A Discovery of Witches Audiobook [Free Download by Trial]

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A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

The readers can download A Discovery of Witches Audiobook for free via Audible Free Trial.


Summary

A Discovery of Witches Audiobook by Deborah Harkness is a historical fantasy novel. It is the debut novel of the author and the first book in the All Souls trilogy. The novel follows the story of Diana Bishop is an alchemical history scholar at the University of Oxford. Dianna belongs to the family of Bishops a powerful family of witches. Diana has their powers within her but she is a reluctant witch and hides her powers from others.

Her current research requires her to go through ancient manuscripts in the Bodleian library. She comes across a manuscript Ashmole 782. The manuscript is also wanted by an army of vampires, demons, and witches and Diana ensnared in a centuries-old feud. As Diana was reading the book, she had a creepy feeling of having company and being watched over. She realizes that she is being watched over by a handsome young man who also happens to be a vampire.

Matthew Clairmont is a vampire who has lived for more than 1500 years. He wants the manuscript also. Matthew and Diana soon realize that they love lots of similarities. Diana slowly starts falling for him and soon they enter into a romantic relationship. Matthew constantly stalks and follows Diana on the pretext of watching her over and safeguarding her. Matthew and Diana start feeling a strong chemical bond and attraction towards each other. The adventurous journey of Diana and Matthew from one place to another and also backward in time forms the remainder of the novel.

Review

A Discovery of Witches Audiobook by Deborah Harkness was published first in 2011. It won mostly positive reviews from the readers and the critics. It became a New York Best Seller upon its release. The book has already been translated in 36 different languages. The book starts off as an intriguing fast-paced thriller, however, it does slow down later and the pace becomes leisurely. The author has captured the feelings and the romance between Diana and Matthew beautifully. The author develops the protagonist in a way that the readers will relate to them. The author details the Bodleian library and its manuscripts were very detailed and informative. The book will appeal to the readers who have interest in historical and fantasy genre.

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466 comments

  • The premise and storyline held potential, but the protagonist came across as rather foolish. Her naivety and immaturity felt unrealistic. It was quite comical when she tried to impress a vampire who had lived for 1500 years with her knowledge of tea, only to discover that he was completely unaware of it despite spending centuries in England. It almost seemed like the author set out to write a Harlequin Romance, substituting the romance with intellectual pursuits. Unfortunately, there was no chemistry whatsoever between the two characters. Lastly, the ending left much to be desired. It gave the impression that the book was originally much longer and the author decided to split it in half, in hopes of a sequel.
  • This book is such a disappointment! Although the initial chapters are captivating and skillfully crafted, don't be misled! In reality, it's an overly dramatic tale of love between a conceited, controlling vampire and a strong-willed, smart woman whom he manipulates into believing she's defenseless without him, and that everyone is out to get her.
  • I gotta be honest, this romance book is a bit too cheesy for my liking, and it definitely doesn't have that enticing clove aroma. I'm usually committed to finishing all my audio books, but this one might just take the cake for being the worst. Can we please have more exciting action and less of the constant shuddering and sniffing? Seriously, we could really use Ann Rice's talent right about now.
  • So, 'A Discovery of Witches' is basically a romance novel disguised as a supernatural fantasy story...meh. The characters are quite predictable for any thrilling adventure with a touch of romance. I wasn't impressed at all.
  • Listening to someone go on and on about the smell and taste of wine is beyond irritating, just like reading about it. Those 30-minute wine tastings and the constant sound of someone reading in the library can become mind-numbingly dull. I was really hooked on the first 5 hours of this book. It was captivating and exceptionally well-written. However, once the main characters started dating, the story started to drag. Plus, it didn't even have a proper ending. It left everything wide open for the next installment, which might have been fine if I had been more invested in the story. Apologies to those who loved it, but I prefer using my imagination to savor delicious food or admire a beautiful sunset. I don't need every single detail described at length for hours on end. Narration: The narrator did a fantastic job! Their performance truly saved the story in some moments.
  • The story line of 'A Discovery of Witches' is quite intriguing. However, the writing and editing of the audiobook could use some improvement. It feels like there are unnecessary hours that could be trimmed from the recording.
  • This book is written with such finesse and skill, exploring themes that have been around for ages in a refreshing way. The author and narrator truly deserve recognition for their exceptional work. I must confess, there were moments when I felt a strong urge to shake Diana, but her mental struggles make her character imperfect and relatable. Matthew, despite his flaws, is also quite endearing. Personally, I found Isobel to be the most captivating character. I always seem to have a soft spot for charming sociopaths. It's not a light-hearted or quick read, but it is definitely a worthwhile one. There were moments when I wished Harry Dresden (from Jim Butcher's series) would just come in and set everything ablaze, making things easier. Nevertheless, I believe the book is worth the credit and I'm glad I made the purchase. Enjoy!
  • I've been a loyal listener to the service for a while now, but this audiobook was definitely a misstep. Despite reading the reviews and listening to the preview, I still decided to give it a chance. Boy, was I mistaken. I've endured 7 hours of it and I simply can't handle any more. The story itself is dull, the characters are even more uninspiring, and their backstories and situations are completely outrageous and laughable. I kept finding myself muttering, "Give me a break, please!" Initially, I thought this might fall into the "Romance" category, but there isn't even a hint of romance within its pages. I was also hoping for a refreshing change from the usual vampire stories, with a focus on witches instead. Unfortunately, it turned out to be just another eye-rolling, head-shaking vampire tale. On top of that, it relentlessly rambles on and on about nothing, going absolutely nowhere. The narrator's delivery only exacerbates the issue, as their constant monotone or long-winded, overly dramatic sentences make it even worse. All in all, a complete waste of time and credits.
  • The book was well-executed, but occasionally dragged and had overly sentimental romantic moments. The created world is captivating and holds promise for the trilogy. The characters, particularly the supporting ones, are captivating and provide a healthy dose of mystery and humor. However, I suggest opting for reading the book instead of listening to it for a major and crucial reason - the narrator tries to portray the main male protagonist with a voice reminiscent of Truman Capote, rather than that of a powerful vampire leader. This completely spoils the book.
  • I've been listening to 'A Discovery of Witches' for around 16 hours now, and I have to say, I'm really struggling to continue. It's a constant battle between my curiosity about the plot and my dread of having to endure the book any longer, which isn't a good sign. The main character comes across as irritating and unrealistic, while the love interest fails to captivate my interest, and I couldn't detect any chemistry between them. By the time I reached the 9-hour mark, I found myself seriously confused as to whether these two characters were even meant to end up together. Again, not exactly a promising sign. The story feels like it's dragging on aimlessly, lacking any clear direction, and the writing is painfully obvious with no subtlety whatsoever. I'm not even angry about it; I didn't know a book could simultaneously be both dragging and painfully obvious. That's quite a feat.
  • I had to stick it out till the end to make sure I got my money's worth, but it was a painful experience. It felt like my first venture into romance novels and young adult fiction, which didn't go well. Honestly, this book seems more suited for overly romantic 14-year-olds with unrealistic ideas about adult relationships. This leads me to my main issue - the main characters lack maturity. The protagonist, who is meant to be a respected historian, behaves more like a middle-schooler. Her predominant emotion is "barely suppressed anger." And don't even get me started on the hero. He's another hot-headed character who craves constant ego stroking and submissiveness. Overall, this book is simply absurd.
  • I decided to return this book after just one hour of listening. The main character's only significant action during that time was opening a book and having a short, random, and "mysterious" interaction with a vampire. It felt like the editor was absent for this one, as the story went on and on without any concrete substance. The rambling about irrelevant matters was endless. Moreover, the absence of a discernible plot made me choose not to subject myself to over 20 hours of torture, so I opted to get my credit refunded.
  • After investing 9 hours into the audiobook, I'm still at a loss. I spent all that time listening to tedious and pointless descriptions of dinner outings between a vampire and a witch. The main plot concerning a missing manuscript is just hanging in limbo without any clear direction. I'm utterly perplexed. There's no sense of mystery or excitement, and despite the abundance of dates, there's a conspicuous absence of romance. I can't comprehend the high praise this novel has received. I blame myself for wasting a credit on this based on those reviews, but you shouldn't make the same mistake.
  • This book didn't quite hit the mark for me. If you're struggling with insomnia, you could pop in your earphones and let it lull you to sleep (and trust me, it will) for a solid 6 hours without missing anything significant. It's not that the author lacks writing skills; she actually does a commendable job in vividly describing the furniture in every place the protagonist visits, the ingredients of every meal she consumes, and every sensation she encounters. Moreover, the protagonist comes across as incredibly naive and inexperienced for someone who is supposed to be a powerful, mature witch. I had hoped for an entertaining read, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. So, there's really no need to endure the rest of it.
  • What's the deal with all the unnecessary background information? Why did it take forever for the plot to actually get interesting? And can we talk about the lackluster romance? Man, I really had high hopes for this book. But unfortunately, it just didn't do it for me. Such a letdown.
  • While the beginning of the book may have followed a predictable and cliched path, it was written skillfully and provided a great deal of enjoyment. The characters were well-developed, and I found myself genuinely attached to them, making it difficult to say goodbye when the book came to an end. Despite its lengthy duration of over 24 hours, I was left yearning for more. My only grievance with the book lies in its peculiar inclusions, like yoga classes for vampires, which seemed unnecessary and left me questioning their purpose. These little details that were scattered throughout the book didn't enhance the story but rather detracted from it. However, the narrator's exceptional job in portraying the voices and accents of the characters was commendable, leaving me eagerly anticipating the next installment in this series.
  • As someone who thoroughly enjoys genre fiction, I was really eager about diving into the world of witches, alchemy, and more with 'A Discovery of Witches', boasting over 20 hours of content. However, it was disappointing to find that the author missed the mark when it comes to the art of "show, don't tell" in writing. The character development feels forced or uninteresting, lacking that depth that truly draws you in. While the concept may have potential, Deborah Harkness' storytelling abilities fall short, resembling the kind of novels you'd find at the checkout aisle of a grocery store. I would recommend skipping this one and instead exploring the works of China Mieville, Neil Gaimen, Ian Treqillis, Octavia Butler, or Susanna Clark, for a more fulfilling audio experience.
  • The beginning of 'A Discovery of Witches' caught my attention with an intriguing premise and the promise of a developing storyline, which held strong for the first portion of the book. However, as the story progressed, it fell short of its potential. There were numerous half-formed ideas that were not fully explored, and the excessive amount of detail weighed the plot down, hindering its advancement. At times, the narrative became confusing and even bordered on being cheesy. The second half of the book had me rolling my eyes more times than I can count. In order to finish the book, I had to increase the playback speed to 1.25 or 1.5, as the excessive focus on mundane details made the pacing painfully slow and uninteresting. Furthermore, the book concluded abruptly, leaving me with the impression that the author struggled with how to end it. As a result, I have no plans to continue reading the rest of the series.
  • The only reason I stuck with this audiobook was because of the author's extensive and captivating portrayal of witches, daemons, vampires, history, and the enchanting setting of Oxford. Plus, let's be honest, I already paid for it. Maybe it's just me, but when I dive into a book featuring a witch, I anticipate a strong, independent protagonist who takes charge of her destiny. Unfortunately, this particular witch falls short in that department and fails to grow into a true heroine. Her role in the plot consists of being born with impressive magical abilities, being sheltered, reading, doing yoga, taking luxurious baths, catching up on sleep, expressing her bewilderment, getting kidnapped, complaining about having to put effort into her magic, and ultimately sacrificing herself for her significant other. There's no denying that she does not measure up to the hero's level. The author tries to convince us that the witch is brave through the hero and other characters repeatedly saying so, but it feels forced and reminiscent of poorly written romance novels where the hero does things that don't align with the story. Frankly, the witch's actions throughout the book demonstrate nothing more than her cluelessness and stubbornness. She would have been a perfect fit for a heroine in a romance novel from the 1950s or 1960s.
  • I had high hopes for this book, and initially, I found the first 8 hours of the audiobook somewhat enjoyable. I had the impression that the story was building up towards something significant. However, my expectations were not met, and I ended up skipping through most of the second tape. By the time I reached the third tape, it felt like the author had lost focus and forgot the main premise of the story. I won't be using another credit on the assumed time travel element that was being set up for the second book. While the book had some great characters, it became confusing and lost its direction midway, leaving me unsure of what the author intended to convey.
  • I really hate to admit it, but I had to throw in the towel on A Discovery of Witches halfway through. While the narrator did a decent job, tackling different accents and genders with ease, the lackluster storytelling just didn't do it for me. The plot barely moved forward, leaving me as clueless about where the story was headed as I was before I even started listening, based solely on the publisher's summary. Now, don't get me wrong, I do appreciate attention to detail and a hefty novel, but this one seemed to waste endless words on telling instead of showing. Rather than diving into exciting and engaging developments, Deborah Harkness seemed more interested in obsessing over Diana's feelings whenever Matthew glanced her way or drooling over Matthew's impeccable fashion choices and luxurious homes. It felt like Harkness was fixated on the romance between the witch and vampire, neglecting any potential for truly compelling character exploration. Diana came across as an irritatingly reluctant witch, while Matthew was merely a Vampire In Name Only (VINO), breaking all the typical vampire rules by not needing to feast on human blood, avoiding sunlight, or sleeping in a coffin. Instead, they embarked on yoga classes together and indulged in extravagant meals, occasionally crossing paths with other witches or demons. And that's pretty much the gist of it.
  • Witches, vampires, demons, and even ghosts - this audiobook has it all, except for werewolves strangely enough. With an intriguing plot centered around an ancient alchemical manuscript and an unsolved murder, I found myself more engaged in the story than the main characters themselves. Diana Bishop, a scholarly and emotionally closed-off witch, crosses paths with Matthew Clairmont, a charismatic vampire. Their attraction is immediate, but it's unclear why. Both characters lack depth and are rather unremarkable, with Diana being insipid, insecure, and irrational, and Matthew being autocratic and superior. The constant repetition of Matthew calling Diana "mon coeur" becomes quite grating. Their interactions mostly consist of making demands and issuing ultimatums, making them uninteresting and unsympathetic. By the end of the 24 hours and 2 minutes, I was thoroughly tired of them and indifferent to their fate. Narrator Jennifer Ikeda does a decent job, although some of her character voices become annoying after a while. Perhaps this is more indicative of the underdeveloped characters rather than the narration itself. There is potential in Deborah Harkness' writing, which is why I managed to finish the audiobook. Hopefully, she will continue to improve and deliver a truly outstanding next book.
  • I regret not waiting for more reviews before buying this audiobook. I was misled by a few positive reviews at the beginning. I have to say, this book is incredibly dull and monotonous, and the narration doesn't help either. Even with a better narrator, I doubt it would have made much of a difference because the story itself lacks any intrigue or excitement. With witches, vampires, and demons as the main theme, I was hoping for at least some suspense or unexpected twists, but unfortunately, it fell short. I cannot recommend it.
  • I should've checked the reviews beforehand, as now I'm left with what feels like a Twilight imitation. The writing isn't terrible, but I have no interest in the characters' meals, fashion choices, or the exhaustive details of their passionate kisses. It would've been nice to have a solid storyline, but it seems to have been overshadowed by the constant wardrobe changes. Unless you're a fan of romance novels, I'd suggest saving your credit. I guess, for a romance, it's not the worst option out there.
  • I've got a massive collection of 610 books on my shelf, and I just had to write my first review for this one. Deborah Harkness has crafted a truly captivating tale with "A Discovery of Witches." The intricate details are absolutely captivating, and the characters Diana and Matthew come alive right from the opening pages. Jennifer Ikeda does an outstanding job narrating the story, with impeccable timing and great control over her voice, volume, and pitch. Let me tell you, Harkness better hurry up and finish that second book because I can't wait to get my hands on it!
  • I gotta be honest, 'A Discovery of Witches' is not exactly the most thrilling book I've come across. It's been dragging on for what feels like forever and I've been struggling to make it to the end for days now.
  • Is it really that effortless to get a book published nowadays? I can't believe I'm saying this, but I couldn't bear to listen to this audiobook for more than four hours. It's just downright terrible. The story is dull, the characters are unlikable and unrelatable, the narration is subpar, and there's absolutely no sense of being in England (it could have easily taken place at Harvard or, you know, UCLA). Honestly, the title should have been "My Vampire Boyfriend's Cool Qualities According to Me". This book genuinely made me feel disgusted. After listening to it on the bus, I came home feeling irritable. Eventually, I realized that it was because I wasted my precious credit and valuable time on this amateurish garbage. Can we please stop with the whole 500-year-old vampires falling in love with women in their early thirties? What's the deal with that - are they stuck in a perpetual state of immaturity or what?
  • I'm currently halfway through the book, and it feels like there hasn't been much progress in the story. The romantic relationship between the characters hasn't developed yet, and the antagonists chasing the protagonist haven't made any significant moves. If I hear one more mention of wine, I might lose my mind. It feels like I'm reading a college textbook, dry and seemingly never-ending. I keep waiting for the plot to pick up and become exciting, but after 8 hours of listening, I'm still waiting for something to happen. Frankly, the book could benefit from better editing to remove the unnecessary filler and focus on the main story. I honestly don't understand how so many people enjoyed this book.
  • I've been on the hunt for supernatural fantasy novels that don't revolve around a supposedly powerful woman who focuses solely on her appearance and relies on mysterious men for protection. Once again, my search has led me to disappointment. I can't tell if the author was attempting to take the usual tropes and demonstrate that they could be executed well, or if she simply saw an opportunity to capitalize on recent trends. It's perplexing why this book received so much hype, as it falls into the realm of mediocrity and lacks originality, aside from a slightly different setting and lengthier sentence structure compared to other books in this genre. It encompasses everything that's negative about the surge of chic lit disguised as fantasy, from the whiny and helpless heroine to the repetitive descriptions of her outfits.
  • The description of this book turned out to be quite misleading in my opinion. I was initially intrigued by the premise of witches, vampires, and demons, as well as the mysterious magical book. However, I was disappointed to find that the story seemed to revolve too much around the main character's desire to engage in sexual encounters with vampires. To be honest, I couldn't really understand the appeal, and the "love story" aspect of the novel became increasingly unappealing as I progressed through the book. Furthermore, it felt like the author lost sight of the main storyline, resulting in confusion towards the end regarding the characters' actions and motivations. Essentially, the book ended up feeling like an adult version of "Twilight". On one hand, the main character is portrayed as the most powerful witch ever, but on the other hand, she constantly relies on others to take care of her and treat her like a baby. To make matters worse, the aspect of the story that actually intrigued me, namely the mystery surrounding the "magic book", along with most of the other conflicts, remained unresolved by the end. Even with the introduction of a few convenient plot devices like an enchanted house and time travel, the author failed to properly tie the story together. Needless to say, I have no intention of reading any potential sequels if they are ever written.
  • You would expect an absorbing read with an ancient manuscript, modern-day witches, vampires, and demons in 'A Discovery of Witches'. However, it falls short of being great literature. The character development is lacking, there is no real sense of danger, and the vampire is toothless, taking our hesitant witch heroine for lattes and yoga classes. The book is weighed down by endless tedious details, obscure Latin quotes, and excessive references to smells. By the end of the first installment, I found myself wondering if anything exciting would ever happen. The love story didn't move me, the mystery failed to captivate me, and I ultimately had to abandon it, especially after learning from another review that the ending was not a resolution but a setup for the next book.
  • This novel was way too long, lasting for 24 hours when it could have been cut down to 12. I found myself dozing off multiple times, and it didn't seem like I missed anything important when I jumped back in. If you really want to read it, I suggest borrowing it from the library instead of wasting your money. The author could benefit from a skilled editor to make her writing more readable. She should also remove the unnecessary passages about food, exercise, wine, and old books that don't contribute to the plot and just drag on. The last part of the book was the most enjoyable, but be aware that it's part of a trilogy, so just as things start to get interesting, you'll have to wait for the next installment. The main character, who is supposed to be "special," actually comes across as irritating, reliant, passively aggressive, and overly infatuated with a physically attractive Vampire who doesn't want to consummate their marriage yet. Warning: proceed with caution!
  • I've bought a bunch of service books, but this one made me break my silence and write a review. Let me tell you, I absolutely adored this book! It had me glued right from the first 5 minutes, it was so well-written. The storyline was a breath of fresh air compared to a lot of similar books out there. And can we talk about the narrator? They were amazing and truly made the story captivating. I'm definitely going to dive into more books by this author and narrator, no doubt about it!
  • I was initially intrigued by the storyline, but then it veered towards a lackluster romance. While it could have been acceptable, the author took different paths and left me hanging in the end. There were captivating plot points that were introduced but left unresolved. The potential for a meaningful romance was there, but it also left me hanging. The exploration of witches and spells was limited, and although the author touched upon several intriguing concepts, they weren't explored in depth. I felt let down, but I persevered and finished the book. I believe it had the potential to be so much more, with great ideas that ultimately left me hanging.
  • I couldn't get through this book, and that's not something I do often. The characters are irritating and underdeveloped, the plot fails to pick up, and it's excessively lengthy and tedious. There's an excessive focus on describing clothing, scents, and food, yet the language is dull and monotonous. It's clearly attempting to be a "Twilight" for grown-ups, but at least "Twilight" had a somewhat silly but engaging storyline.
  • This book has some positive aspects: a captivating mystery, well-developed characters, and intriguing references to medieval and renaissance literature. However, it gets weighed down by an overly sentimental and ridiculous romance between the two main characters. This treatment ends up making them feel shallow and silly. I found myself rolling my eyes at the constant declarations of love and the exaggerated descriptions of the protagonist's attire. The character portrayals are filled with clichés, such as the wealthy and sophisticated French vampire reminiscent of Anne Rice's style, and the central character Diana Bishop, who appears tough on the outside but is actually a soft-hearted individual in need of a man to help her unlock her hidden powers. I couldn't help but think of her as a modern-day Nancy Drew, capable of everything from horseback riding to seducing vampires with her magical abilities—almost too unrealistic. The repetitive lines about the vampire's protective nature towards Diana, her extraordinary magical abilities, their eternal love, and their affectionate nicknames for each other became tiresome. This book could have benefited from being edited down to half its length and removing all the clichéd and saccharine elements. It seems like the author, Ms. Harkness, doesn't trust the reader to understand the characters through their actions and instead resorts to bombarding us with exaggerated displays of affection. I recently finished reading Suzanna Clarke's remarkable work, "Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell," which makes this novel pale in comparison. Hopefully, Harkness will address these issues in her second book.
  • I was really looking forward to diving into a world filled with witches, vampires, and demons. The premise of the book had so much potential, but unfortunately, it took a turn and ended up reading more like a typical romance novel. The majority of the story revolved around a developing romance, pushing the intriguing plot of the manuscript to the sidelines. If you're a fan of romance novels, then you will likely find enjoyment in this book. However, if you're hoping for a fantasy novel experience, you'll be left feeling quite disappointed.
  • I wasn't really feeling the title of this book, "A Discovery of Witches," because it seemed to focus more on the love story between a witch and a vampire, and how they could potentially have children. I mean, where's all the spell casting and action that you would expect from a book about witches? The only part that really got me excited was when Diana got kidnapped by a different witch. Other than that, it was kind of boring.
  • The narration of the audiobook is well done, but the pacing of the story can be frustrating with its stop and start nature. The plot revolves around a non-practicing witch who stumbles upon an enchanted manuscript while conducting research at Oxford University. This discovery leads to her being bothered by demons, vampires, and other witches. One particular vampire takes it upon himself to be her protector, and as expected, he is both alluring and enigmatic, resulting in a love connection between them. The sections involving the manuscript are quite captivating, but the development of the main characters' romantic relationship is slow-moving. Personally, I found myself fast-forwarding whenever they had alone time together. Another issue I have is that although we are informed that the main character is an incredibly powerful and brilliant witch, we don't witness any remarkable feats or demonstrations of her abilities. Despite having a DNA test confirming her powers, she spends too much time describing mundane activities like attending yoga classes or going horseback riding. It's possible that the more exciting aspects are being saved for a sequel, but I have no intention of finding out. Overall, I feel like using a credit for this audiobook was a waste.
  • Didn't meet my expectations. It's more of a love story than I anticipated. It might be appealing to fans of the Twilight series or similar books, but personally, I didn't find anything noteworthy in it. It was quite a challenge to finish.
  • The book's description impressed me more than the actual content. Taking place in Oxford, the characters are meant to be intellectual, but the writing style is quite basic and lacks strong character development. I decided to stop reading at chapter 9 since there was no conflict introduced yet, except for an annoying main character and excessive negativity towards humans.
  • If you're into this genre and don't find the whole "carry me to bed sleepy daddy" thing creepy, then perhaps this book would be right up your alley. Personally, I prefer stories that revolve around adults who have achieved incredible success and power as key elements of the plot.
  • I was really looking forward to diving into a thrilling supernatural mystery, but unfortunately, 'A Discovery of Witches' turned out to be more of a predictable Harlequin romance. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing inherently wrong with that genre, it's just not my cup of tea, and I wish the book's description had been more upfront about its romantic focus. As I listened to the story, I couldn't help but chuckle at the numerous exaggerated sighs, descriptions of lingering touches, and intense gazes that seemed to be overflowing. The whole weak woman, strong man dynamic didn't sit well with me. On a positive note, I must admit that the narrator did a commendable job. If you're a fan of the Twilight series, chances are you'll find some enjoyment in this audiobook.
  • Witchcraft tales and folklore have always had a strong connection with empowering women. Unfortunately, 'A Discovery of Witches' disappoints in this regard, as it features a male protagonist who is condescending and sexist, while the female lead is portrayed as gullible enough to believe in nonsensical ideas. It feels like a supernatural version of '50 Shades of Grey', which leaves a lot to be desired. In today's world, especially in 2019, it's unlikely that you'll find any meaningful point or value in this book. Despite my efforts of giving it a chance and listening to over three hours of it, I found no improvement and will be returning it.
  • The author seems to have drawn inspiration from various popular young adult vampire, paranormal, and witches books, blending them together with a touch of Nora Roberts, all in pursuit of monetary success. It's a formula that sells well in the current market. While some people adore this book and give it a perfect five-star rating, I reserve such high praise for books like "The Prince of Tides," "American Gods," or "The Stand." This book doesn't come close to that caliber, and to be fair, there aren't many books that do. However, enthusiastic reviewers, swept away by the enjoyment of a light read, tend to proclaim it as the best book they've ever encountered, giving it those five stars and undermining the integrity of the review system. On the other hand, this book isn't a complete disaster either. With some editing and rewriting, it could become a decent read. Hence, I ultimately gave it two stars overall. Now, let me step down from my soapbox. In today's market, vampire, werewolf, and witch stories are incredibly popular. Especially when combined with strong, intelligent female characters in the vein of Skalander and Everdean. Add a bit of romance, and you have a guaranteed hit among a particular audience that simply adores the genre and isn't too concerned about intricate plotting or character development. And that's perfectly fine. There's plenty of material out there for them to indulge in. Personally, I also appreciate well-crafted books within this genre. Unfortunately, this book falls short in terms of quality writing. It desperately needs an editor to tighten it up and trim about a third of its content. The trite writing left me feeling bored and uninterested. However, many readers absolutely adore it, while an equal number dislike it. I suppose that makes it an average read. I do wish I hadn't used one of my credits on it; I failed to take the time to read all the reviews and only focused on the positive ones. Perhaps it wouldn't be a bad option to pick up from a used bookstore for a couple of bucks, but it certainly wasn't worth an entire credit for me. Those who love this book will likely despise my review, but I'm simply expressing my honest opinion. Maybe I can save another discerning reader from making the same mistake I did.
  • At the beginning, I found this book quite captivating. The storyline of the novel is fairly good; my only gripe is that the characters fail to match its potential. Once the protagonist encounters the love interest, things take a turn for the worse. The conversations come across as cliché, with lines like "his mouth said no but his eyes said yes." Is that for real?! A lot of the dialogue reminds me of those cheesy romance novels you find at the supermarket. All in all, it left me feeling let down.
  • 'A Discovery of Witches' is like a more mature version of Twilight, with just as much wish-fulfillment but a story that unfolds slowly. The prose can be overly ornate at times, perhaps even excessive.
  • The writing in 'A Discovery of Witches' was alright, but I found the storyline to be overly contrived, which was quite offensive to me. It began centered around witches, but quickly incorporated every imaginable paranormal element and plot. This was the final straw for me, as I've grown weary of reading yet another story revolving around the supernatural. I would consider reading another book by this author, but only if they ventured into a different genre.
  • I really enjoyed reading this book. The portrayal of witches, vampires, and demons was top-notch. It shares some similarities with Twilight, as others have mentioned, in terms of a vampire and a woman (in this case a witch) falling in love, which is strictly forbidden in their society. Matthew, the vampire, has a fascinating backstory that weaves itself into the main narrative, making it even more intriguing. Diana, the main character, is flawed, and I personally prefer flawed protagonists as they add depth to the story. At first, it seems odd for a witch who can't perform magic, but as the story progresses, everything starts to make sense. One of my favorite aspects of the book is the house where Diana's aunts reside. It's brimming with life and haunted by ghosts, and what's great is that everyone in the story just accepts it as a normal part of their lives. It adds a lot of fun to the overall experience. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of supernatural fiction. It's an interesting and enjoyable read. I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment because the ending definitely leaves room for a sequel.
  • This book was a letdown, despite all the hype. I have to give credit to the service for their easy returns. This was my first audiobook experience with the service, and I had high hopes for an enjoyable listening experience. Unfortunately, it turned out to be almost painful, although I managed to push through over 8 hours or about Chapter 14, which is quite an achievement. But I can't help feeling a bit sad that I can never regain that time. Let's start with what I did like: the concept, premise, and theory of the story. It's about a disillusioned witch who tries to live a normal human life but gets drawn into an ancient mystery involving her own roots, as well as those of vampires and demons. Sounds intriguing, right? Well, not really. Here's what didn't work for me: - The main character (whose name I can't recall due to the first-person perspective) is an "intellectual" who constantly boasts about her immense intelligence and acting skills. She even had to quit acting because of stalkers, which she makes sure to mention. She's also a superb athlete, excelling in rowing, jogging, and yoga. She can do it all. And she's incredibly smug, pretentious, and whiny. The narrator's breathy voice for the main character only accentuated these traits, making her come across as airheaded or snobby. I disliked the main character from the beginning but decided to give her a chance. I shouldn't have. - Then we have Matthew, a supposedly perfect male character with a cultured English accent. However, the narrator's portrayal of him didn't captivate me, and the dialogue between him and his friend during a game of billiards was stuffy, anticlimactic, and irritating. This chapter, among many others, felt like a pointless diversion. - The story includes extensive discussions about yoga, rowing trips, tea preferences, and the minutiae of daily life. We even get detailed descriptions of wine, its age, grapes, and weather conditions during a particular year. All these details seem to have no relevance to the plot. I stopped listening when the main character expressed wonder as Matthew took her to a secret place, only to find out it was a wine cellar. That was the final straw for me. The excessive exposition on insignificant details caused me to grind my teeth in frustration. - Despite the promised plot, I struggled to identify one. They are supposedly searching for a book that briefly appears early on but is then forgotten. And what about the warlock who gives the main character a headache? I hoped these storylines would eventually go somewhere, but after 8 hours, they hadn't progressed at all. Except for visiting Matthew's mansion (built by his supposedly genius self), where supernatural beings gather for yoga. - Lastly, the narrator's performance was clear and understandable, and she did well with accents. However, her tone when voicing the main character made her pretentious attitude even more grating. It felt condescending and bothered me. I eventually gave up and will likely avoid books narrated by her in the future, though it might just be a personal preference. She didn't do anything wrong. Overall, this story felt like a mix of wish-fulfillment and an attempt to portray intellectualism. It reminded me of someone who tries too hard to appear smart and cultured by carrying around thick books, engaging in sophisticated debates, and constantly mentioning their high IQ. Unfortunately, this book gave off the opposite impression. It tried so hard to be "smart" that it ended up feeling forced and lacking substance.
  • The narrator of the audiobook was really talented. I thought she did a great job with the various accents and male voices. Regarding the story itself, I initially enjoyed it. However, around the halfway point, it began to lose momentum. It felt like the focus shifted away from the main character's development and instead centered on her constant complaining without any clear reasons for her actions. The concept of the story was intriguing, and I wished there was more emphasis on plot progression through research, learning, and engaging in confrontations. Instead, it seemed to revolve mostly around the main character's desire to be more confident around a particular guy and their interactions. Furthermore, the story predominantly highlighted the possessiveness and slightly aggressive behavior of the vampire character. This wouldn't necessarily be an issue if the main character didn't consistently exhibit submissive behavior, which was frustrating considering she is an intelligent and independent woman. I reluctantly purchased the second book, hoping for a resurgence in the plot. Unfortunately, it still primarily focuses on disagreements and conflicts between the main couple. Yeah, not exactly what I was hoping for.
  • If only this book was around 8 hours shorter, it would have been a lot more satisfying. Don't get me wrong, I actually enjoyed the story, especially since I'm a fan of romance, but there were moments where it felt like it was dragging on. Nevertheless, I'm still excited to dive into the next book (which I've already downloaded), but I do need a little breather after such a long tale.
  • 10 favorite books. Post the book cover. No need to explain why. Nominate people each day to do the same. Day 2: A Discovery of Witches (2011) Written by: Deborah Harkness Today, I nominate renzoi3 to do the same.
  • "A Discovery of Witches" by Deborah Harkness was absolutely awful and I don't know why anyone likes it. It was Twilight with qotched and Matthew was abusive. He was extremely possessive controllingand angry and UGH. It was awful.
  • In recognition of LondonPride, A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES TV are celebrating one of our favorite couples in the All Souls world: Sarah (Alex Kingston) and Emily (Valarie Pettiford).
  • Earning cryptocurrency for selling my stuff on Listia! Join me using code "DCMDGP" for an extra 25 XNK. I just listed this: "A Discovery of Witches" by Deborah Harkness~~Large Print Edition
  • Found this! What do you good people of series (and novel) twitter make of it? A Discovery of Witches. A television film series to be released in fall 2018 based on the novel trilogy of the same name by Deborah Harkness.
  • TBR for the next 24 hours: - A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness - Turtles All The Way Down by John Green - The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern - I’ll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson If anyone has any book recommendations, by the way, please let me know.
  • Try Vampire Empire (3 volumes), also available as audiobooks read by James Marsters. If you like witches, Lee Carroll:The Watch Tower, Black Swan Rising, The Shape Stealer. Or Deborah Harkness: A Discovery of Witches, Shadow of Night, The Book of Life.
  • “A Discovery of Witches was filmed in Cardiff’s Bad Wolf studios earlier this year. The series is executive produced by Deborah Harkness and former Doctor Who execs Jane Tranter and Julie Gardner among others, and will be broadcast on Sky 1 later this year.” - Radio Times
  • “Normal' is a bedtime story-a fable-that humans tell themselves to feel better when faced with overwhelming evidence that most of what's happening around them is not 'normal' at all.” ― Deborah Harkness, A Discovery of Witches
  • Deborah Harkness, A Discovery of Witches Norton Juster, The Phantom Tollbooth Eva Ibbotsen, The Secret of Platform 13 William Nicholson, The Wind Singer series Michael Ende, Momo Carson McCullers, The Member of the Wedding Carolyn Keene, the Nancy Drew books
  • Pick up the phone & call Jane Tranter over at Bad Wolf_tv! They are looking for projects and judging by what they are doing with Deb Harkness' "A Discovery Of Witches" they are prime bloody awesome!
  • If you want to read something, try A Discovery of Witches (the start of a trilogy) by Deborah Harkness. I’m reading it now, very historical and slightly cheesy/trashy but it’s fun
  • You have to read a discovery of witches by deborah harkness it's an awesome book and they have a familiar. I know you love to read and if you haven't heard of familiars before you need to improve in your witches knowledge
  • Don't make me choose! 1. "Wicked" by Gregory Maguire (so much darker than the musical) 2. "A Discovery of Witches" by Deborah Harkness. The whole trilogy, in fact. 3. "Akata Witch" by Nnedi Okorafor
  • Ok, for mystery I suggest I See You by Clare MacKintosh or The Girl Before by JP Delaney for YA style I suggest My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares or A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness, which is actually the first of a trilogy Happy Reading! -Kegger
  • I’m reading A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness and I have some specific questions. Vampires have a heightened sense of smell/taste. And everyone in this book seems to smell good. Does nobody in Oxford have a flatulence problem?
  • If the butterfly wings its way to the sweet light that attracts it, it’s only because it doesn’t know that the fire can consume it. — Deborah Harkness, A Discovery of Witches
  • I’m not Reese, but I do recognize a good read when I find it, “A Discovery of Witches” by Deborah Harkness. Described as a cross between Harry Potter and Twilight series. Not kiddie or tween lit, just a darn good read. From a Mormon Grandma. Have a SAFE trip
  • It begins with absence and desire. It begins with blood and fear. It begins with a discovery of witches. — Deborah Harkness, A Discovery of Witches (le livre perdu des sortilèges)
  • Fallen Angels, Scientists, & More! - A Discovery of Witches A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness is $1.99! This is the first book in the All Soul’s Trilogy. Many readers say this is a fantasy novel filled with romance and adventure. However, oth...
  • "Also catching our eye is the fantasy romance A Discovery of Witches, Sky's take on Deborah Harkness' novel all about a witch and a vampire who fall in love without either knowing the other's true identity." ADiscoveryOfWitches
  • All you have to do is be a good listener. Nobody really wants to keep secrets, not even the dead. People leave clues everywhere, and if you pay attention, you can piece them together. Deborah Harkness, A Discovery of Witches
  • If you like to think The rise and fall of Alexandria : birthplace of the modern mind by Justin pollard. A discovery of witches by Deborah harkness for fun and an adventure.
  • It begins with absence and desire. It begins with blood and fear. It begins with a discovery of witches. — Deborah Harkness, A Discovery of Witches (All Souls Trilogy, 1)
  • "All you have to do is be a good listener. Nobody really wants to keep secrets, not even the dead. People leave clues everywhere, and if you pay attention, you can piece them together." — Deborah Harkness, A Discovery of Witches
  • 'These days vampires gravitated towards particle accelerators, projects to decode the genome, and molecular biology' - A Discovery of Witches, Deborah Harkness quotes This made me think of Professor Brian Cox
  • Started listening to an audiobook today which is strange for me as I dont read much but the book sounded interesting and I'm enjoying it so far. Book is A discovery of witches by Deborah Harkness
  • It’s not exactly a historical novel, but I think you would like a discovery of witches by Deborah harkness! The author is an art historian and medievalist and it’s so satisfying the way its interwoven with the story. Also in the sequel it becomes straight up historical!
  • A Discovery of Witches (All Souls Trilogy 1) by Deborah Harkness Note: I did not read far enough on the back cover to realize it was a vampire romance novel. Wouldn't that suggest that I barely read any of the descriptions? Why yes, yes it does. So far it's not too bad though.
  • You all must read A Discovery of Witches,by Deborah Harkness, the tv series filming now. “He parked next to Sarah’s beat-up, once-purple car.A new crop of bumper stickers adorned the back.MY OTHER CAR IS A BROOM, a perennial favorite, was stuck next to I’M PAGAN AND I VOTE.”
  • A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness is the 1st book. This needs to be in front of your face. Vamps, Witches, Daemons. Being made as we speak into a series. Matthew Clairmont is my new fav vamp!!
  • All Souls Triology by Deborah Harkness. Starts with A Discovery of Witches and the sequel is Shadow of Night. Last book is The Book of Life. Witches, demons, vampires, a romance, secrets, books.
  • The Dresden files are really good. I also highly suggest The All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness. It starts with A Discovery of Witches. That is probably my favorite series other than Harry Potter
  • A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness is becoming a very good read. Have to slow down and read it or a miss a lot of what’s going on. But I’m enjoying the book either way! Can’t wait to finish it completely
  • Deborah Harkness, A Discovery of Witches. What happened when a powerful alchemist locked Dan Brown, JK Rowling and EL James in the Bodleian and asked them to come up with a trilogy. (Ingenue witch meets cute, rich vampire; confronts some daemons; loses cool in oubliette.)
  • A Discovery of Witches• D Harkness sum: a centuries-old vampire and a spellbound witch are drawn together by a mysterious manuscript that opens doors to the underworld. bp: mesmerizing smooth writing, you'll be sucked right in
  • A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness, The Night Mark by Tiffany Reisz, her Original Sinners series of you want some naughty, anything by Alma Katsu and/or Christina Lauren to name a few
  • A discovery of witches trilogy by harkness, clan of cave bear set by auel. The Leah remini book about leaving Scientology. Krauses newest book, And of COURSE the aronra book foundational falsehoods of creationism.
  • Strange Magic and Strange Sight by Syd Moore (they’re kind of trashy but great, and short!), A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness is one of my absolute faves, and anything from Angela Carter!
  • Books by Susanna Kearsley eg The Winter Sea (Slains, 1) Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte; Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier; Wuthering Heights by Emiuly Bronte; A Discovery of Witches (All Souls Trilogy, 1) by Deborah Harkness.
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