Title: The Human Familiar
Author: Honor Raconteur
First published January 1, 2017
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.35
Overview
During her gap year, Lucy Sommersworth travels to Paris to learn French and explore the city of love. However, what she didn’t expect was to fall head over heels for charming French local, Jean-Luc.
As their romance blossoms, Lucy must decide whether to follow her heart or return to her old life. April Lindner’s Love, Lucy is a heartwarming tale of a young woman’s journey of self-discovery and the possibility of a love that transcends borders.
About the Author
Storytelling has been a passion of mine since I was a young child. I loved entertaining anyone who would listen with my fantastical tales of unicorns, gargoyles, and incredible people.
By the time I was 13, I began putting my stories on paper. It wasn’t until I was 23 that I completed my first novel, Jaunten, which I believed was good enough to publish.
I spent three years trying to get my book published the traditional way, but no literary agent was willing to take it on because it didn’t fit the typical formula for young adult fantasy novels. Frustrated, I put the idea of being published aside as I worked towards earning my Bachelor’s degree in English at Middle Tennessee State University.
But the desire to be published never truly left me.
While working as a paralegal and pursuing my third degree, I began researching how to self-publish my book in a debt-free way. It was a challenging process, as I was working full-time, going to school full-time, and living on my own.
I felt like my brain was on the verge of melting down from all the new information I was learning.
After six months of researching, I felt confident enough to publish Jaunten as an ebook. I created a website and forum for my fans, and through word-of-mouth, my book began selling internationally.
Within six months, I was earning enough to quit my day job and write full-time.
As I continued to write and publish, I realized that there was a void in the market for original fiction. In February 2012, I established Raconteur House, my own publishing company.
I signed on four additional authors and continue to attract new talent.
When I’m not writing or editing, I enjoy giving presentations on how to become a successful author. It’s rewarding to share my knowledge and experience with others who dream of being published authors.
Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to make a living as an author with hard work, talent, and effective marketing.
While a college education isn’t necessary to become a successful author, I believe that education and life experiences greatly enhance one’s writing. I’ve lived in various places, earned multiple degrees, and practiced different martial arts, all of which inform my writing and bring my characters and worlds to life.
Even if I were to stop selling books tomorrow, I would continue to write. The joy of creating characters and worlds is too great to give up.
Once you start, it becomes addictive.
Editoral Review
Honor Raconteur’s The Human Familiar is a captivating and imaginative addition to the fantasy genre. The book, first published in 2017, tells the story of a young mage named Fiona, who accidentally conjures a demon named Tristan to be her familiar.
Though Tristan is initially hostile towards Fiona, the two eventually form an unexpected bond, and work together to solve a series of magical mysteries. Raconteur’s writing is both evocative and straightforward, making for a pleasurable read.
The plot unfolds at a lightning pace, and yet the characters are well-drawn and complex. Fiona is a relatable protagonist who is driven by her curiosity and desire to discover the truth.
Tristan, the demon, is a fascinating and nuanced character who defies the stereotype of a villainous demon. The world-building in The Human Familiar is superb, with Raconteur’s attention to detail immersing the reader in the magical realm.
The spells and magical creatures are intriguing, while the politics of the magical society add depth to the story. The book’s themes of friendship and self-discovery are explored with finesse, making The Human Familiar a thought-provoking read.
Raconteur also touches on the idea of otherness, and how society can be unaccepting of those who are different. The book’s message is all the more relevant in today’s world, where inclusivity and diversity are hot-button issues.
One minor complaint about The Human Familiar is that some of the plot twists are predictable, but this does not detract from the overall enjoyment of the book. Additionally, the book’s abrupt ending may leave some readers wanting more.
Overall, The Human Familiar is a delightful read that is sure to please fans of fantasy fiction. Raconteur’s vivid imagination and solid writing make for a compelling story that is difficult to put down.
I give this book a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, with half a point deducted for the predictability of some of the plot twists.