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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I can see from the reviews that people either love or hate this book. I’ll join the former group. I saw the AMC series last year and was intrigued, but a lot of the things didn’t make sense—never judge a book by its series—so, of course, I had to read it. When we first meet Dr. Diana Bishop, she is a respected professor of history and alchemy in residence at Oxford, England. Living in the shadow of her parents’ violent deaths, Diana never wanted anything to do with magic. She lived her life as a scholar, voluntarily suppressing her own powers to bring the lineage of the famous Bishop witches to an end. However, while researching in the Bodleian Library one day, Diana requests an ancient manuscript called Ashmole 782. By doing so, she sets off a series of events that lead her to discover who she really is—one of the most powerful witches in the world. There are suddenly mysterious spells and magic moving beneath the surface of everything. When her own kind threatens Diana, a vampire, the formidable Matthew Clairmont, comes to her aid. Matthew quickly becomes her champion and lover. Diana’s stubborn resistance to using and understanding her magic is frustrating at first because who doesn’t want to be a powerful witch…right? And she gets beat up a lot, so there’s that. Aside from exploding with magic whenever she needs to, she still resists trying to learn how to control it. But with the help of various vampires, witches, and daemons—and the ever-present threat of the congregation—she starts to get some control just as the book ends. I love the way the author has dug into ancient history and combines it with the common question of “why do we exist.” I found this story a twisty, page-turner that was captivating and fun. I’m on to the next book in the trilogy.
Absolutely fell in love with Deborah’s writing that I am hoping for a lot more from her! I have always enjoyed the supernatural, especially witches. Her whole series gives a great view of how all the supernatural beings interact with each other as well as the “normal” folks. A customer of mine actually recommended this author to me and I have not regretted following her choice!
I absolutely loved this book cant wait to read second book in the shadow night!!!
A scholar discovers a lost book and with it, her magical power emerges. She meets her match and is caught in a struggle for power. Does she win? Stay tuned for the sequel.
Impulsive purchase at the time and damned if I wasn’t riveted by it. The story is well thought out and written.
This book written as a constant “look back” at historical icons and wriggling their characters into the plot is rather smart and a little outrageous……enjoyed it and found it brain teasing!
What a clever idea and we’ll scripted characters
Exciting, new outlook on witches and other supers!!!!! Love the series!!!
This is the first of a trilogy. Actually, there’s a fourth book in this world now. This is a unique take on creatures that go bump in the night. While the romance between the main characters is a very integral part of the novel, it isn’t “just” a romance novel. The characters all have unique personalities and strengths and weaknesses. This is a novel I’ve come back to a handful of times, just because it’s a good read and an interesting world to disappear into. It is also one that is hard to leave behind.
One of the best trilogys’ I’ve ever read. Wish Debra Harkness would write more books.
This is a fun series of books. They go back and forth through time, have lots of drama, and kept my interest.
This was my second reread – this time with audible.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book the first time around. The second time, with the TV show fresh in my mind was just as enjoyable, if not more so.
This is a story of forbidden love with intricate historic details woven in throughout the tale.
I had forgotten about Matthew’s temper (softened on the TV show) and was reminded that he was much darker and possessive in the book. His controlling behaviour was at times frustrating – but the more he coddled Diana the more she rebelled. They complimented each other well and help make their very quick bond much more believable.
Originally, I found the details a little convoluted – this reread was much easier because I felt like I understood the story better and welcomed the historic refrences.
If Matthew Clairmont – dark past, brooding, possessive and a vampire doesn’t sway you, I thoroughly recommend if you enjoy historical romances and you’d like to dip your toe in to fantasy romances.
I rarely read books twice but I have with this series and the TV adaptation follows very closely.
A very good read.
Great first in the series! Love witches and vampires and the story that unfolds.
Enjoyed this series greatly. Fantasy and a love story. New twists on witches, vampires, etc.
I devoured this book when it came out, and I reread it about every other year! The characters are captivating, and I loved delving into their world and watching them adapt and grow as they faced challenges. The entire series is fantastic!
Got this book as a gift. Loved it so I read the whole series!
A fresh take on vampires and witches is presented.
Can’t wait for the sequel!
Loved the seamless blend of history and historical fiction!