![]() ![]() In the span of 100 pages, the plot barely moves. There were three pages devoted to discussing what kind of tea they enjoyed. It’s about as lively as two gentlemen in top hats, drinking a glass of wine in front of a fireplace as they discuss the importance of Darwin’s evolutionary theory. Pages and pages are devoted to awful dialogue between the two. He’s cold and dead and probably a zombie disguised as a vampire to make him seem more attractive. Besides the fact that she constantly repeats what Matthew smells like - cinnamon and cloves - she also repeats the contrast of Diana and Matthew’s temperature when they touch. Right, because scenes like that have only been seen in every book and movie ever. Matthew and Diana both insist that they don’t have an interest in each other Diana even makes a bet with a co-worker that he won’t ask her out. She foreshadows to death that Matthew and Diana will get together with maddeningly stupid cliché lines. Harkness also decides to treat the reader like an idiot. I’m at a loss as how anyone could think that’s romantic. A scene where Matthew watches Diana sleep is disturbing. It’s also disgusting how Matthew feels the need to protect Diana when she doesn’t ask for it, yet it’s seen as normal behavior rather than imposing. ![]() In the beginning she can’t stand him, yet she wants to spend time with him. When did vampires start becoming caricatures of aristocrats? Diana nails it into our head that she’s a strong woman, yet she cowers in front of Matthew and begs him to help her. The vampires can live in sunlight, have no fangs (why?), and apparently have an interest in yoga, tea and wine. Some critics have panned this as “Twilight with scholars.” Don’t be fooled this is “Twilight” in a pretty blue cover that takes place in a university instead of high school. Her vampire companion, Matthew, not only competes for the most boring character in literature, but he also makes a lousy excuse for a vampire. As the book is narrated in her point of view, it’s grating listening to her thoughts. It’s frustrating that when she’s encountered with danger, she cowers and asks for help rather use her powers. Supposedly, she doesn’t want to use them due to some tragic past event. Unfortunately for the reader, Diana is reluctant to use her witch powers, but it’s unclear why. Diana says that it will attract humans to their presence, but how? Is there some sort of magical aura surrounding them? Just because you write a fantasy novel doesn’t mean that you can skip over certain explanations, Harkness. It is also never explained why more than one creature can’t hang out together. Supposedly, the manuscript is sought out by many creatures, yet Diana and Matthew have time for a nice yoga session with other creatures. The pacing is poor there’s no sense of urgency and several chapters could be taken out without affecting the story at all. ![]() As the pages turn, readers are soon treated to bland descriptions of Diana running or rowing or perusing the library. Then, the reader reaches a point where he or she realizes that a cool premise can only go so far. It has an almost fantastical, Potter-ish appeal. I was actually quite pleased that there were other things like witches and daemons hanging about. Once she comes in contact with it, a mysterious vampire Matthew Clarimont and various other creatures track her down to find out her connection to the manuscript. The story begins at the Bodleian Library in Oxford where witch Diana Bishop stumbles upon a strange manuscript known as Ashmole 784. But is this novel worthy of the praise it has received? Much praise has already been heaped on Deborah Harkness’ debut novel, “A Discovery of Witches.” Popular website labeled it as their book of the month for February.
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