My Unfamiliar by Mara Rutherford | Cozy Fantasy Book Review

If you’re a fan of cozy fantasy books, put My Unfamiliar by Mara Rutherford on your TBR lists!

My Unfamiliar by Mara Rutherford

Perfect for fans of Allison Saft and Catherine Bakewell, a grumpy mage and a familiar matchmaker navigate their surprising connection in Mara Rutherford’s newest cozy fantasy novel.

Winslow Green is known far and wide for her ability to match mages with the perfect animal familiar. Though she doesn’t possess any magic, she has a knack for knowing what her customers need, even if they can’t see if themselves.

Still grieving the tragic death of his last familiar, Bastian Triplehorn reluctantly seeks Winnie’s aid in finding a new partner. She’s determined to live up to her reputation, despite Bastian’s excessive grumpiness.
Until the inexplicable happens: Bastian sparks a familiar bond with Winnie instead.

Impossible to deny, the two agree to help each other until they can solve the mystery of their connection. As Bastian and Winnie train for a royal mage competition that could solve all their problems-or ruin their lives forever-Winnie gets a taste of what it’s like to have magic herself. And Bastian discovers that all of these unfamiliar feelings are a little like magic, too.

December 1, 2026 by Wednesday Books

(Also available as an eBook and audiobook wherever you buy your books!)

My Review

My Unfamiliar is the first book I’ve read by Mara Rutherford, and I will absolutely read more. I have quickly fallen in love with the cozy fantasy genre, and My Unfamiliar fits right in there with the cozy fantasies I love. I adored Winnie and her menagerie of possible familiars for mages. You see, that’s her profession, and she’s very good at it. It’s the reason Bastian Triplehorn visits Winnie’s adorably cozy pink cottage.

Under the advice of his mentor, Bastian seeks Winnie’s help when he tragically loses his owl familiar. He expects it to be an easy process. In and out in a day. Unfortunately, something happens that he does not expect…Winnie is his new familiar. She doesn’t know it, but Bastian’s reaction tells him everything he needs to know. He’s bonded with a human who loves pink and is completely not going to work as his familiar since he’ll be laughed out of the royal mage competition!

And so it begins…well, with other stuff happening that make the book even more delightful….

I thought that Bastian clearly evolved over the course of the book without losing who he is. His priorities change as he falls for Winnie. The dangerous journey through the forest provided the introduction of a character whom I really enjoyed. I wish that there had been more of this part of the story. I took away half of a star since I felt as if the competition was a bit rushed and could have had more details. I understand word count and all of that, but I don’t mind a longer book if more details are necessary. Other than wishing for more, I thought that the story was brilliant and contained everything that I want in a cozy fantasy.

I highly recommend it to other cozy fantasy or romantasy lovers! 4.5 stars!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are my honest opinion.