4.1 (14,938 ratings)

The Familiars: A Novel

Name: The Familiars: A Novel
Rating: 4.1 (14938 reviews)
Author: Stacey Halls
ISBN: B07C9MMZQJ

by Stacey Halls

witches

About this book

"Assured and alluring, this beautiful tale of women, witchcraft and the fight against power is a delight." —Jessie Burton, New York Times–bestselling author

In 1612 Lancaster, England, the hunt for witches has reached a fever pitch...

But in a time of suspicion and accusation, to be a woman may be the greatest risk of all.

Fleetwood Shuttleworth, the mistress of Pendle Hill's Gawthorpe Hall, is with child. Anxious to produce an heir, she is distraught to find a letter from her physician that warns her husband she will not survive this pregnancy.

Devastated, Fleetwood wanders the estate grounds, where she catches a young woman poaching. Alice Gray claims she is a local midwife and promises to help Fleetwood deliver a healthy baby. But a witch-obsessed frenzy sweeps the countryside. Even woodland creatures or "familiars" are thought to be dark companions of the unholy. And Alice soon stands accused of witchcraft.

Time is running out. The witch trials are about to begin. With both their lives at stake, Fleetwood must prove Alice's innocence. Only they know the truth.

Set against the real Pendle witch trials, this compelling novel draws its characters from historical figures as it explores the lives of seventeenth-century women. Ultimately it raises the question: Was witch hunting really just women hunting?

"A rich and atmospheric reimagining of a historical period rife with religious tensions, superstitions, misogyny and fear." —The New York Times Book Review

"An intricate and sensitive portrayal of a brave, tenacious young girl carving her place in the world. A must-read novel." —Heather Morris, 1 New York Times–bestselling author

Publication Date: May 25, 2026
ASIN: B07C9MMZQJ

Reader Reviews

Vivid descriptions and historical accuracy of a patriarchal society

January 1, 2026

First time I felt compelled to write over you. This book is absolutely beautiful. The writing and the descriptions are so vivid and brilliant. It is both eye-opening and First time I felt compelled to write a review. This book is absolutely beautiful. The writing and the descriptions are so vivid and brilliant. It is both eye-opening and empowering, and knowing that the story has roots in historical truths is heartbreaking. I could not put it down. Easily one of my all-time favorite books. )

Historically very well written.

July 4, 2020

In spite of the fact that I got lost at some stages, I really enjoyed the book. The historical facts about the witch hunts were very well researched but I couldn’t decide if Fleetwood was witch as well as Pug seemed to be her familiar. ) 2 people found this helpful

Harlequin published this drip of a story

March 19, 2020

If I had realized that this was being published by Harlequin I would have taken a hard pass. They are notorious for their weird abusive love story lines and poor writing. This book continues their tarnished reputation. The story is mildly interesting but fails to deliver the spooky witch feel I thought I was buying. Other problems though are huge. First, this is being written based on a historical fact yet the life of the heroine in 1612 is 100% unrealistic. She rides her horse (while heavily...

Emotional and beautifully written story set during the Pendle Witch Trials

May 11, 2019

I love historical fiction, especially historical fiction set in medieval, Tudor or Stuart England. I often wondered what was it like for willful and stubborn women hundreds of years ago, when most gentlewomen were only allowed to sew or mend in the parlor with a few women attending them. How did they live, the ones unsuited for such life? This novel presents us with two strong heroines from different backgrounds. Fleetwood Shuttleworth, seventeen years old and expecting her first child, an heir...

Witches

December 4, 2024

A rich history of men exerting power over women who have none. Scapegoats for bad luck and threatened masculinity. This is a story about trust and friendship against injustice. ) One person found this helpful