The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo is a captivating historical fantasy set in Renaissance-era Madrid. The novel follows Luzia Cotado, a young scullion with a secret gift for magic, as she navigates the treacherous royal court and the looming threat of the Inquisition. Bardugo, best known for her Grishaverse novels, explores thought-provoking themes of power, identity, and destiny in this richly imagined standalone tale. With a compelling cast of characters, immersive worldbuilding, and a gripping plot full of twists and turns, The Familiar is a spellbinding read that will enchant both longtime Bardugo fans and those new to her work.
Plot:
The story begins in Madrid, where Luzia, a young servant, uses small bits of magic to make her difficult life more bearable. But when her mistress Doña Valentina discovers Luzia’s abilities, she sees an opportunity. Doña Valentina forces Luzia to use her gifts to win favor at the royal court, thrusting her into a dangerous world of scheming nobles, desperate royals, and religious zealots.
As Luzia reluctantly enters court life, she crosses paths with the mysterious Guillén Santángel, an immortal familiar bound in service to the powerful Víctor de Paredes. Santángel agrees to help Luzia hone her magical abilities to compete in a royal tournament of miracles, but she must hide her Jewish ancestry from the ever-watchful eye of the Inquisition.
When disaster strikes at the tournament, Luzia and Santángel find themselves accused of heresy and witchcraft. Facing execution, the unlikely duo must work together to evade their enemies, unravel the political intrigues threatening to tear apart the empire, and find a way to survive—and maybe even find freedom and redemption. The story builds to a stunning climax that will keep readers guessing until the very last page.
Main Characters
Luzia Cotado is a complex and compelling protagonist. As a servant, a woman, and a secret Jew in a rigidly stratified society, Luzia has spent her life striving to be invisible. But her magical gifts make that impossible, forcing her into a spotlight she never sought and a deadly game she doesn’t know how to play. I loved watching Luzia grow over the course of the novel from a scared, powerless girl into a resourceful, determined woman willing to risk everything to forge her own path.
The mysterious Guillén Santángel is an equally fascinating character. An embittered immortal magically bound to serve the wealthy De Paredes family, Santángel is a man tormented by centuries of regrets and captivity. His slow-burn romance with Luzia is poignant and well-developed, and I enjoyed the way their relationship evolved from reluctant allies to something much deeper.
The supporting cast is well-drawn, from the callous social climber Víctor de Paredes to the fanatical Vicar of Madrid. Each character, even the minor ones, felt distinct and three-dimensional to me.
Writing Style
Bardugo’s prose is lush and transporting, painting a vivid picture of 16th century Spain in all its splendor and squalor. The pacing is expertly done – the novel’s hefty page count flies by, with constant new revelations and raising of the stakes. The dialogue crackles with wit and helps flesh out the characters.
I especially appreciated Bardugo’s attention to historical detail. The depiction of the Inquisition, the Inquisition, and the expulsion of the Jews was chilling and historically grounded. Bardugo includes a detailed author’s note at the end explaining where she took creative license. As someone unfamiliar with this time period, I never felt lost and the worldbuilding is comprehensive without being overwhelming.
Themes
The Familiar grapples with weighty themes of power, politics, and religious strife. Bardugo explores how those in power use faith, fear, and the threat of the other to consolidate control. The novel is a timely allegory for the dangers of fanaticism and scapegoating.
Identity is another key theme, with characters concealing their true selves to survive a society that demands conformity. Luzia’s journey to self-acceptance and Guillén’s struggle against his magically compelled obedience raise thought-provoking questions about free will.
My Personal Take
I’m a huge fan of historical fantasy when it’s done well, and for me, The Familiar more than delivers. I was completely swept away by the vivid setting and compulsively readable story. Bardugo made me feel like I was walking the streets of Madrid alongside Luzia, Guillén, and the rest of these unforgettable characters.
Luzia and Guillén’s achingly human struggles for agency and their simmering attraction completely captivated me. I loved Luzia’s character arc from powerless to self-possessed. There’s a gorgeous scene where Guillén tenderly combs Luzia’s hair that’s seared into my mind—I had to put the book down for a moment just to sigh!
It’s a testament to Bardugo’s talent that the book’s hefty 400 page count felt earned. The plot is intricate, with so many satisfying twists and turns and political machinations, but it never feels overstuffed or confusing. It’s clear Bardugo put an immense amount of research into this book, which I appreciated as a history buff. But you absolutely don’t need to be a history expert to get swept away by this story.
The Familiar is more than just a gripping story – Bardugo is really wrestling with some meaty themes here, and it got me thinking a lot about the tension between institutional power and the individual throughout history. In our modern era of rising authoritarianism and intolerance, Luzia’s journey feels very timely – how do we remain true to ourselves when the world tries to force us into a mold? When is it right to hide our true selves to survive, and when must we stand up? There’s real thematic weight here that will stick with me for a long time.
If I had one small critique, it’s that I would have liked a little more page time dedicated to the supporting characters. Some of the side characters remain a little underdeveloped and I would have enjoyed seeing them fleshed out even more. But that’s a testament to how much I fell in love with Bardugo’s world. I was left wanting more in the best way!
Overall, I absolutely adored this book. For me, The Familiar cements Bardugo as one of the top fantasy writers working today. 5 huge stars from me. While it’s a very different animal than her Grishaverse novels, it showcases Bardugo’s incredible talent for worldbuilding, wit, and romance. I can’t stop thinking about Luzia and Guillén. Whether you’re a longtime Bardugo fan or new to her work, don’t miss this transporting, thought-provoking story of magic, resilience, and the fight to shape our own destinies. I know it will linger with me for a very long time.
Wrapping It Up
The Familiar proves yet again why Leigh Bardugo is a modern master of fantasy. By turns pulse-pounding, heartbreaking, thought-provoking and romantic, this historical epic brings Renaissance Spain to vivid life through the eyes of an unforgettable heroine fighting to survive. With complex characters, high stakes, and a pause-resisting plot, it’s a triumph that will captivate both existing Bardugo fans and new readers alike. Don’t miss this transporting tale of magic, fate, and the universal longing to find our place in the world.
