Im Land der Unsterblichkeit

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In 16th-century Spain, 5-year-old Mendoza faces the threat of torture as a Jew, but is unexpectedly rescued by the Company, a 24th-century bureaucracy, and granted immortality. In exchange, she must travel through time to collect endangered botanical specimens. Reluctant and misanthropic, Mendoza's first assignment takes her to England in 1553, where she must work alongside fellow operatives Joseph and Nefer to gather herbs from Sir Walter Iden, a generous but foolish squire. The trio disguises themselves as Doctor Ruy Lopez, his daughter Rosa (Mendoza), and her duenna, Doña Marguerita, with Sir Walter's hospitality secured by promises of restored youth. However, Sir Walter's secretary, Nicholas Harpole, is suspicious of the newcomers, leading Mendoza to fall in love with him. Nicholas harbors a secret: he is a Protestant during a time of Catholic persecution under Queen Mary and Philip of Spain. Mendoza is aware of the potential doom that awaits Nicholas, but love drives her to consider desperate actions. The author masterfully blends humor and period detail, creating a fresh and engaging narrative.