Description

From Leigh Bardugo, the #1 New York Times bestselling author, comes a captivating historical fantasy set during Spain’s Golden Age. This national and indie bestseller has earned acclaim as an immersive, stunning reading experience and was named a Best Book of the Year by notable publications including The New York Times Book Review, NPR, Kirkus, Women’s World, Town & Country Magazine, and the New York Public Library. It was also a finalist in the Goodreads Choice Awards.

Luzia Cotado survives her difficult life as a scullery maid through small bits of hidden magic, scraping by in a crumbling house tucked into an impoverished corner of Madrid. But when her conniving mistress learns of Luzia’s supernatural talent, she demands the young servant use her skills to help elevate the family into high society.

An act of casual entertainment quickly escalates into mortal danger when Luzia draws the attention of the disgraced royal secretary Antonio Pérez. With the Spanish king still smarting from the disastrous defeat of his Armada and keen to gain an advantage against England’s Protestant queen, Pérez will stop at nothing to reclaim royal favor. Hoping to grab this rare chance at a better life, Luzia finds herself tangled in Madrid’s shadowy underworld, a place filled with mystics and tricksters, alchemists and priests, where true magic and deception intertwine seamlessly.

But with her fame comes increased attention—and potential peril. As accusations mount and the threat of the Inquisition looms, Luzia’s Jewish heritage could prove fatal. To survive, she’ll have to summon every ounce of courage and cleverness at her disposal, even if it means entering into a dangerous alliance with Guillén Santángel—an enigmatic and embittered immortal familiar holding secrets of his own that could endanger both their lives.