Grička vještica III: Suparnica Marije Terezije

The third installment in Marija Jurić Zagorka’s popular historical-adventure series, The Witch of Grič (Grička vještica), titled Maria Theresa’s Rival (Suparnica Marije Terezije), shifts the setting from old Zagreb to the opulent yet perilous Viennese court. At the heart of the story remain Countess Nera Keketić and her beloved Captain Siniša, whose love is constantly tested by political turmoil, intrigue, and class disparities. In this volume, Nera battles injustice, superstition, and powerful adversaries within the highest political echelons of the Habsburg Monarchy. Her intelligence, courage, and beauty capture the attention of the court, while also inciting jealousy and dangerous rivalries. Zagorka masterfully weaves a romantic drama together with real historical figures and events from the 18th century, portraying Empress Maria Theresa in a complex light—as a powerful ruler, yet also a woman susceptible to outside influences and courtly manipulation. Through a tense narrative filled with plot twists, secret societies, deceptions, and hidden identities, the novel illustrates the status of women in that era and the struggle for individual freedom. This work stands as a pinnacle of Croatian popular historical literature—a timeless classic that continues to captivate generations of readers.