The Familiars: Book Review
If you’re anything like me, the words witchy historical fiction are an instant “add to cart.” So naturally, The Familiars by Stacey Halls shot straight to the top of my fall TBR. Set during the infamous Pendle witch trials of 17th-century England, this novel promises eerie vibes, fierce women, and a whole lot of suspicion. But does it actually deliver on the witchy front? Well… that’s where things get interesting. Here are my honest thoughts on what worked, what didn’t, and whether The Familiars is the right pick for your next cozy, candlelit reading session.
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Quick Look
- 17th-century historical fiction
- female persecution
- TW: pregnancy loss
- strong female friendship story
- witchy level: 1/5
Pub Date: February 7, 2019
Publisher's Synopsis
Young Fleetwood Shuttleworth, a noblewoman, is with child again. None of her previous pregnancies have borne fruit, and her husband, Richard, is anxious for an heir. Then Fleetwood discovers a hidden doctor’s letter that carries a dire prediction: she will not survive another birth. By chance she meets a midwife named Alice Grey, who promises to help her deliver a healthy baby. But Alice soon stands accused of witchcraft.
Is there more to Alice than meets the eye? Fleetwood must risk everything to prove her innocence. As the two women’s lives become intertwined, the Witch Trials of 1612 loom. Time is running out; both their lives are at stake. Only they know the truth. Only they can save each other.
Rich and compelling, set against the frenzy of the real Pendle Hill Witch Trials, this novel explores the rights of 17th-century women and raises the question: Was witch-hunting really women-hunting? Fleetwood Shuttleworth, Alice Grey and the other characters are actual historical figures. King James I was obsessed with asserting power over the lawless countryside (even woodland creatures, or “familiars,” were suspected of dark magic) by capturing “witches”—in reality mostly poor and illiterate women.
My Review
Well, here we are again… reviewing a witchy book that doesn’t actually have witches. Or maybe it does? That’s kind of the point. The Familiars by Stacey Halls is one of those books where you’re constantly wondering if the magic is real—or if it's all just suspicion, fear, and projection. And to be fair, that ambiguity might be exactly what the author intended.
The story centers on Alice, a young noblewoman pregnant during the 17th-century Pendle witch trials. She crosses paths with Fleetwood Shuttleworth, a real historical figure (which I always love), and what unfolds is a story steeped in suspicion, power dynamics, and how quickly women—especially ones with knowledge or independence—can be labeled as dangerous.
Alice absolutely has all the makings of a witch: she’s mysterious, misunderstood, and healing people when no one else can. But we never really get confirmation. Is she a witch? Is she just a skilled midwife? The book leaves it up to the reader, which is… kind of beautiful in a literary sense, but also kind of frustrating if you came here for full-on broomsticks and spells.
And that’s where it lost me a bit. I wanted more actual witchiness. Not just the threat of it. Not just the fear of it. I wanted the cauldron bubbles, the secret rituals, the undeniable magic. Instead, it leaned more into the historical fiction side—which is well done, don’t get me wrong—but it felt more like a story about a lady and her baby than the witchy tale I was hoping for.
My Review
While it wasn't my favorite witchy book, The Familiars is undeniably well-written, atmospheric, and kept me engaged the whole time. But if you’re like me and crave actual spellcraft from your witchy reads, The Familiars might leave you wanting just a little more magic. Be sure to check out my list of the Best Witchy Books for more inspo!
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