Author: Leigh Bardugo
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Genre: Historical Fantasy, Romance
Source: hardcover, Target
Pages: 387
Synopsis
In a shabby house, on a shabby street, in the new capital of Madrid, Luzia Cotado uses scraps of magic to get through her days of endless toil as a scullion. But when her scheming mistress discovers the lump of a servant cowering in the kitchen is actually hiding a talent for little miracles, she demands Luzia use those gifts to better the family's social position.
What begins as simple amusement for the bored nobility takes a perilous turn when Luzia garners the notice of Antonio Pérez, the disgraced secretary to Spain's king. Still reeling from the defeat of his armada, the king is desperate for any advantage in the war against England's heretic queen—and Pérez will stop at nothing to regain the king's favor.
Determined to seize this one chance to better her fortunes, Luzia plunges into a world of seers and alchemists, holy men and hucksters, where the line between magic, science, and fraud is never certain. But as her notoriety grows, so does the danger that her Jewish blood will doom her to the Inquisition's wrath. She will have to use every bit of her wit and will to survive—even if that means enlisting the help of Guillén Santangel, an embittered immortal familiar whose own secrets could prove deadly for them both.
Thoughts
This book left a deep and lasting impression on me. The story was beautifully haunting, a testament to the extensive research and creative prowess of the author. It was an enthralling blend of magic and circumstance that was brilliantly executed.
One of the aspects I cherished the most were the bonds that all the women in the story formed. Their relationships were complex and nuanced, adding a depth to the narrative that was both engaging and poignant. These connections spoke volumes about their strength, resilience, and the power of unity.
The characters were all incredibly well-drawn, each one brilliant and riveting in their way. Luzia, for instance, was an extraordinary character. She was portrayed as a woman desperate for a place in the world where she could be her true self, without fear of judgment or rejection. Her yearning for love, a love she had been denied for so long, was palpable and moved me deeply. Yet, despite her desperation and longing, she remained fiercely resilient, refusing to bend to the will of those who sought to oppress her.
Another character that struck a chord with me was Santangel. Here was a man at the zenith of his life, yet plagued by the fear of losing it all. His fear led him to make a terrible mistake, a decision that added an intriguing layer of complexity to his character. His narrative was a compelling exploration of the human condition, of our fears, and the lengths we would go to preserve what we hold dear.
The mysticism of the magic, the phrases in all languages, added an element of uniqueness to the story that was utterly captivating. It was stunningly executed, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the narrative and drawing me in even further.
This book was a glorious historical fantasy that quenched my thirst for a dark, lush, and stunning tale. It was a rich tapestry of fascinating characters, intricate plotlines, and a mesmerizing world that held me captive from the first page to the last. This book is more than just a story; it's an experience, one that will linger in my mind for a very long time to come.
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