A Discovery of Witches is only the beginning of the story

I don't know what made me purchase this set of books, but I shouldn't have. It's been quite a few months, and I thought it was time to take a break and "treat" myself to something fun and easy to read after enjoying a couple of wonderful but challenging books by Madeleine Thien and Sarah Perry. After about a hundred pages of the first volume (Discovery of Witches), I realized that I just could not continue. Perhaps it's just too young for me. I found it to be boring, simplistic. The story was slow, the ideas struck me as silly, and the writing was not memorable. I think this series was meant for a different type of reader. It seems to be very popular, but it wasn't good for me.

I was encouraged to read this series by a friend and I can tell you I have not been impressed. I am not use to it taking about a whole enter book to set the scene and I am finding it hard to stay interested as the book goes on so I am not sure I will ever make it to the second book or though the whole series.

The trilogy books are great. But I did not receive the book ( Diana bishops commonplace book.)
The all souls trilogy boxed set was advertised as including the commonplace book.
I was very disappointed that the boxed set was not complete.

At this point I'm halfway through the last book. The first one was dull, there's a miscarriage, and it is sort of left by the wayside. Hardly mentioned again. There is nothing about either main character that makes me like them. I slogged on through and thought that maybe there'd be something in the second book. At least there's some time travel and some interesting characters, but we quickly leave them behind, literally, two street urchins who become like adopted children, just leave them. This happens frequently, they get somewhere interesting, with some interesting folks and then they up and leave. It's like, here we are, in this cool place, well nothing happening here, let's get moving. I want to see these guys kick some bad vampire ass. We get a glimpse into demented Benjamin's world, but then the screen goes dark and it's like the characters forget they should be hunting him down. Isn't there a book we're supposed to be looking for? some pages? oh I forgot.Diana has all these supposed awesome powers, don't think it's really going to matter in the end.

Boy where to start...Initially I was really excited to read this series, but honestly, if I could do it over again I wish I would have never given these books the time of day...waste of time and money. The first one was incredibly slow and dull, but I had heard that it got better with the second book so I decided to keep going and give it a chance...the second was also a disappointment. While it was Slightly better than the first it still wasn't very good. So at this point I'm thinking to myself I've already invested all this time and money into these hardcover books, so I might as well push onward and see if the third one is any better...Wrong Again! Initially the third one held my interest, but then it lost me. These books were way too lengthy and overly descriptive. The characters didn't seem to have much depth to them and they always seemed like they got distracted from their main objectives. The author could have combined three books in one. This series took me a freaking year to finish because instead of genuinely enjoying the books and being excited to move on to the next one in the series they felt like a chore and just something to get through. Save yourself the time and money and skip this series.

I read "A Discovery of Witches" several years ago but somehow missed the follow-up novels, so this summer, I have been catching up, re-reading "A Discovery of Witches", which is the first book in the All Souls Trilogy, and the next two in the series, i.e. "Shadow of Night", and "The Book of Life", respectively. I am a fan of creature novels, and rate the All Souls Trilogy as one of the best series I've read. It is intellectual, historical, with romance and elements of the supernatural thrown in for good measure, and well-written, all of which make great ingredients for a thrilling reading experience.

In "A Discovery of Witches", readers are introduced to historian Diana Bishop who inadvertently calls up a mystical alchemical manuscript Ashmole 782 while doing research in Oxford's Bodleain Library. She attracts the attentions of handsome geneticist Matthew Clairmont, and soon enough discovers that he too is a creature, but unlike Diana, who is a witch, Matthew is a vampire. The Covenant that binds all creatures: witches, daemons, and vampires forbid commingling of different species of creatures, so when Matthew and Diana fall in love, all hell literally breaks loose. There are also other complications that add to the intrigue of the story: Diana's witch powers are somehow slumbering and only now awakening, although she has no clue how she is to unleash her powers or even control them; Matthew's love for Diana borders on the obsessive, resulting in overprotectiveness and possessiveness that irks Diana; Ashmole 782 is being sought after by all manner of creatures and places Diana's life in jeopardy as she is the only one who has been able to summon this elusive manuscript in a long time. The ensuing chaos sees Diana and Matthew travelling to France where they seek refuge in the ancient fortress of Sept Tours, which is also the de Clermont (Matthew's family) stronghold, where Diana comes under the scrutiny of Matthew's maman, the formidable vampire Ysabeau. I found this first novel to be an intriguing read; the author credibly weaves in scientific information into the narrative as both witch and vampire try to explain the existence of such creatures as themselves and what can be done to prevent them from becoming extinct.

In the follow-up novel, "Shadow of Night", Diana and Matthew have time-walked into the past, into 1590 Elizabethan England where a new set of challenges greet the pair. Diana finds a group of witches who help her unravel the mystery of her dormant powers while the couple continues to grapple with the prejudices that come from their union. This second novel is very much historical as Diana's and Matthew's lives become entwined with the goings-on of the period such as the witch hunts in Scotland, Queen Elizabeth's strategies to cement her power, and more.

Finally, the trilogy ends with the novel, "The Book of Life", and I found this last novel to be the most interesting and thrilling. This time, the story takes a very dark turn as Matthew and Diana return to the present only to find that there is someone from Matthew's past who is bent on destroying him and all that Matthew and Diana hold dear.

If you love stories about vampires, witches, and daemons, and enjoy history as well as a dash of romance, the All Souls Trilogy is a thrilling and engaging read. This boxed set is lovely; it contains all three novels in and comes in a sturdy cardboard box.

These books are now in my top all time favs! Let me start by saying I was leary about reading another vampire magical creature book because they are often all alike and sometimes childish in nature. This author however shatters that with this detailed, smart, and highly addicting tale that just keeps giving you more and more as it goes along! Great piece work this author should be extremely proud. I don't like to be a spoiler so I will just say that this book is so much more than just vampire falling in love, and there are so many characters that I had to go back and remind myself who was who. Every character has a district persona and storyline. All wrapped up into one tale you can totally get lost in! That is exactly what I am looking for in a book! Thanks Ms Harkness for this time suspending book.

As an avid Harry Potter fan in college (and still today) I picked up this series one by one. While the only common thread between the series is magic, The All Souls Trilogy takes you on this insane journey with Diana Bishop, whom you watch grow and bloom into the character you wanted her to be from chapter 1 book 1. Being from Massachusetts and visiting Salem yearly on October field trips, I learned about the Bishop/Proctor lines as a kid- so I was nerdly overjoyed to see them appear in this brilliant set of novels.

Harkness doesn't skimp on details or back stories for each and every one of her complicatedly full of life characters. She reminds us just how small this world can be in wonderfully surprising ways.

I enjoyed the parallels she drew from real history into her magical world of Vampires, Witches, and twist on Daemons.

Intellectually smart, packed with danger, heartache and adventure-wrapped up nicely with a bow.
This trilogy will be one that I pick up each year to revisit Diana Bishop's life.

What the heck?! Read all of A Discovery of Witches, even though it irritated me no end. One step forward, 2-3 steps back. Constantly introducing new characters, new situations, more history. Started Book #2 and got tired of the 2-3 steps backward and more and more characters. I dumped all 3 out of my Kindle. Not going to bother - I read for pleasure not for irritation.

Will add reviews as they are completed.

Lets begin with 1st book in the series - A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES:

A Discovery of Witches is the first book in the All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness. The plot is based around Doctor Diana Bishop who is doing research for a speech she is going to give about alchemical images. Diana is not just academic, she is also a non-practicing witch. She turned her back on her heritage after her parents were killed when she was just a child. While doing research in the library she comes across a book that unbeknownst to her right away is a bewitched alchemical manuscript (according to Wikipedia Alchemy is an influential tradition whose practitioners have, from antiquity, claimed it to be the precursor to profound powers).

As soon as it is discovered that Diana has found this book those in the supernatural world come to her to see how she was able to find it and in some cases more malevolent beings threaten her for the reason of getting it for themselves. The high interest is because it is thought that it is an alchemical book that may contain information vital to the survival of all four humanoid species: vampires, witches, daemons and humans.

Basically this book has a little of everything. There is mystery, magic, dark forces and even romance. I have to admit that when I first received a copy of this book I was a little overwhelmed by the sheer length of it. It is definitely not an easy-breezy quick read, and you really do have to concentrate as you read in order to keep straight all of the different characters and facts, but when you crack open the pages and start reading it is totally worth it. If I had to compare it to another series the closest one I can think of is The Mortal Instrument Series, but only because they both had a high supernatural connection with vampires, witches, daemons and humans. Other than that this plot stands strictly on its own. I think that Deborah did a really amazing job standing on her own while using character types and themes we have seen in the past. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to get lost in a world of magic and mystery. You don’t be disappointed. A 5 star book for sure! - Pauline

Stay tuned for the rest of the reviews!

Book 2 -

Book 3 -

These books are by far one of the most amazing books I've ever read. I originally thought the third book, The Book of Life, was something else, so when I opened up my Christmas present and cut the plastic surrounding the box set and opened the first book, I was happily mistaken! I am so happy I decided to judge this book by its cover, without reading what it was actually about. I hope this author is writing more.. This book is hands down perfection!!

As an actual retired academic and an historian..... I cannot say how refreshing it was to read a series of books which, not only considered the importance of an educated adult p.o.v. but also took the time to include real historical day-to-day details and even played around with period appropriate customs and characters. I thoroughly enjoyed every book -- and detail-- in this series. I eagerly await more from D. Darkness!!

I bought the 1st book of the series (a discovery of witches) literally because the cover intrigued me and it was the most interesting book left on the Kmart shelf. Boy, am I glad that I did. This series is amazing. I LOVE this entire series. The 2nd book gets a little talky, but it brings you back to the magic and the amazingness of it all. I would recommend this book to everyone who loves magical-fantasyish books.

I have been reading since the age of 5. This trilogy is the best books I have ever read. I eagerly awaiting the next books by this author.
An amazing read for historical fiction and magic fans! I couldn't put it down.

This is a great read and filled with fabulous, challenging vocabulary and history! I love this series and hope to see another similar series one day from Ms Harkness. I can not recommend this book more. Just enough romance to make my heart sing but even better the reading of science and history! Awesomeness!!

I loved this series and was sad when it was over.

I had a couple issues with Diana and her seemingly inappropriate attachment to the few month she spent in the past, however I guess I get it since that where she began to fully accept and come into her power...but it still bothered me a bit.

Overall I am thrilled with the series and look forward to reading more from Harkness.

Just finished reading this series. I love it. Plenty of action, mystery and romance for anyone. While the book is fantasy, the characters were well developed. You cheer for the good guys and boo for the villains. Well written and definitely worth the read.

WOW! Deborah Harkness spins a tale that removes you from your day to day back into history. Her ability to word smith is amazing. Her characters leap from the page and drag you into their world. The pages show their depth and colors through incident to incident. You cannot put it down and when you finally read the last words you are emotionally spent.

Just stop what you are doing, buy the trilogy, and plan to spend some time sinking your teeth into one of the best stories to come along in recent years! Deborah Harkness grabbed me from page 1 and kept me going for an entire week as I found time (often well into the night) to devour all three books. Witches, vampires, daemons, oh my! Definitely one of my favorite reads of all time.

I have NO idea how there are so many positive reviews for this series. it is absolutely horrible. Diana is one of the most annoying main characters I have ever dealt with, and Matthew is no better. If i read "Mon coeur" one more time. i swear to god.

Deborah Harkness's lack of imagination and depiction of what romance and love is are basically at a 5 year old's understanding, at best a dreamy teenager. She also managed a complete and utter failure at ending a trilogy with any pay off from the pervious books.

Do yourself a favor and do not read these books!!!!

I would not read anything else by Deborah Harkness, as i found this entire trilogy horribly written. Its worse than Twilight, and the audience is for adult women and not teenagers. The whole time she teases really interesting ideas about the lore of witches vampires and demons, (which is why i stuck through the terrible cheap romance novel made up vomit inducing love stories) and then theres NO payoff. She's like oh heres a really cool book with so many answers, and deep history, and its super alluring and powerful. just kidding.

my friends were all smart and stopped halfway through the first book. i was crazy and stuck it out till the end hoping for it to get better, and it didn't. please please please save yourself from reading this book/series.

I've read all three books. I didn't read them quickly. I waited almost two years between the "shadow of night " and "book of life". Now that I've read all three, I'm sad that I've completed them. They were very good.

Ever since completing the trilogy, I keep checking to see if Ms. Hargis has any new books on the horizon . Each time I end my search ,disappointed, only a few weeks later to try, again,seeking her name on my Kindle and various web sites.
I purchased the lovely hardback editions for my dear friend's 60th birthday. Her response was akin to my own after avidly reading each book and calling me several times to express her thanks for the gift.
I would rate these books TEN Stars if I could and hope Ms.Hargis will read this tribute. Wishing and hoping it will inspire another publication to appear from her most creative mind; Again, I say, wonderful experience and beautifully crafted.

I can not get enough of these books. I have listened to the audiobook version three times and now that I am about finished with graduate school I can't wait to be able to sit and relax reading the books too.

I didn't buy this boxed set (I purchased the books individually) but this is the easiest way to review the series as a whole.

Don't read these books expecting to have your life changed forever. It's a pretty trope-filled book, and there are some major plot holes that are hastily sewn up at the last second. I also found the main character pretty insipid and her love interest rather misogynistic and the romance rather absurd, especially given their ridiculously sped-up dating period (they get married about three weeks from meeting), but it was entertaining.

For what it's worth, I complained to my friends about how weird these books were the entire time I was reading them, but I couldn't put them down. So I think that counts for something.

One of the most amazing series I have ever read!!! I am a book nerd and a history buff, I love suspense; this book has it all!! The best part is it is an adult series that is amazing (instead of YA). I hope she continues on write. I was completely addicted and couldn't put any of them down, I just had to keep reading!! Probably had one of the worst book hangovers after completing the series, it was so good!! It's been over a year and I still rave about these books and they are always my first recommendation to any book lover. I can't say enough wonderful things about the books and author!

First of all, I struggled with the science talk. DNA study is nowhere close to my field and at times I became a bit bored with the discussions. I later read the book a second time and forced myself through it as I understood it was important. Still didn't understand a lot of it but it did help. I really enjoyed most of the trilogy, I wasn't sure I would like it as it is mostly written in the first person but the author did a great job. My five star rating goes not only for quality, plot, character development, and excellent editing but mostly for the research that was put into this book. The merge of historical details with fantasy and fiction was sublime. This trilogy is definitely a must read and re-read a second time to find all the little details missed the first time round.