A Discovery of Witches

All Souls, Book 1

By: Deborah Harkness

Narrated by: Jennifer Ikeda

Length: 23 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

Now a major Sky original production.

The number on international and Sunday Times best seller.

A Discovery of Witches is the first in the must-have, must-listen All Souls trilogy.

It begins with absence and desire. It begins with blood and fear. It begins with a discovery of witches.

Diana Bishop, a young scholar and descendant of witches, discovers a long-lost and enchanted alchemical manuscript deep in Oxford's Bodleian Library. Its reappearance summons a fantastical underworld, which she must navigate with a vampire, Matthew Clairmont.

This manuscript, Ashmole 782, holds the secrets of their past...and the key to their future.

©2011 Deborah Harkness (P)2011 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Rich, thrilling...captivating." (E. L. James)

"Intelligent and off-the-wall." (The Sunday Times)

"A bubbling cauldron of illicit desire." (Daily Mail)

Interesting and Different

Would you consider the audio edition of A Discovery of Witches to be better than the print version?

Yes

What did you like best about this story?

It wasn't just about vampiral sexual exploits which made a nice difference.

Which scene was your favorite?

Most of it was good although I liked it when Dianna fell into Mathews arms at the library for the first time.

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

Vampire bewitched

very good, but wish I'd known part of series

I quite enjoyed this book, but I really wish I'd known it only begins the story! The character development was well done with the exception of Matthew, who I found a little too unrealistic, but it was fun nonetheless because let's face it, us girls love a ridiculously unrealistic romantic lead - romance *is* escapism after all ;) I'm assuming this is part of a series, although it isn't listed as such. Frustrating - I love wading through long series, but I prefer to know before I begin. Sort of spoiled an otherwise enjoyable listen, so I figured I'd review this to let people know (without spoilers) that this is just part one of a story. If this is all there is, I must say I'll be deeply disappointed.

The best witch story

What an incredible witch/vampire/demon story, great narration, makes you feel
Like your right there, participating.

Fun Journey Through The Supernatural World

Where does A Discovery of Witches rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is one of the best audio books I've listened to. Second only to the True Blood series for content and performance by the narrator.

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoyed the premise of the story - a story about a historian and witch who doesn't want to use her (immense) powers meets enigmatic vampire and sets about changing supernatural laws whilst trying to discover the whereabouts of an important manuscript that could change all of their lives forever.

Characters are interesting - storyline is intruiging and even though it can be a little predicable in places, it's unusual enough the rest of the time to keep your interest.

Best part about this story so far though is the awesome narration. The narrator is an amazing actor and does flawless accents (including English and French!) which really adds depth and flavour to the book.

Really, really enjoyable to listen to! I recommend this book and am looking forward to listening to the sequel.

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

My favourite character so far is, strangely, Isabeau. Small part (as yet) but I just loved the accented characterisation.

Who was the most memorable character of A Discovery of Witches and why?

The most memorable character for me is definitely the protagonist, Diana. As the story develops and she discovers more and more about her powers, she becomes more interesting. She's feisty, independent, very intelligent and a very powerful witch. In a supernatural story, it doesn't get much better.

Any additional comments?

Love the book and looking forward to the next installment. Read it. It's lots of fun!

Amazing had the time of my life

Going binge listing to them all. Jennifer gives a stunning performance with the different voices and accents.. Entertaining as hell.

Love It

I just couldn't stop reading this book. It is such a combination of a love story & history that I found it very intriguing. Add in the supernatural and you really have a winner. I really hope that there is going to be a follow up novel because I would really like this story to continue. Loved the combination of Diana & Matthew.

I highly recommend!

I fell in love with Diana and Matthew's story after discovering the series. As I wait for the release of the third (and final) season, I started this, and was not at all disappointed. I enjoyed the narrator's performance. Overall, I couldn't get enough.

Easy Enjoyable listening

I was obsessed with the show and needed more after season 2 and this definitely filled the spot. I enjoyed the narration and her variety of accents- probably because I suck at accents so it was nice to hear the changes- I wish it could have been co-read with a male voice because Matthews voice came across a bit lacklustre at times- but honestly- for me this was worth the credit- especially if you enjoyed the show.

Loved it.

Any additional comments?

Narration was excellent. Like to list narration first as it can make or break a story.

Love the story and will be looking forward to the next installment.

I really enjoy it when readers with similar reading interests list their favourite authors and series. It really helps me find new authors too follow. Mine are Charlaine Harris, Jeaniene Frost, Jennifer Estep, Faith Hunter, Molly Harper, Ilona Andrews, Kresley Cole, Deborah Harkness, Nalini Singh.

Happy Reading

Great

I loved listening to this story. The open ended final chapter leaves plenty of scope for a sequel...........please!!