A Witch With No Use For Magic

Summary of A Discovery of Witches

Diana Bishop is a curious and independent Yale University professor and historian. Unbeknownst to most colleagues and a few friends, she is also a witch, who has no use for magic. She is the last surviving descendant of Bridget Bishop, a witch who was executed during the Salem Witch Trials. Her parents died in a tragic turn of events in Africa, which scarred her from a tender age. Diana is raised by her aunts in Madison County, New York, before she pursues her education. 

Every summer, Diana travels to Oxford, England, to work and study alchemical manuscripts in the Bodleian Library. While furthering her research at the library, Diana sends for an ancient manuscript with the call number, Ashmole 782, and a few other books from the subterranean stacks. She opens it, and a surge of power is released, catching the attention of other creatures (daemons, witches, and vampires). 

Crap, she can’t hide anymore! The book has a spell on it. Now, she’s being watched; so, she sends the manuscript back. 

Matthew Clairmont, a vampire and Oxford University professor, is close by in the shadows along with the other creatures, and when he senses the change in the air. He investigates the power disturbance and finds a blond-haired, blue-eyed witch behind it. Diana fascinates him; so, he observes her movements. Matthew has been looking for The Book of Life or Ashmole 782 since 1859. He wants to understand his species origins, and he believes that the manuscript holds the answers.  

It is going to be a problem for him to get the book away from the witch. Life just got more complicated. Sigh. Matthew is having a bad day. 

Book Review  

A Discovery of Witches (ADOW) is a paranormal romance and historical fiction novel all rolled into one story. Deborah Harkness wrote the book in 2011, and it debuted No. 1 on New York Times Best Seller List. Harkness is a college professor, historian, and author from Southern California. Academic specialties for her include European history, the history of science and medicine, and Renaissance studies. This book is her first work of published fiction. 

Harkness has reimagined the world of vampires, witches, and daemons. She has a fresh twist on a well-worn genre. The author takes traditional paranormal lore, discusses it, and then she creates her own world’s reality with a different set of rules. For example, her novel lets vampires walk during the day and night, witches don’t fly on brooms, and daemons aren’t the spawn of the devil. All three groups live among humans in plain sight as anyone’s accountant, religious leader, teacher, doctor, college professor, librarian, or holistic practitioner. 

ADOW is a complex love story of two people, who isolate themselves from the reality of the world around them due to their emotional and mental wounds. Diana Bishop and Matthew Clairmont seem to be numb and just going through the routines of life without really living. Chaos and change ensue for them after Diana asks for Ashmole 782 at the library. 

Vampires, witches, and daemons aren’t supposed to be friends, date, or intermarry according to the Covenant, established by The Congregation. This council is the executive and judicial governing body for all creatures. Its policies over the centuries have incited prejudices, biases, and even racism between creatures. Diana and Matthew by just being together, break all the rules, which could mean death. 

Harkness blends the lives of Diana and Matthew in an intelligent, witty, fun, and emotional way. Diana and Matthew are believable and interesting characters. The cat and mouse games they play kept me up late reading more than once. I have the dark circles under my eyes to prove it. To me, that’s the sign of a good story. I can’t help but connect with the plight of these lovers. Diana and Matthew pull on my heartstrings. 

The overall storyline is excellent and in-depth. Harkness’s plot has a sustainable conflict and is entertaining throughout the piece. She tells a complicated story well with stacked themes, such as; prejudice, racism, tolerance, love, death, family, loyalty, survival, fear, courage, personal responsibility, and accountability. 

Harkness describes the settings with a true understanding of the locations of Oxford, Venice, France, and New York. I could feel the room temperatures, see the decorations, and sense the emotions of the characters interacting with Diana and Matthew. When Ysabeau de Clermont, Matthew’s mother, and maker, scolds him for bringing Diana to the castle and for other forms of so-called thoughtless behavior, I felt like a naughty little kid right alongside Matthew. My favorite place is Matthew’s tower at Sept-Tours in Saint-Lucien, France. Matthew’s hideaway is a place I could find myself retreating to for an escape. 

There are two things I didn’t get with this story. First creature yoga, the idea of vampires, witches, and daemons doing yoga in the various company seemed over the top and bit corny. Secondly, I wanted more of a backstory on the Congregation and its members earlier in the novel. It was long and difficult to figure out who and what the council was about. I didn’t find the Congregation threatening enough. The villains like Peter Knox, and Satu Järvinen needed more depth and explanation in the narrative. 

ADOW is worth your time, and energy. It is a good read worth repeating. 

Score

On a scale of 1-10, I give this book a 9. 

Melissa K. Cannell, Copyright 2020 

of Weber State University in Ogden, Utah.