Review: Discovery of Witches

A Discovery of Witches
by Deborah Harkness

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book creates a world where vampires, witches, demons and humans co-exist. The humans don't know anything about this fact. Diana Bishop, science historian and descendent of a long and illustrious line of witches, is the main character and the story revolves around her relationship with a scientist/vampire. The world that Harkness creates is complex and well drawn, I found the characters (including secondary ones) detailed enough to be interesting but not so detailed that there is nothing more to learn about them. There is a distinctly "thriller" quality to the story and the writing suits that. There is a lot of history mixed in, particularly a lot about alchemy. I'm looking forward to the next installment in this trilogy.

This book counts toward two of my challenges: What's in a Name 6 and 2013 Book Blogger Recommendation Challenge.

Challenge: BBR2013

Reading with Tequila is hosting the 2013 Book Blogger Recommendation Challenge. Since I was one of the bloggers who contributed to the 2012 list I feel like I should play. The challenge is to read a certain number of books from the compiled recommendation list during 2013. All formats are fine, but re-reads don't count. Reviews of the titles read are appreciated, but not mandatory. I am signing on for Level I (5 books) and plan to read at least 5 of the following books:

• A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness  (it is already in my TBR pile)
• The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger (also in my TBR pile)
• Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain (would fit into the Foodies Read Challenge)
• In Cold Blood by Truman Capote (one of my Classics Club titles)
• Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card (also Classics Club)
• Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier (also Classics Club)
• Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe (also Classics Club)