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)

Clever mix of history, mythology, and supernatural

Who was your favorite character and why?

Matthew Clairmont is my most liked character because he brings historical references into the mix due to his centuries of existence

What aspect of Jennifer Ikeda’s performance would you have changed?

Unsure

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

There were moments when I didn't want to stop listening and other moments where I felt the story dragged a bit, but overall I really enjoyed the book! I have recommended this book to all my girlfriends.

Any additional comments?

I love how this fictional tale has historical detail added to make it feel real to the reader!

Loved everything about it!

Can't wait for the next one! Great story..the narrator was exceptional, transitioning from one character to the other, never missing a beat with the accents. I couldn't put it down.

amazing history to embark on

it makes me feel in love all over again with the history of the love for vampires and witches

Wow

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

What can I say other than I loved, loved, loved it. It got of to a little slow start but it rapidly began to weave a story that I couldn't take my headphones off at home, work, or play. If you loved "Twilight" it will quickly become a second to "The Discovery of Witches"

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Discovery of Witches?

One of my most memorable moments of "A Discovery of Witches" When Isabo took Diana out hunting with her. I could see the whole scene in my head. WOW!!!!

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

No

Love the academia

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

As an English major, I have absolutely loved the historical back story. I love how rich the characters are and the complexity of the story. However, I wish there was more action (hence the 4 rather than the 5). It's not exactly her nature, but I really want Diana to kick some butt!

Can't wait to start the next in the series!

For me it started out slow and I was about to loose interest in the first chapter or two, but it really picked up and I couldn't wait to get home from work to hear more! I hope the next two in the series will be as entertaining. Enjoy!

Entertaining

I enjoyed the story and the narration. It had a slow start; I almost put it down a few times. Now I am glad that I persisted as the story and characters grew on me. Despite that fact that it seemed to start slow, I felt the end was a bit abrupt (thankfully the next book seems to pick up where the other left off). I enjoyed the history/science that was brought into the book. Overall I would recommend it.

Held my interest very well!

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

I am one of those people who loses interest easily. For example I couldn't make it through Divergent although I really liked the movie. This audio book held my interest easily. So many interesting characters. My favorite was the tempormental house. This isn't the very best audio book I have ever listened to but it was very enjoyable. Not great literature but great fun. I am here today to get the other two books in the series.

What did you like best about this story?

The house that takes things.

What about Jennifer Ikeda’s performance did you like?

She was good.

Blew me away!

I resisted picking this one up for a while now. I had bought some extra credits at a discount, so I had them to blow when I decided to grab it. After listening to several spy books in a row, I decided I wanted to give something else a try. Craving a longer read (listen ;) I clicked on this book.

OMG OMG OMG - I WAS HOOKED INSTANTLY : D

I love alchemy, witches, old libraries - so the first few paragraphs welcomed me right in... then it was vampires and magic and demons and secret societies and evolutionary revolutions... I never imagined that stumbling onto this book would draw me in so fast and then completely, much less have me listening into the night - falling asleep with the buds still in my ears. Then after listening for hours to realize this was NOT contained to one book BUT THREE. I was appalled LOL. And simultaneously thrilled; I would get to spend much more time in this extensive universe that is wondrously imagined and incredibly well written.

Thanks for the GREAT read - I can barely wait for the follow ups - bring them on as fast as possible without giving up the quality! btr

adult bewitching fantasy

this is a perfect book to accompany activity or rest. The language is simple, the structure uncomplicated, and the story of love and adventure between witches, vampires, and demons very compelling indeed.