A Discovery Of Witches By: Deborah Harkness

Summary:
When historian Diana Bishop opens a bewitched alchemical manuscript in Oxford’s Bodleian Library it represents an unwelcome intrusion of magic into her carefully ordinary life. Though descended from a long line of witches, she is determined to remain untouched by her family’s legacy. She banishes the manuscript to the stacks, but Diana finds it impossible to hold the world of magic at bay any longer.

For witches are not the only otherworldly creatures living alongside humans. There are also creative, destructive daemons and long-lived vampires who become interested in the witch’s discovery. They believe that the manuscript contains important clues about the past and the future, and want to know how Diana Bishop has been able to get her hands on the elusive volume.

Chief among the creatures who gather around Diana is vampire Matthew Clairmont, a geneticist with a passion for Darwin. Together, Diana and Matthew embark on a journey to understand the manuscript’s secrets. But the relationship that develops between the ages-old vampire and the spellbound witch threatens to unravel the fragile peace that has long existed between creatures and humans—and will certainly transform Diana’s world as well.

“Together we lifted our feet and stepped into the unknown.”

Look for Shadow of Night on 10 July 2012.

My Review:

I have not finished the book yet, but I am over halfway done with it. Last night I settled down in my bed around midnight, then I picked up my book because I always read before I fall asleep. Convinced that I would only read for half an hour or so, I dug in. Before long, I was in the story, living the life of Diana Bishop and struggling to deal with my two aunts who are worried about me because I used my magic - without trying - and opened a book called Ashmole 782. Daemons, Witches, and Vampires swarmed to the campus I was studying at because they were all interested in getting that book and learning from whatever secrets it withheld. However, I returned it to the library and they believe I, Diana Bishop, am the only one who can summon it back and open it. So now I have numerous Creatures following me around just as the college is about to start swarming with new students as they prepare for the upcoming year. As if that wasn't enough, now something is starting to grow between Matthew Clairmont and I, complicating the matters even more and getting my aunts even more on edge. A Discovery Of Witches is a wonderful book and I truly feel like I am living Diana Bishop's life sometimes, so I would like to say that I would recommend this book to anyone interested in mysery, romance, fantasy, and possible reality - or those that enjoy all of those options as they are marvelously spun into one fascinating tale that keeps you reading longer than you intended. In my case, I was up until nearly 3am, instead of just reading for half of an hour, I read for three hours and not once became bored. Actually, I will go return to my book now. Until later, read on!