A Discovery of Witches: A Novel (All Souls – book 1)

Diana Bishop, a historian and reluctant witch, unlocks a long-lost alchemical manuscript in Oxford’s Bodleian Library, unwittingly plunging herself into a hidden world of magic, vampires, and ancient secrets. The manuscript’s reappearance stirs unrest among supernatural beings, drawing Diana into a dangerous game where trust is scarce and alliances are fragile.

As Diana navigates this treacherous underworld, she forms an unlikely bond with Matthew Clairmont, a 1,500-year-old vampire and geneticist. Their partnership blurs the lines between enemies and allies, sparking forbidden romance and awakening centuries-old rivalries. Together, they unravel clues tied to Diana’s ancestry and the mysterious origins of supernatural species.

The story weaves through Oxford’s hallowed halls, French vineyards, and eerie ancestral estates, blending rich historical detail with pulse-pounding suspense. Harkness crafts a universe where magic and science collide, exploring themes of identity, legacy, and the cost of power.

With its layered plot and meticulously researched lore, the novel reimagines myths about witches, vampires, and demons, grounding them in a modern struggle for survival. Diana’s journey—from scholar to target to keyholder of secrets—keeps readers hooked until the final page.

The book sets the stage for the All Souls trilogy, leaving lingering questions about destiny and the intertwined fates of humans and creatures. It’s a tale where love defies boundaries, history hides truth, and every spell casts a shadow.