A Discovery of Witches

A Novel

By: Deborah Harkness

Narrated by: Jennifer Ikeda

Length: 23 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

Book one of the New York Times best-selling All Souls Series—"a wonderfully imaginative grown-up fantasy with all the magic of Harry Potter and Twilight” (People).

Now “[a] hot show that’s like Twilight meets Outlander” (Thrillist) airing on AMC and BBC America, as well as streaming on Sundance Now and Shudder.

Deborah Harkness’s sparkling debut, A Discovery of Witches, has brought her into the spotlight and galvanized fans around the world. In this tale of passion and obsession, Diana Bishop, a young scholar and a descendant of witches, discovers a long-lost and enchanted alchemical manuscript, Ashmole 782, deep in Oxford's Bodleian Library. Its reappearance summons a fantastical underworld, which she navigates with her leading man, vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont.

Harkness has created a universe to rival those of Anne Rice, Diana Gabaldon, and Elizabeth Kostova, and she adds a scholar's depth to this riveting tale of magic and suspense. The story continues in book two, Shadow of Night, book three, The Book of Life, and the fourth in the series, Time’s Convert.

©2011 Deborah Harkness (P)2011 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“A wonderfully imaginative grown-up fantasy with all the magic of Harry Potter or Twilight.... An irresistible tale of wizardry, science and forbidden love.” (People)

“Romantic, erudite, and suspenseful.... Harkness attends to every scholarly and emotional detail with whimsy, sensuality, and humor.” (O, The Oprah Magazine)

“A thoroughly grown-up novel packed with gorgeous historical detail and a gutsy, brainy heroine to match.... Harkness writes with thrilling gusto about the magical world.” (Entertainment Weekly)

slow start but worth it

If you could sum up A Discovery of Witches in three words, what would they be?

Outstanding narrator

What other book might you compare A Discovery of Witches to and why?

probably twilight although I didn't' read that

Have you listened to any of Jennifer Ikeda’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

She made the book. Her ability was exceptional. I stayed with it because of her ability.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. Very long and until chapter 20 or so I almost stopped.

Four Horsemen

These four horsemen aren’t what you imagined - they’re the good guys. They are also young and hot. When Verity joins them things get complicated. The characters and storyline are interesting and enough questions introduced to make me quite eager for the next book.

NOT a Chickbook!

What did you like best about this story?

The depth of the story line and the solid character development. You really care about these people and their lives.

Which scene was your favorite?

Can't really say without spoilers! Many good scenes however.

Any additional comments?

I only bought this because it was on sale, I have gladlyl purchased the sequel at full price. While there where a few times where it threatened to degenerate into a romance novel it always pulled back. A very good read, lots of action and some interesting twists on some time tested story lines

Looking forward to the next book.

Awesome!

Loved it. Even my husband got hooked!! A good read for everyone. I highly recommend reading this book very soon!

Can not wait to read the second book!

What made the experience of listening to A Discovery of Witches the most enjoyable?

The story was easy to follow, and the narrator did a great job with the voices.

What about Jennifer Ikeda’s performance did you like?

She did a great job narrating the story. All her voices were clear and easily recognized by the listener.

Loved this audio book!!!!!

Would you listen to A Discovery of Witches again? Why?

Yes. So entertaining. Other reviews I read said it was a cross between Harry Potter and Twilight. I thought it was soooo much more. The books takes such twists and turns. Love it.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Matthew. just loved/

Have you listened to any of Jennifer Ikeda’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Desire and Fear.

Smart and Clever

I'm only a third of the way through this book and already love it. It's easy to follow, smart, inventive, clever, and entertaining. It keeps you hooked with an intriguing story line and less action. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

yes! perfect fantasy novel

I am super excited for the next book. this was great! the narrator was amazing. top notch work.

Love.

I just love it. Listened to it at least 4 times. The series is my favorite.

Thoroughly enjoyed the story

If you could sum up A Discovery of Witches in three words, what would they be?

Engaging, fun and interesting details

What about Jennifer Ikeda’s performance did you like?

She did a very good job of distinguishing the characters. Her accents seem genuine.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I wouldn't want to give anything away. I'll just say I was always rooting for the good guys. The family aspect is very complelling.

Any additional comments?

I'm ready to hear the next one, but putting it off a bit because the third one is not out yet. I'm sure I will go ahead and hear it soon and just have to wait for the next one.