A Discovery of Witches

By Deborah Harkness

Diana Bishop, a young professor studying in Oxford, discovers an illuminated manuscript that had been lost for over 150 years. It calls to the witch powers inside her that she has refused to use. Fighting her instincts, she returns the book to the library, and a horde of creatures come looking for it. Vampires, Daemons, and Witches are determined to use Diana to recover the lost book that explains each creature species origins.

With Matthew Clairmont, an ancient vampire, dogging her every move, and witches and daemons refusing to leave her alone, Diana tries to recall the manuscript in an effort to return to her normal life. The book is nowhere to be found. With her secret out and her life in danger, Matthew whisks her off to France to protect her.

While there, Diana falls deeper in love with her vampire savior. However Matthew is hoarding secrets that may change her mind. Disobeying the Covenant to keep the species separated, Matthew and Diana continue their relationship.

Kidnapped by a witch from the Congregation, Diana is tortured to trigger her magic. When it didn’t work, she was left in an oubliette to die. While there she is comforted by the ghosts of her parents, and finds a way to release her magic. Matthew rescues her with the help of his brother, and they travel to Diana’s aunt’s house to help her control her newfound powers.

Will Diana learn control fast enough to protect herself? Will all the secrets be revealed?

I really enjoyed this book. One of my favorite scenes is Diana entering the stables in France for the first time. The personality the author incorporated into the horse, Balthasar, makes him seem like a mischievous animal that likes getting the best of his owner, but has fallen completely under Diana’s spell.