A Discovery of Witches
by Deborah Harkness (goodreads, website, twitter)
Book I in All Souls Trilogy
Genre: SciFi/Fantasy
Published February 8th 2011 by Viking adult
Copy procured from my local library
A richly inventive novel about a centuries-old vampire, a spellbound witch, and the mysterious manuscript that draws them together.
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.
Debut novelist Deborah Harkness has crafted a mesmerizing and addictive read, equal parts history and magic, romance and suspense. Diana is a bold heroine who meets her equal in vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont, and gradually warms up to him as their alliance deepens into an intimacy that violates age-old taboos. This smart, sophisticated story harks back to the novels of Anne Rice, but it is as contemporary and sensual as the Twilight series-with an extra serving of historical realism.
I picked this book up on a whim. Basically, I was at the library with a pre-schooler who decided to run laps around each aisle, and on my way out of the Sci-fi section (I was picking up my latest Anita Blake p0rn), I was caught first by the author’s name, Deborah Harkness. A la Jake Harkness from Torchwood (please, for the love of Pete, watch the UK version and not the crappy Showtime ones!) who is probably one of hottest characters EVER (according to me, of course). I briefly read the synopsis and saw the words: witches, vampires, mystery, and romance. And thought, “Hey, what the heck?” Grabbed my wily pre-schooler and made it out of there before she could knock a bookshelf or two over.
This book was really fun! Just a warning, it’s long and very detailed. For some readers you will love it! Others might be a bit turned off by the descriptions and over-explaining. However, I really enjoyed it! I did catch myself skimming over some architectural and genetics stuff (yes, it’s DETAILED), but the story I really enjoyed.
Diana is a reluctant witch who finds herself in the middle of a battlefield after opening an old manuscript that technically she shouldn’t have been able to open, and all hell breaks loose. She meets a hunky vamp that she also shouldn’t be having feelings for. I really enjoyed the romance, even if it was kind of awkward and slow in parts. This wasn’t a YA book, but it definitely isn’t a steamy romance type novel. So maybe, it is more realistic? Now that’s fun to read too!
I was totally sold on the world that the author created, loved her vampires and witches. A touch of Twilight/Anita Blake/mythological vampire with some Harry Potterish witches with a new world of daemons to round it out. (I won’t spoil the daemon explanation, which was my favorite, by far!) The growth of both Diana and Matthew is very interesting and I’d love to spend a night in both of their homes with their families!
The mystery of the manuscript Diana pulled, Ashmole 782, and the GINORMOUS cliffhanger at the end has me on an eager waitlist for the next book. I’m totally in!
And now, on to an awesome giveaway! Miss Pushy was able to get a SIGNED copy of A Discovery of Witches. Simply enter via the Rafflecopter widget! We will pick a winner in ONE WEEK and announce it on our blog. Best of luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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I read this book last summer and fell in love! I told everyone I know to read it and I cannot wait for the next book to come out in July!
I think Harkness did an amazing job of creating a full and beautiful world. The second book should be interesting, just the cliffhanger is blowing my mind.
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I totally bought into the world – just loved it!
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OMG! I wants!! WHen does the contest start because the rafflecopter says it's not open yet
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working on it! dangit!
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It's working nows! THANKIES!
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CRUD!! I tried to leave my shipping address but the button disappeared before I had a chance. I'm sure you guys know it but if I win just let me know if you don't have it 🙂
yep – we got it!
Cool Bean Burritos! I didn't want you guys to think I was just pushing buttons 😉 The interweb gremlins didn't seem to want me to enter that part 😉
Confession: The whole time I read this book I pictured darling Jack Harness as Matthew Clairmont. Because YUM. He just fits, don't you think?
My recent post “You’ve Got Bruises on your WHAT?!” – The Honeymoon, Part Three
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Ahhhhhh!!!! I was going to say that too! But I didn't want to spoil someone's image of Matthew! it was a mix of Jack and Mitchell from the UK version of Being Human for me! YUM YUM YUM!!!!!!!!
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Ack! I don't know why it's not open – let me check with the smarty techies who know how to do it! Check back when i can get it to work
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Ok the Contest is now open! I am sooo sorry! I didn't see that I added the wrong date ;((
My recent post Review and Giveaway – A Discovery of Witches
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I've been wanting to read this one for awhile! And now that picturing Capt. Jack as a character would be appropriate, I want it even more!
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This is a fabulous book, I'd love to have an autographed copy! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
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this book sounds great.
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I read this last year when it first came out and I really enjoyed it, though I can understand why some readers complained at times it does move slowly and I despised the cliff hanger. Your review reminded me that I needed to go chec and see when book 2 was releasing!
My recent post Rainy Day Ramblings Bargain Book Bin
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WOW!
This looks INCREDIBLE!
I love the premise:)
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This book sounds great! I'm looking forward to reading it.
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I LOVED THIS BOOK! Would really adore a signed copy. 🙂
My recent post Be yourself: Write your own story
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I LOVED this book! Truly was a favorite last year! I missed the signing when Deborah was in my area, so I'd truly ADORE this!! 🙂
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Loved this book so much!!! How awesome it would be to own a copy!!! Thank you!!
PS. It didn't let me put an address in 🙁
♥ Melissa @ Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf
My recent post Until We Meet Again, My Angel
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This is a great book and this my chance to get my own copy!
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Reading this right now – for the second time! Would love a signed copy – great giveaway!
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I've been looking forward to reading this one for awhile! Thanks so much for the giveaway! 🙂
My recent post Review of Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday
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This was my favorite book of last year. Thanks for the opportunity to win a signed copy!
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I'd love to win this book. I hear great things about it.
There's not a box to add my shipping address. 🙁
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Hello. My name is Marie and I'm addicted to ADOW! And to have my own signed copy – wow!
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I adore ADOW!! I completely found it by fluke, I was just wandering around the bookstore, and I grabbed it to read it while I was playing on the WiFi. I thought the cover was interesting, and I grabbed it. I thought it was amazing, and then I just had to buy it!
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I adored this book! I need to get myself a copy. I listened to this on audio and loved!
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When it comes to "Grown up" books, I usually stick to a handful of authors I'm familiar with, but I have to say this book has really piqued my interest!
My recent post Waiting on Wednesday: Life Eternal (Dead Beautiful #2)
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I've been waiting for a chance to read this. I was also drawn in by "vampires" and "witches" 🙂
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Wasn't sure where to put my mailing address… no box?
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I haven't had a chance to read this yet but it sounds great. Thanks for the giveaway.
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I've been on the fence about this one. When I first heard about it I really wanted to read it, then I read some other stuff and decided, eh, maybe not. Now you've got me wanting to read it again.
Like Library Lady, there was no box for me to leave my address in.
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I've been wanting to read this one forever! Thanks for holding the giveaway!
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I just finished reading this book and it was AWESOME! I would love to have my own copy.
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I have been wanting to read this book! My friend read it and she can't stop talking about it!! Thanks for a chance at a great book.
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I can't put my mailing address no box:(
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I have been wanting to read this. Thanks for the giveaway
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Have heard so many good things about this book!
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hahaha! I'm not alone–I totally thought of Jack HOTness when I first saw this book!
While not the best book I've read, I did enjoy this one. I think it was the love story that I didn't connect with–I would have been happy if they'd just stayed friends. But I'll still be eagerly awaiting that sequel!
Ditto on not finding the box for the mailing address?
Thanks for the giveaway op!
Smiles!
Lori
My recent post Welcome!
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Ha ha! Oh Capt Jack, how I love you and your Hotness!
I'm hoping the love story grows. I'm sure the 2nd book will have them break up and get back together again. 🙂
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I've been scared off of this one by the length, but I've never actually seen a review of what it's about. Now that I have, it sounds really good! Especially given the references to Anne Rice and Twilight.
And it's got your seal of approval. Can't believe there will be a sequel!
Heather
My recent post The Alchemy of Forever by Avery Williams
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I couldn't put my address in. There wasn't a box.
Heather
My recent post The Alchemy of Forever by Avery Williams
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I LOVED this book, the only thing that could make it better is having a signed copy on my shelf=D
Thanks so much for the chance!
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This Bookshelf sounds awesome. It literyhas everything going on in this story. First you got witches who are cool with their powers. Then you add in the other paranormals going after an ancient lost book. Mystery, history, romance, paranormals. Wow yes I definitely want to read this book.
Btw there is no space to put a mailing address .
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Thank you for the witchtastic giveaway! I haven't read it yet, but it has been on my wishlist.
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There wasn't a box for me to enter my address.:'( I tried refreshing the page a couple of times and that didn't work either.
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I'd love to read this! Thanks so much for the giveaway 🙂
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