The Familiar: A richly imagined, spellbinding new novel from the number one bestselling author of Ninth House | 
pickI really enjoyed this new release. It is not what you might expect, this is more historical fiction than anything else, with a romance, some magical realism and a mystery. Taking place in the Spanish Golden age, which is not a time period I read before. I don‘t like giving many details, as going in mostly blind to books always is the best experience for me. Just note this is not “Romantasy”, so don‘t go in expecting that. 4.5⭐️
So I‘m not sure if I‘ve just never read a new book with painted edges or what, but ALL the pages are sticking together. The struggle is real to just turn to the next page. 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤪🤪
#readerproblems
pickHistorical fantasy taking place during the Spanish Inquisition, Luzia‘s heritage makes her as much of a target as her Magic. When she is discovered some find an opportunity to exploit her, while others support her. Religious persecution, classism &sexism influence their responses as they dream of a change of fortune.
I liked this a lot! It is a bit of a slow pace at the start, but very good.
pickWhile the Six of crows duology remains my favorite of Bardugo‘s books—more Kaz please & thank you—this one is probably my second favorite…I think. Bardugo is a fantastic world builder & this story, set in medieval Madrid, about a young woman, working as a servant, with a secret to hide & an unyielding desire to be MORE makes for a quiet but entertaining read that I enjoyed. If you‘re a fan of Bardugo, you‘ll likely like it.
pickWhen a scullion in a home is discovered to have magical abilities, the family pushes her to use her magic to rise higher in society. Set during the time of Elizabeth I & the Spanish inquisition, Luzia must decide who she can trust, if anyone. The king‘s former secretary has heard of Luzia‘s little miracles and wants to use her to regain favor, but he already has his own secrets in Santángel. This was entertaining, but not a love for me 3 1/2⭐️
pickAs always Ms. Bardugo has done it again just when you think okay this is different… it becomes the best kind of different.. I can‘t wait to see what is next on this authors expressive, writing, works of art … I will always pick up Ms. Bardugo‘s books 📚
"Fear men, Luzia," he said." Fear their ambition and the crimes they commit in its service. But don't fear magic or what you may do with it."
pickThis richly imagined and cleverly-plotted historical fantasy follows a young servant forced to keep her Jewish heritage a secret during the Spanish Inquisition whose mistress discovers her magical powers and demands she use them to advance their fortunes in a high-stakes contest to become the King‘s miracle-worker. I did struggle to get into it due to the slow pace…and I felt the characters and romance weren‘t fully fleshed out. Still worthwhile!
Starting the new Leigh Bardugo today.😍
“There was nothing more dangerous than a woman with a pen in her hand” - Ch. 12, page 76
I love quotes about reading and writing like this in books!
Starting my weekend reading with this one…
pickWhat a beautiful and sophisticated novel about magic, miracles and something similar to the Spanish inquisition. I fell in love with Luiza and her perseverance while everyone uses her for their own agenda and benefit. I loved the religious theme throughout and the warning about the dangers of a society ruled through fear and oppression. I‘ll be thinking about this one for a long time. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
pickWhat a gorgeous book, rich with historical detail of Spain under the Inquisition in what I would usually call the Elizabethan era. The characters are equally rich and complex. I adored Luzia, Hualit, and Santángel, came to love Valentina, and feared all the villains. The plot took numerous turns I did not expect. Despite an irritating pet peeve toward the end, Leigh Bardugo remains an autobuy author.
Augh! Why?! Such lazy writing. Just tell us the demands.
And then it never comes up? It isn‘t relevant to the ending? Why bother with the secrets?
pickI was caught up in this story and found it sophisticated storytelling. Fantastical as it might be, there‘s a cautionary tale here when all citizens of one country are beholden to the beliefs of a single faith and when there is no freedom from those beliefs.
Question of the day....should I ignore my massive pile of work to do today (patron purge time) and pull this off the shelves for a read or should I actually do my work? It's a tough call 🤔😜 #librarylife #libraryclerk #oregonpubliclibrary
#specialedition #saturdaybookshopping
At an author ✍️ event in London at the end of this month to see Leigh Bardugo I think the ladies a genius , isn‘t it great 😌 we can have evenings with our favourite 🤩 authors, it sold out instantly so lucky 🍀 lucky 🍀😀
pick🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars. I'm totally in love with this book and I have such a book hangover. I'm sad it's finished. It was the perfect blending of history, magic and sensual romance. Fear not the romance is not the focus and its not explicit so don't let that keep you from reading this one. #bookspin @thearomaofbooks
Today's #bookmail included Leigh Bardugo's new release and my April #aardvarkbookclub pick, Expiration Dates.😁
Happy Leigh Bardugo Day to all who celebrate! 🤭💕📚 My copy just arrived in the mail and I can't wait to start it tonight!
#Bookhaul for April 9th, 2024
Just one book today, The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo. I‘m a huge fan of her Alex Stern series (Ninth House, Hell Bent) so of course I will buy any other novel aimed towards adults she writes!
Has anyone else picked this one up today?
Everything about this book is pretty…😍
Also, a new Leigh Bardugo book is always cause for a celebration. Excited about this one!
It's April and Tuesday! Hope they are both good to you! Here are the #Two4Tuesday questions for today. Everyone is welcome to play.
1️⃣&2️⃣ My answer is the same for both questions. I am excited about The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo. Can't wait to dig into this new series!
Want to play? @Eggs @dabbe @julesG @The_Penniless_Author @WildAlaskaBibliophile @Decalino @Kshakal @Susanita @AmyG @BethM @TheLudicReader
My #botm box selections. I have a small wait since I wanted The Familiar, but I can live with that. I'm super excited for both of these. What's in your box this month?
Happy April! No fools just anticipated reads. https://youtu.be/ZPnbaaBl2ms
pickLeigh Bardugo's newest book is a standalone novel inspired by her own family history. I was pulled in immediately and absolutely loved it! With brilliant writing, wit, and the use of languages in the magic system, this historical fantasy gets all the stars! And the cover!! 😍
Release date 4/9/24
(Framed picture has nothing to do with the story. It was a gift from my partner. I find it hilarious and just love the juxtaposition of it to the cover.)
Excited to start Leigh Bardugo's newest! I love her Ninth House series, and the premise of this one sounds intriguing.
