Luzia Cotado hides her magic behind her duties as a maid in the home of an aristocratic Spanish family who’s money is quickly running out. But when her employer realizes what she can do, she turns Luzia into her personal party trick to help her win favor at court. Soon she is approached by Víctor de Paredes who offers to serve as her patron or sponsor in a competition to find a holy magic user for the king. de Paredes’ servant is an immortal familiar, Guillén Santángel, who trains Luzia to harness her magic. Throughout the competition she must walk the fine line of impressing people with her miracles without revealing her Jewish identity that helps power them.
For someone who was always told she should be grateful to have a life, no matter how meager, it was empowering to see Luzia realize she could aim for more. To watch her take risks in the hopes that they would end in freedom – and maybe even love – was exciting. Why limit yourself to just surviving?
4.5 out of 5 stars.
Pair with: Grenache in a crystal goblet
Peaches to Apples 