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The Familiar: A Novel
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 improve the family's social position.
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Community Reviews
Story of witchcraft, religion and desire. Set in 16th century Madrid amidst of the Spanish Inquisition, the story posits a world where magic exists. Luzia is a lowly scullery maid, whose mistress discovers that Luzia is able to work spells. From there Luzia captures the attention of powerful political figures who want to use her ability to win the favor of the King. One such man has his own familiar, Santangel, an immortal being that guides Luiza in her journey to win favor, power, and safety. A familiar whose desires, for eternal life and Luzia, becomes his curse.
The details of the world are well developed by the author. The description of 16th century Spain is fascinating. Religion is a focal point in the story. Luiza is Jewish and must hide her identity from the inquisitors. Other characters must walk the fine line between true belief and being accused of being a heretic. The way magic is described, Luzia sings her spells, is quite beautiful. There are other "magicians" vying for the King's notice, but it is not always clear if they are using magic or illusions. Luzia never knows who to trust, especially Santangel, the most powerful magic user.
Leigh Bardugo is one of my favorite authors. One of the reasons I enjoy her books is because her heroines are characters that resonate with me. Luzia is neither beautiful nor charming. She is a servant that struggles to survive. Something about the underdog who faces adversity and obstacles that comes out the other end as a survivor appeals to me. You see it in the 'Six of Crows' duology and 'The Ninth House' series.
The details of the world are well developed by the author. The description of 16th century Spain is fascinating. Religion is a focal point in the story. Luiza is Jewish and must hide her identity from the inquisitors. Other characters must walk the fine line between true belief and being accused of being a heretic. The way magic is described, Luzia sings her spells, is quite beautiful. There are other "magicians" vying for the King's notice, but it is not always clear if they are using magic or illusions. Luzia never knows who to trust, especially Santangel, the most powerful magic user.
Leigh Bardugo is one of my favorite authors. One of the reasons I enjoy her books is because her heroines are characters that resonate with me. Luzia is neither beautiful nor charming. She is a servant that struggles to survive. Something about the underdog who faces adversity and obstacles that comes out the other end as a survivor appeals to me. You see it in the 'Six of Crows' duology and 'The Ninth House' series.
Obsessed with this book, couldnât put it down. Might be my new âbreak in case of emergencyâ read. Blooming low fantasy girly??
This is not my favorite Bardugo novel. However, it still contains her beautiful storytelling about a witch during the Inquisition. I loved Lucia and her story. Per usual the cast of characters is diverse and flawed like all of us. Classic style of Bardugo.
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