November '24 Book Pick: The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
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Looking for a book that will transport you to another time and place, where magic collides with history and danger lurks at every turn? Dive into The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo, our November Book Pick! With a spellbinding mix of mystery, ambition, and resilience, this historical fantasy will keep you hooked from start to finish.
A World Steeped in Magic, Power, and Peril
The Familiar begins in a dilapidated Madrid home, where Luzia Cotado, a young scullery maid, endures endless hours of toil with only the scraps of magic she has learned to rely on for small comforts. But everything changes when her scheming mistress discovers Luzia’s hidden talents and forces her to use her gifts to improve the family’s social standing. Luzia’s life becomes a high-stakes game when she catches the attention of Antonio Pérez, the disgraced former secretary to the Spanish king. Desperate to redeem himself and earn back royal favor, Pérez is determined to use Luzia’s abilities in a dangerous plan to regain influence amid Spain’s escalating conflict with England.
In a world where shadows of the Inquisition loom large, Luzia soon finds herself entangled with Guillén Santángel, an immortal familiar burdened with his own secrets. Their alliance will force both to confront their pasts—and their powers—in a society where survival means bending or breaking every rule.
Why The Familiar Is Worth the Read
Rich Historical Setting: Bardugo meticulously captures the essence of the Spanish Golden Age, drawing readers into the splendor and dangers of a city ruled by powerful figures and secret societies. The intricate detailing of Madrid’s social and political tensions provides the perfect backdrop for a story where magic and power intertwine in a world of constant danger.
Complex Characters: Luzia Cotado is a refreshingly complex protagonist, caught between her desire for freedom and her precarious social standing. Guillén Santángel, the brooding familiar, adds layers to the story with his own mysterious past, creating a dynamic relationship filled with tension, trust, and survival.
Themes of Identity and Survival: Luzia’s Jewish heritage and her precarious position in society weave powerful themes of identity, survival, and resilience. Her journey reflects the challenges of navigating a world where one’s background can become a death sentence, making her path all the more poignant and compelling.
Blending of Magic and Reality: The novel artfully balances magic and realism, keeping readers guessing about what’s true and what’s illusion. Bardugo’s signature dark, enchanting prose elevates the mystical elements, offering a story that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.
About the author
Leigh Bardugo is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and the creator of the Grishaverse (now a Netflix series) which spans the Shadow and Bone trilogy, the Six of Crows duology, The Language of Thorns, and the King of Scars duology―with more to come.
Read more about Leigh ON HER WEBSITE
Book Club Discussion Questions
- Luzia’s use of magic as a survival tool is central to the story. How do you think her relationship with magic changes as she navigates society?
- How do themes of identity and heritage impact Luzia’s choices? In what ways does she embrace or resist her background?
- Guillén’s character brings depth to the story with his complex past. How does his relationship with Luzia evolve, and what does it reveal about each character?
- How does Bardugo explore the idea of betrayal in The Familiar?
- Bardugo blends elements of magic and realism. How do these supernatural elements influence the characters’ decisions and the world around them?
- The novel deals with power, ambition, and survival. Do you think Luzia’s ambition to escape her life is worth the risks she takes?
- How does The Familiar examine the concept of power—both political and magical?
- What does The Familiar reveal about the concept of identity and belonging?
- How does The Familiar use the historical setting to enhance the story?
- What message do you think Bardugo is trying to convey about fate and choice in the novel?
Find More Details about The Familiar on the Book Page
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo is a spellbinding addition to any bookshelf, especially for those who love historical fantasy with high stakes and deeply personal journeys. With a mix of mystery, historical insight, and supernatural intrigue, this book offers a hauntingly beautiful exploration of ambition, identity, and survival. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.