Book Review: A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
Genre(s): Fantasy / Paranormal Fantasy / Romance
Book Synopsis:
In this tale of passion and obsession, Diana Bishop, a young scholar and a descendant of witches, discovers a long-lost and enchanted alchemical manuscript, Ashmole 782, deep in Oxford’s Bodleian Library. Its reappearance summons a fantastical underworld, which she navigates with her leading man, vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont.
Review:
I picked up this book based on recommendations, but I really wasn’t sure what to expect based on its relatively brief synopsis (which is why it sat untouched on my kindle for more than a year.)
There were some things I really liked about this book, but the pacing was a bit slow in places, particularly (and a little surprisingly) at the end. There was a good deal of set-up for the next book that occurred in the final chapters, which I’m usually fine with, but I felt they dragged a bit in this case.
Pacing aside, A Discovery of Witches made some fresh twists on some classic themes, added tidbits of history, tossed in some modern-day science, and mixed in a whole lot of worldbuilding to make for an immersive tale. Most of the story is narrated by Diana, who is a witch refusing to use her magic (for reasons revealed throughout the book). Instead, she focuses her energy on the study of history, particularly that of alchemy. While her age wasn’t disclosed in the book, she has advanced degrees and tenure at a university, so I imagine she’s in her thirties (I wanted to mention this since the synopsis says she’s “young,” but I think that’s in reference to Matthew, who is…ancient.)
Matthew is a biochemist and geneticist—and a vampire. He comes into the picture when Diana uncovers the illusive Ashmole 782 manuscript, a book he’s been itching to read for years. Probably centuries, as it’s disclosed at one point that he’s over 1,500 years old.
Now, I have to mention the little details the author added in when it came to Matthew. It isn’t just mentioned that he’s old and it’s over like so many other books tend to do. There are conversations sprinkled throughout the story where Matthew admits to being acquainted with some well-known historical figures, and some of the books and items he keeps in his personal spaces give some weight to his stated age. I absolutely loved that the author took the time to make him actually feel his age.
In the scope of this book’s world, there are three types of “creatures”: Witches, vampires, and daemons, all of which do their best to blend into human society without detection. It’s unusual for different types of creatures to mingle, and forbidden for them to become romantically involved. So when Matthew and Diana hook up, it not only causes a stir, it draws the ire of some other powerful creatures. Add to that the Ashmole 782 manuscript that Diana retrieved, which was sought by both daemons and witches for their own reasons, and Diana finds herself hunted by some very dangerous people.
I really enjoyed the lore in this world, the mysteries that were revealed, and the dynamics between the various types of creatures. I also liked the historical references and the science that came into play courtesy of Matthew’s work in the lab. Overall, this was a good read.
Author website: deborahharkness.com
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