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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)

Featured Article: Seek Out the Strange and Supernatural with the 45 Best Paranormal Audiobooks


The folklore of just about every human culture is rife with stories that feature talking animals, shape-shifters, demons, witches, spirits, and more. Whether you arrive seeking horror, thrills, romance, or fantasy, there’s a title here for you. And with a slate of narrators that includes famous actors and award-winning voice artists, it’s impossible to go wrong with any of these picks.

What listeners say about A Discovery of Witches

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  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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  • A.
  • 04-04-15

Awesome!

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

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

yes! perfect fantasy novel

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

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • AJ
  • 10-22-15

Love.

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

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Satisfaction!

This series is deeply satisfying in so many ways. Additionally the reader is very talented.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Smart and Spellbinding

This book, both the text and the narration, caught my imagination from the beginning. It was a true pleasure.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Superb

Warning-plan to get the next book immediately. This one ends on a cliffhanger. The first time I read this I had to wait , and it was torture.
Deep characters with a strong female lead. A sensual love story and history lesson all in one.
Ms. Harkness's previous work as a historian is evident, but this lets her novelist soul free.

The performance was nice, but a little slow. I listened at X1.25 and it was paced much better.

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