“Magic is desire made real.”
by Deborah Harkness, A Discovery of Witches
Author: Deborah Harkness
Published: 2011
Publisher: Penguin Books
Pages: 579
Format: Paperback
Genres: Fiction — Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Urban fantasy, Fantasy romance, Paranormal romance
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About Author
When I first read A Discovery of Witches, I couldn’t help but sense how deeply personal it felt—like the work of someone who truly lived in the world of books, history, and magic. That’s exactly what Deborah Harkness, an American historian, novelist, and scholar, brings to her storytelling. Born in 1965 near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she grew up between American-born and British-born influences, later studying at Mount Holyoke College (1986), Northwestern University (1990), the University of California, Davis (1994), and Oxford University in England. As a professor at the University of Southern California, she’s well-regarded for her courses in science, medicine, and the history of magic. Her early non-fiction works—John Dee’s Conversations with Angels: Cabala, Alchemy and the End of Nature (1999) and The Jewel House: Elizabethan London and the Scientific Revolution (2007)—already showed her fascination with the European past and how humans have long sought magical understanding.
That same passion spills into her fiction, especially the All Souls Trilogy, which began in 2011 with the best-selling novel, A Discovery of Witches. The historical fiction tale follows a modern witch who finds an ancient manuscript at Oxford University’s Bodleian Library, awakening creatures, daemons, and even a 1,500-year-old French vampire named Matthew Clairmont. Its sequel, Shadow of Night, and The Book of Life carried the series into over 34 countries, earning praise from The New York Times and the San Antonio Express-News, which called it a “fairy tale for adults.” The books appeared in hardback, e-book, and audiobook formats across the US, UK, Canada, and Ireland, and inspired a television series by BadWolf, where Harkness served as executive producer. The show premiered on Sky One in the UK on September 14, 2018, and later streamed on NOW TV and Netflix. Its international distribution was handled by Sky Vision, and the TV series expanded into seasons 2 and 3, based on Shadow of Night and The Book of Life—with Season 2 (10 episodes, 2021) and Season 3 (7 episodes, 2022).
Book summary
When I first picked up Deborah Harkness’s enchanted book, I was instantly drawn into the Oxford world of Diana Bishop, a scholar lost in the quiet corners of the Bodleian Library. Her discovery of an alchemical manuscript feels like uncovering a missing treasure hidden for centuries, wrapped in mystery, sorcery, and magic. As a witch trying to live a human life, Diana’s encounter with the bewitched manuscript pulls her into an underworld filled with daemons, vampires, and witches, each one bound by ancient taboos and secrecy. Among them, the vampire Matthew Clairmont, a geneticist and scholar, becomes both her guide and her temptation, their relationship blooming into a forbidden love that dances between passion, danger, and destiny. The story is steeped in alchemy, witchcraft, and occult knowledge, painting a magical world where romance, suspense, and realism coexist. Harkness weaves history, academia, and fantasy with such mesmerizing skill that it feels both ancient and contemporary, echoing the sensual tone of Twilight and the dark allure of Anne Rice. Reading it was like walking through Oxford’s stacks, surrounded by ancient lore, gothic supernaturalism, and a sense of enchantment that left me completely spellbound.
Plot
When I first started reading A Discovery of Witches, it reminded me of the sense of wonder I felt during the hobbit book talk or when I wrote my caraval book review—that same rush of magic, mystery, and unexpected depth. The plot in this fantasy is both captivating and deeply original, mixing forbidden romance, witches, vampires, and daemons in a hidden world that feels both plausible and otherworldly. Deborah Harkness, drawing on her academic background as a scholar and historian, builds a story filled with scientific and historical details, blending magic with modern academics in a way that feels refreshing and real.
The book begins with Diana Bishop, a witch and Oxford University professor, who accidentally discovers an ancient manuscript called Ashmole 782 while doing research in the library. This book, which has been missing for centuries, holds secrets about creatures, their origins, and their powers. Her discovery catches the attention of Matthew Clairmont, a vampire, scientist, and deeply mysterious figure. Their friendship soon turns into something more an instinctual, forbidden love that defies the laws set by the Congregation.
As the story unfolds, the romance between Diana and Matthew becomes the emotional core. Like in my americanah review, where cultural and emotional divides shape relationships, here it’s the ancient covenant that bans relationships between creatures. Yet, they continue to protect and support each other despite the dangerous consequences. Their bond feels powerful and tender at once—star-crossed lovers in a dark, adult fantasy that’s full of emotion and risk.
The writing is filled with vivid descriptions and a natural balance between action, character building, and quiet moments of introspection. Every page feels carefully crafted, and even the slower sections add depth to the characters and their journey. I found myself immersed in this world, almost breezing through the pages despite its length. Like I mentioned in my holly black review, good fantasy isn’t just about magic, it’s about making the characters feel alive—and Harkness does exactly that here.
The series, also known as the All Souls Trilogy, mixes mythology, alchemy, and romantic intrigue. The creatures—Witches, Vampires, Demons, and humans—are written with such care that their stories intertwining feel effortless. I admired how Harkness expanded the mythology beyond clichés, giving vampires depth and witches complexity. Matthew, the hero, is an ancient, brooding, and deeply brilliant figure, while Diana grows from a hesitant woman into a powerful witch, uncovering her true potential and the bound magic her parents left behind.
The world building here stands beside the visual imagination of the night circus review, layered with modern, realistic, and historical textures. The Oxford setting, the rules of the Congregation, and the sense of secrecy make the realm both familiar and strange. I loved how the writing kept its pace, maintaining a mix of mystery, romance, and academic curiosity without ever losing emotional warmth.
Every reread of this book reveals something new—the subtle details, the creatures’ histories, the power struggles that define them. From Ysabeau and Em to Sarah and Gallowglass, every character adds weight to the series, showing the complexity of love, loyalty, and family across centuries. The story feels timeless yet modern, a blend of dark fantasy academia that reflects both passion and intellect.
Having explored similar genres through works like caraval book review, the night circus review, and holly black review, I can say that A Discovery of Witches holds its own space—an adult fantasy that celebrates knowledge, magic, and romantic courage. It’s a book that demands attention, rewards patience, and proves that even forbidden love can illuminate the darkest corners of the hidden world.
Overall Conclusion
In the end, A Discovery of Witches stands as a beautifully written blend of romance, fantasy, and historical intrigue that proves Deborah Harkness understands both the magic of storytelling and the depth of human emotion. Through Diana Bishop and Matthew Clairmont, the series explores forbidden love, academic curiosity, and the timeless struggle between power and destiny. The writing is vivid, the characters feel real, and the world building—from Oxford’s library to the hidden societies of witches, vampires, and daemons—is immersive and unforgettable. Whether you enjoy dark fantasy, romantic drama, or rich historical detail, this book offers a captivating and original experience that lingers long after the final page.
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