Book one of the New York Times-bestselling All Souls trilogy—“a wonderfully imaginative grown-up fantasy with all the magic of Harry Potter and Twilight” (People). Look for the hit TV series “A Discovery of Witches,” streaming on AMC Plus, Sundance Now and Shudder. Season 2 premieres January 9, 2021! Deborah Harkness’s sparkling debut, A Discovery of Witches, has brought her into the spotlight … sparkling debut, A Discovery of Witches, has brought her into the spotlight and galvanized fans around the world. In this tale of passion and obsession, Diana Bishop, a young scholar and a descendant of witches, discovers a long-lost and enchanted alchemical manuscript, Ashmole 782, deep in Oxford’s Bodleian Library. Its reappearance summons a fantastical underworld, which she navigates with her leading man, vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont.
Harkness has created a universe to rival those of Anne Rice, Diana Gabaldon, and Elizabeth Kostova, and she adds a scholar’s depth to this riveting tale of magic and suspense. The story continues in book two, Shadow of Night, and concludes with The Book of Life.
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Combination of history and fantasy and a lengthy read. May not be for everyone but I enjoyed the different take on other worldly interactions and romance.
slow.
Thought provoking read that lands the reader in a world full of mystery, unanswered questions, adventures and raw determination. Amazing book that keeps you turning the pages and stopping to consider the ramifications of the characters tough choices.
Three paranormal species, forbidden love yet dates intervene. Vampire in love with a witch, a witch who cannot use her powers, and a power hungry supernatural council make for an exciting adventure with a dash of romance.
Totally engrossing & original
I absolutely loved this book, and the entire series.
Harry Potter for thinking adults. This book ‘s premise is that witches, vampires and all manner of otherworldly creatures walk with us in the world. When a reluctant witch opens an ancient book in Cambridge, all sorts of unexpected things occur.first in a trilogy, now a miniseries on tv.
This book started an obsession for me! Immediately, I was drawn into the world of Witches, Daemons and Vampires through the narrative. The world building is exceptional; it describes real places in such great detail that you think you are there. The world and order of the creatures coexisting wiht humans was also fascinating.
I connected with the main character Diana, a witch who hides her powers due to her traumatic past. She isn’t perfect but is brilliant in her own way.Then came along Matthew and I was hooked. He was unlike other main male characters I’d come across in this genre – he was complicated and his internal battle, trying to keep away from Diana .
The story twists and turns across the world, and history, danger other characters infiltrate their bubble. There is plenty of conflict and action, while the two creatures who are not supposed to love each other, fall deeply for each other.
This was a pleasure to read, well written, transporting and romantic.
I really enjoyed this read! The world of the story is the current world we live in… and yet it’s not. We discover that there’s another world so deeply intertwined into our own, that we don’t notice the differences unless they are intentionally made know to us. Which they generally aren’t. It’s a world of magic and mythical creatures and history and education and how beautifully entwined they could be. I loved how the author made this mythical world blend so seamlessly into real life and didn’t make a new world all together. It made things so interesting. She made her world a secret that’s always been there but that’s often overlooked. I love how the main character is a well educated and intelligent woman, who also was born magical and with immense power. She blends into both the real world and the mythical one and keeps that aspect of the story vividly realistic. And then the plot itself and character were fantastic. Just a great read overall!
This is easily the BEST story I’ve read in about 20 years. Completely captivating from the first few paragraphs, it pulls readers into a complex love story that holds more than just boy meets girl. Other science fiction fiction pales in comparison to this multi genre story. It kept me up night after night, and I flowed into the next part of the trilogy with ravenous hunger for more. This trilogy was completely worth the time and money I invested, for I will read this time and again I’m sure.
WOW! Great, original story about romance and science, and also history. Wonderful read for those who like vampires, witches, and daemons who must interact with humans. This book also delves into European history, as well as the history of the study of science. There is some time travel during the adventure of discovering the science of alchemy. And, who can resist a hot romance between two unlikely lovers! I highly recommend.
Love this series
I listened to this audiobook (Jennifer Ikeda is an amazing narrator) and it’s an intriguing premise, and a little bonkers, and a very alluring romance, and the slow burn is great.
Loved the book. The ending was a lead into a next book.
A Discovery of Witches speaks straight to my heart as a reader. It has everything: magic, vampires, love, witches, and danger. I am giddily awaiting the next book. There was just one sticking point for me that most readers may not be aware of….A Discovery of Witches mirrors the Encala Series so closely it was the only thing I could think of after the first third of the book. Don’t get me wrong, A Discovery of Witches is much more complex. But I’m hoping the similarities end with the first book and don’t follow suit with rest of the Encala series. But if you’ve read the Encala series, you’ll see the parallels.
Really loved this story. Strong characters mixed with magic and some mayhem with unexpected twists.
My favorite book ever, couldn’t get enough of the characters and will truly miss them when done reading. I guess I’ll just have to read it again!
You should definitely consider reading this series of novels. They are what I call “read dusk to dawn” books. You should know if you start it you won’t put it down.
I love how the author blends scientific data, historical knowledge and her imagination into a wonderful tale.
Best book of its genre EVER! There are four in this series with the addition of Times Convert. I’ve read it several times and love listening to it through Audible. Very well written and researched!!!