A Discovery of Witches

Published Nov. 10, 2011 by Thorndike Press.

ISBN:: 978-1-4104-3633-7

(1 review)

An epic, richly inventive, historically sweeping, magical romance.

When historian Diana Bishop opens an alchemical manuscript in the Bodleian Library, it's an unwelcome intrusion of magic into her carefully ordered life. Though Diana is a witch of impeccable lineage, the violent death of her parents while she was still a child convinced her that human fear is more potent than any witchcraft. Now Diana has unwittingly exposed herself to a world she's kept at bay for years; one of powerful witches, creative, destructive daemons and long-lived vampires.

Sensing the significance of Diana's discovery, the creatures gather in Oxford, among them the enigmatic Matthew Clairmont, a vampire genticist. Diana is inexplicably drawn to Matthew and, in a shadowy world of half-truths and old enmities, ties herself to him without fully understanding the ancient line they are crossing.

As they begin to unlock the secrets of the manuscript and their feelings for …

An epic, richly inventive, historically sweeping, magical romance.

When historian Diana Bishop opens an alchemical manuscript in the Bodleian Library, it's an unwelcome intrusion of magic into her carefully ordered life. Though Diana is a witch of impeccable lineage, the violent death of her parents while she was still a child convinced her that human fear is more potent than any witchcraft. Now Diana has unwittingly exposed herself to a world she's kept at bay for years; one of powerful witches, creative, destructive daemons and long-lived vampires.

Sensing the significance of Diana's discovery, the creatures gather in Oxford, among them the enigmatic Matthew Clairmont, a vampire genticist. Diana is inexplicably drawn to Matthew and, in a shadowy world of half-truths and old enmities, ties herself to him without fully understanding the ancient line they are crossing.

As they begin to unlock the secrets of the manuscript and their feelings for each other deepen, so the fragile balance of peace unravels.

11 editions

Gigi reviewed A Discovery of Witches by Deborah E. Harkness (All Souls, #1)

Masterful magical worldbuilding

5 stars

A Discovery of Witches grabbed me from the first page and never let go. What makes this novel stand out is Harkness's masterful blend of historical accuracy, scientific detail, and magical worldbuilding. As a historian herself, she weaves intricate details about alchemy, genetics, and ancient manuscripts into the romance between Diana and Matthew.

The character development is exceptional - Diana isn't your typical witch-discovers-powers protagonist, but a scholar who approaches her awakening abilities with both academic curiosity and realistic reluctance. The vampire mythology feels fresh and modern.

The TV adaptation captures the essence beautifully, though the book offers richer historical context and deeper character insights. This is one of those rare series where subsequent books get even better, expanding the world while maintaining the quality of writing and research that makes the first book so compelling.