I picked up a copy of “The Familiar” by Leigh Bardugo while on holiday last October. With a plethora of reading material on hand and on my Kindle, I didn’t get around to reading it until January.

Let me begin by saying it was not an easy book to get in to. The story takes place during the Spanish Inquisition. While the author does describe some of the horrors of the period in a detached way, I never felt the fear of those whose lives were impacted by the trials and punishments. On the other hand the descriptions of the homes, town, and residents made me stick to reading.

Luzia Cotado is a scullion maid in the home of Don Marius and his wife, Dona Valentina in Madrid. Compared to others this couple is far from wealthy. Childless and married by arrangement, their relationship lacks any passion or romance. The unsuspecting couple don’t know that their servant Luzia hides two big secrets. Not only does the girl have Jewish blood in her veins, she can also perform small acts of magic.

These two secrets lay the foundation for what should be an exciting tale. Unfortunately, the author drags things out. Her characters lack depth and it’s difficult to develop feelings about their situations. Curiousity kept me reading.

The middle of the book picks up the pace a little as the mysterious Guillen Santangel is introduced. Santangel helps Luzia in a competition where her magical abilities, considered miracles, are on display. So called holy men, seers, magicians, and fakers abound, often confusing the narrative. All that kept me reading was the relationship between Santangel and Luzia.

The final chapters are so crowded with characters and action it’s difficult to follow who is where at any given time. Sadly, the conclusion left me dissatisfied.

This is the first book I read by Leigh Bardugo. The majority of reviews of her previous books are very positive. I’d hoped to find a new author to follow. Regrettably, “The Familiar” left me feeling empty. I’ll think twice before attempting another novel by this author.