Leigh Bardugo

This novel, set in Renaissance Spain, was one of the more inventive works of historical fantasy I've encountered. Luiza is the descendant of Jews forced to convert to Catholicism and the fear of the Inquisition looms over her life. She seems destined to live a miserable life as an abused servant until her mistress realizes Luiza has a talent for magic, a highly sought-after ability that leads Luiza all the way to the royal court. Politics and romance await Luiza, who struggles to navigate the conflicting alliances and loyalties. Overall, this was an excellent read, although I think my expectations for this one were just a bit too high.… (more)

Series Info/Source: This is a stand alone book. I borrowed this from the library on ebook.

Thoughts: This book was much different from what I thought it would be, but I still enjoyed the beautiful writing and ironic tone to the story. This moves fairly slowly and has a bit of an unconventional sort of romance in it. I would definitely classify this as historical fantasy. Previous to reading this I read the Shadow and Bone Trilogy (which I liked), the Six of Crows duology (which I loved), and her Alex Stern series (which I also loved).

Luzia is a maid in a shabby house in the capital of Madrid. However, when her mistress, Valentina, finds out that Luzia can do small magics she starts having Luzia perform for guests to raise her household's status. Unfortunately for Luzia, this is a time of witch hunts in Spain, and these performances gain the notice of Perez, the king's secretary. Luzia is drawn into a competition between seers and alchemists to prove that her magical gifts are holy and of great value to the king. If she makes a single misstep, she will be branded a witch. Luckily she gains the assistance of her aunt's husband's strange immortal familiar. The familiar, Santangel, has lived many lifetimes and knows the ins and outs of all sorts of magic.

This whole book is strangely beautiful and lyrical. I think some of the beauty is in the wonder Luzia finds in day to day life and in her longing for more. Her and Santangel develop a strange camaraderie and really grow to respect each other. Santangel can't help but love Luzia's desire to live this life to the fullest, and Luzia is drawn in by Santangel's consideration and experience. I loved watching Luzia become more herself as the book went on. I also really enjoyed this look into historical Spain.

This book is slow at times. I found the beginning took a bit to get moving. Normally this would bother me, but I found it strangely endearing in this case. This story was so beautifully written with amazing characters and wonderful imagery that I was completely sucked in to the book every time I picked it up.

Is this my favorite Bardugo book? No, but I did really end up enjoying it and am glad I read it. It is a beautiful historical story with some intriguing magic and a bit of viciousness as well.

My Summary (4/5): Overall I enjoyed this book even if it isn't my favorite book by Bardugo (I really loved her Alex Stern series and Six of Crows duology better than this book). However, this is a beautifully written historical fantasy read. I enjoyed the intriguing complex characters, the unique magic, and the look into this time of historical Spain. This is a strangely intriguing book that alternates between beautiful, vicious, and eerily magical. I can't wait to see what Bardugo does next.… (more)

Hell Bent picks up where Ninth House left off, with Alex Stern trying to figure out how to get the presumed-dead Darlington back from Hell. This was an entertaining popcorn read, with some beautifully imaginative world-building flourishes, and a series of twists and turns that kept me reading on to the end. However, on the whole I enjoyed this less than the first book. The pacing and structure are off, and I lost count of the number of times when characters didn't act (or failed to react) in ways that were believable. Darlington's enormous glowing demonic erection was also deeply silly. I don't object to monsterfucking, but light-emitting joystick cocks are silly. The book might have adult topics, but in terms of characterisation and thematic depth, it all felt more YA. I may read more in the series if any future books come out, but I don't think it'll be one that I will prioritise.… (more)