Strange Familiars - by Keshe Chow (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Two scholars of magical veterinary science must put aside their lust and loathing to save the world as they know it in this whimsical, romantic dark academia novel.

All Gwendolynne Chan needs is to get through final year. As the top student in the magical familiars stream, she is on track to be awarded Dux of the entire school--as long as the pretentious prat Harrisford Briggs doesn't beat her to it.

Harrisford Briggs's father, the chief financial officer of Magecorp, a major global distributor of magic, expects him to come top of the class. Harrisford, though, can't help but notice that his father has been acting odd. And there are strange whisperings, too, of uncontrollable surges of excess magic.

When these magical surges begin to rock London, causing chaos and explosions and familiars going feral, Gwen and Harrisford find themselves reluctantly involved, putting both of their veterinary careers at risk.

Along with Gwen's snarky cat familiar, Gwen and Harrisford must team up to diagnose the problem. But as the two academic rivals fight their burgeoning feelings, they quickly realize that magic is not the only thing surging.

Review Quotes

"Strange Familiars is my exact brand of catnip, featuring brilliant academic rivals, magical university, and cheeky animal sidekicks stealing every scene. And let's talk about the romantic tension between Gwen and Harrisford - sizzling, with gorgeous ebbs and flows between wanting and hating, sacrifice and treachery. Chow's world-building is fabulous and imaginative, with a frighteningly accurate exploration of what magic might look like in our late stage capitalism world. Animal lovers will adore the familiars and the accuracy of the veterinary medicine scenes. Percy stole my heart. An absolute delight!"--Brigitte Knightley, New York Times bestselling author of The Irresistible Urge To Fall For Your Enemy

"Keshe Chow brings something fresh and fun to the genre with her unique take on a contemporary fantasy romance. Between the burning enemies-to-lovers tension, the incredible world-building, and loveable creatures--of both the human and four-legged variety--readers will find themselves utterly charmed by Strange Familiars. A must-read for any lover of animals and angst." --Nisha J. Tuli, USA Today Bestselling author of Trial of the Sun Queen

"Romantic, mysterious, and totally magical, I couldn't put Strange Familiars down! Can't wait for the sequel!" --Mai Corland, New York Times bestselling author

"Keshe Chow has brewed a potion for the perfect rivals to lovers fantasy romance: richly crafted light academia world building, swoon-worthy, cheek-heating banter, and a twisty central mystery that never lets up. I was spellbound by Gwendolynne, Harrisford, and Percy of course."--Kate Golden, USA Today bestselling author

"Strange Familiars is absolutely brilliant in every way. I adored this story about two rival magical veterinary students attempting to unravel a mystery while falling in love, competing for top marks, and confronting corporate horrors. The romance simmers with tension, the action is pulse-pounding, and the world is detailed, beautiful, and original. Add in one very grumpy (adorable) cat familiar, and I'm utterly obsessed. Chow's writing casts a spell that leaves readers turning the pages faster and faster. I can't wait for the sequel!"--Sarah Hawley, USA Today bestselling author of Servant of Earth

"I completely adored this book and its delightful cast of characters--human, animal, and mythical. This has it all: found family, a dark edge of mystery, wondrous enchantments, and banter that will make you snort into your tea. The ideal read for everyone who fell in love with magical schools as a child and wished for a version for adults. With a rivals-to-lovers romance that crackles with tension, a fantastical veterinary school, and your new favorite fictional feline, Strange Familiars is sure to become your next fantasy obsession!"--M. Stevenson, author of Behooved

"Strange Familiars is magnetic, a sumptuous romance that gives us all the grand and snarky magical creatures while also dissecting corporate power and its consequences. Rivals to lovers has never been quite this exquisitely aching and delightful." - Andrea Stewart, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Drowning Empire Trilogy

"Smart, suspenseful, and overflowing with passion, Strange Familiars is equal parts a love letter to animal care and rage against corporate greed. Chow aces every mark with charismatic magical creatures, a twisty mystery, and a heart-throbbing rivals-to-lovers romance that left me shrieking in joy and devastation."--S.A. MacLean, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Phoenix Keeper

"Strange Familiars is supremely enjoyable and addictive reading, full of wonderful rivals-to-lovers romance, humor, and twists that kept me exhilarated right to the end. I can not wait for the sequel! Highly recommended."--India Holton, international bestselling author

"Skillfully blending the science of veterinary medicine with a realm of mythical, magical beasts, Strange Familiars absorbs you in its world right from the start. Readers will swoon over the sizzle between heroine Gwendolynne Chan and her rival Harrisford Briggs, but familiars Percy and Pudding are liable to steal their hearts. A delight from start to finish."--Jaleigh Johnson, New York Times bestselling author of The Reimagining of Thornwood House

"A smart, sizzling, and highly original fantasy about two rival magical vets. A truly delightful and passionate novel!"--Sunyi Dean, Sunday Times Bestselling author of The Book Eaters

"I loved Strange Familiars! This is a true comfort read--fun and magical, with a delightful academic rivals-to-lovers romance, whimsical worldbuilding and heart-pounding stakes (and my new favourite character, a sardonic cat named Percy!) Don't miss this one!"--Vanessa Len, international bestselling author of the Only a Monster series

"A wonderfully fun fantasy romp featuring a delightful cast of characters and the most hilarious cat companion ever. I would die for Percy."--Frances White, USA Today bestselling author of Voyage of the Damned

"Strange Familiars is the most refreshing and unique fantasy I've read in years. I was kicking my feet and giggling the entire way through! Deliciously intelligent, hilarious, real characters that I'll be rooting for always. Everyone needs to read this!!" --Analeigh Sbrana, international bestselling author of Lore of the Wilds

About the Author

Keshe Chow is a multi-award-winning Chinese Australian author of fantasy, romance, and speculative fiction. Born in Malaysia, Keshe moved to Australia when she was two years old. Currently she resides in Naarm (Melbourne) with her partner, two kids, one cat, and way too many houseplants.