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    The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo Summary

    The Familiar
    Leigh Bardugo
    Mythology
    History
    Spirituality
    Overview
    Key Takeaways
    Author
    FAQs

    Overview of The Familiar

    Bardugo's #1 bestseller "The Familiar" transports readers to Spain's Golden Age, where a magical scullion navigates treacherous court politics. What dark secrets await in this New York Times-acclaimed "immersive, sensual experience" that captivated nearly 100,000 Goodreads fans?

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    "I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

    @Chloe, Solo founder, LA
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    "Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

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    "Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

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    "Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

    @Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
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    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

    @djmikemoore
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    "BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

    @Pitiful
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    @Leo, Law Student, UPenn
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    "Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

    @Cashflowbubu
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    1.5K Ratings4.7
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    Celebrities' reading list
    Elon MuskCharlie KirkBill GatesSteve JobsAndrew HubermanJoe RoganJordan Peterson
    Award winning collection
    Pulitzer PrizeNational Book AwardGoodreads Choice AwardsNobel Prize in LiteratureNew York TimesCaldecott MedalNebula Award
    Featured Topics
    ManagementAmerican HistoryWarTradingStoicismAnxietySex
    Best books by Year
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    Key Takeaways

    1

    Shadows and Spells in 16th Century Madrid

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    In the kitchen of Casa Ordono, Luzia Cotado's life changes forever when she whispers a spell to repair burnt bread: "Aboltar kazal, aboltar mazal." A simple servant girl sleeping on the cellar floor, Luzia occasionally uses small magics taught by her aunt Hualit to ease her harsh existence. When her mistress Dona Valentina discovers these abilities, Luzia becomes Madrid's unexpected sensation, performing "milagritos" (little miracles) for nobles who flock to witness her talents. But this newfound attention carries deadly risk. As a conversa-a Christian converted from Judaism-Luzia's magical abilities could attract the Inquisition's scrutiny. When a red-bearded informer witnesses her more spectacular magic, she flees to her aunt, only to encounter Victor de Paredes, known as Madrid's luckiest man. He offers Luzia a tantalizing proposition: a new identity free from her Jewish ancestry, proper magical training, and entry into a secret tournament of magic users being organized for the king. With ambition burning in her heart and few alternatives, Luzia accepts his offer. "I would rather be powerful," she thinks, stepping onto a path that will challenge everything she understands about magic, identity, and freedom in a world where the wrong heritage or abilities can lead straight to the stake.

    2

    The Prince Bound in Endless Service

    3

    The Tournament of Secrets

    4

    Into the Inquisition's Grasp

    5

    Breaking Chains of Fate

    6

    The Language of Transformation

    7

    The Eternal Dance of Power and Freedom