A Discovery of Witches

by Deborah Harkness, 579 pages

This has been an annus mirabilis, or a summer of wonders, for me regarding new fantasy authors. First I found Patrick Rothfuss and his stunning Kingkiller Chronicle novels, then I found Deborah Harkness's whimsical paranormal fantasy waiting for me on The New York Times bestseller list.

Diana Bishop is an American scholar with a specialized focus on alchemical history. While doing research in the Bodelian Library at Oxford, she stumbles across an old manuscript. She's descended from a long line of Bishop witches, though she's sworn off using her special powers. Her indavertent summoning of the powerful book sparks a storm of paranormal activity. Demons and vampires masquerading as humans descend on the venerable library. Matthew Clairmont, something of a Lord of Vampires, comes to Diana's aid when she's stalked by creatures who want the secret of the powerful manuscript. Vampires and witches are normally enemies, but the two of them have to work together to prevent the manuscript from falling into the wrong hands.

The pacing of the story is brisk, with elements of romance and humor mixed in with danger and adventure. Harkness uses her scholar's cred well, giving the story an intelligent basis while she keeps the plot simmering. My friends and I call this one Twilight for Grown-ups. Though be warned: I should have realized it was only the first volume of a planned All Souls trilogy, since this book has a cliffhanger ending. Recommended.