Description
A richly inventive novel about a centuries-old vampire, a spellbound witch, and the mysterious manuscript that draws them together.
Deep in the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell.
Debut novelist Deborah Harkness has crafted a mesmerizing and addictive read, equal parts history and magic, romance and suspense. Diana is a bold heroine who meets her equal in vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont, and gradually warms up to him as their alliance deepens into an intimacy that violates age-old taboos. This smart, sophisticated story harks back to the novels of Anne Rice, but it is as contemporary and sensual as the Twilight series-with an extra serving of historical realism.
Deep in the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell.
Debut novelist Deborah Harkness has crafted a mesmerizing and addictive read, equal parts history and magic, romance and suspense. Diana is a bold heroine who meets her equal in vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont, and gradually warms up to him as their alliance deepens into an intimacy that violates age-old taboos. This smart, sophisticated story harks back to the novels of Anne Rice, but it is as contemporary and sensual as the Twilight series-with an extra serving of historical realism.
My Review
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When I first read the review for this book in January of this year, I thought, "Hmm, sounds interesting." After reading it, I knew I was going to have to get the next book. Unfortunately I have to wait til 2012 (why do all the good books make you wait?).
I've heard it compared to Twilight for Adults, and it is true, if Bella was a witch, there were daemons mixed in instead of werewolves, and there was a love triangle, it would be. But for me it isn't.
There is Diana, who insists on living as a "normal" human, even though she is a witch; Matthew, a vampire who at first wants to get a book from Diana, but finally realizes that he wants to be with her; And a slew of other vampires, daemons, and witches/wizards who make the story continue with a suprising flow. You learn a lot about alchemy, so much that for a curious mind like I have, I had to do extra research to make sure I understood. You also get a glimpse of a different type of vampire, one that misses being human, but enjoys the hunt.
I highly recommend this book, and I have not only re-read it, but in a couple of months I'll do it again.
Cana
View all my reviews
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