A Discovery of Witches Book Review

Book: A Discovery of Witches (All Souls Trilogy: Book 1)

 

Author: Deborah Harkness

 

Given by: No one. I checked it out from the library.

 

Rating: 4/5 Won-derfuls (I loved it)

Blurb:
"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."

This was a great book! I have only one eye-twitching observation before I sing its praises. There was quite a lot of obnoxious dominance cloaked in valor from our handsome vampire. I get where this was coming from and understand this part of his character but it bugs me that our strong, brilliant heroine falls for this crap. There are times when she appears to be standing her ground, but is really just negotiating for things and decisions that should be non-negotiable. Diana will glare and protest but eventually gives in when she has moments of feminine weakness. It drives me nuts.

My pet peeves aside, this is a fantastic book. I mean magic in the Bodleian? Nerd girl fantasy! The manuscripts and texts described sucked me in immediately. I can feel my own fingers tingle at the thought of holding such precious historical literature in my hands. Mmmmm... Alright, back to reality.

Deborah Harkness uses brilliant language without ever seeming pretentious. The story flows and is easy to escape into. There are many unique scenes that held me throughout this book. My favorite involved witches, vampires, and daemons doing yoga together. Very cool! There are close calls, magical discoveries, and a bit of saucy romance. I already have the next book in the series on hold!

Interested? More about the book here.