Strange Familiars

Chow (For No Mortal Creature) launches her Seamere College duology with a rocky romantasy centered on mystical veterinary care. Gwendolynne Chan is in her final year of vet school specializing in magical familiars. She’s determined to graduate as Dux, head of the class, and step into a lucrative Ministry job so she can help her struggling family. Standing in her way is her academic “nemesis” Harrisford Briggs, son of a Magecorp executive, one of the two largest purveyors of magic in the world, whose status gives him access to the magic Gwen can ill afford. When familiars begin exhibiting strange symptoms from carrying an excess of magic, the pair are forced to work together to figure out what’s going on. Mystery, betrayals, and plenty of family drama ensue. The setup is fun, and Chow’s background in veterinary medicine adds detail and authenticity to the magical world, but the plot takes too long to heat up and the relationship between Harrisford and Gwendolynne can feel uneven as their transition from enemies to lovers hits some jarring beats. It’s a cute premise that falters in execution. (May)