The Familiar:A Novel By Leigh Bardugo

Leigh Bardugo, renowned for her captivating narratives, delves into the Spanish Golden Age in her latest masterpiece, earning acclaim as a #1 National, Indie, and New York Times bestseller. "A must-read for those craving a touch of magic," praises Deborah Harkness, author of "A Discovery of Witches."

Within the confines of a modest dwelling in Madrid's bustling streets, Luzia Cotado ekes out a living as a scullion, wielding morsels of magic to endure her mundane existence. Yet, when her latent talents catch the eye of her cunning mistress, Luzia is coerced into employing her abilities to elevate their social standing.

What commences as mere entertainment for the aristocracy soon evolves into a perilous game, as Luzia attracts the attention of Antonio Pérez, the disgraced secretary to Spain's monarch. With the kingdom still reeling from recent defeats, Pérez sees Luzia's powers as a potential weapon in the ongoing conflict with England's queen, sparking a treacherous path fraught with danger.

As Luzia navigates a labyrinth of seers, alchemists, and charlatans, the blurred boundaries between magic, science, and deceit threaten to ensnare her. Yet, her increasing renown also invites the looming shadow of the Inquisition, casting a pall of uncertainty over her future.

In a bid for survival, Luzia allies herself with Guillén Santángel, an enigmatic immortal harboring secrets that could prove fatal. Together, they navigate a landscape fraught with peril, where every step forward carries the weight of imminent danger.

With Bardugo's signature prose weaving a tapestry of intrigue and suspense, listeners are transported to a realm where magic and mortality collide, leaving them spellbound until the very last word. 📚❤️