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A Discovery of Witches  By  cover art

A Discovery of Witches

By: Deborah Harkness
Narrated by: Jennifer Ikeda
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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)

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Featured Article: The Best Fantasy Audiobooks to Take You Out of This World


Few audiobooks provide as much of an escape as those in the fantasy genre. Each of the best introduces us to an entirely new world (or a new version of this one), a diverse cast of complexly constructed characters, and a story so mesmerizing we’re reluctant to return to real life. But because the genre is so full of talent, it can be difficult to know what to listen to next. Look no further than this list of the best fantasy audiobooks to get you started.

What listeners say about A Discovery of Witches

Average customer ratings
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Well Rounded 5 Star Novel

This novel has been one of the best books I've listened to in a while! It brings mystery. romance, actions and thrills all into one novel. The story progresses naturally. There are no dull moments. I enjoyed the novel as much as I did the narrator! I've listened to Jennifer Ikeda previously and was pleasantly surprised to hear hear voice when I started this novel. Easy 5 star review. Cannot wait to listen to what's next!

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LOVED!!

story with memorizing, bringing together all these magical worlds. it was so hard to stop listening

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I'm hooked!

I really enjoyed this story. It was especially fun to have listened to it in 2 big sessions during a road trip! Got to fully immerse in the story and characters who were engaging as was the locations and plot.

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  • Overall
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Wow. Exceptional performance. Intricate story.

Loved it. It's my first vampire book. Such a well-crafted, intricate story. The author's scholarship shines through. The narrator is my favorite on Audible.

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Book 1

Great reading, can't wait to start the next book. much much more then the show.

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Love these books!!

A friend recommended the trilogy to me and I am loving the story. I have listened to them several times. Can’t wait for a 5th book!

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    4 out of 5 stars

had to get out of comparing it to the twilight

after that it was a good story. plenty of room to continue you saga. reading the 2nd book now

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Addictive Supernatural Historical Fiction

The first of Harkness’s books I read/listened to on Audible was Time’s Convert. That book ended and I knew I had to start this trilogy. Jennifer Ikeda’s narration is mesmerizing. I appreciated having some history (more wrapped into the next book, of course), some science, and some of my secret literary loves (Vampires! Witches! Demons!) all wrapped up together. The language is sophisticated and the books are captivating. The perfect escape.

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LOVE

bought this on a whim and sooo happy I did. I am sucked in! It’s read so well and really keeps you interested. The reader really makes you feel apart of the book. Love it!!

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Totally captivating!

The author does an amazing job pulling you into this world and the narrator has the most beautiful voice and accents. I am in love with not only the main characters, but also her supporting characters. I can't wait to listen to the rest of the trilogy now!

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