Anne's Reviews > A Discovery of Witches
A Discovery of Witches (All Souls Trilogy, #1)
by
by
[In the interests of full disclosure, I edited this review in September 2018. Upon reflection, some of my initial comments were a little too fangirl in style and my initial reference to Twilight was being misconstrued or used to make a point.. After many years and quite a few rereadings of this book, my enthusiasm for it has not waned, but I can appreciate why it troubles some readers. I believe one can be a thinking, modern and independent woman and yet still appreciate a male character who possesses the chivalry and courtliness (and, at times, chauvinism) of another time. In many ways, it is the character’s historicity and immortality which makes palatable (and attractive) what would disgust me in a modern man. Instead of judging one another, or casting aspersions on another reader’s feminist credentials, we could simply accept differences in taste.]
Even now, a few weeks later, and when some of the details have become a little fuzzy, I can't stop thinking about this book. I love many different genres of books, but books like this really get me excited; they take me out of myself, to a world that my rational brain tells me doesn't exist, but which my heart whispers could be right under my nose.
I stayed up until after 1am two nights in a row to read more of this book and was even almost late back to work at lunchtime, because I was so completely absorbed in it. I even forwent an evening meal to finish it.
A Discovery of Witches is one of the most enjoyable books that I have read in a very long time and I loved the feeling of being completely submerged in a different life and a different world.
I really liked Diana and admired her verve and athleticism, so different from my own book-worm, sedentary nature. I am also fascinated by the idea of being a historian of science and feel like I was cheated out of the belief that I could be anything as a teenager!
I really enjoyed the way Diana’s relationship with Matthew developed and while I know that there are those who find his behaviour problematic, I didn’t expect him to behave like a guy born in the 21st century, so I wasn’t really bothered by it. I think Diana asserted herself when she needed to - I wasn’t looking for her to make feminist speeches.
Reading this book was so satisfying and I felt that I was getting just the right mix of romance, adventure, history, character development and magic. I don't know how I will contain myself until the release of the next book, as I am quite apprehensive about the "trip" Matthew and Diana embarked upon at the end of the book.
If you have a taste for the supernatural tempered by real life choices and adult dilemmas, then you are in for a treat of the best kind in reading this book.
Even now, a few weeks later, and when some of the details have become a little fuzzy, I can't stop thinking about this book. I love many different genres of books, but books like this really get me excited; they take me out of myself, to a world that my rational brain tells me doesn't exist, but which my heart whispers could be right under my nose.
I stayed up until after 1am two nights in a row to read more of this book and was even almost late back to work at lunchtime, because I was so completely absorbed in it. I even forwent an evening meal to finish it.
A Discovery of Witches is one of the most enjoyable books that I have read in a very long time and I loved the feeling of being completely submerged in a different life and a different world.
I really liked Diana and admired her verve and athleticism, so different from my own book-worm, sedentary nature. I am also fascinated by the idea of being a historian of science and feel like I was cheated out of the belief that I could be anything as a teenager!
I really enjoyed the way Diana’s relationship with Matthew developed and while I know that there are those who find his behaviour problematic, I didn’t expect him to behave like a guy born in the 21st century, so I wasn’t really bothered by it. I think Diana asserted herself when she needed to - I wasn’t looking for her to make feminist speeches.
Reading this book was so satisfying and I felt that I was getting just the right mix of romance, adventure, history, character development and magic. I don't know how I will contain myself until the release of the next book, as I am quite apprehensive about the "trip" Matthew and Diana embarked upon at the end of the book.
If you have a taste for the supernatural tempered by real life choices and adult dilemmas, then you are in for a treat of the best kind in reading this book.
Sign into Goodreads to see if any of your friends have read
A Discovery of Witches.
Sign In »
Reading Progress
April 12, 2011
– Shelved
April 19, 2011
–
Started Reading
April 21, 2011
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-24 of 24 (24 new)
date
newest »
message 1:
by
Jennifer
(new)
-
added it
Apr 19, 2011 08:49AM
WooHoo! *swoonysigh*
reply
|
flag
Oh Jenn, I'm almost dying here. I've been reading it practically all day and I can't put it down! Matthew is probably one of *the* most swoon-worthy male characters I've ever read about! I love the university setting, the magic, Diana... It makes my whole body zing with the excitement of a new discovery! :-)
I agree. I haven't been so excited over a book since...well, you know when.
Two professors are now competing for my swoony sighs. LOL.
Two professors are now competing for my swoony sighs. LOL.
I'm over half-way through and I'll probably have to go back and read it at a slower pace to pick up on the details I have missed in my haste to finish it. It is so exciting, thrilling... Guh! :-)
Just finished it today. Was almost late back to work at lunchtime because I was so absorbed in it and rushed in the door after work this evening to finish it. AMAZING! One of the most enjoyable books I've read in quite a long time and I don't know how I'll contain myself until the next one is published. If it comes out in the States first, I'll be begging you for a copy, Jenn! :-) I'm going to re-read it now also and savour the details. *sigh*
Hi, Anne - thanks for finding me! I just read the book again, and found many pieces I think I sped-read through the first time. Things made much more sense at the end, and there were glimpses of characters from the beginning that I connected with things at the end of the book. I too am struggling with how to wait for the next book!
Thank you to all the people who have "liked" my little, ole review. It means a lot! I've just finished re-reading ADoW and it was GLORIOUS! I'm feeling Matthew/Diana withdrawals all over again!
I got the audiobook (after reading the book) and it is WONDERFUL. I highly recommend it and will both read this book again and listen to the audio again (I do that when driving).
Hi Michelle,
Thanks for your lovely comment. I don't know how I will contain myself until the sequel is published this summer! :-)
Thanks for your lovely comment. I don't know how I will contain myself until the sequel is published this summer! :-)
I havent quite finished reading this book yet, still have it on my Kindle even though I started reading the book first but have leant it to someone else. I really really need to finish it. I fell in love straight away with the vapire straight away. He is everything a woman wants in a man.
I think you'll love it, Lisa. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am so eager for the sequel coming out in July.
This book is amazing! Have you read the second yet?? It's even better then the first! I can't wait for the 3rd!
Melissa wrote: "This book is amazing! Have you read the second yet?? It's even better then the first! I can't wait for the 3rd!"
Hey Melissa! I loved ADoW and the second was fantastic too. I'm counting down the time to the final instalment. :-)
Hey Melissa! I loved ADoW and the second was fantastic too. I'm counting down the time to the final instalment. :-)
And here I was wondering why "Mr.Darcy" sounds so familiar, glad there's actually someone that enjoys his character. Thanks for the review, now I feel compelled to read it!
I wish those of you who loved the book, and those that hated it, interacted with each other. It seems like you read completely different books.
TBH it could also be about what people look for in a book. As a feminist and independent woman, the "female character who gives up all her independence and character to be with a controlling man". Let's be honest: Matthew is a "suffocater". He watches her sleeping, he makes decisions on her behalf, he is incredibly patronizing. She is a grown woman, not a child. I have read 100 pages and Matthew annoys me incredibly thus far.
I read Twilight as a teen and liked it - but I suspect I would think much of the same as I do about this book if I read it now. I have grown, becoming more independent and self-conscious, more aware of power dynamics in relationships, and so forth. But there are very mature people who like this book, so I won't say it is an issue of maturity.
TBH it could also be about what people look for in a book. As a feminist and independent woman, the "female character who gives up all her independence and character to be with a controlling man". Let's be honest: Matthew is a "suffocater". He watches her sleeping, he makes decisions on her behalf, he is incredibly patronizing. She is a grown woman, not a child. I have read 100 pages and Matthew annoys me incredibly thus far.
I read Twilight as a teen and liked it - but I suspect I would think much of the same as I do about this book if I read it now. I have grown, becoming more independent and self-conscious, more aware of power dynamics in relationships, and so forth. But there are very mature people who like this book, so I won't say it is an issue of maturity.