A Spellbinding Story of Magic, Memory, and Finding Your Power
Some books come to you at exactly the right time. A Discovery of Witches felt like one of those books for me — quiet but powerful, steeped in history and wonder, and layered with themes that lingered long after I turned the last page. It’s the first book in Deborah Harkness’s All Souls Trilogy, and it completely swept me away.
The Premise
Diana Bishop is a historian at Oxford who has spent her life rejecting her magical lineage. One day in the Bodleian Library, she unknowingly calls up a long-lost, enchanted manuscript, Ashmole 782, that sets off a chain of supernatural events. This discovery pulls her into a world of witches, daemons, and vampires, including the brilliant and mysterious vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont.
As they uncover the secrets of the manuscript, Diana and Matthew are drawn deeper into a centuries-old conflict and toward each other. But their relationship is forbidden by long-standing magical laws, making their journey even more complicated and dangerous.
Why I Loved It
1. It’s Smart and Atmospheric
If you love richly detailed settings, historical references, and stories that feel grounded in reality even while exploring the supernatural, this book is a treat. Harkness is a historian, and it shows in the best way. Oxford comes alive in her writing, and so do the themes of alchemy, science, and legacy.
2. It Honors the Quiet Kind of Power
Diana isn’t your typical fantasy heroine. She’s cautious, intelligent, and reluctant to use magic. But that’s what makes her journey so powerful — watching her begin to accept, and then embrace, who she truly is. There’s something incredibly relatable about her struggle to shrink herself in order to fit in, and then slowly rediscovering her voice and strength.
3. The Romance Feels Earned
Diana and Matthew’s relationship isn’t instant or shallow. It unfolds slowly, with respect, tension, and emotional depth. Their conversations are thoughtful, their connection grounded in shared intellect as much as attraction. I appreciated how their story didn’t overpower the plot, but instead deepened the emotional stakes.
What to Expect
This isn’t a fast-paced fantasy novel. It builds slowly, weaving in world-building, character development, and emotional undercurrents. If you prefer action-packed stories, this might feel a bit slow at first, but if you enjoy stories that simmer and stay with you, this is well worth the investment.
It’s also the kind of book that sparks curiosity. I found myself googling alchemical texts and historical references while reading, not because I had to, but because I wanted to. Harkness creates a world that feels real and lived-in, and I loved every minute of being immersed in it.
Favorite Quote:
“It begins with absence and desire.
It begins with blood and fear.
It begins with a discovery of witches.”
This line opens the book and sets the tone for everything that follows. It gave me chills.
My Rating: 5.5/5
Yes, I’m bending the rules. This story just hit all the right notes for me. It was thoughtful, emotional, magical, and unexpectedly inspiring. I loved the way it made me reflect on identity, power, and the courage it takes to stop hiding.
Want to Read It?
If you’re ready to dive into a richly woven world of witches, vampires, and a centuries-old mystery, I highly recommend this one.
👉 Buy A Discovery of Witches on Amazon
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Have you read this book or are you planning to? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. And if you’ve read the whole trilogy, no spoilers please, but let me know if I should keep going.
