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The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
Leigh Bardugo, author of the Netflix-adapted series Shadow and Bone, returns with her new standalone novel, The Familiar. The story follows Luzia, an orphaned scullion with an ambitious nature. She is gifted with abilities she doesn’t fully understand, which she uses to make her difficult life easier to bear. But once she’s exposed, she’s forced to perform, and the situation escalates beyond what she is prepared to deal with. Now responsible for her future and the fates of those she serves, Luzia must compete against other miracle performers in the Royal Court under the guidance of a man she isn’t sure she can trust.
Bardugo perfectly captures the essence of an unusual setting and uses it to her advantage to tell a unique and thrilling story. The Familiar is incredibly character-driven and is shaped by the temptations and ambitions of the central characters, rather than the circumstances that brought them together. Full to the brim with magic, danger, politics and a touch of romance, I’d recommend this book to all lovers of fantasy romance.
Reviewed by Juniper Elder
Sisterhood by Cathy Kelly
Lou is a people pleaser who never puts herself first. She is the one everyone relies on to make their lives easier, never recognising the anxiety and depression constantly biting at her heels. Lou’s sister Toni is strong, successful and in the public eye. The kind of person that many would envy, yet her life may not be all that it appears. A bombshell dropped on the night of Lou’s 50th birthday sets off a chain reaction that takes the sisters on a journey, which may be life-changing for both of them.
This is an extremely enjoyable novel that is easy to read. The characters are relatable and I imagine most women readers will have moments when they think that the author is somehow channelling their own inner thoughts.
Reviewed by Abby Soffe
Lulu & the Dance Detectives – Ravenous Rooster Stake-out
by Sally Sutton, illustrator Lily Uevil
This is the latest adventure from the Dance Detectives and is aimed at six to eight year olds. Both Sutton and Uevil hail from New Zealand, but their work could apply to any child-friendly audience.
I read this 100-page book to my seven-year-old grandson, Asher, over four sessions and he thought it was “great”. It is busy, fast-moving and full of action once you get into the story. Asher came across words new to him [always a bonus]. He also liked the artwork and, like many kids, loved the scary bits, the messy bits and, of course, the part where the goodies beat the baddy. It is always an enjoyable experience when both kids and adults can enjoy ‘the ride’ together. Given how expensive children’s books can be, this series is also value for money.
Reviewed by Barbara Leslie, assisted by Asher Wattam
