A Discovery of Witches

Talk about the perfect escape! Vampire novels aren't usually my thing, but when the witchy main character is a medieval manuscript scholar who falls in love with a vampire hundreds of years old in a cross-species Romeo and Juliet scenario, written by an author who's both a historian and fantastic writer of sex scenes, and the plot hinges on a lost book, what's there not to like?

The author has an impressive knowledge of history as an active university professor. This thoughtfulness and deep knowledge permeates throughout and makes it a truly wonderful read. I really couldn't put it down.

Discovering Diana, the reluctant witch who must rediscover herself and her supernatural talents, makes this novel a page-turner of magick and mystery. And I loved how the weave of those two powers pulled in the romance between Diana and Matthew. An added spicy balance that mixes like a brew into the witch and vampire families that are here and from the Otherworld.

I am not a vampire fan, but the magick here is irresistible. It became rather addictive because the witchcraft spells were so illusory that I felt “invited in.” The vampire scenes were a bit nerve-wracking, creating real tension… show more.

This a fun, easy-to-read, novel that includes bits of dark academia mixed with the paranormal characters. In this novel, we find a reluctant witch with links to a pagan coven at odds with an ancient evil. It’s a bit of historical fiction with touches on alchemy, pagan lore, and herbal sciences, with a perfect blend of personalities to keep the conversation interesting.

As a lifelong student of science, I love when books explore how our modern scientific understandings and practices were spawned by a more magical mindset. This novel does more than entertain; it explores the roots of modern beliefs,… show more.

This book is the story of Diana and Matthew, who share a love throughout the ages. I love how, after years of shunning her craft, Diana begins to embrace her identity as a witch and how she evolves with that acceptance.

Matthew also must come to terms with his own dark origins, and together, with the power of their love, I love how they seek to change the rules of the supernatural world they are a part of for the acceptance of those who are different from them.

I love this novel because it features a witch and a vampire in a romantic and sexually active relationship—so hot! Since I was a little boy, I have dreamed that these extraordinary organisms could live in harmonious familial relationships, a la The Munsters.

I also love that both protagonists are academics and scientists, blending the laws of the natural world with the metaphysical, as I do in my own writing. When the scholar discovers an ancient alchemy book, it thrusts her into her familial legacy of witchcraft, and she becomes a type of savior for both the witch and… show more.

I love books about books, so I was thrilled when Oxford's Bodleian Library and a bewitched alchemical manuscript turned up as the linchpin of this enchanting love story between a vampire and a reluctant witch.

While this story was made into a television series, do yourself a favor and read the entire trilogy. Harkness creates a compelling framework of history and heroics, love and loss, and friendship and betrayal for her underworld creatures to inhabit. And these are not your typical creatures of the night, but accomplished scholars, physicians, and scientists.

This book is one of those rare novels I… show more.

Romance, exotic settings, mystery. A summer read? Yes, but with great “extras.” Some surprises: The lovers are mature, even wise.

So much for the swept-away falling for the demon bad boy! Then, altering the usual clash-of-supernatural-beings fantasy trope, they possess complex histories singly and among themselves. I especially noted, and took away a keen perception, that if a story has an extremely powerful man (vampire), then for the romance to work, the woman must be equally strong.

A great challenge for authors like me who usually include a romantic interest.

A Discovery of Witches is a series of four known as the All Souls Trilogy.

Deborah tells the stories well with engaging characters and settings. They are a combination of vampires and witches and take you through when Matthew and Dianna first meet all the way through their marriage and children.

There is time travel included in Shadow of Night. The Elizabethan time period in England is done so well right down to the gas lights and merchants.  

A Discovery of Witches is an exciting journey! Deborah Harkness masterfully weaves together history, science, and fantasy to create a captivating story that will keep you guessing until the  end. The book is filled with layers of clues and mysteries that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters are well-developed, and the romance between Diana and Matthew is both compelling and heart-wrenching. I couldn't put the book down and I can't wait to dive into the  next installment. This book is a true page-turner, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good mystery… show more.