The Familiar

Starred review from February 5, 2024
Two people with magical powers and sketchy pasts plot their escape from the Spanish Inquisition in this poignant romantic fantasy from bestseller Bardugo (Hell Bent). After Luzia Cotado, a housemaid hiding her Jewish heritage, allows her ambitious employer a glimpse of her ability to cast spells using “refranes” (Hebrew-Spanish proverbs), he enters her into a competition for royal miracle workers. Sponsored by Víctor de Paredes, a wealthy social climber, Luzia is trained by his “familiar,” Guillén Santángel, an undying retainer who long ago traded away his luck and freedom for immortality. Despite being initially suspicious of each other, Luzia and Santángel find that among the competition’s fake psychics, dangerous real magicians, and even more deadly patrons, they can only rely on their own powers and their growing mutual attraction. Bardugo puts an earthy spin on heavenly miracles, with much attention given to the mundane drudgery of daily life that is not erased—even with magic that can unburn bread. Luzia’s pursuit of her powers, even at risk of burning at the stake, comes across as both empowering and practical compared to a life of unrewarding toil, making it easy to root for her through the competition. The sharp realism mixes with a genuine feeling of enchantment to create a top tier historical fantasy. Agent: Joanna Volpe, New Leaf Literary. (Apr.)Correction: An earlier version of this review misspelled the name of one of the characters.

September 13, 2024

Bardugo (Hell Bent) dips into historical fiction, blending elements of fantasy and romance for an exploration of power, wealth, and class. Working as a scullery maid, Luzia must keep her head down and hide her secret Jewish heritage from the ongoing Spanish Inquisition. She has a tendency to use her magical abilities to perform small miracles in her work, not unnoticed by her mistress, who uses Luzia to attract the attention of Antonio P�rez, a nobleman looking for ways to earn back his favor with Spain's King. Luzia is plunged into a world of nobles, and under the direction of the strangely secretive Guill�n Santangel, learns she has much greater power than she knew possible. Laura Fortang's narration is soothing and meditative. She breathes life into Bardugo's characters with her immersive narration, using their dialogue to portray their emotions. Her narration shines during moments of heightened intensity and singing as Luzia performs her magic. VERDICT Bardugo's venture into the Spanish Golden Age translates well into audio, emphasizing a deeply seductive and lushly detailed atmosphere that intrigues and delights. Suggest to listeners of romantasy and those who enjoy fantastical elements in historical settings.--Meghan Bouffard

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