The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo

 

Luzia Cotado is a maid in a small household in Spain.  She had been raised by educated parents and expected to marry and have a household.  When they died early and her rich aunt, the mistress of a powerful man, refused to help her, she had to go into service.  Now her days are long and exhausting and she is subject to the whims and cruelty of the woman of the household.  

To make her life a little easier, Luzia uses some small magic tricks she learned.  Things like opening a locked drawer or adding some extra carrots or potatoes to the basket when the household money wasn't sufficient.  But her mistress learns that she can do these things and forces Luzia to start entertaining dinner guests so that her mistress can get a leg up in society.  

Luiza starts to get a reputation and even the man who keeps her aunt in jewels and luxury hears about her.  He is attempting to gain a reputation at court and a title.  When he hears about a magic competition that the king's former secretary is arranging, he sends his familiar, Guillen Santangel, to coach Luzia so she can be their entry.  Santangel is a familiar, a man who has lived for centuries enslaved to the family of the wealthy man.  He cares little about life after all these years but something about Luiza catches his attention and starts to bring him back to full life as he works with her.  If Luiza wins the competition, she will become the king's champion and Santangel will go free at last.  Can she win?

I read a ton of fantasy and I can't believe I've waited this long to read Bardugo.  The writing is lush and sensual as Luiza and Santangel find love.  There is intrigue, betrayal and always the threat of the Inquisition as magic can be inspired from God or from the devil.  Luiza discovers her strength and power as she discovers love.  This book is recommended for fantasy readers.