Look, I will read literally anything that Bardugo writes. And I am thrilled to say that her writing is only getting better (plus, this move into adult novels, and away from YA, really does line up with my own age-level reading interest changes, so that's nothing if not convenient). But beyond all that, this book is perfect for me: dark, magical, a bit of historical fiction, Spanish, and deals with the/a devil. Plus, a small (unexpected) romance with a satisfying and darkly (on point for the vibes) happily ever after. 

 

Luzia Cortado is barely making it through her days as a scullion maid, eased only by the bits of magic passed down from her mother that make certain daily chores a bit easier. When her mistress notices her magic, she forces Luzia to use them to better the family's social position. Which puts a dangerous spolight on Luzia, living as they do in the time of the Spanish Inquisition, where any hint of devil-worship or blasphemy (so, not being Catholic) means imprisonment, torture and probably death. Almost immediately, Luzia is noticed by Antonio Pérez, looking to regain his place at the side of Spain's king by any means necessary...including setting up a magical tournament to find the King a champion to help regain his own international position (the defeat at the hand of the British Armada having damaged his standing deeply). With the "help" of her aunt, her aunt's patron, and - most importantly - Guillén Santangel, the immortal familiar of her aunt's patron, Luzia prepares to compete. As Santangel teaches her how to wield her magic, he realizes how powerful Luzia actually is, and despite the incredibly tenuous position this puts them both in, also realizes his feelings for her are growing into something he hasn't experienced in a long, long time. With the eyes of a kingdom on them, and the lines between real magic, fraud, and religious conviction unclear and fraught with danger, they'll have to fight with all the wit and sorcery they've got to make it out alive and together and...just maybe...free. 

 

Yup, Bardugo really brought it with the atmospheric aspects of this novel. She brought this version of the Spanish Inquisition to life. The realistic aspects, like the razor thin line upon which everyone walked, the "on tenterhooks" aspects of daily life, because anything and everything could get you accused of heresy, had me feeling the tension on almost every page. And it was enhanced further by Luzia's day-to-day life situation - no connections to money/influence, having actual magic (that definitely was not gifted from "God"), being of Jewish ancestry, directly in the eye of the Crown - all of which were dangerous on their own, much less put together. The court and social intrigue, and political machinations, were also written with a nuance and complexity that made them feel tangible. Obviously some of the historical characters/details are true, but some are definitely fabricated, and I wasn't ever totally sure which was which (past the big things, like the defeat of the Spanish Armada, of course) and that felt like great historical fiction writing to me. 

 

Naturally, Bardugo shines with the infusion of magical elements into the setting and plot. The mix of ancient and forbidden language as the lingual aspect to Luzia's magic, plue the tunes that "feel" right to her that bring it fully to life, was really cool. There was a mysticality to it that, when read alongside the other magical styles (like prophetic dreams and focusing stones) and magical philosophy and research (courtesy of Santangel), was a more subtle practice that one might sometimes see, but that fit the vibe of the novel just right. Plus, I have always had a soft spot for "deals with a devil" style stories, so I am biased towards that magic here as well. 

 

Luzia herself was an interesting and refreshingly unassuming MC. She was full of spirit and resolve and, as a character, balanced the "naive" to society with the "knowledge" of harder life experience (aging out of youth too quickly) very well. Santangel was also a really interesting foil – the opposite of Luzia in age and experience (his youth was too lighthearted and his present is resigned and bitter, no fight left in him). It’s opposites attract in a very unique way. Speaking of. I was super unsure about the romance aspect to start. And while I objectively am still not sold, I totally get why, subjectively – in the context, the pull between them happened. They are a perfectly imperfect pairing of second chances and reframed “wants” from life, balancing each other out (both emotionally and with the power/knowledge they bring to the other). And their ending, as I mentioned earlier, left the right sort of bittersweet, sort of darkish and creepy but weirdly sweet, taste in my mouth. 

 

The plot was mostly background for me, honestly. Like, it was an interesting spin on magical competition, what with the courtly intrigue and threats of the Inquisition. But it wasn’t so unique that it stood out. But, it was robustly developed (the why and how of it, etc.) and acted as a solid framework for the rest of what Bardugo brought to the tale though, and for that, I was happy with it and the role it played. And credit where it’s due, there were a few twists and turns of will and magic that took the story in directions I wasn’t expecting. 

 

One final word about the writing. This novel unfolded with a slower pace that leant itself to the subdued, but ever-present fire of the story, like smoldering coals. There was a quiet, smooth cleverness in the writing that provided for fantastic sinister undertones (layers and multiple meanings) threaded throughout, under all conversations and interactions. It was all so deliciously tense and, as I’ve already mentioned, wonderfully atmospheric. 

 

Overall, what a story! Transporting and enchanting in a darkly mystical homage to ancient magics and fairytale storytelling. It managed a somehow newer, more modern, voice while maintaining that mystical quality. I simply lovely getting swept up in this. 

 

“Better to live in fear than in grinding discontent. Better to dare this new path than continue her slow, grim march down the road that had been chosen for her. At least the scenery would be different.” 

 

“Later Luzia would understand that when it came to anything worth having, there was no end to more.” 

 

“Wishes granted were rarely the gifts they seemed. Any goose who believed otherwise hadn’t listened to a story all the way to its end.”; “Money was a wonderful tonic for fear.” 

 

“Language creates possibility.  Sometimes by being used. Sometimes by being kept secret.” 

 

“Fear men, Luzia. […] Fear their ambition and the crimes they commit in its service. But don’t fear magic or what you may do with it.” 

 

“All empires are the same empire to the poor and the conquered. But not all empires are the same.” 

 

“Faith could be won. Curses could be broken.” 

 

“Did it matter who held the power? […] What difference did it make if the person with the power wasn’t you?” 

 

“A life lived hungry could lead you to eat from anyone’s hand.” 

 

“Was there anything more dangerous than a man full of hope?” 

 

“They did not age. They did not change. They traveled the world a thousand times over. They may be traveling still.”