I just finished reading A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness. This book is the first of a trilogy - so there is a cliff hanger at the end. It is a modern day tale of a woman, Diana Bishop, who is a "witch" by birth but refuses to use her magic. In this world, humans do not know of the existence of vampires, daemons, and witches. Diana is a historian researching alchemy as the basis of modern science. While doing research at Oxford's Bodliean Library, she calls forth a book, Ashmole 782, that has been missing for centuries. It seems that the Witches and Vampires want it also, thinking it is the answer to all their questions of origin, power and future. So begins the events that happen to bring Diana under the control of the different factions. In walks, Matthew Clairmont, vampire hotness extraordinaire....
The tale weaves in historical facts and people, while telling an exciting story of danger and some romance. It is not your typical vampire story, and has unique twists to it. The only thing I was a little dissapointed in was the romance...well not the romance, that is pretty good. But they are adults and if they are as much in love as the story tells, then I would find it hard to believe that they abstain from sex, in their situation. (Can't say more or it would be a spoiler!) But maybe the will of a vampire and historian is better than mine would be! LOL Anyway, the story ends on a big cliff-hanger, setting up for the next book, Shadow of Night, which will be released July 10, 2012. Can't wait to get my hands on it!
Think I will get the audiobook and listen to it while I wait for Shadow of Night! Highly recommend this book!
