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STRANGE FAMILIARS

Library Journal SFF book of the month for February 2026

Starred review from Library Journal

US cover of romantasy book Strange Familiars
UK and Commonwealth cover of fantasy romance novel Strange Familiars

Two scholars of magical veterinary science must put aside their lust and loathing to save the world in the first installment of this whimsical, romantic, dark academia duology.

All Gwendolynne Chan needs is to get through final year at Seamere College, where she is on track to graduate as number one —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 animal 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.

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Coming in the USA, UK, Australia, NZ, Germany, and France.

 

For rights enquiries contact: Lauren Spieller (Folio Literary Agency) at lspieller@foliolit.com 

 

FOR A LIMITED TIME


Between now and May 19 2026, pre-order a hard copy of Strange Familiars to receive exclusive swag!

US folks can pre-order from Novel Neighbor to receive a wooden character bookmark, two exclusive art prints, and a signed bookplate. 

Those who pre-order from elsewhere (or from other US retailers) can receive two character bookmarks, two art prints, Percy the cat stickers, and a signed bookplate. Just keep evidence of your purchase (e.g. digital copy of your receipt and then click the button below 'Pre-orders from elsewhere' to fill out the form to claim your incentive pack!)

*One per person and only while stocks last

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