A Discovery of Witches

by sssmahh303, posted in Reviews

Mary Ann

The world has had great lovers over the years.  There was Romeo and Juliette, Rhett and Scarlett, and Kathy and Heathcliff.  Their love stories have captured our imaginations and remain in a corner of our romantic selves.  However, there is another set of lovers that you might not know but would enjoy their story – Vampire Mathew Clairmont and Witch Diana Bishop.  

Author Deborah Harkness created a world of humans, witches, vampires, and daemons in the All Souls Trilogy that includes   A Discovery of Witches, Shadow of Night and The Book of Life.  A romance between Diana and Mathew blooms as their paths cross at Oxford. This is a forbidden love among the creatures. Vampires and Witches do not get involved – no dating app for them! The books captures the beginning of their love, time travel to the past so Diana can hone her weaver spell skills, and the struggles between the creatures as the peace between them is threatened. 

My own discovery happened when I read a review about the first book, A Discovery of Witches, bought the book, and fell in love with the characters.  I could not wait for the next book to be released. The story unfolds, and you just want to know more about the creatures and their world. 

Lucky us, the story does not end with the trilogy. There are two additional volumes, Time’s Convert, and most recent, Black Bird Oracle.  Harkness is a very clever writer in the tradition of J.K. Rowling.  A Discovery of Witches is Harry Potter for grownups.  Just as Rowling created owls delivering mail or a new game like Quidditch on flying brooms.  Harkness has memories stored in memory bottles and time travel is called time walking.  All fun!

In Harkness’s last book, Black Bird Oracle, the ending left the door open for more books.  There are questions that need answers. I can’t wait for the next adventure.  

There is a bonus with these books.  AMC+ made the books come alive in their three season TV series.  The shows follow the books carefully.  There is wonderful chemistry between Vampire Mathew (Mathew Goode – you remember him from Downton Abbey) and Witch Diana (Teresa Palmer).  Recently, the series have been featured on Netflix. Unfortunately, there are no plans to produce season 4.  However, you never know.  There is nothing like the love of a good vampire.

At this witchy time of the year, both the books and TV series are a fun way to enjoy the creatures of Halloween. I have loved the books and seeing them come alive on TV has been just a cherry on top! I hope that you will find this as well.