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)

Fun Read!

Fantasy, mystery, vampires, witches, demons and a love story. This book has it all. I truly enjoyed this series. If fantasy is your genre you will definatly want to check this out.

Exceptional book and excellent reader

I haven't enjoyed a series so much since JKR and young Mr Potter. In some ways these are similar worlds... Magic has been there all along and most just choose to pretend it does not exist. But this is no kid's book, immersed in descriptions and details that show real life emotions - good and bad - and how they affect the heroine (and hero)

I was not at all surprised to find that Ms. Harkness is a historian. The details are amazing and totally believable. The transitions between fiction and non-fiction seamless. And that just made it all that more real to me.

I hadn't read the book before I listened.. so I had no preconceived ideas about how it should sound.. and I thought Jennifer Ikeda did an exceptional job. One of the absolute best readers I have listened to. An extensive cast of characters with distinctive voices and accents. Well done.

Both Deborah Harkness and Jennifer Ikeda are now on my 'list'. I've heard that Deborah Harkness doesn't know if she will write any more fiction. I hope she does.

Entertaining

My first encounter with this book was the audio version. One of my favorites to revisit.

good read

this is one of the best book i have read in along time hope there's going to be a part two.

this book is amazing book

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

it made me feel like I was right there in the moment

What did you like best about this story?

the back story of the characters

Which character – as performed by Jennifer Ikeda – was your favorite?

isabel claremont

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

discovery of romance

Any additional comments?

This is an amazing book Jennifer Ikeda is a extraordinary narrator I can't wait till second book comes out by far the best book I've ever listen to

This book is like a feast for the senses!

I found this book fascinating and very well written. It appealed to the historian, the romantic, the suspense-lover, the pagan and the scholar in me. The author really takes the time to set the stage for everything that is happening and will happen. I appreciate that she did not try to rush through a very convoluted plot and cram it into one book. The second (and third) book is necessary and I believe will be given the same love and attention to detail that this one had.

The many characters were compelling and believable. The diversity in their backgrounds was also very refreshing, especially Sarah and Em.

It was funny, heartbreaking and oh so very intriguing. I really did enjoy this read.

If you are an audiobook reader, the narrator is excellent! She really does put a full personality behind each and every character. The range of accents she uses is incredible. She really does enhance the experience.

Long But WONDERFUL!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes! I have already posted to Facebook and Pinterest about this book!

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

Its a grown up book caught somewhere between Harry Potter, the Twilight series, and the I am Number 4 series.

What about Jennifer Ikeda’s performance did you like?

She is easy to listen to. The book was long and she kept you interested and attentive to what was coming next!

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

A Discovery of Witches ~ More Than What You Can See

amazing

this book was great! it pulls you in in so many ways: adventure, romance, mystery, supernatural. couldn't stop!

Amazing

The twist and creativity in the story amazed me. I held on reading this book for more than a year strictly based on the titled. The title in my opinion should have been a “Librarian’s Discovery”. Diana Bishop was extremely frustrating as a woman, but I loved her. She has all the physical traits and brain power of a strong willful minded academic. But the dialogue and scenes where she was supposed to show her worth, the author Deborah Harkness seem to hold her back. However, I was totally engulfed into the story. Matthew’s strong feelings and dedication to Diana, made me mushy. I enjoyed the fact that he was a vampire, but smart and has the ability to be normal. I loved how there were other species in this story. Paranormal Romance is often missing that element. The story did reach a lull point when then went back Diana’s home, but I understand the need for the transition in the storyline and time for Diana to build on her powers. The introduction of the two new characters and the visions of the pregnant woman was greatly needed. I cannot wait for book two. Overall, the author has delivered an awesome story with characters you want to win. Awesome job Harkness, awesome.

Listened to book in 3 Days!

This is the longest book I’ve ever listened to and it was hard to stop listening! The story was intriguing and the performance was excellent. I look forward to another book by this author and hearing the performers telling of a story.