A Discovery of
Witches (All Souls Trilogy #1)
Publisher: Penguin
GroupReleased Date: February 2011
Format: Ebook, 582 pages
Genre: Paranormal Romance
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness is the first book in the All Souls Trilogy. I would have to say that is a paranormal romance (PNR) for the sophisticate due to the fact that it is not your typical PNR novel. I want to first point out that Ms. Harkness is a history professor at the University of Southern California and a wine connoisseur. She writes a great wine blog, Good Wine Under $20. All while reading this book; I craved some serious wine and wanted to know more about the history of alchemy. I can’t imagine the research it took to write this amazing novel.
Ms. Harkness created a wonderful character in Diana Bishop.
She is a witch in deep denial. Diana has incredible innate magical power.
However, in her mind, everything has a scientific and historical context. Magic
really has no room in her life. She is intelligent, strong and independent.
Then her life is turned upside down when in the Oxford Bodleian Library she calls
up an enchanted alchemical manuscript, Ashmole 782. She feels it’s magic but
doesn’t understand it. She sends it back to the stacks of the library. By
opening the ancient manuscript, she has pulled all kinds of supernatural
creatures to her. Quickly, she is surrounded by witches, daemons, and vampires.
They all want the manuscript which could hold secrets to their existence. One
vampire in particular has been looking for Ashmole 782 for centuries. Matthew
Clairmont is a 1500-year-old vampire who has obsessed about the origin of his
species. He would do just about anything to get ahold of that manuscript. He is
secretive, controlling and powerful and he would change Diana’s life forever.
I love all the scientific, historical and alchemical references in the book. It’s the reason I call it a PNR for the sophisticate. Ms. Harkness’s description of all the alchemical illustrations is so vivid. To me, each image just jumps off the page. Just like her illustration descriptions, her use of wine in the story also enhances the imagery of the book. I love the aroma and the taste of each wine and I want to savor each drop. Her depiction of each wine really helps in describing each character, especially Matthew. I can see him savoring each sip of a deep, rich red wine. Each character has their own particular drink that they prefer and which fits each personality. Matthew loves wine. Diana drinks herbal tea. Aunt Sarah loves her whiskey as does Marcus. It really, for me, paints a wonderful personality for each character.
As I focus on the academic references and wine, at the heart
of this book is a forbidden romance. I really enjoyed the portrayal of Diana
and Matthew’s relationship. She is a witch who feels quickly while Matthew is a
vampire who takes his time (he has all the time in the world). Furthermore,
vampires and witches have hated each other for ages. They are not supposed to
love each other. But they do and it works. You feel their passion, doubts and
conflicts. You want a happily ever after, but will it happen for Diana and
Matthew? Time will tell! Literally!!
Like any good book in a trilogy, it ended with one heck of a
cliff hanger. I absolutely can’t wait for the next book, Shadow of Night. Its
release date is July 10, 2012. I will buy it the minute it comes out.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
I will have to admit that the sheer length of this book put me off picking it up, but it does look very interesting. I don't mind reading a thick book when it's enjoyable, and it looks like you really enjoyed it, so I will have to pick this one up. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review, thanks for sharing!
New to your blog!
Steph @ Stepping Out of the Page
You really should try it! It's wonderful! Thanks for your comment.
DeleteKendal
I am impressed you made it through. The book was painfully boring, the characters like cardboard cut outs. I gave up halfway. Does it get better, or is this one of those love or hate books? If you thought the first half was good enough then I guess you either love or hate this book. I couldn't get into it. I also found some parts crude toward historical truth. I expected more sensitivity from a history scholar. Ah, what a disappointment when I was so looking forwards to this book. (sad)
ReplyDeleteStill I find most of your reviews and thoughts similar to my own that I come here to fnd recommendations! (happy) You are one of the better reviewers always giving good reason for your opinions and an idea what the book is about.
You're exactly right about this book. You either love it or hate it. I picked it for my book club and one of my friends couldn't finish it. But another friend couldn't put it down. I love controvsery though.
DeleteThanks for your comment and your compliment on my reviews. I really appreciate it!