Looking for a good supernatural love story? Read on.
Diana Bishop is the daughter of two powerful witches and descendent of the first witch executed at the Salem witch trials. After her parent’s tragic death, Diana refuses to use her magic as it reminds her of them and the destruction magic can cause. She is a historian and researcher who earned tenure at Yale and is a scholar of alchemy. While at the Bodleian Library at Oxford doing research, Diana asked to see an alchemical text: Ashmole 782. As soon as she picked it up, she recognized a powerful, magical presence. Looking at the manuscript, Diana could see three pages were torn out. She took some notes and returned the manuscript before any other weird magic happened.
Sensing the presence of other supernatural beings, Diana's guard was up 24/7. One night, Diana found herself alone in the library, except for a few humans. While moving through the stacks, Diana encountered Professor Matthew de Clairmont, a well-known, powerful vampire who is a scientist. Due to the tension between the supernatural species, Diana introduced herself quickly and exited the library before Matthew could cause too much attention. She spotted Claremont several times after the incident and Diana was most afraid. When he approached her again, he asked Diana about Ashmole 782. He explained that the manuscript could solve all of the supernaturals questions. He convinces Diana to retrieve the book again, which creates a new set of threats not just to Diana, but Matthew as well.
NOTE: This is the only book of the All Souls trilogy listed in AR Book Find. This is a series written for adults.
BTSYA / Teen Reader (15):
This is a well-written, character-driven romance. The plot is enjoyable and perfect for reading on a quiet day. Diana and Matthew have the perfect love story. Their relationship and the journey from enemies to lovers was one of the best parts of this book. Despite being supernaturals, Diana and Matthew are relatable, likable characters. Diana’s courage is extremely admirable; her emotions understandable given the circumstances; and she tends to act more “human” compared to the other supernaturals because of the time she spent immersed with them. Matthew's charm and sarcasm, and his vampire instinct to protect Diana make him likable, too. Matthew's admiration and fondness towards Diana portray just how amazing and strong their relationship is.
This is a book for mature readers. It has violence, some gore, and intimate content. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in romance novels, especially if they are a fan of the enemies to lovers trope. Diana and Matthew's fight against the norms of society make the story relatable to real-world problems. One of the undercurrents is discrimination between species of supernaturals, and that includes witches and vampires. Overall, this book is one of my favorites for the way it balances romance with action, constantly keeping you on your toes!
Readers who like the combination of a horror thriller and a powerful romance will not be able to turn away from A Discovery of Witches.
Violence (including torture), gore, profanity, and sexual content.
This is the first book in a trilogy about a witch and a vampire.
Diana and Matthew encounter prejudice and racism in their attempts to be together. Theirs is a vampire-witch environment, but the concepts and the emotions are realistic and can be discussed in the context of today's efforts of establishing anti-racist norms.
5.7
15 and Up
15 and Up
Teen STAR Review Team, Be the Star You Are!â„¢ . Reviewer's Age: 15
Borrow. This is an adult book and should be read before giving to teens (no younger than high school).
Title | A Discovery of Witches |
About | All Souls Trilogy, Book 1 of 3 |
Author | Deborah Harkness |
Publisher | Viking Adult © 2011 |
ISBN | 9780670022410 |
Material | Hard Cover |
Cost | $17.99 |
Genres | Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Science Fiction, Romance |
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