Book Review: A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
A Discovery of Witches left me enchanted. I wasn't anticipating that someone would so thoroughly convince me of a world filled with witches, vampires, and ancient lore — and that I would love every second of it. I can’t wait to dive into the next book to see what happens to Diana & Matthew.
A Captivating Start to the All Souls Trilogy
This is the first in the All Souls Trilogy, and from the outset, it has the academic suspense and magical realism that kept me hooked. The romance is the slow-burn, star-crossed kind that adds just the right amount of tension to the story.
World-Building: Rich and Atmospheric
One of the most impressive aspects of A Discovery of Witches is how convincingly Harkness creates her world. The main settings are Oxford and a crumbling old house in France that exudes an air of mystery. Harkness's writing immerses you in these locations: ambling down old corridors in ancient libraries and wandering through vineyards at dusk.
The story is threaded with a sense of history and tradition. From dusty old manuscripts of alchemy to the bloodlines of witches and vampires, it feels as if this world has existed for centuries just beneath the surface, gripping me from the start.
Themes: Magic vs. Science, History, and Forbidden Romance
What truly drew me in was the exploration of magic versus science, embodied by Diana Bishop, the main character. As an academic and alchemist, Diana has spent her life refusing to practice witchcraft. This creates a compelling pull between her rational academic side and her magical heritage. Harkness skillfully intertwines the concepts of alchemy and the coexistence of magic and science. Watching Diana learn to embrace her witch powers alongside her academic pursuits was satisfying; it illustrated that life often involves navigating multiple paths.
Harkness brilliantly grounds her fantasy elements in real history, incorporating actual historical figures, events, and manuscripts. This context adds an air of realism to the magical tale. Rather than simply transporting me to a fantastical realm, the book pulls me into the past, making history feel engaging and relevant without being overly didactic.
Now, let’s discuss the romance. Diana and Matthew Clairmont, the brooding vampire she falls for, embody that classic “forbidden love” vibe. Their relationship is dangerous, not just in a cliché way, but because witches and vampires are not meant to mix. The societal rules surrounding them create intense stakes that kept me engaged. Diana's struggle to accept her powers mirrors her hesitance towards Matthew, adding layers to their relationship. This isn’t just a swoon-worthy love story; it’s about breaking rules and challenging long-held beliefs, which kept me turning pages late into the night.
Character Development: Diana’s Growth and Matthew’s Mystique
Diana is a strong character whose inner conflict is compelling. She’s been running from her identity her entire life, and seeing her gradually accept her true self — not just as a witch but as a woman — was deeply satisfying.
Matthew, the vampire with centuries of emotional baggage, is equally intriguing. His protective nature borders on smothering, yet he is devoted to Diana in a way that makes their connection believable, even in a world filled with supernatural tension.
Diana’s aunts, Sarah and Em, play a crucial role as her protectors and mentors, offering wisdom and guidance rooted in their own experiences as witches. On Matthew’s side, his loyal friends, like Marcus and Miriam, stand by him, offering support and their expertise as fellow vampires. Along the way, Diana and Matthew forge strong bonds with other creatures, including witches, vampires, and daemons, building a diverse and unique circle of allies. These characters enrich the story, each bringing their own strengths and complexities to the unfolding magical world.
Pacing and Plot Progression
Pacing was the one element that prevented this book from achieving a perfect 5-star rating. The first half felt like a slow introduction to the characters and their world. However, once the story picks up after the halfway mark, the stakes rise, the romance intensifies, and the mysteries surrounding Diana's powers and the Ashmole 782 manuscript come to life.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Read A Discovery of Witches
In short, A Discovery of Witches is a captivating read that transports you into a beautifully crafted world. The rich world-building, nuanced characters, and slow-burn romance make it a delightful experience. Although I rated it 4/5 mainly due to pacing issues in the first half, it's still an excellent read that’s absolutely worth your time.
If you enjoy historical fantasy infused with danger, romance, and a blend of magic and science, you’ll want to pick this one up. If you’ve read A Discovery of Witches, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment to share your favorite moments.
