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Isabella and Ferdinand #1
Castilla para Isabel
Una fantástica historia centrada en los primeros años de Isabel la Católica, la más extraordinaria reina de España.
«Recuerda siempre que si tu hermanastro Enrique muriera sin dejar herederos, tu hermanito Alfonso sería rey de Castilla; y si Alfonso muriera sin dejar descendencia, tú, Isabel, serías reina de Castilla. El trono sería tuyo por derecho, y que la desgracia caiga sobre quien intente arrebatártelo.»
Una fantástica historia centrada en los primeros años de Isabel la Católica, la más extraordinaria reina de España. Su infancia y adolescencia, bajo los cuidados de una madre ambiciosa y desequilibrada, su vida en la corte de su hermano Enrique IV y, finalmente, su ascensión al trono del brazo de Fernando de Aragón.
Intrigas, amores clandestinos y escándalos palaciegos se suceden en una inolvidable novela donde la realidad histórica aparece magníficamente reflejada por la pluma de la autora.
A esta primera entrega de una saga de tres volúmenes le seguirán: España para sus soberanos y Las hijas de España.
«Recuerda siempre que si tu hermanastro Enrique muriera sin dejar herederos, tu hermanito Alfonso sería rey de Castilla; y si Alfonso muriera sin dejar descendencia, tú, Isabel, serías reina de Castilla. El trono sería tuyo por derecho, y que la desgracia caiga sobre quien intente arrebatártelo.»
Una fantástica historia centrada en los primeros años de Isabel la Católica, la más extraordinaria reina de España. Su infancia y adolescencia, bajo los cuidados de una madre ambiciosa y desequilibrada, su vida en la corte de su hermano Enrique IV y, finalmente, su ascensión al trono del brazo de Fernando de Aragón.
Intrigas, amores clandestinos y escándalos palaciegos se suceden en una inolvidable novela donde la realidad histórica aparece magníficamente reflejada por la pluma de la autora.
A esta primera entrega de una saga de tres volúmenes le seguirán: España para sus soberanos y Las hijas de España.
386 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1960
74 people are currently reading
1497 people want to read
About the author
Jean Plaidy
186 books1,591 followersEleanor Alice Burford, Mrs. George Percival Hibbert was a British author of about 200 historical novels, most of them under the pen name Jean Plaidy which had sold 14 million copies by the time of her death. She chose to use various names because of the differences in subject matter between her books; the best-known, apart from Plaidy, are Victoria Holt (56 million) and Philippa Carr (3 million). Lesser known were the novels Hibbert published under her maiden name Eleanor Burford, or the pseudonyms of Elbur Ford, Kathleen Kellow and Ellalice Tate. Many of her readers under one penname never suspected her other identities.
-Wikipedia
-Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
June 1, 2017
After having read Weir's stunning fictionalization of Katherine of Aragon, I thought I'd step farther back in time and read about her mother, Isabella of Castile.
Jean Plaidy wrote a trio of books about her from childhood onward. This first book begins when she is four years old and her father, King John, dies, leaving her and her brother, Alphonso, to be brought up isolated with their mother, the mad Queen Isabella. She is a religious fanatic prone to fits of nervous hysteria.
Isabella grows up to be a sullen, pious princess obsessed with her betrothal to Ferdinand, prince of Aragon. Nothing will stand in her way of this marriage. She is a singly-minded young lady with a penchant for constant prayer.
Reading this account, although fictional, of her youth, it's easy to see how she became the religious zealot who refused the divorce from Henry VIII and kept the title of queen until she died. She must have treated Mary the same way she was treated for Mary to have become what she was. The apples didn't fall far from the tree on this family.
Plaidy did an excellent job of introducing Isabella to readers. I think this is a must-read for Tudor fans.
Jean Plaidy wrote a trio of books about her from childhood onward. This first book begins when she is four years old and her father, King John, dies, leaving her and her brother, Alphonso, to be brought up isolated with their mother, the mad Queen Isabella. She is a religious fanatic prone to fits of nervous hysteria.
Isabella grows up to be a sullen, pious princess obsessed with her betrothal to Ferdinand, prince of Aragon. Nothing will stand in her way of this marriage. She is a singly-minded young lady with a penchant for constant prayer.
Reading this account, although fictional, of her youth, it's easy to see how she became the religious zealot who refused the divorce from Henry VIII and kept the title of queen until she died. She must have treated Mary the same way she was treated for Mary to have become what she was. The apples didn't fall far from the tree on this family.
Plaidy did an excellent job of introducing Isabella to readers. I think this is a must-read for Tudor fans.
July 6, 2019
Muy muy buen libro! Excelente inicio de saga.
Me mantuvo pegada al libro y al filo del asiento. El personaje de isabel de fascino, una mujer digna de admiración en muchos aspectos y que sabe manejar el poder y la familia y el amor de manera equilibrada. Pues uno no ciega el buen juicio del otro. Fernando es el nuevo principe que mas que rescatarte viene a apoyarla y ayudarle crecer como mujer , reina y esposa . No la salva ... la ayuda . Enrique un personaje que no odias... no amas ... da lástima ( o al menos a mi) pero que no por eso no disfrutas de leer su parte de la historia.
El autor es excelente en trasmitir emociones y situaciones un verdadero genio.
Un placer leer esto después de 3 lecturas anteriores insatisfactorias... fue como un vaso de agua después de un dia caluroso
Me mantuvo pegada al libro y al filo del asiento. El personaje de isabel de fascino, una mujer digna de admiración en muchos aspectos y que sabe manejar el poder y la familia y el amor de manera equilibrada. Pues uno no ciega el buen juicio del otro. Fernando es el nuevo principe que mas que rescatarte viene a apoyarla y ayudarle crecer como mujer , reina y esposa . No la salva ... la ayuda . Enrique un personaje que no odias... no amas ... da lástima ( o al menos a mi) pero que no por eso no disfrutas de leer su parte de la historia.
El autor es excelente en trasmitir emociones y situaciones un verdadero genio.
Un placer leer esto después de 3 lecturas anteriores insatisfactorias... fue como un vaso de agua después de un dia caluroso
July 21, 2016
First part of a set of biographical novels about Isabella of Castile who funded Columbus and oversaw the creation of the Inquisition. The usual, fairly historically sound (not entirely) product of the busy pen of Jean Plaidy.
March 8, 2009
This novel begins the story of a young Isabella, born in 1451 to daughter to King John II of Castile & Isabella of Portugal. She is older sister to Alfonso, who is in his cradle at the opening of this novel. She has a great sisterly love for her older brother Henry IV of Castile, who became King of Castile after John died in 1454. The novel revolves around Isabella and her mother who is mentally unstable; and the court of Henry, with the drama resulting in certain factions and their choice as the proper heir of Castile.
Isabella and Ferdinand are betrothed early on, and Isabella only has prayers and thoughts for that day they are to be together. She recognizes him as her saviour from an unfortunate life where she can be used as a pawn by rebellious factions of her older brother Henry's court. Isabella stays true to herself and her upbringing and does not let others persuade her into an otherwise unhealthy alliance with anyone but her betrothed, Ferdinand. What were interesting were the characters surrounding Isabella, and the myriad of unworthy people prying their way into Isabella's life. She has an unstable mother, a younger brother who is docile and loving, and an older brother who is King of Castile but who is pretty much useless in all ways.
Plaidy stays the course in this novel and is not as gripping as some of her other novels, yet Isabella as a young girl is not all that extraordinary, yet rather pious (her nickname is Isabella the Catholic). The character of Isabella is that of practically a saint, and her main focus is her betrothal and her vision of the alliance of Castile and Aragon. It will be interesting to see how Ferdinand and Isabella strategize for power both in state matters and marriage with the next novel of the trilogy. I'll give this one 3.5 stars.
Isabella and Ferdinand are betrothed early on, and Isabella only has prayers and thoughts for that day they are to be together. She recognizes him as her saviour from an unfortunate life where she can be used as a pawn by rebellious factions of her older brother Henry's court. Isabella stays true to herself and her upbringing and does not let others persuade her into an otherwise unhealthy alliance with anyone but her betrothed, Ferdinand. What were interesting were the characters surrounding Isabella, and the myriad of unworthy people prying their way into Isabella's life. She has an unstable mother, a younger brother who is docile and loving, and an older brother who is King of Castile but who is pretty much useless in all ways.
Plaidy stays the course in this novel and is not as gripping as some of her other novels, yet Isabella as a young girl is not all that extraordinary, yet rather pious (her nickname is Isabella the Catholic). The character of Isabella is that of practically a saint, and her main focus is her betrothal and her vision of the alliance of Castile and Aragon. It will be interesting to see how Ferdinand and Isabella strategize for power both in state matters and marriage with the next novel of the trilogy. I'll give this one 3.5 stars.
October 31, 2021
Muy bien documentado y fácil de leer
November 13, 2024
Esperaba una narración más novelesca y no un libro de historia con diálogos intercalados.
July 23, 2025
Excelente. Como siempre la autora
September 30, 2015
I really liked the reading! I think, Jean Plaidy had "the touch" to write historical novels! The only thing i disagree, on this reading is about Henry IV of Castile. Reading about him is impossible to don't believe that he was homosexual. Even his illness that took his life, it's suspicious! I know that there's a chance, about being rumours created by his enemies and even his impotence, but his court was full of libertinism! Of course, we'll never know the real truth, but a man that was married twice, only had a daughter, which the paternity was questioned and lived in a frivolous court and was a weak ruler, is suspicious. Now about Isabella! Since her childhood, she had to learn to deal with her mother's madness. She was a serious child, always in alert! Besides this, Isabella knew that her brother Alfonso and herself would live under threats. She lived during years trying to avoid problems with Henry! After her brother Alfonso being poisoned, Isabella was alone! Under pressure to mary against her will by Henry's order, she fastened an alliance by marrying Ferdinand of Aragon. With this marriage, Isabella fought for her rights on throne! But even years later, becoming the Queen of Castile, Isabella will have to learn to persuade Ferdinand in accept his role as Queen's Consort. Ferdinand grew up with the knowledge that his parents, to secure his succession, killed his half-brother, so become a consort, isn't something he accepted it. Castile for Isabella, is a very interesting reading. It show how Isabella, learned to be strong and never give up to fulfill her ambition and rule Castile!
March 28, 2020
Jean Plaidy es única para contar dramas históricos y este es uno de los mejores. La historia de como Isabel de Castilla y Fernando de Aragon tuvieron q esconderse para casarse, mantener en secreto su matrimonio hasta q fuera políticamente conveniente darlo a conocer e iniciar una de las páginas de la historia de España q tendría repercusiones en la historia de la Humanidad.
Mucho se ha escrito sobre los problemas q tuvieron Isaber y Fernando para poder reinar; pero ninguno fue tan complejo como el q tuvieron q enfrentar siendo tan jovenes y estando recién casados. Ella apenas tenía 16 y él 15. No se suponía q debían casarse, según algunos, ella no tenía derecho al trono de Castillo, según otros. Muchos impedimentos, intrigas y problemas. Se amaron, aunq sea al principio, luego creo q como q ya no tuvieron tiempo.
Me gustó particularmente q la trama se centra en Isabel, xq más allá de la cuestión del género, creo sinceramente q ha sido la reina más grande q ha dado Castilla a España y a la historia.
Muchas se llamaron, Reina. Ella lo fue sin lugar a dudas.
Mucho se ha escrito sobre los problemas q tuvieron Isaber y Fernando para poder reinar; pero ninguno fue tan complejo como el q tuvieron q enfrentar siendo tan jovenes y estando recién casados. Ella apenas tenía 16 y él 15. No se suponía q debían casarse, según algunos, ella no tenía derecho al trono de Castillo, según otros. Muchos impedimentos, intrigas y problemas. Se amaron, aunq sea al principio, luego creo q como q ya no tuvieron tiempo.
Me gustó particularmente q la trama se centra en Isabel, xq más allá de la cuestión del género, creo sinceramente q ha sido la reina más grande q ha dado Castilla a España y a la historia.
Muchas se llamaron, Reina. Ella lo fue sin lugar a dudas.
September 27, 2014
As the title suggests, this historical fiction novel is based on the real life of one of – if not *the* – most famous Spanish queens.
Set in the mid-1400s, “Castile for Isabella” follows Isabella from the age of four up until her late teens, when she becomes Queen.
Ferdinand, the man she expected to marry since infanthood, does not appear in her life for over a decade. He also doesn’t feature in the book until near the end of the story.
This is the first book I’ve read by Jean Plaidy and I am very impressed with her writing style and ability to present a work of fiction based on fact. She uses no unnecessary digressions, thus the narrative keeps moving forwards, with the only asides being relevant to the story. Nothing is wasted. The characters are believable, the plot easy to follow.
A very good read.
Set in the mid-1400s, “Castile for Isabella” follows Isabella from the age of four up until her late teens, when she becomes Queen.
Ferdinand, the man she expected to marry since infanthood, does not appear in her life for over a decade. He also doesn’t feature in the book until near the end of the story.
This is the first book I’ve read by Jean Plaidy and I am very impressed with her writing style and ability to present a work of fiction based on fact. She uses no unnecessary digressions, thus the narrative keeps moving forwards, with the only asides being relevant to the story. Nothing is wasted. The characters are believable, the plot easy to follow.
A very good read.
July 24, 2018
Samozrejme, že po návšteve Andalúzie som (viac-menej) okamžite siahla po knižke o Isabel. A myslím, že som urobila dobre, že som si vybrala práve knihu od Jean Plaidy. Počula som už o nej ako o kráľovnej historických románov a veru niet sa čomu čudovať. Napriek tomu, že toto je len akýsi úvod a prevažná časť knihy sa venuje skôr detstvu Isabel, je to neodškriepiteľne pútavé čítanie (vidieť, čím si musela prejsť, ako u nej zavládla výchova a celkovo prostredie, v ktorom žila, bola proste paráda). Rozhodne si plánujem zaobstarať aj zvyšok série.
February 2, 2018
I was so looking forward to this book as we recently visited this area of Spain and I thought I should know more about its history. The novel did not disappoint in this respect but I always see a novel as a film in my mind and the dialogue seemed stilted and unreal. The pace and story telling however is as excellent as ever and I really enjoyed the reading experience.
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September 22, 2014I enjoyed it, but if any of it was based on actual fact, I'm glad I wasn't in line for the throne in those days. Too many people wanting power & doing anything to get it.
September 10, 2020
Outlining the early years of Queen Isabella, has the potential to be an absorbing tale full of intrigue but told in a matter of fact way which makes it rather dull.
March 18, 2023
Me encantó que empezara el relato de la vida de Isabel desde su infancia, porque la verdad es que ahí es donde se comienzan a concretizar nuestras personalidades ante todas las traumas, contactos con el mundo y felicidades con que nos topamos. Su mamá, claro, influjo muchísimo, y la muerte de su padre a una tierna edad. Quisiera saber las debilidades mentales realmente corría en la familia portuguesa. Me da mucha curiosidad.
La autora subrayó cómo los niños son simplemente una herramienta para los adultos avariciosos del poder, pintándolo de forma muy clara. Lo que no me creía fueron las conversaciones entre estas personas históricas. La autora fue demasiado calculada y consciente de nosotros, los lectores. Los diálogos tenían un tono falso, lo que me sacaban de ese mundo renacentista. Y, claro, después de leer unas novelas históricas escritos por historiadores, me hace falta la atención al detalle de los datos y referencias que suelen incluir los docentes. Hay detallitos que a veces no concuerdan.
Pero en total, nos presentó su análisis, tomando en cuenta todos las motivaciones de las personajes que rodeaban a Isabel, desde su niñez hasta que se hizo reina de Castilla.
La autora subrayó cómo los niños son simplemente una herramienta para los adultos avariciosos del poder, pintándolo de forma muy clara. Lo que no me creía fueron las conversaciones entre estas personas históricas. La autora fue demasiado calculada y consciente de nosotros, los lectores. Los diálogos tenían un tono falso, lo que me sacaban de ese mundo renacentista. Y, claro, después de leer unas novelas históricas escritos por historiadores, me hace falta la atención al detalle de los datos y referencias que suelen incluir los docentes. Hay detallitos que a veces no concuerdan.
Pero en total, nos presentó su análisis, tomando en cuenta todos las motivaciones de las personajes que rodeaban a Isabel, desde su niñez hasta que se hizo reina de Castilla.
March 3, 2019
To me this book was a little dry, almost like reading a history book more than a novel. I think it's because the storytelling relies heavily on dialogue and thoughts, there isn't much description of the castles, villages and other spaces where the story is set. The book also moved a bit slow in the beginning but it picked up speed later on. I think Plaidy chose telling history over telling a gripping story and that's not a bad thing, but the story could have been told in a more captivating way. Sometimes big leaps in time were taken but not clearly mentioned and it made the story a bit confusing to me.
The factions at the court in Castile and the different sides that fought in the civil war were portrayed clearly and the motives people had for choosing one side or the other were described very well. I liked that a lot about the book. Also the strong personalities the characters are given really spoke to me.
The factions at the court in Castile and the different sides that fought in the civil war were portrayed clearly and the motives people had for choosing one side or the other were described very well. I liked that a lot about the book. Also the strong personalities the characters are given really spoke to me.
February 20, 2025
La historia sigue su infancia y adolescencia, marcada por la influencia de una madre ambiciosa y desequilibrada, y su vida en la corte de su hermano Enrique IV. La novela culmina con su ascensión al trono junto a Fernando de Aragón. Plaidy logra capturar las intrigas, amores clandestinos y escándalos palaciegos de la época, ofreciendo una visión detallada y fascinante de la vida de Isabel.
La narrativa de Plaidy es envolvente y rica en detalles históricos, aunque presentada de manera novelada, lo que la hace accesible y entretenida para los lectores. La autora consigue reflejar la realidad histórica de manera magnífica, permitiendo a los lectores sumergirse en el contexto de la época. "Castilla para Isabel" es la primera entrega de una trilogía sobre los Reyes Católicos, y ha sido bien recibida por su capacidad para combinar la precisión histórica con una narrativa cautivador.
La narrativa de Plaidy es envolvente y rica en detalles históricos, aunque presentada de manera novelada, lo que la hace accesible y entretenida para los lectores. La autora consigue reflejar la realidad histórica de manera magnífica, permitiendo a los lectores sumergirse en el contexto de la época. "Castilla para Isabel" es la primera entrega de una trilogía sobre los Reyes Católicos, y ha sido bien recibida por su capacidad para combinar la precisión histórica con una narrativa cautivador.
February 9, 2025
Una novela histórica mala como novela y bastante floja como histórica. Por un lado los personajes son de cartón, los diálogos sólo están para dar datos de la forma menos natural y plausible y hacer avanzar la trama, y en muchas partes se vuelve reiterativo hasta el hartazgo, al punto de dudar si por error no volví para atrás en el libro. Y en cuanto a lo histórico, más allá de que algunas cosas se sabe que son ficcionadas y puede haber licencias, detalles como que mencione la prosperidad del maíz en Navarra ANTES del Descubrimiento de América son demasiado burdos.
En resumen, no esperaba casi nada y aún así me decepcionó.
En resumen, no esperaba casi nada y aún así me decepcionó.
May 30, 2025
What is it about absolute power that corrupts absolutely? Those ruling Castile and Aragon in Spain stopped at nothing----killing a first born son, encouraging a second wife to have an affair in order to conceive an heir. Such were the circumstances surrounding young Isabella of Castile who stood third in line to the throne. Intrigue, danger, betrayal, lies rule. And yet, it was the destiny of this intelligent, devout woman to wait patiently in the wings in order to both inherit the throne of Castile and to marry Ferdinand of Aragon so that she and he would become two of the greatest monarchs of the sixteenth century. Fascinating and exciting read.
May 20, 2024
En general me ha gustado mucho. El entretejido entre los puntos de vista narrativos me ha parecido muy ameno y útil para entender como llegan a suceder ciertas cosas.
Lo que no me ha gustado, y no sé si es por la traducción o viene del original es la elección de ciertas palabras, como por ejemplo cada que se refieren al Reino de España, Reino que no existió hasta bastante después de la época de los Reyes Católicos. Tampoco me ha gustado que siento que el final se ha dado rápido y con poco detalle a lo que ocurrió, creo que se podría haber desarrollado más.
Lo que no me ha gustado, y no sé si es por la traducción o viene del original es la elección de ciertas palabras, como por ejemplo cada que se refieren al Reino de España, Reino que no existió hasta bastante después de la época de los Reyes Católicos. Tampoco me ha gustado que siento que el final se ha dado rápido y con poco detalle a lo que ocurrió, creo que se podría haber desarrollado más.
September 30, 2018
I first read this book as a teenager and loved it at the time. Back then I was just discovering historical fiction and was devouring Jean Plaidy's work along with many others. I found it again on my bookshelf and decided to give it another go.
I still like it, though I now have a much wider reading background to support my thoughts about it. It's a readable book, though more like a history book than a novel. It's well-researched and has great historical detail.
I still like it, though I now have a much wider reading background to support my thoughts about it. It's a readable book, though more like a history book than a novel. It's well-researched and has great historical detail.
March 11, 2024
Un buen libro sin duda. Me mantuvo intrigada todo el tiempo aunque ya sabía que pasaría al final. Me encariñé con Isabel sin hacer ningún esfuerzo y con el pequeño Alfonso ¡Que trágico debió de ser vivir todo eso! Si antes quería ser de la realeza y vivir en esa época ahora, con ese libro, definitivamente se me quitaron las ganas. Creo que es un buen libro para empezar a leer libros históricos. Todo el tiempo sucedía algo, y cuando pensaba que todo estaba en calma ¡Puf! Otro acontecimiento.
May 17, 2025
Entertaining introduction to the history of this great dynasty
The author wrote this trilogy some time ago and some may find the prose somewhat dated perhaps. But altogether this remains a well-researched and informative story that cleverly intertwines fiction and fact into a highly entertaining read. I know of no other work of fiction in English that treats this period of Spain's history so well.
The author wrote this trilogy some time ago and some may find the prose somewhat dated perhaps. But altogether this remains a well-researched and informative story that cleverly intertwines fiction and fact into a highly entertaining read. I know of no other work of fiction in English that treats this period of Spain's history so well.
August 1, 2017
One of Plaidy's earlier historical series, this is a tightly written tale of the childhood of Isabella of Castille. Trapped between her mentally unstable mother and dissolute half-brother, Isabella nevertheless manages to grow into a serious and dedicated princess of Castille, ready to become queen when the time comes.
September 6, 2017
Historical fiction at its best
it's a few years since I last read 'Castile for Isabella' and the years have not reduced the enjoyment of this wonderful story - spies, murder, deceit, wars and romance come together to ensure the story of the young Isabella will continue to enthrall book and history lovers alike.
it's a few years since I last read 'Castile for Isabella' and the years have not reduced the enjoyment of this wonderful story - spies, murder, deceit, wars and romance come together to ensure the story of the young Isabella will continue to enthrall book and history lovers alike.
January 21, 2018
Thoroughly readable and enjoyable. I had planned to move on to another book but have since downloaded the next two. It's historical fiction in terms of following grand events without the nitty gritty of day to day life at the time. I feel it's similar to watching a period drama. Lots of pyjama reading coming up.
March 21, 2019
Jean Plaidy has to be one of my favourite authors of all time. The detail she put into her books are absolutely brilliant and Castile for Isabella has to be one of the best I have read. I’ve always had a big interest in the Spanish royal family, and finding a book with Isabella in her youth. Really looking forward to reading the next instalment as she and Ferdinand start their reign together.
April 9, 2021
Puedo decir que a su manera es excelente.
Un reino, una guerra, desacuerdos, manipulación. No todos los Reyes gobiernan, algunos simplemente son gobernados sin que se den cuenta. Por el momento histórico, muchas cosas son comprensibles, y a su vez admirable. Una pequeña muestras de feminismo en un mundo gobernado por hombres.
Un reino, una guerra, desacuerdos, manipulación. No todos los Reyes gobiernan, algunos simplemente son gobernados sin que se den cuenta. Por el momento histórico, muchas cosas son comprensibles, y a su vez admirable. Una pequeña muestras de feminismo en un mundo gobernado por hombres.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2020
Lectura interesante en lo tocante a la historia, pero algo floja argumentalmente, ya que la novelización de la historia no acaba de funcionar, con una protagonista que no acaba de ser el centro del argumento y que acaba importando bastante poco.
September 11, 2022
Me engancho es un libro súper entretenido se Lee rápido y lo que más me gustó es que conocí un poco más sobre la vida de la reina Isabel me hizo admirarla y quedé con ganas de leer más de ella obviamente estoy en la segunda saga.
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