Strange Familiars, Keshe Chow (Review by Skylar Wetzel)
I went into Strange Familiars, by Keshe Chow, thinking it was going to be a cozy, magical romantasy with a bit of mystery, but Chow absolutely delivered more than that. The web of secrets was bigger, the plot played around with some darker themes, and the spicy tension between the two main characters had me drooling at times. Who knew a nerdy man could also be so domineering? After finishing the book on a major cliff hanger, my first thoughts were what the heck was that, and when can I get more immediately!
Gwendolynne, a first-generation college student, is in her final year of magical creature veterinary school, fighting for the top place in her class against her posh upperclass rival Harrisford. Magic is sourced through corporate entities as a commodity, but when the magic starts to behave erratically, and Harrisford suspects his father’s involvement, he turns to Gwendolynne for help. The two reluctantly investigate together, and both start to see behind enemy lines that there’s more than meets the eye. Gwen and Harrisford come from two vastly different socio-economic backgrounds, and their curiosity for each other causes them to want to explore and genuinely learn about each other’s experiences in life. I love it when enemies can’t help but feel their heartstrings get tugged on while trying to pretend to be indifferent.
The mystery of the unpredictable magic is the central theme running through the book, and there’s not a single second that Chow leaves the reader to relax. Some piece of the puzzle is always left in question or being worked on. At times, it causes conflict between Gwen and Harrisford, but Gwen is a strong, proactive and resilient FMC who won’t give up because a man gets in her way. She is entirely relatable and grows as a character to lean on new friends and trust herself.
Because of the deeper and intense themes running through the book, I would categorize this as a magical dark academic romantasy. I highly recommend!