Author: Leigh Bardugo
Publisher: Viking
Overview:
An instant Sunday Times bestseller, this novel is a richly imagined tale of magic, intrigue, and history set in 16th-century Madrid.
Plot Highlights:
Luzia Cotado, a humble servant using scraps of magic, dreams of a better life.
Her talents are discovered by her scheming mistress, who urges her to use her magic to impress the royal court.
Luzia navigates a treacherous world of noble power, holy men, and seers amid the chaos of the Inquisition.
She must conceal her true heritage and use wit and resilience to survive, possibly enlisting help from an immortal familiar whose secrets could be dangerous.
The story explores themes of ambition, magic, and the blurred lines between science, fraud, and divine power, all set against a backdrop of peril and political intrigue.
Praise and Reception:
Celebrated for its immersive world-building and vivid storytelling.
Compared to works by Deborah Harkness, Diana Gabaldon, and Katherine Arden for its richness and romanticism.
Praised for its exploration of real historical horrors alongside supernatural elements.
Critical Acclaim:
Described as a compelling, well-researched, and vividly written story.
Recognized for its gripping pace, electric prose, and depth of historical and magical detail.