A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness is a novel that combines history, magic, romance and suspense in a story about a witch who finds a mysterious book and a vampire who wants to protect her. The book has received mixed reviews from critics and readers, some praising its originality and richness, others criticizing its clichés and length. In this article, I will summarize some of the main points of the reviews and give my own opinion on the novel.
The novel follows Diana Bishop, an academic historian of science who studies alchemy at Oxford. She is also a witch, but she tries to deny her powers and live a normal life. One day, she requests a book from the Bodleian library, and discovers that it is a palimpsest, a manuscript with hidden layers of text and images. The book, Ashmole 782, is enchanted and coveted by many supernatural creatures, including vampires, witches and daemons. Diana accidentally breaks the spell and attracts the attention of Matthew Clairmont, a handsome and wealthy vampire who is also a biochemist and a neuroscientist. He believes that the book contains secrets about the origin and evolution of their species, and he wants to help Diana unlock them. However, their alliance and attraction are forbidden by a covenant that prevents inter-species relationships. They also face danger from other creatures who want to get the book and use it for their own purposes.
The novel is the first in a trilogy, and it sets up a complex and intriguing world with many historical and scientific references. The author, Deborah Harkness, is a professor of history and an expert on the 17th century, the period when science and magic clashed and coexisted. She uses her knowledge to create a rich and detailed background for her characters and their adventures. She also explores themes such as identity, family, loyalty, freedom and love.
However, the novel is not without flaws. Some reviewers have pointed out that the plot is slow and repetitive, and that the characters are stereotypical and inconsistent. The heroine, Diana, is supposed to be smart and independent, but she often acts like a damsel in distress who needs to be rescued by the hero, Matthew. The hero, Matthew, is supposed to be noble and protective, but he often behaves like a possessive and controlling stalker who invades Diana’s privacy and autonomy. The romance between them is based on instant attraction and lacks depth and development. The novel also suffers from being too long and too dense, with many unnecessary details and subplots that distract from the main story.
In conclusion, A Discovery of Witches is a novel that has some strengths and some weaknesses. It is a creative and ambitious work that offers a new perspective on the genre of paranormal fiction. It is also a fun and entertaining read that can appeal to fans of history, magic and romance. However, it is also a flawed and frustrating work that can disappoint readers who expect more originality, consistency and logic. It is a novel that requires patience and suspension of disbelief, and that may not be for everyone.
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A Discovery of Witches (All Souls, #1) by Deborah Harkness | Goodreads
