Grička vještica 2: Malleus Maleficarum

The fanatical Jesuit Father Sebastian takes over the inquisitorial court and uses the infamous manual "Malleus maleficarum" as a weapon. Every woman who deviates is accused: she heals with herbs, reads books or simply dares to think for herself.

The main victim becomes the young noblewoman Sulamit Juranić, who is planted with Nera's book of spells. Dozens of innocents end up at the stake; among them is the historical Barbara Želin, whose real death in 1731 inspired Zagorka to write the novel.

The four heroines from the first part – Countess Oršić, Baroness Ratkay, Soka and Manda – create a secret women's network. Risking their lives, they rescue the accused through the hidden corridors of Grič, fake miracles and expose that the greed of the nobles and political showdowns with the ban are behind the persecution. The drama culminates in a grand trial on St. Mark's Square, where Sulamit faces torture and the stake, and the heroines carry out a desperate rescue plan.

The novel is full of blood, fire and tears, but also a strong feminist charge: women, despised and persecuted, become the only force opposing ecclesiastical and secular tyranny. Here, Zagorka most openly accuses clericalism and patriarchy, making "Malleus maleficarum" not only the best sequel, but also one of the most important Croatian historical novels of the 20th century.