A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
by Jenners • 08/09/2012 • 3.5 Stars, D Titles, Fiction, H Authors, Historical, Paranormal • 20 Comments
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
Genre: Fiction, Paranormal
Where I Got It: Downloaded it to my Kindle from the library
Why I Read It: Billed as a Twilight for adults, I had to check it out for myself because I’m craving me some Twilightesque action.
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Book Description
A witch who rejected her magic after the brutal death of her parents, Diana Bishop is a historian researching alchemy at Oxford. One day in the Bodleian library, she calls up a manuscript called Ashmole 782 that has been bewitched. Unnerved and frightened by the manuscript, she returns it to the stacks. However, her actions have not gone unnoticed—she’s drawn the attention of other creatures (witches, vampires and daemons) who flock to the library. It turns out that Diana has unwittingly found the lost manuscript that contains the secrets about the origins of creatures. Ashmole 782 is much desired but has been lost for centuries—protected by powerful magic that has kept it safe until Diana unearthed it. As various creatures begin to position themselves to seize the manuscript, Diana finds an unlikely ally and protector in a 1,500-year-old vampire named Matthew Clairmont. Although she’s been warned to never trust a vampire, Diana finds herself confused by her feelings for Matthew. As her relationship with Matthew develops and a war for the manuscript begins to take shape, Diana is forced to examine her past, accept her powerful witch heritage and confront her feelings about her own magical abilities.
My Thoughts
This was an enjoyable read but—and I can’t believe I’m saying this—it was no Twilight. I really didn’t get all hung up on Matthew like I did on Edward Cullen (which might say more about me than it does about the book). Although I enjoyed the fun that Harkness has with witches, vampires and daemons, the book didn’t generate much heat (sexual or otherwise). Everything seemed to happen too fast and easily. At one point, Diana gets into a bit of a jam but then tada! she gets out of it pretty easily. I guess I needed her to suffer more or for Diana and Matthew to experience more angst. It sounds like a strange thing to say, but what I guess I’m getting at is that I didn’t feel a sense of danger or menace in the books to give it emotional heft.
What was most enjoyable about the book was how Harkness reimagined the various creatures of witches, vampires and daemons. One of my favorite parts was the house owned by Diana’s aunts. The house has feelings and gets ready for visitors by creating new rooms for them to stay in. Another fun aspect was when Diana decides to prepare a meal for Matthew and tries to figure out how to cook for a vampire.I think Harkness tried to create more modern believable back stories for creatures, but she doesn’t quite have the imagination and fun that, say, J.K. Rowling had with the Harry Potter books.
Another area that might appeal to readers of a certain type was the historical tidbits that Harkness throws into the mix. It is obvious that she did some research to provide Diana with a plausible career as a historian studying the history of alchemy. The book is full of historical references, and Matthew is forever making casual references along the lines of “Oh Pope Blah Blah Blah… yeah, he was a vampire.”
Readers should also know that this is the first book of a planned trilogy. I was under the impression it was a standalone book and, as I was reading, I kept thinking “How in the world is she going to wrap this up in the pages remaining?” It wasn’t until the final pages—which ends with a very big cliffhanger—that I realized this was the first book in a series. The second book is out now (Shadow of Night), and while I do plan on reading it at some point, I didn’t rush out to get it.
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No Twilight? I’m in!
I have this one on my shelves. When will I find the time to read it?
Ha! Yes … it is vampire book for people who can’t stand Twilight.
You always make me laugh Jenners!
While I fell out of love with Edward after Twilight, I understand what you mean about angst and feeling being missing. I still want to read this one, but the 500+ pages has me holding off for now. Thanks for the honesty and hope Edward comes to visit you soon
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I guess there will really never be another Edward. Enjoyed your thoughts on this book.
I’m sorry you didn’t love it. I loved it as much as I love the Twilight series, which is saying something since I still have my Pocket Edward on my shelves. I adored the historical aspects. I did get annoyed that there wasn’t more…ahem…heat between the sheets for Matthew and Diane. I hope that is remedied in the second book. Speaking of which, I need to get to it soon!
I tried to read Twilight, and even attempted to watch the first movie, but they left me wishing I could get that time back. I don’t think this type of book is up my alley, though I am sort of enjoying the beginning of Jane Vows Vengeance, which is about Jane Austen as a vampire in modern times. Go figure…
Well it does a little quirky. I’m not sure I’ll rush out to get it either.
Hmmm….never read this one — just didn’t seem to be a “me” kind of book.
I know I’m kind of kooky, because I’m okay with witches, maybe even vampires (although that’s stretching it), but adding in demons pretty much causes me to take the book off my list. A book has to be pretty special for me to read it if it has elements like those, because I like whimsy far better than darkness when it comes down to it.
My sister loved this book but I don’t think it’s for me.
Like Heather, I loved this one! I listened to it on audio and it was great. I’m anxious to get to the second book to see what happens next. Sorry it wasn’t as good for you. Oh yeah, I loved the aunt’s house as well.
I don’t mind books about magic but witches turn me off. I hardly ever reach for a book if they are the main part of the plot. Weird because I don’t really have a problem with Wizards. It’s the coven thing. It’s creepy to me.
I am sorry that this one didn’t knock your socks off! I loved it and thought it was the kind of book I could spend hours with, and forget everything else. Sandy lent me the audio of the new one, and I am about to start that soon. It will be hard to get me to stop listening, I know that already!
I still don’t know if I should read this…
I am listening to this right now on audio. My initial response is that it is sort of goofy. She is irresistible, he has a special scent and is all moody and watches her sleep. Yeah, Twilight. But it is growing on me. I thought Edward was a creeper, but this guy? Who loves fine wine and does yoga? That’s MY kind of vampire. I think the scrapes they get into are very easily solved, just so convenient. But I’m loving the world building, the mysteries, the history. I have the second book on audio as well, and I’ll be anxious to get started on that soon.
And did you catch the fact that he sparkles?!? I almost stopped reading when that word popped up.
Jenners, I can’t believe you didn’t know it was a trilogy!!! Considering we’ve all been waaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiting for book 2.
Gasp…did you just compare a books greatness to a twilight novel? P.S. Greta loves the book you sent us. Thanks again!!
Also, I like your new look!
So there wasn’t a lot of despair and indecisiveness?
I have this on my shelves. One of these days I’ll get to it.