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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Readers say *The Familiar* by Leigh Bardugo impresses with its exceptional writing, richly detailed 16th-century Spanish Inquisition setting, and a ca...
This historical fiction/fantasy was wonderful. The characters really came alive and I couldn't put the book down. I was clamoring for Luzia, a mere scullion with magical powers, to succeed in all that she could do. Once her mistress discovers her powers, she entices Luzia to perform for her company. Soon, Valentina and Marius become popular hosts, but her parlor tricks also attract the attention of some dangerous men. Eventually she is called to demonstrate her talents in a contest, a torneo, in which the winner will win favor with the king. This is all set in late 16th century Spain at a time of the Inquisition. There is a constant fear that her work will be considered the devil's work and she would have to pay the price. The writing is wonderful and the pacing keeps the reader interested.
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