Luzia Cotado is a servant in Madrid, using scraps of magic to ease the burden of her daily toil. But when her mistress discovers her abilities, Luzia is forced to perform miracles to elevate the family’s social standing. What begins as a game for the nobility soon turns perilous when Luzia catches the attention of Antonio Pérez – the disgraced secretary to Spain’s king. Desperate to restore his own power, Pérez sees Luzia as a tool to win favour in the ongoing war against England. As she is drawn deeper into a world of seers, alchemists, and court politics, Luzia must navigate the fine line between wonder and deception — while hiding the secret of her Jewish heritage from the threat of the Inquisition.
The Familiar is a historical fantasy, blending Bardugo’s signature dark magic with the intrigue of 16th-century Spain. Luzia is a compelling protagonist, intelligent and determined to carve out a destiny beyond servitude. Her journey is fraught with peril, yet her resilience and wit make her impossible not to root for. Bardugo also excels in crafting a world where magic and superstition intertwine, making every twist feel both mystical and historically grounded.
Beyond its magical elements, the novel explores themes of identity, survival, and the cost of power. Luzia’s struggle is not just one of magic but of self-preservation in a society that seeks to control and condemn her. The presence of Guillén Santángel – an immortal familiar with his own agenda – adds further complexity, forcing Luzia to question whom she can truly trust. With atmospheric prose and gripping tension, The Familiar is both a thrilling adventure and an exploration of what it means to fight for one’s place in the world.
Overall, Bardugo delivers a mesmerising tale that seamlessly blends history and magic.
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