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)

Enjoyable story

Hope there is sequel to tale. Would like to know what happened to everyone. Great story telling

Really Liked It

I thought this was a fine book with a good premise. Unfortunately, it needed a really good editor. The last third of the book dragged and certainly could have been "tighter", but still a good story. I thought the narrator was great and I am looking forward to downloading the next book - I just hope that the second book has a better editor!!

Action packed and intertaining!

What did you love best about A Discovery of Witches?

I liked this charactors discovery of herself. This was a fast paced book that kept you interested. it took place in mondern day but captured an old worlds beauty. this author is not only very well versed in languages and times but in the supernatural keeping this book first class!

What did you like best about this story?

it has a smooth read not too much but not too little. this is a change from most modern books not too sluty but more of a classy yet still fun and flirty feel.

What about Jennifer Ikeda’s performance did you like?

wonderful! she does great charactors and does not even slip up when there is a language switch. great job!

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

yes and i tried but 24 hours is even longer than an avid book reader like myself can do. it flies by though and so it will not be long til you are getting the next book wich is great to.

Any additional comments?

a must read so just try it for yourself! if you love long books that don't bore you to sleep you'll like this.

my favorite book

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

Jennifer Ikeda's performance was out standing! She has a talent for story telling and accents! It really brought the story more alive for me as I commuted day in and day out to University!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I loved this book. First of all I have a special love for alchemy, and then the whole magical side of the book really hooked me. The way history was weaved in and out and with the characters occasionally being demons, vampires, or witches really made things interesting! I loved the story and all the twists and turns that kept me reading/listening. I recommend this book to all of my friends and they all enjoy the read!

Loved it!

Although it begins a little slowly, staying with this book is well worth the effort. I enjoyed the time that is spent developing the characters and the different feel that is developed with each location in the work. I am excited for the second book!

Naysayers you'll be sorry!

I've read many of the negative reviews and just have to say that if you read the entire trilogy all will be revealed. I admit the title didn't seem to make sense at first, but it all ties in beautifully. The narrator is fantastic and each character can be distinguished. I read all three of the books before I did the audible thing and then re-read the books again.
People that compared it to Twilight or said there was too much sex; I don't know what the heck you were reading but it wasn't this book!
The writer merges paranormal, time travel and historical fiction in a way I have never read or listened to before. LOVE THIS TRILOGY.

you won't regret it!

one of the few books I'll read/listen to more than once!! perfect blend of adventure/fantasy, sci-fi, and romance with excellent dialogue

Interesting book

A mixture of the Twilight Series, Harry Potter and one of Dan Brown’s mysteries. Started slow but it grips you with interest and suspense later.

Great book! Great performance!

Great book! And great narration! The story was a good mix of Outlander and a lot of the Anne Rice books I read long ago. Am looking forward to finishing out the trilogy.

Love this book

Like story anyway, liked her voices and accents. She gives new imagery to the story and characters.