The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo

For those who like a little magic with their historical fiction, Leigh Bardugo has written a marvelous tale featuring the Spanish Inquisition and those who had to hide their identity to survive. Luzia, a maid in Madrid, is hiding two secrets. The first is that she is of Jewish heritage, and the second is that she is able to do magic by singing songs in the language of her ancestors. 

She uses her power mostly to make her life in the kitchens a little easier, but by doing so she is found out by her mistress. Desperate to gain social standing, she coerces Luzia do party ticks for her guests. This eventually brings her to the attention of a nobleman who his trying to win back the favor of the king by presenting a "miracle worker" at court that will help bring triumph over Spain's enemies. She is sponsored by her aunt’s wealthy, ambitious lover in a contest to prove her magic is the stronges, and that it is a gift from God and not the devil.

Helping hone her skills is his mysterious servant who is not all that he seems and with whom she feels a strong connection. As the contest begins, It becomes even more vital for Luzia to hide her background in order to survive and to make a better life for herself, but there are those who will do anything to make her fail. Filled with romance, danger, magic and betrayal, this fantasy novel is a compelling read.

Reviewed by Janine Walsh

Publication date - April 9, 2024

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