Strange Familiars
The Seamere College Duology (Related to this series)
- Author Keshe Chow
- Narrator Mei Mei MacLeod, Sam Stafford
- Publisher Hodder & Stoughton
- Publish Date 19 May 2026
- Run Time 14 hours and 50 minutes
- Format Audio
- Genre Fantasy, Fantasy romance, Mythical and legendary beings, monsters and creatures, Mythical creatures: Fairies, elves and similar folk, Residential educational institutions, Romance: fantasy and paranormal.
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What to expect
All's fair in love and magic.
Gwendolynne Chan just needs to get through her final year. At Seamere College of Magical Veterinary Sciences, she spends her days using her powers to heal companion animals while her nights are spent studying for exams. As the star pupil of the magical familiars stream, she is on track to graduating top of her class - as long as the pretentious Harrisford Briggs doesn't beat her to it.
Harrisford Briggs was born into privilege. His father, the Chief Financial Officer of Magecorp, a major global distributor of magic, expects nothing less than the best from him. Harrisford, though, can't help but notice that his father has been acting odd. Really odd. And there are strange whisperings, too. Rumours of uncontrollable surges of excess magic, which Magecorp has been trying to cover up, as well as rampant corruption within the Magical Ministry itself.
When these magical surges begin to rock their way through London, causing chaos and explosions and familiars going feral, Gwen and Harrisford find themselves without a reliable source of magic, putting both of their academic careers at risk. To fix this, they must put aside their duelling feelings of lust and loathing, and - along with Gwen's snarky cat familiar - team up to diagnose the problem. If they fail, not only is their education at stake, but also the fate of the magical world.
Gwendolynne Chan just needs to get through her final year. At Seamere College of Magical Veterinary Sciences, she spends her days using her powers to heal companion animals while her nights are spent studying for exams. As the star pupil of the magical familiars stream, she is on track to graduating top of her class - as long as the pretentious Harrisford Briggs doesn't beat her to it.
Harrisford Briggs was born into privilege. His father, the Chief Financial Officer of Magecorp, a major global distributor of magic, expects nothing less than the best from him. Harrisford, though, can't help but notice that his father has been acting odd. Really odd. And there are strange whisperings, too. Rumours of uncontrollable surges of excess magic, which Magecorp has been trying to cover up, as well as rampant corruption within the Magical Ministry itself.
When these magical surges begin to rock their way through London, causing chaos and explosions and familiars going feral, Gwen and Harrisford find themselves without a reliable source of magic, putting both of their academic careers at risk. To fix this, they must put aside their duelling feelings of lust and loathing, and - along with Gwen's snarky cat familiar - team up to diagnose the problem. If they fail, not only is their education at stake, but also the fate of the magical world.
Critics Review
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!
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
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!
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
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
A smart, sizzling, and highly original fantasy about two rival magical vets. A truly delightful and passionate novel!
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!
Romantic, mysterious, and totally magical, I couldn't put Strange Familiars down! Can't wait for the sequel!
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
Rivals to lovers has never been quite this exquisitely aching and delightful
A world so vivid, charming, and wildly creative that I felt completely swept away. This book is perfect for fans of Margaret Rogerson and Olivia Atwater-the cast is vibrant, the magic is inventive, and the entire world feels alive on every page-I couldn't put it down!
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
Smart, suspenseful, and overflowing with passion
A wonderfully fun fantasy romp featuring a delightful cast of characters and the most hilarious cat companion ever. I would die for Percy
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!!
| Author | Keshe Chow |
|---|---|
| Narrator | Mei Mei MacLeod, Sam Stafford |
| Series | The Seamere College Duology |
| Duration | 14 hours and 50 minutes |
| Release Date | |
| ISBN | 9781399750318 |
| Format | Audiobook |
| Publisher | Hodder & Stoughton |
| Genre | Fantasy, Fantasy romance, Mythical and legendary beings, monsters and creatures, Mythical creatures: Fairies, elves and similar folk, Residential educational institutions, Romance: fantasy and paranormal |
| Availability | AU, GB, IE |
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