forgettable. Luzia, the protagonist, is somewhat memorable primarily for her name, her religious background, and her magical abilities. Beyond these basic traits, her personality and depth remain elusive. Santángel, the other central figure, possessed immense potential. His rich backstory hinted at intriguing depths, yet, despite fleeting moments of brilliance, his character development ultimately felt superficial and unexplored.