The book “A Discovery of Witches” made such an impact on me that it has inspired me to write my first book review post. This is probably an attempt to remind myself how much I enjoy reading, and that I should do it more often. It always seems that I only make the time to read when I am flying for work, or on holidays. So, now is the time to make some new rules, and make sure I spend more time doing the things I enjoy.
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness is the first novel of the All Souls trilogy. When I finished reading it (and Mark was glad to have me back) I couldn’t wait to get the second and third novel. Sadly I found out last week that Shadow of Night isn’t released until July 2012 in the US and UK, and there isn’t even a hint at what stage the third novel is at. I think I might be like those crazy Twilight or Harry Potter fans that pre-ordered the next book before release, because I don’t know how I’m going to wait for the next installation.
The novel is about Diana, a reluctant witch who stumbles upon a long lost manuscript. Unbeknownst to her it holds the secrets of all souls; witches, vampires, demons and humans. Diana ‘holds the key’ to open the manuscript that has been lost for centuries and upon looking inside this manuscript she receives unwelcome attention from all souls. Vampire Matthew can’t help but protect her from them, despite receiving strong disapproval from his family. Whilst this novel does have a strong element of romance to it, it isn’t soppy, and the main storyline is about a woman re-discovering herself, accepting her differences and opening her mind to new friendships. It is also about people from all walks of life bonding together for the common good.
The historical elements add a great deal of interest as Diana is a historian (much like author Deborah Harkness) who is thoroughly intrigued by the thousands of years that Matthew has lived and the milestones he has witnessed and been a part of.
This was a book I simply couldn’t put down, and I can’t wait for the next installment where Diana and Matthew go back in time to protect Diana, and help her learn how to control her powers-which are brought on by her extreme emotions.
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