What surprised you most about the plot? Which scenes resonated with you, and why do you think you found them remarkable?

What surprised you most about the plot? Which scenes resonated with you, and why do you think you found them remarkable?

I really liked the ending, and how each of the characters turned out--especially Valentina.

there were many delights in this book. I liked how Luzia used her magic at each trial to overcome the tests. I loved how her power got stronger and stronger as the book went on. I also liked how each of the contestants betrayed each other as the trials went on.

I was not surprise by the plot such that it was but I was surprised and disappointed by the ending. Seems Luzia's abilities would have, if developed further, greatly enhanced many aspects of this story and the characters for the better.

I really enjoyed Valentina's transformation. She was such a hateful woman in the beginning, but by the end of the novel she was strong, understanding - overall a much nicer person.

I also liked Luzia's growth from a cowering servant to someone powerful and in control, completely aware of what she wanted and able to achieve it.

The burning scene really got my attention.

I would not say I was surprised by anything in the plot-I usually read with an open mind, ready for wherever the narrative takes me. There were several scenes that resonated with me- Luzia's internal thoughts about what she had survived and what she wanted from her life, her intelligence and yearning was remarkable given her circumstances. I also, like many of the readers above, was very pleased with Valentina's transformation.

I was most surprised that Valentina developed so much courage, including providing Luzia with food and clean clothes while she was in prison, ending her relationship with Marius, and beginning a new life with her own friends. I’m not sure how she was able to financially begin anew.

I was also surprised that when Luzia was attempting to escape that she ensured that Teoda was free, but not herself. Even though Luzia thought that the song might split her if she continued, I was still surprised that she could not save herself.

I don't think that anything actually surprised me. I was pleased to see Valentina's change, but not surprised.

The most memorable scene in the book for me occurs at the end of Chapter 44: the woman who finds the thumb-sized emerald in a fish, leaves her home, walks to Paris, and becomes a successful parfumiere. Meanwhile, her abusive drunkard husband chokes to death on a fishbone from the same fish. So Hualit's dream of freedom far from Spain and far from a dominating lover, is eventually achieved by another woman through one jewel from Hualit's hidden fortune.

I wasn't surprised, but I did enjoy witnessing Valentina's growth/change.

I was happily surprised by Valentina's evolution through this story. I loved how she ended up having her house full of friends and offering sanctuary to women in need. She was finally free of Marius.

Actually, I though the plot very slow moving forward. Other than the historical context, which was interesting, I thought the storyline and the tests rolled out too slowly until the end. And then I think Bardugo rushed the ending. This was definitely not one of my favorites. If I had to suggest something surprising, it would be Valentino. That she would have the courage to end as she did was a remarkable happy ending for her.

@smallino I also felt the ending was rushed. But thought it was just me. Haven't read anything else by her yet. Which book of hers is your favorite?

I really loved the strength of Luzia despite her position. She had such a strong view of what she wanted and was not afraid to stand up when she knew she wanted to make a point.
I was surprised by the trials. When I was first reading about Valentina finding out about Luzia's magic, I thought that we would be getting a story about Valentina and her moving up in the ranks and ending up at the King's palace.