---
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title: "A Discovery of Witches"
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---

# A Discovery of Witches

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desertcart.com: A Discovery of Witches: 9780143119685: Harkness, Deborah: Books

Review: Unique - A Discovery of the Witches "It begins with absence and desire. It begins with blood and fear. It begins with a discovery of witches..." The Discovery of the Witches is the most fascinating book I have ever read. My God, the amount of knowledge one must possess to be able to write a such complex story. It's not an easy read and don't go in hoping that it is. I think, that in order to completely enjoy and appreciate the story for what it is, and it is a piece of art, in my opinion, you have to have at least some basic knowledge about some of the significant historical events, old books or manuscripts, a little about biology or/and science. You don't have to know the exact details of the events or context of the manuscripts, but you need to at least have heard about dem. The rest is explained. If you think that the chromosome might be some kind of rare plant, that grows in the desertcarts, and the DNA is a new boy band, fighting for the spotlight with One Direction, this book is not for you! The story starts with a witch, Diana Bishop, going out and about with her day, doing her research in Oxford's Bodleian Library, going through her everyday routine, but this time, she discovers a very rare manuscript (which actually exists in real life, or existed, to be precise), by accident (?). She is a historian and young scholar at the university, and the descendent of witches. She knows she is a witch, she have known that her whole life, but she refuses to use her magic, because of what happened to her and her family in the past. She wants to be normal. She is aware that the vampires and daemons exists. She can feel them, but refuses to acknowledge dem. The moment she touches the manuscript weird things start happening. Suddenly, she can feel every eye of every witch, vampire and daemon on her. And here is when we meet the vampire and the professor, Matthew de Clairmont. There is a lot of mystery surrounding de Clermont. Even though he is an employ of the university, he doesn't lecture or take on the apprentices. He is known for his studies of neutral mechanisms and prefrontal cortex (whatever the hell that means :-D), and his studies and publications on wolves. Which explains nothing about why he decides to approach Diana Bishop. And that's why Diana decides to dig around for information about him. Why the sudden interest? The more she discovers about him, the more suspicious he looks. But the thing is, Diana have enough secrets of her own. The most amazing thing about this story is the way author describes witches, vampires and daemons. She describes them based on her research, as a historian, and the tales that we (humans) have been passing on to the others, from generation to generation. There are a lot of actual facts. Regardless, if you believe that such creatures exists or not, there were times when people did believe that they did exist. Another thing that amazed me was the way author used historical events, the breakthrough scientific publications and well know classic literature, to twist/super-naturalize it, for it to suit the story, and make me believe that all I knew about it was not as important as I thought it was. It made me believe, that all that, was only a small pieces of the puzzle, of the bigger picture, in the Diana Bishop's and Matthew de Clairmont's story. It was mind blowing. It reminded me a lot of the move The da Vinci Code. That is the only thing that I can compare this book to. In the movie, at the end, outside the church, Tom Hanks says to what's-her-name "You know, we never actually found any evidence that Jesus was a "he" and not a "she."". Movie ends and you left thinking "WTF?!". That is pretty much how this book made me feel. It made me doubt everything that I know :). Usually, when I read a book in this genre, I adjust my expectations to sustain degree. I know that there will be either vampires, witches or daemons, that the story is fictional and that anything is possible. But with this story, it was hard to tell where the actual truth ended and the fiction began... This book can be analyzed from many different angles. One might think that it's about forbidden love and overcoming the obstacles. Others might think that it's about more important things like finding the answers to the questions like "Who are we? Why are we here? What's our purpose?". For me, it's about all of the above. The thing that makes this story so realistic is that witches, daemons and vampires are asking the same questions as we, humans, have been asking for centuries :-D. I don't blame those who gave up on this book halfway through. The first half of the book is slow-paced. Not as in it's boring, but there is not a lot of action going on (fighting, killing, sex and so on). The author goes into a great details explaining things that Diana Bishop comes across or remembers. This book focuses on the fact that knowledge can be just as powerful as the physical strength (Learning, planing, strategizing, then striking). But it suits the story. You can't rush when you are asking such an important questions, right? :-). It have to be properly explained. There are a lot of secrets surrounding two main characters, the mysterious manuscript and supporting characters as well. That is why the story can't be rushed. Even though the book was a 600 page brick and it took me a while to finish, I enjoyed it quiet a bit and can't wait to start the Shadow of Night. " Comperi, Comperi' she said. 'Merces amb tot meu cor' he said quietly. Al rebeire. Mefi. T'afortissi."
Review: Intelligent and Engaging - I was originally led to A Discovery of Witches by a review that called it "Twilight for adults." That was enough to get me to buy it but once I started reading, I could quickly see that there is so much more to this novel than another simple girl-meets-vampire story. Author Deborah Harkness has created a brand new world that incorporates vampires, witches and daemons and it never fails to entice and engage. A history professor, Harkness incorporates her intense knowledge of and love for history into her debut novel (and what better way to do this than with a vampire who happens to be 1500 years old!). So, along with a thrilling plot involving a love affair between two species who, heretofore have been forbidden to intermingle, she introduces us to historical events which enrich the plot and characterization significantly. In addition, the locations she utilizes -- Oxford, England; Sept-Tours, France; upstate New York -- add colorful and interesting backdrops to the proceedings. Diana Bishop is a witch who has denounced her bewitching abilities so she can focus on keeping her scholarly research as pure as possible. But, when she calls up a book from the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library -- Ashmole 782 -- she is suddenly surrounded by witches and daemons and one very handsome and intelligent vampire (Matthew Clairmont). It seems everyone is intrigued by Diana's interest in this book, which has been hidden for many years, and they want to see how the magic in it affects Diana or how Diana's magic will affect the book. But, their interest in Diana and her magic puts her in grave danger so Matthew steps in to protect the young scholar. He flies her to France to keep her safe in his family's castle. There, the two can no longer deny their love for each other, which introduces an even more dangerous situation -- the threat of The Congregation (made up of witches, daemons and vampires), whose mission is to keep the three species from intermingling. But, most threatening of all is a witch named Satu who is ordered to learn just how much magic Diana has in her soul. Diana and Matthew must use their wits and considerable abilities to stay one step ahead of the dangers that threaten to end their lives...and their enduring love. I was completely swallowed up in the world created by Harkness. (And, this from a reader who has never fully embraced the fantasy or science-fiction genres!) The book includes a compelling plot that incorporates interesting moments in history but it succeeds because of the two main characters. Diana is a feisty, strong and intelligent scholar who does not shirk from danger. Meanwhile, Matthew is a powerful, smart and protective vampire whose history (and passions) run deep. Together, they are a complex pair who work through their difficulties in an intelligent, mature way. But, complicating matters are the mysteries each keep secret from the other and by the emotions that develop from keeping these secrets; this is where the soul of the book is found. This is the first of a planned trilogy of books and the conclusion of this volume has apparently disappointed some readers because of its lack of a typical conclusion. But, the ending excites me and makes me hope the second volume will be published sooner rather than later (it is planned for 2012). Harkness has introduced us to a plethora of intriguing, complicated and engaging characters who truly get under your skin! Imagining their adventures in Volume 2 promises even more fun for the reader. If you are looking for a simple love story, this book is not for you. But, if you are ready for a mature story that incorporates mature characters, deep emotions, moments in history and a wild-and-woolly plot, you should go straight to to the 1-Click button and buy it! I loved A Discovery of Witches and look forward to reading it several more times before Volume 2 is released!

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN  | 0143119680 |
| Best Sellers Rank | #21,520 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #15 in Horror Occult & Supernatural #16 in Witch & Wizard Thrillers #121 in Historical Thrillers (Books) |
| Book 1 of 5  | All Souls |
| Customer Reviews | 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (53,976) |
| Dimensions  | 5.42 x 1.23 x 8.36 inches |
| Edition  | First Edition |
| ISBN-10  | 9780143119685 |
| ISBN-13  | 978-0143119685 |
| Item Weight  | 1 pounds |
| Language  | English |
| Print length  | 579 pages |
| Publication date  | December 27, 2011 |
| Publisher  | Penguin Books |

## Images

![A Discovery of Witches - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81sm6Ap5J6L.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Unique
*by L***) on January 24, 2013*

A Discovery of the Witches "It begins with absence and desire. It begins with blood and fear. It begins with a discovery of witches..." The Discovery of the Witches is the most fascinating book I have ever read. My God, the amount of knowledge one must possess to be able to write a such complex story. It's not an easy read and don't go in hoping that it is. I think, that in order to completely enjoy and appreciate the story for what it is, and it is a piece of art, in my opinion, you have to have at least some basic knowledge about some of the significant historical events, old books or manuscripts, a little about biology or/and science. You don't have to know the exact details of the events or context of the manuscripts, but you need to at least have heard about dem. The rest is explained. If you think that the chromosome might be some kind of rare plant, that grows in the Amazons, and the DNA is a new boy band, fighting for the spotlight with One Direction, this book is not for you! The story starts with a witch, Diana Bishop, going out and about with her day, doing her research in Oxford's Bodleian Library, going through her everyday routine, but this time, she discovers a very rare manuscript (which actually exists in real life, or existed, to be precise), by accident (?). She is a historian and young scholar at the university, and the descendent of witches. She knows she is a witch, she have known that her whole life, but she refuses to use her magic, because of what happened to her and her family in the past. She wants to be normal. She is aware that the vampires and daemons exists. She can feel them, but refuses to acknowledge dem. The moment she touches the manuscript weird things start happening. Suddenly, she can feel every eye of every witch, vampire and daemon on her. And here is when we meet the vampire and the professor, Matthew de Clairmont. There is a lot of mystery surrounding de Clermont. Even though he is an employ of the university, he doesn't lecture or take on the apprentices. He is known for his studies of neutral mechanisms and prefrontal cortex (whatever the hell that means :-D), and his studies and publications on wolves. Which explains nothing about why he decides to approach Diana Bishop. And that's why Diana decides to dig around for information about him. Why the sudden interest? The more she discovers about him, the more suspicious he looks. But the thing is, Diana have enough secrets of her own. The most amazing thing about this story is the way author describes witches, vampires and daemons. She describes them based on her research, as a historian, and the tales that we (humans) have been passing on to the others, from generation to generation. There are a lot of actual facts. Regardless, if you believe that such creatures exists or not, there were times when people did believe that they did exist. Another thing that amazed me was the way author used historical events, the breakthrough scientific publications and well know classic literature, to twist/super-naturalize it, for it to suit the story, and make me believe that all I knew about it was not as important as I thought it was. It made me believe, that all that, was only a small pieces of the puzzle, of the bigger picture, in the Diana Bishop's and Matthew de Clairmont's story. It was mind blowing. It reminded me a lot of the move The da Vinci Code. That is the only thing that I can compare this book to. In the movie, at the end, outside the church, Tom Hanks says to what's-her-name "You know, we never actually found any evidence that Jesus was a "he" and not a "she."". Movie ends and you left thinking "WTF?!". That is pretty much how this book made me feel. It made me doubt everything that I know :). Usually, when I read a book in this genre, I adjust my expectations to sustain degree. I know that there will be either vampires, witches or daemons, that the story is fictional and that anything is possible. But with this story, it was hard to tell where the actual truth ended and the fiction began... This book can be analyzed from many different angles. One might think that it's about forbidden love and overcoming the obstacles. Others might think that it's about more important things like finding the answers to the questions like "Who are we? Why are we here? What's our purpose?". For me, it's about all of the above. The thing that makes this story so realistic is that witches, daemons and vampires are asking the same questions as we, humans, have been asking for centuries :-D. I don't blame those who gave up on this book halfway through. The first half of the book is slow-paced. Not as in it's boring, but there is not a lot of action going on (fighting, killing, sex and so on). The author goes into a great details explaining things that Diana Bishop comes across or remembers. This book focuses on the fact that knowledge can be just as powerful as the physical strength (Learning, planing, strategizing, then striking). But it suits the story. You can't rush when you are asking such an important questions, right? :-). It have to be properly explained. There are a lot of secrets surrounding two main characters, the mysterious manuscript and supporting characters as well. That is why the story can't be rushed. Even though the book was a 600 page brick and it took me a while to finish, I enjoyed it quiet a bit and can't wait to start the Shadow of Night. " Comperi, Comperi' she said. 'Merces amb tot meu cor' he said quietly. Al rebeire. Mefi. T'afortissi."

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Intelligent and Engaging
*by J***Y on July 2, 2011*

I was originally led to A Discovery of Witches by a review that called it "Twilight for adults." That was enough to get me to buy it but once I started reading, I could quickly see that there is so much more to this novel than another simple girl-meets-vampire story. Author Deborah Harkness has created a brand new world that incorporates vampires, witches and daemons and it never fails to entice and engage. A history professor, Harkness incorporates her intense knowledge of and love for history into her debut novel (and what better way to do this than with a vampire who happens to be 1500 years old!). So, along with a thrilling plot involving a love affair between two species who, heretofore have been forbidden to intermingle, she introduces us to historical events which enrich the plot and characterization significantly. In addition, the locations she utilizes -- Oxford, England; Sept-Tours, France; upstate New York -- add colorful and interesting backdrops to the proceedings. Diana Bishop is a witch who has denounced her bewitching abilities so she can focus on keeping her scholarly research as pure as possible. But, when she calls up a book from the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library -- Ashmole 782 -- she is suddenly surrounded by witches and daemons and one very handsome and intelligent vampire (Matthew Clairmont). It seems everyone is intrigued by Diana's interest in this book, which has been hidden for many years, and they want to see how the magic in it affects Diana or how Diana's magic will affect the book. But, their interest in Diana and her magic puts her in grave danger so Matthew steps in to protect the young scholar. He flies her to France to keep her safe in his family's castle. There, the two can no longer deny their love for each other, which introduces an even more dangerous situation -- the threat of The Congregation (made up of witches, daemons and vampires), whose mission is to keep the three species from intermingling. But, most threatening of all is a witch named Satu who is ordered to learn just how much magic Diana has in her soul. Diana and Matthew must use their wits and considerable abilities to stay one step ahead of the dangers that threaten to end their lives...and their enduring love. I was completely swallowed up in the world created by Harkness. (And, this from a reader who has never fully embraced the fantasy or science-fiction genres!) The book includes a compelling plot that incorporates interesting moments in history but it succeeds because of the two main characters. Diana is a feisty, strong and intelligent scholar who does not shirk from danger. Meanwhile, Matthew is a powerful, smart and protective vampire whose history (and passions) run deep. Together, they are a complex pair who work through their difficulties in an intelligent, mature way. But, complicating matters are the mysteries each keep secret from the other and by the emotions that develop from keeping these secrets; this is where the soul of the book is found. This is the first of a planned trilogy of books and the conclusion of this volume has apparently disappointed some readers because of its lack of a typical conclusion. But, the ending excites me and makes me hope the second volume will be published sooner rather than later (it is planned for 2012). Harkness has introduced us to a plethora of intriguing, complicated and engaging characters who truly get under your skin! Imagining their adventures in Volume 2 promises even more fun for the reader. If you are looking for a simple love story, this book is not for you. But, if you are ready for a mature story that incorporates mature characters, deep emotions, moments in history and a wild-and-woolly plot, you should go straight to to the 1-Click button and buy it! I loved A Discovery of Witches and look forward to reading it several more times before Volume 2 is released!

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review
*by A***Y on June 11, 2022*

Ms. Harkness’ world of magic and history, combining mythical species, set in a contemporary world, is well written. The characters come alive from the pages. Diana is engaging, amicable and easy to relate to from the beginning. Reluctant to be drawn into the Oxford Coven, despite Gillian’s attempts. As the last of the Bishop witches, she was coveted. “When my mother was lit up with magic, you couldn’t tear your eyes away from her.” Raised by her Aunt Sarah, Diana’s memories of her parents, behind closed doors, were conflicting. Her mother was unpredictable—her powers unstable. I adore this world. The beautiful prose, the series is truly addictive. Diana’s first encounter with Ashmole 782, calling to her, I loved reading all over again.

## Frequently Bought Together

- A Discovery of Witches (All Souls Series)
- Shadow of Night (All Souls Trilogy, Bk 2) (All Souls Series)
- The Book of Life: A Novel (All Souls Series)

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