A Discovery of Witches

A Discovery of Witches

A Discovery of Witches
Deborah Harkness

I wanted to like this book. I really did. I mean, as much as I'm a fan of "literary" fiction and the classics, I still like a good vampire & witches story every now and then. And this one started off strong.

Diana Bishop is descended from a long line of powerful witches, but she's rejected her magic when it didn't save her parents from a horrible, violent death. Now she's turned to academia. She's researching alchemy, which means she's poring over old must books in gorgeous libraries. Turns out one of these books holds some kind of secret regarding witches, vampires, and demons. Now every magical creature wants to get its hands on it, but it's protected by some sort of spell. When Harnkess is describing the details of the ancient texts, it's like magic (ha). You know that she's done these things, and she has a love for the written word. As a book lover myself, I was totally drawn in.

Unfortunately, Harkness seems to want to describe everything she loves. I do not need a wine lesson every 50 pages just because you're an expert on it. Vampires, demons, and witches do not need to form a supernatural yoga club just because you like yoga. It's just a bit much.

Also, Diana, hunter goddess witch extraordinaire - how many times do you have to be swept up and rescued? It's like she's a wilting violet one moment and an unstoppable force of nature the next. It doesn't make for a very believable character.

Speaking of unbelievable characters, wow, Matthew Clairmont. Wow. I cannot believe that a 1,500 year old vampire has not learned to keep control over his emotions. He's about to rip people's throats out because they tease him about his fashion choices (okay, maybe I exaggerate a tiny bit).

Don't get me started on the cheesy romance aspect. Just don't.

Bottom line: discover something else.