Deborah Harkness's first entry in the All Souls Trilogy, A Discovery of Witches is one of my book club's picks. This novel, set in modern times between Oxford, France and New England, is an intriguing story of witches, vampires and daemons. Unlike many other supernatural tales of wizardry and vampires, this one is rooted in science, history, alchemy and ancient texts.
Diana Bishop, descendant of some of the most powerful witches, has hidden from her otherworldly talents for most of her life. Refusing to use them except on very rare occasions, she has built a solid reputation as a scholar of historical alchemy texts. On a research mission for her latest speaking engagement, she discovers an ancient tome that is enchanted. This particular manuscript is highly sought after in the world of wizards, vampires and daemons. Once it is learned that Diana has called this text, her life is suddenly in danger. One of the creatures most interested in the book is Matthew Clairmont, an ancient vampire. But soon his interest covers more than just the ancient text, and his life becomes about protecting that which is most important to him.
Fantastical, smart, scholarly, exciting, a bit gruesome at times...this novel has it all. Adventure and romance, but not of the trashy sort. This is one our book club unanimously enjoyed. The reader will fall in love with Diana and Matthew and the host of characters that surround them. I can't wait to read the next book in the trilogy.
Happy Reading!
