A Discovery of Witches (All Souls, #1) in Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge

Apr 30, 2014 Chris Burd rated it it was amazing

Shelves: scifi_fantasy

It's been quite a long time since I have loved a book as much as I loved this one. It had all of the right elements of my favorite books - a well-developed and consistent mythology, a complex lead character (bonus points for a complex female lead character), and a diverse, interesting supporting cast of characters.

In addition to those basic elements, however, Ms. Harkness' writing is beautiful and creates the environment around every scene - without it feeling as though the place and time are b ...more

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Nov 25, 2011 Shannon rated it it was amazing

Shelves: my_favorites, supernatural

Looking for a book that's well-written, populated with fascinating characters and has a plot that packs a punch? Look no further. A Discovery of Witches is a great read. Diana Bishop (the narrator of this tale) is a witch who has spent most of her life ignoring her magic. Matthew Clairmont is a centuries old vampire who spies Diana at the Bodleian library. This story isn't just about how these two fall in love. It's about that and much more, starting with an ancient alchemical book and ending wi Looking for a book that's well-written, populated with fascinating characters and has a plot that packs a punch? Look no further. A Discovery of Witches is a great read. Diana Bishop (the narrator of this tale) is a witch who has spent most of her life ignoring her magic. Matthew Clairmont is a centuries old vampire who spies Diana at the Bodleian library. This story isn't just about how these two fall in love. It's about that and much more, starting with an ancient alchemical book and ending with the promise of more to come.

I was in the mood for a book that would engross me, entertain me and captivate my imagination. A Discovery of Witches did all three.

Like some other books that feature vampires (you know the ones I mean), this book depicts vampires, witches and demons who live side by side with humans oblivious to their existence. Unlike those other books, this one features excellent writing and plot based on far more than a vampire falling in love with an odd high schooler.

There's a lot to like about this book. I liked that Diana and Matthew were both scholars and that this book underlined the similarities between ancient alchemy and modern day science. I liked the setting. I've spent a year in England, but haven't been to Oxford, so I loved imagining the world there. Harkness paints vivid mental pictures of each setting - whether Oxford, France or the US Northeast. I liked not only the main characters, but Matthew's mother, Diana's aunts and the various demons, vampires and witches encountered. I liked the pacing of this novel. While the love story was probably my favorite part, Harkness never let the reader get complacent. The novel often moved from its most content moments into rapid bursts of action - this kept me entertained and I never knew what to expect.

I give this book five stars largely because it has something for everyone. If you like a paranormal romance, read this. Mystery? Give it a try. A world of fantasy and magic? All that and more. Even fans of historical fiction will find this book engaging. While it's in a contemporary setting, the conversations between a historian and a centuries old vampire give you more than a sprinkling of history throughout. If you're simply a reader who wants a book that carry you away to another time and place, I'd like to recommend A Discovery of Witches. ...more

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Jan 03, 2013 Astrid Lim rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: series, fantasy, historical-fiction, romance

This is a book that I would totally recommend for any of Twilight lovers. Seriously, all the Twilight elements are here! From a boring heroine, a dangerous/handsome/rich vampire, a forbidden love, and the slow pace.

The only thing I like from this book is the setting - Oxford was portrayed quite beautifully along the story. But I just can't stand Diana, the main protagonist, with her neverending love for Matthew the vampire, after knew him for only a week or so. That's the major turnoff for me.

Th ...more

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Nov 07, 2014 Jill rated it liked it · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Apr 25, 2012 Kim rated it liked it

Shelves: fiction, 2012, speculative-fiction

It's a little romance-novelish in spots, but the history and the magic were mostly enough to overcome that. I'm looking forward to the next book in the trilogy, even so. ...more

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Apr 23, 2016 Carly Thompson added it

Shelves: listened-to-on-audio, fantasy, paranormal-romance, 2016

I listened to about 2 CDs of the audiobook version before giving up Not for me.

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Jun 05, 2012 Martha rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: finished

Slow to get started, but glad I kept going. Be warned, this is a ROMANCE novel! If you are expecting anything more than a romance, you will be disappointed!

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