Title: A Discovery of Witches
Author: Deborah Harkness
ISBN: 9780670022410
No. of Pages: 579
Genre: Speculative Fiction
Synopsis:
“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.”
Thoughts: Warning – gushing to follow…
Have you ever read a book that made you smile for its entirety? A book where everything about it was enjoyable, from the descriptions to the characters to the plot and beyond? One that took a storyline that has been rehashed one too many times and made it completely new and exciting again? If you have, then you too must have experienced Deborah Harkness’ A Discovery of Witches. If you have not, well then, get thee to a bookstore or library and read it immediately!
Vampires, witches, daemons – oh my! Granted, these are not the traditional vampires, witches, and daemons. Ms. Harkness’ adaptations of the mythologies maintain the danger that immediately comes to mind when either creature is mentioned. Even better, Ms. Harkness takes her mythologies one step further. These are not humans gone bad or humans born with special powers. These are all non-humans, creating an intense us-versus-them dynamic in which the creatures are only trying to survive in a world run by humans. While it is not a major plot point, it is enough of a difference to establish an intensity to the proceedings, as Matthew and Diana try to resolve their issues while maintaining their cover as “normal”.
What sets A Discovery of Witches apart of the rest of the genre are the descriptions, accurate historical details, and adult emotions involved. The descriptions throughout the novel are simply sublime. The reader feels a part of the novel, whether the action is occurring in Oxford, southern France or in New England. Ms. Harkness has the ability to evoke the scent of a wood-burning fire or the loamy scent of earth with a few choice words. Similarly, in a novel where one of the main characters is 1500 years old, historical details and accuracy are a must in order to lend credence to his age and experiences. Ms. Harkness accomplishes this through well-researched and fun historical vignettes that close the gap between history and present-day. Even better, while there is definitely a romantic element, there is none of the juvenile emotional drama that permeates paranormal romance these days. Both Diana and Matthew have a healthy respect for each other as individuals and for their individual pasts. They make no demands of each other and just revel in being themselves. It is refreshing to see a relationship where two people come together as equals and do not get caught up in the acquired baggage each brings with them.
While one could argue that there have been enough books involving this unholy trinity, A Discovery of Witches outshines them all. Reminiscent of The Historian and Practical Magic with its Gothic feel and absolutely gorgeous descriptions with the added benefit of a heroine who can more than stand up to any Big Bad, the greatest drawback to the novel is the waiting period required until the release date of the second book in the series.
Acknowledgements: Thank you to the Great Lakes Independent Booksellers Association for my review copy!
I know! I want to listen to it on audio before the next one is released.
This was one of my all-time favorite reads last year and I cannot wait to read the next one! In fact, I think I need to get my hands on my own personal copy and actually read it again! Loved, loved, loved!!
My recent post Bone: The Second Trilogy by Jeff Smith
Oh, you must find time immediately! You won't regret it!
I have this one on my shelf, trying to find the time to read it!
Thanks, Jenny! I will keep reminding you until you read it. It really is THAT good!
Excellent and perfect review. Hit all the points that make me one to get thyself to the bookstore.
This is one that has been on my radar since it debuted. Thanks for the reminder!
My recent post Please help me save Peanut Butter the puppy
The house was hilarious, wasn't it? Like a character in its own right. I know it comes out this year but do not know the exact date. I can't wait though!
It is coming out this year!! *squeals in delight* I cannot wait!
Me too! I can barely stand it I'm so excited!
Thanks, Shonda! This one was made for me, but I definitely want to re-read it again via audio. I've heard great things about it!
Audra – Hang in there. All will be made clear and what frustrates you so much will make more sense in the end. Stop by and let me know what you think of it if/when you finish it!
I thought she did a good job imagining a world with all these creatures in it. My favorite was the house who would prepare for houseguests that weren't there yet! I wonder when the next book is coming out.
My recent post Review: One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson
I LOVED this one, too! Can't wait for book two. Is it coming out this year?
My recent post Fantastic quote from The Most Dangerous Thing by Laura Lippman
I am so glad you enjoyed this! I am looking forward to the sequel later this year. 🙂
My recent post January in Review
I'm not a fan of vampire books, but for some reason this book repeatedly caught my attention. So I decided to listen to the audio book. It was quite the commitment. And I was surprised how much I enjoyed it! I'm looking forward to reading (or listening to) the next book. I'm glad I read outside my comfort zone. Good review!
Trust us, it WILL be worth it!!
Sadly I'm not having as enjoyable experience as you — I'm finding this a bit predictable and aggravating. I want so badly to love this book but right now, Diana is just maddening. My least favorite plot device is when an otherwise reasonable person refuses to do X for some arbitrary reason. Diana's weird magic refusal is making me crazy. I've been told to wait and read on and it will all be clear but I'm struggling!
My recent post Baker Towers by Jennifer Haigh