Leigh Bardugo, the acclaimed author of the Grishaverse series, returns with a powerful standalone novel that is already taking the literary world by storm. The Familiar blends historical fiction with dark fantasy, creating an immersive narrative set in the shadows of the Spanish Inquisition. This week, the novel has emerged as a top trend among readers, critics, and online book communities, and for good reason.
Set in 17th-century Madrid during the Spanish Golden Age, The Familiar introduces us to Luzia Cotado, a seemingly insignificant servant girl who hides a dangerous secret—she possesses magical abilities. In a time and place where magic is not only feared but persecuted, Luzia has survived by keeping her gifts hidden. But as unrest brews and Spain teeters between superstition and progress, her powers begin to surface at a most inconvenient time.
When a desperate act of magic draws attention to Luzia, she is plucked from obscurity by a scheming nobleman who sees her as a tool to advance his ambitions at court. Thrust into a world of power games, religious scrutiny, and deadly politics, Luzia must tread carefully. She’s no longer just fighting to keep her magic hidden—she’s battling to stay alive.
Bardugo’s writing, as always, is lush and atmospheric. She doesn’t just tell a story—she builds a world so vivid and rich in detail that readers can practically feel the heat of the Madrid sun and hear the echo of footsteps in candlelit cathedrals. Her deep research into the historical context adds authenticity to the plot without overwhelming it. Readers get the intrigue of a historical drama while enjoying the suspense and wonder of magical realism.
One of the greatest strengths of The Familiar lies in its protagonist. Luzia is not your typical fantasy heroine. She’s not chosen by destiny or trained by a mentor; she is a survivor who uses wit, resilience, and a stubborn will to navigate a world stacked against her. Her journey is as much about personal identity as it is about magic and rebellion. In Luzia, Bardugo crafts a character who is relatable, flawed, and fiercely human.
The novel also explores deeper themes of power, faith, and morality. Bardugo uses Luzia’s experiences to critique the oppressive systems of the time—particularly the Inquisition’s brutal control over belief and knowledge. The idea of magic as both gift and curse becomes a powerful metaphor for those who are forced to suppress their true selves for fear of persecution.
What makes The Familiar stand out among this week’s new releases is how it balances historical authenticity with imaginative storytelling. Bardugo doesn’t shy away from depicting the harsh realities of the era, yet she manages to weave a tale that is full of hope, transformation, and even moments of beauty. This blend has resonated strongly with readers on platforms like BookTok, Goodreads, and Instagram, where the novel has quickly become a favorite among fantasy and historical fiction fans alike.
Critics have praised the novel for its complex characters, nuanced plot, and emotional depth. Early reviews highlight Bardugo’s growth as a writer, noting that The Familiar may be her most ambitious and mature work yet. While longtime fans of the Grishaverse will find Bardugo’s signature style here, the novel is entirely self-contained, making it an ideal entry point for new readers.
In a literary landscape often dominated by sequels and series, The Familiar feels refreshingly complete. It’s a story that invites readers to lose themselves in another time, to question the cost of power, and to root for a heroine who refuses to be forgotten.
If you’re looking for a gripping, thought-provoking read that combines the allure of history with the thrill of the supernatural, The Familiar is this week’s must-read. It’s a novel that lingers long after the final page and cements Leigh Bardugo’s status as one of the most versatile voices in contemporary fiction.
