REVIEW A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

 

It's been a while since my last review and I'm sorry about that. Things have been very busy lately. But here I am so please bear with me. 

While going through ancient texts in a library in Oxford, historian and witch Diana Bishop finds an ancient book that she refers to as Ashmole 782. Since she has wanted to distance herself from her magic and witch history so that she can continue to pass as human, she seeks to distance herself from that book as well by returning the book to the stacks. Unbeknownst to her, the book has been missing for centuries so her discovery and her ability to crack the code of the book has attracted the attention of vampires, demons and other witches. One of those vampires, Matthew Clairmont, has also been searching for that book and becomes drawn to Diana because he thinks she can lead him to it. He, however, soon finds himself drawn to her for reasons other than the book.

Harkness' writing style is intriguing, descriptive and lushly captivating. I felt immersed in the characters and their world. The characters are so developed that they are multifaceted and multilayered. They are complex, with intricate backstories, and yes, even flaws. They are far from perfect, which is refreshing.

I enjoyed it for sure.

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I hope that everyone had a great week! I'm sorry that I haven't been around - things h ave been very busy and I'm sick this weekend with a nasty cold and infected ear piercings.  I am begging forgiveness! I hope that everyone had a good Fourth.  I have a few reviews coming up.

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4. 11 best pizza placesbest pizza places near Times Square.
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7. On SecretSocieties.
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I hope that everyone has had a good week. I don't have many plans this weekend except to relax. I am taking a break from Shogun and reading Chris Bohjalian's new release. :) 

1. Turtleboy - who is he?
2. An Idaho Public Library is becoming adults only.
3. Refreshing salad recipes for the summer.
4. A Playlist of covers.
5. German novel wins booker prize
6. Books around the world.
7. inside Reese Witherspoon's literary empire.
8. ten facts about the novel, Jaws, on its 50th anniversary.

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I'm currently reading Shogun by Clavell, which is a tremendously long book - my apologies for not having a review up in a while! I promise to have one up soon. I'm looking forward to a weekend trip thatI have planned at the end of June.  It will be a much needed break for me.  In the meantime, everyone please enjoy!

1. 120 recommendations for nearly every kind of reader.
2. AMC's interview with a vampire.
3. Why writing by hand helps learning better than typing.
4. Alice Munro has passed away.
5. Novels about destructive women.
6. The Pyramids may have been built next to a river that no longer exists.

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It has been quite a week!  My allergies have been going bonkers and I have planned a trip to the North Country at the end of June. Happy Mother's Day to all celebrating.

1.  Zillow Goes Wild brings crazy listings to TV
2. What was the first religion:?
3. Original Harry Potter art is expected to g et millions at auction.
4. 2024 Pulitzer winners announced
5. The Death of the Hiker
6. Why the Unicorn is Scotland's national animal.
7. 15 best Gen X movies.
8. Real Life biologist that inspired Jaws
9. Ride testing occurring at a newly refurbished ride at Disney.

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I hope that everyone had a good week. The weather here  has been warm!  I've been alternating gym workouts with running outside. 

1. the 25 hardest schools to get into.
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3. There are 5 stress languages too.
4. Paul Auster has died.
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6. booking on SW is more affordable, in theory
7. Alaska's long history of serial killers
8. 12 myseries featuring POC, indigenous and Black protagonists.
9. 6 signs that the memory loss isn't normal.
10. Is there actual proof that Jesus existed?

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It's officially allergy season and I'm dying.  :( Time for the antihistamines!

1. 17 restaurants in Cape Cod that you must visit. 
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7. 9 pizza mysths to stop believing.
8. Original Blair Witch cast asks for residual 25 years after the release of the original.
9. Chris Pratt keeps himself on the s*** list.
10. Three types of detective duos!
11. Why does every famous woman seem to have a bookclub?