The Familiar

In the heart of Spain's Golden Age, Luzia Cotado's life is anything but golden. Residing in a dilapidated house in burgeoning Madrid, Luzia's existence is one of hardship and drudgery. Yet, within the confines of her mundane life, she harbors a secret - an innate ability to perform minor wonders using magic. These skills, meant for small personal conveniences, soon become her lifeline when her cunning mistress identifies the potential for such talents to elevate the family's societal stature. Leigh Bardugo, renowned for her intricate world-building and compelling characters, once again immerses readers into a vivid setting, where the opulence of the Spanish court contrasts starkly with the hardships faced by the commoners. The beauty of the Golden Age is marred by the lurking dangers of ambition and the relentless, sinister shadow of the Inquisition. Antonio Perez, the fallen star of the Spanish court, embodies the ruthless hunger for power and redemption. His interests in Luzia are far from benign, and his desperate attempts to regain the king's favor threaten to pull her into a vortex of courtly intrigue and peril. In this tempestuous world, where magic and science are intertwined, and where the allure of alchemy holds promise, Luzia must navigate a treacherous path. Every step she takes could lead her closer to prominence or plunge her deeper into danger. The looming threat of the Inquisition, ever-watchful for heretical practices, makes her Jewish lineage a ticking time bomb. Luzia's only hope might lie in the enigmatic Guillen Santangel, an ageless being burdened by his past and shrouded in mystery. Their alliance, forged in adversity, is a dance of trust and trepidation. Bardugo crafts a tale rich in history, fantasy, and intrigue, creating an evocative tapestry of the trials and tribulations faced by an indomitable heroine. Readers are bound to be captivated by the melding of historical truths with fantastical elements, and Luzia's journey from obscurity to the heart of Spain's most treacherous circles.

$27.99*