Helpful Score: 16
Well, I guess I'll end up being a nay-sayer here. I was both impressed and disappointed by A Discovery of Witches. The first 20 pages were great - brilliant - and introduced a genuinely novel hook, not just an enchanted 'lost' book, but a palimpsest. I was delighted. The book was returned to the Bodleian stacks of rare books and the promise of a great book was lost. What could have been an original became a Romeo and Juliet 'forbidden romance' story that plodded for nearly half of its almost 600 pages. Then in the last 150 pages the whole thing shifts gears and becomes something else entirely - and ends just as it was getting interesting again.
The single best word for this book was FRUSTRATING. The writing was excellent, the pacing glacial then hectic. Prof Harkness has a real gift for lush prose and descriptive settings, but it doesn't carry through to her characters. Certainly, her love of wine, and of Oxford, and the famous Bodleian comes through. But the real measure of a great book for me this - can I see where this is going, and is that route interesting? By page 100, it was obvious where the next 500 pages would go, and lush prose aside, the forbidden romance thing was just not enough to hold me. But time travel - REALLY? GAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! Did she miss a cliche?
Any way, this odd mix of really good and really ordinary got a C+ from me. And someone get her a ruthless editor. The book needs to be trimmed by 150-200 pages to improve pacing and give the last 150 pages more space for development.
The single best word for this book was FRUSTRATING. The writing was excellent, the pacing glacial then hectic. Prof Harkness has a real gift for lush prose and descriptive settings, but it doesn't carry through to her characters. Certainly, her love of wine, and of Oxford, and the famous Bodleian comes through. But the real measure of a great book for me this - can I see where this is going, and is that route interesting? By page 100, it was obvious where the next 500 pages would go, and lush prose aside, the forbidden romance thing was just not enough to hold me. But time travel - REALLY? GAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! Did she miss a cliche?
Any way, this odd mix of really good and really ordinary got a C+ from me. And someone get her a ruthless editor. The book needs to be trimmed by 150-200 pages to improve pacing and give the last 150 pages more space for development.
Nancy D. (miz-firefly) -
Helpful Score: 9
This story reminds me of what might happen if Diana Gabaldon, Victoria Holt, and P.C. Cast had collaborated on a book. The author has an engaging voice, a gift for visual description, and the story kept me interested.
Chapter One was possibly the Best First Chapter I have ever read. Harkness did an outstanding job building anticipation. I could feel the character's excitement, that 'can't wait to experience what happens next' flutter that tightens your innards, and shortens your breath.
Having said that; the plot was slow to unfold, had little momentum, and Ms. Harkness did one hellofa job burying the lead. I'm not sure I'd have finished it if I hadn't been in bed with a cold, and it was the next title due at the library. I didn't really get into the story until around page 420. And my favorite character was the house!
If you love reading slow, richly detailed sagas; this is the story for you!
I was absolutely gobsmacked when I finished the book and realized that the story is just beginning. Discovery is basically backstory. I just slogged my way through 500 some-odd pages of sometimes tedious minutia and didn't get my biscuit! Talk about a letdown.
Ms Harkness has done a stellar job laying the foundation for what could turn out to be a wonderful saga but I haven't decided if I will read the sequel. Especially if it is as slow to build as the debut.
Chapter One was possibly the Best First Chapter I have ever read. Harkness did an outstanding job building anticipation. I could feel the character's excitement, that 'can't wait to experience what happens next' flutter that tightens your innards, and shortens your breath.
Having said that; the plot was slow to unfold, had little momentum, and Ms. Harkness did one hellofa job burying the lead. I'm not sure I'd have finished it if I hadn't been in bed with a cold, and it was the next title due at the library. I didn't really get into the story until around page 420. And my favorite character was the house!
If you love reading slow, richly detailed sagas; this is the story for you!
I was absolutely gobsmacked when I finished the book and realized that the story is just beginning. Discovery is basically backstory. I just slogged my way through 500 some-odd pages of sometimes tedious minutia and didn't get my biscuit! Talk about a letdown.
Ms Harkness has done a stellar job laying the foundation for what could turn out to be a wonderful saga but I haven't decided if I will read the sequel. Especially if it is as slow to build as the debut.
Helpful Score: 8
I placed the book on reserve at the library after reading about it in my Costco magazine, in Entertainment Weekly, and on various e-mails from online book vendors. It's a good book, a quick read, but I was ultimately disappointed because it wasn't a great read. I think my expectations were too high because of all the hype. And I was disappointed that some things were never resolved in the 579 pages, that in another year or so there will clearly be another volume.
Part of my frustration lies with the trend of cliffhangers among science fiction and fantasy writers. I like series and evolving storylines, but I also like books to be able to stand alone.
Part of my frustration lies with the trend of cliffhangers among science fiction and fantasy writers. I like series and evolving storylines, but I also like books to be able to stand alone.
Jill B. (PuppyMama) - , reviewed A Discovery of Witches (All Souls, Bk 1) on + 115 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
Too much superfluous information and scenes -- the book could have been written in half the pages. I got tired of it before I got half way through and quit reading. I couldn't get into the characters or the story.
Helpful Score: 5
This is a thinking person's supernatural romance book.
Helpful Score: 3
Bought this book the day it came out, paid full price for hardcover which I rarely do . All I can say is it was worth every penny!!!I have just finished it and I could go back and read it again already. Can't wait for book 2 in the trilogy.
Helpful Score: 3
I did not care for Anne Rice, hated Twilight enough that I could barely get through the first one, and am not really fond of books classified as romance.
I've had this book for awhile, and just got around to reading it. I was impressed. The settings were real, the studies were real, this is not a romance between a 16 or 17 year-old and a grown man. If you are looking for sex, etc., you aren't going to find it here. Maybe in the next book.
The plot is well developed, and probably has boring parts for those not interested in history or wine. But since I am, the book held my attention. It's not perfect, our heroine has to do stupid things that her sweetie must save her from, but aside from that, it is worth reading.
The author is an authentic scholar. She has several advanced degrees, and has studied at the places in her book. She has written non-fiction on the fields her characters study. In her bio on her website, she states:
It has been my privilege to receive fellowships from the American Council of Learned Societies, the Guggenheim Foundation, the National Science Foundation, and the National Humanities Center. And I was honored to receive accolades for my historical work from the History of Science Society, the North American Conference on British Studies, and the Longmans/History Today Prize Committee.
She also has a wine blog, and is clearly a wine lover - also in the book. Whoever said write what you know was talking about Ms. Harkness.
I've had this book for awhile, and just got around to reading it. I was impressed. The settings were real, the studies were real, this is not a romance between a 16 or 17 year-old and a grown man. If you are looking for sex, etc., you aren't going to find it here. Maybe in the next book.
The plot is well developed, and probably has boring parts for those not interested in history or wine. But since I am, the book held my attention. It's not perfect, our heroine has to do stupid things that her sweetie must save her from, but aside from that, it is worth reading.
The author is an authentic scholar. She has several advanced degrees, and has studied at the places in her book. She has written non-fiction on the fields her characters study. In her bio on her website, she states:
It has been my privilege to receive fellowships from the American Council of Learned Societies, the Guggenheim Foundation, the National Science Foundation, and the National Humanities Center. And I was honored to receive accolades for my historical work from the History of Science Society, the North American Conference on British Studies, and the Longmans/History Today Prize Committee.
She also has a wine blog, and is clearly a wine lover - also in the book. Whoever said write what you know was talking about Ms. Harkness.
Helpful Score: 3
Very disappointing. Flat characters, lots of talking, little action. I found the book dull in many places and as others pointed out, it is a big lead up to the next book. I won't be reading that one. I am not a fan of romances and this one has very little heat...or believability. Can literary characters have no chemistry? Ironic in a book about grand passions and alchemy to be left so cold.
Helpful Score: 2
I don't usually write reviews, but I hated this book so much I had to.... Here's a brief synopsis of the book.... SPOILER ALERT!!!!
I'm a witch, but I don't use my powers to get ahead, I'm a strong independent women who's worked hard for everything I've accomplished. Oh look, a ancient book that many witches and vampires and daemons are looking for... I'm in Danger! Big stong brooding vampire please save me!! You're alpha male, I'll do anything you say....
It just goes on from there.... but that's about 200 pages in!!! By the time I got to 300 pages, I thought it's got to get better, they've got to get back to the main story about the book she found... nope.
If you like Harlequine romances, but with vampires, then this is for you.
I'm a witch, but I don't use my powers to get ahead, I'm a strong independent women who's worked hard for everything I've accomplished. Oh look, a ancient book that many witches and vampires and daemons are looking for... I'm in Danger! Big stong brooding vampire please save me!! You're alpha male, I'll do anything you say....
It just goes on from there.... but that's about 200 pages in!!! By the time I got to 300 pages, I thought it's got to get better, they've got to get back to the main story about the book she found... nope.
If you like Harlequine romances, but with vampires, then this is for you.
Barbara F. (mama2timmy-daphne) reviewed A Discovery of Witches (All Souls, Bk 1) on + 35 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Deborah Harkness' debut novel, A Discovery of Witches: A Novel, is amazing. I was drawn in from the first and did not want to put it down. It's like a mature Twilight (The Twilight Saga, Book 1) meets The Da Vinci Code. The characters are interesting and complex, the story is exciting without being too ambitious or overcomplicated. The book held me spellbound and is responsible for a few hours of lost sleep. It's an historical-supernatural-romance-adventure-mystery--my favorite genres wrapped into an exceptionally good book.
Diana Bishop is not going to use her magic--at least, that's what she keeps telling herself. She is the last in a long line of powerful witches, with a father as powerful as her mother. However, having lost her parents when she was seven years old has turned her away from her heritage and her magic. While researching alchemical manuscripts in the Bodleian Library, she comes in contact with a volume that reaches out to her magic. Panicked, she returns the book to the stacks, but it is too late--word is out that she has discovered the lost Ashmole 782 and now all species of creatures are after her.
Enter Matthew Clairmont, renowned scientist and vampire. He has been searching for Ashmole 782 for centuries and is determined to retrieve the book Diana has recalled. He feels drawn to Diana, feeling the need to protect her from the other creatures, despite witches and vampires being notorious separatists. They are thrown into an uneasy friendship when the worlds of witches, vampires and daemons descend upon Diana, all looking for the manuscript.
A Discovery of Witches: A Novel is one of the best books I've read in quite a while. It's clearly written to have a sequel, possibly more than one, and I am anxiously awaiting the next book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading.
Diana Bishop is not going to use her magic--at least, that's what she keeps telling herself. She is the last in a long line of powerful witches, with a father as powerful as her mother. However, having lost her parents when she was seven years old has turned her away from her heritage and her magic. While researching alchemical manuscripts in the Bodleian Library, she comes in contact with a volume that reaches out to her magic. Panicked, she returns the book to the stacks, but it is too late--word is out that she has discovered the lost Ashmole 782 and now all species of creatures are after her.
Enter Matthew Clairmont, renowned scientist and vampire. He has been searching for Ashmole 782 for centuries and is determined to retrieve the book Diana has recalled. He feels drawn to Diana, feeling the need to protect her from the other creatures, despite witches and vampires being notorious separatists. They are thrown into an uneasy friendship when the worlds of witches, vampires and daemons descend upon Diana, all looking for the manuscript.
A Discovery of Witches: A Novel is one of the best books I've read in quite a while. It's clearly written to have a sequel, possibly more than one, and I am anxiously awaiting the next book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading.
Helpful Score: 2
I suppose this appeals to some...I am a sucker for a good vampire novel but I found myself struggling through most of the novel...Diana started to get annoying with her no witchcraft stance...I don't care who you are, our pasts and our ancestors interest us...And if my ancestor was a powerful witch who died during the Salem witch trials...I would want to know just how powerful I was...
Matthew is an interesting character and I love his history...I love the way he is developed and his genuine concern for Diana...
Hmmmm...Reminds me of another vampire love story...Except they are in a frumpy town in England and surrounded by stuffy scholars...Original concept much???
There are a lot of people that are waiting with baited breath for the second installment...One of those people would not be me...Sure, I'll read it...But I'll grab a copy from the library...Sorry, but I just am not inspired and enamoured...
Matthew is an interesting character and I love his history...I love the way he is developed and his genuine concern for Diana...
Hmmmm...Reminds me of another vampire love story...Except they are in a frumpy town in England and surrounded by stuffy scholars...Original concept much???
There are a lot of people that are waiting with baited breath for the second installment...One of those people would not be me...Sure, I'll read it...But I'll grab a copy from the library...Sorry, but I just am not inspired and enamoured...
I struggled to get through this. Very shallow story, weak plot development. I won't be finishing the trilogy.
Helpful Score: 2
Dr. Diana Bishop has been researching alchemical manuscripts and has stumbled upon a manuscript called Ashmole 782. Once she touches it she feels that her life isn't going to be the same. Her carefully crafted world that she has built without the help of magic is about to come crashing down on her and she will have to give in to her destiny. Having turned her back on her heritage she is about to be thrown head first into menacing vampires and threatening witches. The one bright side to this destiny is that it includes an intelligent and sexy 1500 year old vampire named Matthew Clairmont.
Matthew has been waiting for the day that the Ashmole manuscript would finally come to light. Of course, he isn't the only one. Other witches, daemons and vampires have been anxiously waiting too. Each species thinks the book holds different information. The witches believe it contains the source of all witch power past and present. The vampires believe the book explains the vampire longevity and strength and the daemons think it holds their story, beginning, middle and end.
Matt's original plan was to watch and wait with everyone else but for some reason his protective nature comes out when he is around Diana. Matt is a professor of biochemistry and he has been working on why the vampires seem to be dying out. He thinks Ashmole 782 will be able to tell him. What he didn't count on is falling in love with Diana. This leads to HUGE problems because it is against the covenant of the Congregation (made up of 3 members of each species) and the punishment is death. What no one else counted on either was Diana is also a VERY powerful witch. Her father was a Proctor and her mother was a Bishop from the original Salem witches.
Love, love, LOVED this book! Diana and Matt's relationship gradually grows throughout the book. Diana deals with a lot of issues including learning her new powers and finally coming to grips with her parents death when she was seven. I fell in love with these two and the sexual tension is excruciating! They were just perfect. Deborah's story weaves thousand of years worth of history into an action packed masterpiece. She has built this fantastic world that had me turning the pages and clinging to every word. The writing had me crying with Diana, cheering Matt and Diana's relationship, laughing at the banter, and shaking with anger at the Covenant. Just magical and I didn't want the story to end! Since the ending seems to be left wide open I am hoping that this story does continue. Highly recommend this one!
Matthew has been waiting for the day that the Ashmole manuscript would finally come to light. Of course, he isn't the only one. Other witches, daemons and vampires have been anxiously waiting too. Each species thinks the book holds different information. The witches believe it contains the source of all witch power past and present. The vampires believe the book explains the vampire longevity and strength and the daemons think it holds their story, beginning, middle and end.
Matt's original plan was to watch and wait with everyone else but for some reason his protective nature comes out when he is around Diana. Matt is a professor of biochemistry and he has been working on why the vampires seem to be dying out. He thinks Ashmole 782 will be able to tell him. What he didn't count on is falling in love with Diana. This leads to HUGE problems because it is against the covenant of the Congregation (made up of 3 members of each species) and the punishment is death. What no one else counted on either was Diana is also a VERY powerful witch. Her father was a Proctor and her mother was a Bishop from the original Salem witches.
Love, love, LOVED this book! Diana and Matt's relationship gradually grows throughout the book. Diana deals with a lot of issues including learning her new powers and finally coming to grips with her parents death when she was seven. I fell in love with these two and the sexual tension is excruciating! They were just perfect. Deborah's story weaves thousand of years worth of history into an action packed masterpiece. She has built this fantastic world that had me turning the pages and clinging to every word. The writing had me crying with Diana, cheering Matt and Diana's relationship, laughing at the banter, and shaking with anger at the Covenant. Just magical and I didn't want the story to end! Since the ending seems to be left wide open I am hoping that this story does continue. Highly recommend this one!
Helpful Score: 2
The "romance" in this book, between a witch and a vampire, seems like a teenage girl's dream--like Twilight. The appealing part of the story was the history fictionalized?). I struggled through the first slow, dense 2/3 of the book waiting for it to get better. The final third caught and held my interest enough to make the entire 579 pages worth it.
Kimberly N. (kimberlyrav) -
Helpful Score: 1
Ok now this was deff the best dang book Ive read in YEARS! I mean it. This book was perfect for me. It had everything I look for in a book and I simply cant wait to get book 2. This was a long book too, lots of pages to peruse but man was it worth it?!
By half way through the book, if not sooner, you will be totally invested in the characters, the situations and ready to see what happens next..
I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
By half way through the book, if not sooner, you will be totally invested in the characters, the situations and ready to see what happens next..
I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series.
Helpful Score: 1
I love this book! I love the settings it conjured in my mind. Especially the pumpkins at Halloween. I have heard that the second does not do justice to the first but I just may take my chances and read it anyway.
Helpful Score: 1
I LOVED this book- the best book that I have read in years. A fantasy based in historical fiction. Intelligent and engaging. I could not put it down! I sat on the couch the whole weekend to finish it and am going to read it again soon- it is a rich enough book that I know I will pick up things that I did not the first time.
Barbara S. (barbsis) -
Helpful Score: 1
Let me first say that I absolutely loved this book! Diana has moments of stupidity and Matthew is overbearing as hell at times but as a whole, they make a great couple. He's a strong ancient vampire with many allies and abilities, and she's a dormant witch who is just coming into her powers. Which is a very good thing because their forbidden vampire/witch pairing goes against the rules of the Congregation and all-out between the species (vampire, demon and witch), war is imminent. The courtship is very old-fashioned and enjoyable to this reader who gets sick of the "meet and immediately sex them up" story line that is evident in most books. Matthew is a real gentleman and though he is romantic, he isn't a sex fiend. As a matter of fact, he is terrified of having sex with Diana for reasons I cannot mention.
There are many things going on in this book which I'm sure the author will mesh together eventually. Let's see, there is the ancient alchemy manuscript called Ashmole 782 that everyone is interested in since it's reappearance; the Knights of Lazarus (similar to the Templar Knights); the suspicious death of Diana's parents; the possible war between the species; the dissection of Diana's spectacular DNA; and of course, the forbidden romance between Diana and Matthew. Quite a lot going on with numerous characters to untangle allegiances and keep track of. I found a lot of the alchemy stuff in the beginning to be boring and really couldn't understand the point but it eventually became clear. Not that I'll ever actually understand it but I do realize how it is going to help Diana in the future...like when she gets her hands on Ashmole 782 again.
Any book that is almost 600 pages long is going to have moments when the hero and/or heroine is going to get on your last nerve with their silliness, pettiness or just plain stupidity and this book was no different. For most of the first half, Diana was definitely one of those TSTL heroine that make me want to scream. I don't know if she was playing the damsel-in-distress for Matthew's benefit or if she really was just that stupid but it did get irritating after a while. In the second half of the book, her personality shifts enough to lose the stupid part and become the heroine she is meant to be. I believe that Matthew enabled this behavior in Diana with his own behavior - ordering her around and protecting her against the smallest threats. After all, who needs to think for themselves when someone else is telling them what to do, say or think. This is annoying to most readers but if the characters are flawless from the beginning, how can you judge their improvement?
I am eagerly awaiting the next installment of Diana and Matthew's love affair and the outcome of the coming war between the witches, demons and vampires. An absolutely terrific start to a series that is spectacularly different from anything else on the market. Bravo Deborah!
There are many things going on in this book which I'm sure the author will mesh together eventually. Let's see, there is the ancient alchemy manuscript called Ashmole 782 that everyone is interested in since it's reappearance; the Knights of Lazarus (similar to the Templar Knights); the suspicious death of Diana's parents; the possible war between the species; the dissection of Diana's spectacular DNA; and of course, the forbidden romance between Diana and Matthew. Quite a lot going on with numerous characters to untangle allegiances and keep track of. I found a lot of the alchemy stuff in the beginning to be boring and really couldn't understand the point but it eventually became clear. Not that I'll ever actually understand it but I do realize how it is going to help Diana in the future...like when she gets her hands on Ashmole 782 again.
Any book that is almost 600 pages long is going to have moments when the hero and/or heroine is going to get on your last nerve with their silliness, pettiness or just plain stupidity and this book was no different. For most of the first half, Diana was definitely one of those TSTL heroine that make me want to scream. I don't know if she was playing the damsel-in-distress for Matthew's benefit or if she really was just that stupid but it did get irritating after a while. In the second half of the book, her personality shifts enough to lose the stupid part and become the heroine she is meant to be. I believe that Matthew enabled this behavior in Diana with his own behavior - ordering her around and protecting her against the smallest threats. After all, who needs to think for themselves when someone else is telling them what to do, say or think. This is annoying to most readers but if the characters are flawless from the beginning, how can you judge their improvement?
I am eagerly awaiting the next installment of Diana and Matthew's love affair and the outcome of the coming war between the witches, demons and vampires. An absolutely terrific start to a series that is spectacularly different from anything else on the market. Bravo Deborah!
Helpful Score: 1
Loved it!
I'm glad I opted for the audio version of this book. Jennifer Ikeda's narration was spot on and made the plot flow, even through the slower parts.
This book is similar, and in my opinion, better than The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane. The books are in the same vein, but this reminds me more of the Outlander series than a typical witchcraft book.
Definitely looking forward to the next two books in the series.
I'm glad I opted for the audio version of this book. Jennifer Ikeda's narration was spot on and made the plot flow, even through the slower parts.
This book is similar, and in my opinion, better than The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane. The books are in the same vein, but this reminds me more of the Outlander series than a typical witchcraft book.
Definitely looking forward to the next two books in the series.
Helpful Score: 1
I both liked and didn't like this novel. At times it's very engaging, particularly in the beginning. But there are many chapters farther in that just feel like filler. There is a lot of mythology-building that read like exposition and I got bored at times waiting around for the next plot point. That said, the characters are great and the book does some innovative blending of genres (though I'd say Harkness is most inventive with the vampires).
I read the first chapter of this, but the writing was so dull and elementary that I decided not to bother finishing it.
Great book! Picked this one up as a book club read. Hadn't heard much about the storyline so it was nice to see it unfold. The book does leave you hanging in anticipation for the second book of the Trilogy "Shadow of the Night" due to release this summer. I am looking forward to it.
Jolene O. (esmestohelit) -
This book would have been a lot better if it was about 100 pages shorter. The author did a great job describing the surroundings, but I really don't need to know all the details of every paper weight on a desk. It ended on a really great cliff hanger and I can't wait to see what happens in the second book.
A good read but I was put off by the main character, Diana, being alternately attracted to then afraid of her love interest Matthew & being a witch. Another review stated that it was good until about page 200 after which it fell apart. I felt the opposite about it as that's when it got more interesting but the author just drug it out for so long. Having just finished it I understand that there was a reason for her erratic behavior and it is explained later in the book as the characters discover the answers. It gets more interesting as various secrets come out but I enjoyed the read and am highly anticipating the next book. The author might have written more hints that Diana wouldn't stay as indecisive, clueless & jumpy as she is in the beginning but it's written that way because she doesn't know so we don't either. We learn things as they are revealed to her but I think it's worth it. Being a history major & lover of literature, I enjoyed the intricate details of Matthew's historical past life/lives. The only problem is waiting for the book to be released.
Nancee I. (honorgrace) -
A "Glee-worthy" mash-up of the Twilight Saga, Harry Potter,& basic Nora Roberts-style romance. The story did move along well enough to keep my attention but irritated me with the conglomeration of yet another set of parameters and invented myths about witches, vampires (the standard gorgeous,fabulously rich,desireable,dangerous, brooding,lovelorn, yada, yada)Fans of this current trend will no doubt enjoy. If there's nothing else in the house to read that weekend...
I am struggling to finish this. It is very slow moving as already mentioned. I have interrupted my reading to race through The Proposal by Balogh so that says alot. I don't care for vampire stories and I really don't like hearing about the hero's feeding habits/need to kill something. I doubt I will ever finish this. It reminds me of The Davinci Code with all the twists and turns and I find myself asking "Who cares???"
Polly J. (spiritedbabe59) reviewed A Discovery of Witches (All Souls, Bk 1) on + 106 more book reviews
I have to say parts of this book I really, really liked, and then there were others that seemed to be just a lame attempt at capturing the Hogwarts culture or the craze over the Twilight series (which I have NO interest in reading). But overall I was intrigued enough to keep reading, and I will most likely read the second book which is coming out soon.
Was hooked from first page, I was shocked how fast I got thru it. Loved the characters, and the relationships between them, as well as the development of characters. The plot moved along just fine for me. Can't wait to get part two!
Samantha T. (dangerlucy) reviewed A Discovery of Witches (All Souls, Bk 1) on + 14 more book reviews
I found this one difficult to get into at the start. There are so many historical and alchemical references that went right over my head. But once the actual story starting moving, I couldn't put it down. Definitely some plot holes that bother me, but I have been able to look over them. Already ordered the next book on Amazon.
A wonderful book, full of magic, suspense, romance, and history. Like any series, the first book is an introduction to the characters and backgrounds - it sets a scene. This is a story about diversity and acceptance; on the surface we are all different, yet we are all created equal. It is a love story that crosses social boundaries and teaches us that hatred and fear of those different than ourselves only tears us down, and welcoming change and acceptance is the only way forward. The author is a historian and professor, and she knows her stuff. Like any book, there were parts that I kind of curled my lip at, or didn't agree with, but overall it is well-written and easy to follow. I loved all four of the ADoW books, and can't wait for the next two!
1.5 stars for half the book. The premise sounded intriguing, and it starts out well, but within 100 pages turns into a cliche. Intelligent supernatural woman, who has way more power than any other of her ilk, but doesn't trust it or want to use it. Falls for super-macho powerful male of another species (who breaks into her apartment and watches her while she sleeps!) and thinks it's okay for him to dictate her every move while not telling her the things she needs to know. Because, of course, she loooooves him...blech. Sometimes I don't mind this but the older I get the more I want to throw the book across the room - this was a library book so I just quit. It gets 1.5 stars because I kinda liked the idea of the alchemist's book, not that they do anything with it for 200 pages.
Unfortunately this not-very-well-written book was a big disappointment. It's quite a mess plot-wise, though it got a little better towards the end. Mostly though I was disappointed in the supernatural characters (witches, vampires and daemons) after having read several much better authors of this genre like Charlaine Harris and Anne Rice, who sort of spoiled me for this author's work.
Is this series flawed? Yes. Are the characters occasionally annoying? Yes. Was I able to put it down before I finished? No, and that's the only metric that really matters for me. The story really grabbed me, the world of witches, vampires and "daemons" seemed really fresh (amazing given the overexposure of the paranormal in recent years), and (best of all) it wasn't unrelentingly dark.
Allison B. (allisonbaker) reviewed A Discovery of Witches (All Souls, Bk 1) on + 48 more book reviews
Really enjoyed this book! Finally a Twilight-esque love story for grown-ups. I was imediately drawn into a world of books magical and otherwise. Diana Bishop's world of alchemy and history was interesting and intelligent, her love affair with the gorgeous and devoted Matthew Clairmont made for a "can't-put-it-down" read.
I was unaware when I started this book that it was the begining of a trioloy. I was both happy and dismayed. I was thrilled to get two more oppertunities at living in Diana and Matthew's world. Dismayed because it will be a year before the next book is ready!
It was a bit long and drawn out at times I do feel like it could have been a bit more ruthlessly edited. Although I do love the love story and the characters were very interesting and different. While the love story was Twilight-esque the vampires were not. They were definately not sparkley, even Matthew was deadly and made no excuses about it.
Read it, Love it and feel good about getting a bit of an education while doing it! Can't wait until the next installment!
I was unaware when I started this book that it was the begining of a trioloy. I was both happy and dismayed. I was thrilled to get two more oppertunities at living in Diana and Matthew's world. Dismayed because it will be a year before the next book is ready!
It was a bit long and drawn out at times I do feel like it could have been a bit more ruthlessly edited. Although I do love the love story and the characters were very interesting and different. While the love story was Twilight-esque the vampires were not. They were definately not sparkley, even Matthew was deadly and made no excuses about it.
Read it, Love it and feel good about getting a bit of an education while doing it! Can't wait until the next installment!
This is the most fun I've had with a book in a while! Diana's mother literally used bedtime story fairy tales to prepare her for her future, and I was delighted to be along for the ride - horseback riding, slowly revealed super powers, library research, an almost castle, a haunted house, a mysterious hero who likes her smarts and independence but opens door for her and comes to her rescue when needed... It is almost 600 pages long and the first book in a trilogy, so not every question you have will be answered. I can't wait to spend more time with some of the secondary characters that were introduced near the end of this book.
Heather D. (icantswim) -
I started listening to this on audio on a long car trip. I picked up reading it in the middle for about 150 pages but found I liked the audio much better, so I finished it by listening. I liked it, but often I found myself feeling I'd read this before. It's a very solid mix of Harry Potter and Twilight. The Harry Potter-type plot I enjoyed - the old manuscript, the ancient alchemy, etc. The Twilight-type plot not so much - the vampire and girl forbidden relationship aspect. If you liked both HP and Twilight, you'd like this. Or, if you've never read either, then this will be all new to you.
Jackie D. (jackierdrlee) reviewed A Discovery of Witches (All Souls, Bk 1) on + 16 more book reviews
Good book. Heavy on history and alchemy. Slow to start bur picks up about half way through. Can't wait for the next in the series.
This a great book to read in the fall. The settings of Oxford, France, and upstate New York are very autumnal. The mythology is interesting enough without being too complex. Diana and Matthew are compelling as main characters and the supporting cast is emphatic and stubborn.
8 hours of my life I'll never get back.
My objection is less to this book and more to the sequel (they are written as one story so you don't end with this book). Both are densely written - but book 2 is nothing more than an exercise in literary self-indulgence. Harkness writes to emphasize her interests and knowledge and not to create an interesting and enjoyable story for the reader.
My advise - find a better writer.
My objection is less to this book and more to the sequel (they are written as one story so you don't end with this book). Both are densely written - but book 2 is nothing more than an exercise in literary self-indulgence. Harkness writes to emphasize her interests and knowledge and not to create an interesting and enjoyable story for the reader.
My advise - find a better writer.
Kathy H. (gottabemetoread) reviewed A Discovery of Witches (All Souls, Bk 1) on + 40 more book reviews
Okay is it possible to love and hate it at the same time? Loved the way the author weaves history in the story and I learned some things that I did not know........for example Bundling. It did, on the vampire aspect, remind me of Twilight to some degree but I could get past that. The part at the end...........during chapter 37..........yes the book needed most of it but some I could have done with just a hint. I must admit I need to read the next book......twisted huh?
I did not like this book. Although the story took place in about a week, I found it soooooo slooooooow. I read about half of the book thinking that it had to get better. It never did. The best part of the book was finishing it. I really cannot believe there are two more in the series. It seems I must rate this book before I can submit this review. If I could I would not. Without that choice, I gave it 1/2 star.
I really LOVED this book! It has so much history involved in it that is essential to the story line. (I love that!) The characters are fleshed out in a way that you can understand the essence of who they are and why they make the decisions they do. I don't have any negative critiques about this book. I just hope that the rest of the series isn't a let down. That happens so many times in books about witches, IMO.
Christine H. (solarawynn) reviewed A Discovery of Witches (All Souls, Bk 1) on + 724 more book reviews
There were times in the book I felt too much information was being throw out and it wasn't pertinent to the story.I muddled through over 500 pages and enjoyed it alot. Am awaiting the next installment.
I waffled back and forth between 3 stars and 4 stars and settled ultimately on 3 stars. I prefer the Anne Rice world of witches and vampires to the Stephenie Meyer or Charlaine Harris worlds. I like my paranormal universes to be dark and I don't mind a story steeped in history - even history of science. With that said, I found the Deborah Harkness world of witches and vampires to be closer to Anne Rice albeit much lighter but pleasantly heavy on the history. I suspect I may enjoy All Souls Trilogy #2, Shadow of Night, even better as it looks like it will be even heavier on the history. After having become convinced that all contemporary paranormal fiction was a lost cause, I'm happy to have discovered Matthew, Diana and the work of Deborah Harkness.
Way too long. Dan Brown meets True Blood.
This book is AWESOME and I can hardly wait till the second one comes out!!! It makes you wonder of things that go bump in the night really do exist.
I thought this book was a great read. Waiting for the next one that i think is going to be after it
Marcia S. (busterboomer) reviewed A Discovery of Witches (All Souls, Bk 1) on + 96 more book reviews
I loved this book. It kept me interested all the way through. You won't be disappointed reading this one.
Dawn B. (stargazingbookworm) -
Really enjoyed the beginning of this saga. Loved being pulled into the story. Its surprising, funny, crazy, unexpected, a whirlwind of the ridiculous and captured me to the point of wondering what was coming next. Of course, I was usually wrong, but that was okay because I still liked the story. Think of it as a Charmed/Bewitched hybrid!
Book 3 is waiting for Book 2 to arrive (hopefully this week!) so that I can continue the story.
It was wonderful to escape into this!
Book 3 is waiting for Book 2 to arrive (hopefully this week!) so that I can continue the story.
It was wonderful to escape into this!
Such a good book! Magic, mystery, adventure, romance, and some fabulous characters! A feisty witch and a sexy, mysterious vampire take on ancient legends to find out the truth about themselves and their past. A bit philosophical and esoteric at times, but still thoroughly enjoyable. I can't wait to read the rest of the trilogy.
