A Discovery of Witches

Scholar Diana Bishop fiercely denies her witching powers until vampire scientist Matthew Clairmont seeks her help with an enchanted manuscript. From the stillness of Oxford's Bodleian Library to a turreted French castle, narrator Jennifer Ikeda embarks on a magical journey. Her narration is quietly charming. Often her voice holds a hushed rapture that reflects the magical world uncovered by Diana and Matthew. Medieval Occitan French and other accents make for a memorable listening experience. Ikeda conveys Diana's panic at her emerging powers and her forbidden love for Matthew. Through the narration, Matthew's polished faìade transforms to reveal a fierce knight determined to defend his mate. This epic tale of the origins of magic will make listeners wish they could conjure the sequel. C.A. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine

November 8, 2010
In Harkness's lively debut, witches, vampires, and demons outnumber humans at Oxford's Bodleian Library, where witch and Yale historian Diana Bishop discovers an enchanted manuscript, attracting the attention of 1,500-year-old vampire Matthew Clairmont. The orphaned daughter of two powerful witches, Bishop prefers intellect, but relies on magic when her discovery of a palimpsest documenting the origin of supernatural species releases an assortment of undead who threaten, stalk, and harass her. Against all occult social propriety, Bishop turns for protection to tall, dark, bloodsucking man-about-town Clairmont. Their research raises questions of evolution and extinction among the living dead, and their romance awakens centuries-old enmities. Harkness imagines a crowded universe where normal and paranormal creatures observe a tenuous peace. "Magic is desire made real," Bishop says after both her desire and magical prowess exceed her expectations. Harkness brings this world to vibrant life and makes the most of the growing popularity of gothic adventure with an ending that keeps the Old Lodge door wide open.