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  • A Discovery of Witches

  • A Novel
  • Written by: Deborah Harkness
  • Narrated by: Jennifer Ikeda
  • Length: 23 hrs and 59 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (1,314 ratings)

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A Discovery of Witches

Written by: Deborah Harkness
Narrated by: Jennifer Ikeda
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Publisher's Summary

Book one of the New York Times best-selling All Souls Series—"a wonderfully imaginative grown-up fantasy with all the magic of Harry Potter and Twilight” (People).

Now “[a] hot show that’s like Twilight meets Outlander” (Thrillist) airing on AMC and BBC America, as well as streaming on Sundance Now and Shudder.

Deborah Harkness’s sparkling debut, A Discovery of Witches, has brought her into the spotlight and galvanized fans around the world. In this tale of passion and obsession, Diana Bishop, a young scholar and a descendant of witches, discovers a long-lost and enchanted alchemical manuscript, Ashmole 782, deep in Oxford's Bodleian Library. Its reappearance summons a fantastical underworld, which she navigates with her leading man, vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont.

Harkness has created a universe to rival those of Anne Rice, Diana Gabaldon, and Elizabeth Kostova, and she adds a scholar's depth to this riveting tale of magic and suspense. The story continues in book two, Shadow of Night, book three, The Book of Life, and the fourth in the series, Time’s Convert.

©2011 Deborah Harkness (P)2011 Penguin Audio

What the critics say

“A wonderfully imaginative grown-up fantasy with all the magic of Harry Potter or Twilight.... An irresistible tale of wizardry, science and forbidden love.” (People)

“Romantic, erudite, and suspenseful.... Harkness attends to every scholarly and emotional detail with whimsy, sensuality, and humor.” (O, The Oprah Magazine)

“A thoroughly grown-up novel packed with gorgeous historical detail and a gutsy, brainy heroine to match.... Harkness writes with thrilling gusto about the magical world.” (Entertainment Weekly)

Editorial Review

A world of magic, witches and wonder created just for adults in mind. What could be better for fantasy book lovers everywhere?

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness is the perfect story for fantasy fans looking for something a little more grown-up. This dark magic story is a blend of adventure and romance novels, weaving the genres together for a perfect combination. Harkness builds a complex and imaginative world within Elizabethan London. She places her characters, like vampire Matthew Clairmont, laying the groundwork for the universe in which magic, vampires, daemons and blood rage are the norms.

Harkness has gained a strong following, with avid fans flocking to her works and this series of ‘witches’ stories. The book became so popular that it inspired a TV series. The TV show was a resounding success and has brought many new fans to the original book and audiobook series. This enthralling magical world is full of dark secrets and enticing characters. From geneticists to vampire congregations, reluctant witches and historians, there are enough dark characters and sinister scenes and ample romance to get your heart racing.

This Audible audiobook adaptation is narrated by Jennifer Ikeda, who performs the story spectacularly, effortlessly weaving in and out of various voices and accents as she plays each character’s role. Entertaining, enticing and full of mystery, this is a must-add to any fantasy lover’s library.

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What listeners say about A Discovery of Witches

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I’m still thoroughly enthralled

Would love to hear the next one... this couldn’t possibly be the end ... what a lovely dynamic

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The beginning of a great love story !

Loved this first book in the series. Can't wait to start the next book.

Jennifer Ikeda does a wonderful job with all the voices and inflexions.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Wonderful and entertaining

With a story that spans the ages and a world of creatures and magic, this one keeps you on edge and makes you want the story never to end. A fantastic listen. #Audible1

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great Witches and Vampire novel!!!

I did see the TV movie before reading/listening to this book. The difference is you have more of a back fill in the movie on certain characters. The book focuses on the two main characters - one primarily and her story. The novel is well done. Interesting characters. I will read listen to the next novels as my interest is peaked.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Enticing and entertaining

There was not a moment I felt bored with this book. It had a lot of interesting elements and though at times I was annoyed by both protagonists the character development was organic and didn’t feel forced. On to reading the next sequel.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Exciting from the start to the finish!

I really enjoyed this book listened twice now and will listen again to the others. You can see in your minds eye exactly how things look like and feel you get a clear picture of what is happening in the book. Well done.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Didn't want it to end.

this book was full of unexpected twists and turns and I did not want it to end. I hope there is a second installment.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

overall good book!! I will be reading book 2 and 3

Slow to start and not quite as quick pase as I would have hoped but still every enjoyable. I look forward to book 2!

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  • LK
  • 2021-06-21

good book for those who like vampires and witches

Narration was good. Story was ghoulishly good, especially for a unnatural romance story. Overall a captivating book to while away some summer days

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Light, easy listening.

Just what I needed - a nice light easy listen. Narrator was great, pacing was good, and I enjoyed the characters and story. In the vein of Twilight, but with a stronger female lead!

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