“It begins with absence and desire,” Deborah Harkness said. “It begins with blood and fear. It begins with a discovery of witches.” A Discovery of Witches is an enchanting novel that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat with its magic and mystery.

A Discovery of Witches, by Deborah Harkness, follows a chemistry historian turned witch named Diana Bishop as she navigates a world of vampires, evil, and love. Diana Bishop is studying in the Oxford Library, actively attempting to deny her upbringing as a witch, when Matthew Clairmont, a vampire, comes into her life. What follows is a tale of forbidden love, great happiness, and terrible misfortunes.

A Discovery of Witches is Harkness’ debut novel and the first in the All Souls Trilogy. The other two books, Shadow of Night and The Book of Life, have been published as well. The All Souls Trilogy is in the process of being adapted into a television show by Bad Wolf directors Jane Tranter and Julie Gardner.

One thing that makes A Discovery of Witches amazing is that it is full of rich history. Bishop is a descendant of the Salem witches. She is a historian who focuses on early chemistry, or alchemy. There are many historical aspects at play in the book, including a centuries-old mystery that several different people are trying to solve. As a result of the historical context, the book exudes a The Da Vinci Code vibe, which is mixed in with the fantasy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and the star-crossed love seen in Romeo and Juliet.

Harkness weaves an interesting tale of love, trials, mystery, and magic. It is a book that can simply not be put down, and I would give it four and a half out of five stars. I would recommend A Discovery of Witches wholeheartedly. The wonder begins with A Discovery of Witches.

Kathleen Kenney

A&E Writer