A Review Of ‘A Discovery Of Witches’: A Spellbinding Story

A richly inventive novel about a centuries-old vampire, a spellbound witch, and the mysterious manuscript that draws them together.

Deep in the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell.

Debut novelist Deborah Harkness has crafted a mesmerizing and addictive read, equal parts history and magic, romance and suspense. Diana is a bold heroine who meets her equal in vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont, and gradually warms up to him as their alliance deepens into an intimacy that violates age-old taboos. This smart, sophisticated story harks back to the novels of Anne Rice, but it is as contemporary and sensual as the Twilight series-with an extra serving of historical realism.

A Discovery of Witches is set in present-day England. It centres on Diana Bishop, a historian and reluctant witch, who discovers a long-lost and enchanted manuscript hidden in the Bodleian Library of Oxford University. This discovery sets off a series of events that leads Diana on a journey to uncover the secrets of her past and come to terms with her heritage.

Vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont is determined to solve the mystery of the book, and soon approaches Diane to ask for her help.  As they work together, they uncover a plot and know that failing to find the book before anyone else may lead to the eventual extinction of the magical world.

The characters in A Discovery of Witches are richly drawn and highly engaging. Diana is a strong and independent woman who is struggling to come to terms with her own magic. Diana’s love interest, Matthew Clairmont, is a vampire who is struggling with his own nature. Diana and Matthew are a powerful couple who will do anything for each other and those they love. Let’s not forget the secondary characters who are equally engaging and turn a good book into a great one!

The author has created a believable world that is a unique blend of fantasy, romance, and magical conspiracy. If you’re looking for a new series to get lost in, this one will keep you spellbound.

My favorite quote:

“Just because something seems impossible doesn’t make it untrue,”