Review: A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

Title: A Discovery of Witches
Author: Deborah Harkness
Series: A Souls Trilogy
Publisher: Penguin Books
Published: December 27, 2011
Format: Hardcover $21.00 CDN or $12.27 Paperback
Age Group: Adult
My Copy: Library
Extras: Movie Adaptation!!


Synopsis:

It all begins with a lost manuscript, a reluctant witch, and 1,500-year-old vampire. Dr. Diana Bishop has a really good reason for refusing to do magic: she is a direct descendant of the first woman executed in the Salem Witch Trials, and her parents cautioned her be discreet about her talents before they were murdered, presumably for having "too much power." So it is purely by accident that Diana unlocks an enchanted long-lost manuscript (a book that all manner of supernatural creatures believe to hold the story of all origins and the secret of immortality) at the Bodleian Library at Oxford, and finds herself in a race to prevent an interspecies war.

A sparkling debut written by a historian and self-proclaimed oenophile, A Discovery of Witches is heady mix of history and magic, mythology and love (cue the aforementioned vampire!), making for a luxurious, intoxicating, one-sitting read.


My Review:

A Discovery of Witches is Diana Gabaldons Outlander series but with Vampires, Witches and Demons! (Side note: I just read the Amazon synopsis where this novel is compared to the writings of Diana Gabaldon....apparently there are no original thoughts anymore!) This is the by far in my top five favorite books of 2012.

Described as the "it"book for good reason, A Discovery of Witchess engages the reader in a complex mystery with a scientific bent all while telling the passionate and forbidden love story between a witch and a vampire. For readers who like their heroines to be smart, savvy and passionate and their knights to be bold, protective and sensual you are sure to fall in love with Diana Bishop and Matthew Clairmont.

What I loved most about this novel was that Deborah Harkness never revealed to much to soon, she revealed what was necessary to keep you engaged and turning the pages well into the witching hour.

I hesitate to recommend this book to everyone. I think it is best suited for adult fantasy addicts who are looking for their next epic read. This novel is the first in the All Souls Trilogy and I am about to dive into book 2, Shadow of Night!

Without hesitation and with great enthusiasm I give this book my highest rating.