Diana feels fortunate to be researching at London’s Oxford University. She has been spending all day in the library reviewing antique alchemical manuscripts and has gotten to know the facility staff and regulars. But after she stumbles on an enchanted manuscript, a number of new faces start appearing on campus. One very handsome but mysterious man catches her attention. Diana has always stayed away from magic and her own witchy heritage, but she knows a vampire when she sees one. Will the vampire mean trouble for Diana, or will he open her future to a whole new magical possibility?
A Discovery of Witches is Deborah Harkness’ magical romance and adventure novel that has recently become very popular given the new TV series by the same name. Delving into the world of witches, vampires, and demons, Harkness turns what we think we know on its head. In a Fifty Shades meets “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” way, this novel brings a story of romance and survival to readers in a fresh new manner. This is a novel about the consequences and opportunities fate can bring.
I give A Discovery of Witches 4 out of 5 stars. This was a shout it from the rooftops romance novel for me until the last third of the book. I appreciate the way Harkness built a lust and romance between the main characters without it leading to sex right away. Even with a significant lifelong commitment between them, the main characters didn’t jump to sex until much later. My frustration comes from the final third of the book that really almost felt disjointed and forced compared to the earlier chapters. I wasn’t fond of the revelation Matthew had affected Diana without her consent in earlier portions of the book. That, along with the fact the final few chapters felt like they were included solely to set up the sequel and not to finish out the plot, cause the lost start.
Readers who enjoy romance stories without explicit bedroom scenes may enjoy this book – with a few more racy moments, this is overall a tame romance. However, with inclusion of some scenes that verge on non-consent and stalking, I would caution readers who may be triggered. I know this has become popular recently and think it would be a great book club selection. I’d also recommend reading it before watching the show – there are some key differences, including the appearance of the main characters.
I chose A Discovery of Witches for the Read With Lindsey Reading Challenge prompt “witchcraft”. This is definitely a great selection for the week of Halloween! I find myself a bit conflicted on if I want to read the rest of the series though given how troublesome I found the later chapters. I really enjoyed the early romance between the main characters – if the rest of the books were more along those lines, I would read every one!
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What I’m Reading
- Current print book: The Lost House, Melissa Larsen
- Current audio book: The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee, David Treuer
- Book I’m most looking forward to: Virgin River, Robyn Carr
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