A world of witches, daemons and vampires. A manuscript which holds the secrets of their past and the key to their future. Diana and Matthew - the forbidden love at the heart of it.
When historian Diana Bishop opens an alchemical manuscript in the Bodleian Library, it's an unwelcome intrusion of magic into her carefully ordered life. Though Diana is a witch of impeccable lineage, the violent death of her parents while she was still a child convinced her that human fear is more potent than any witchcraft. Now Diana has unwittingly exposed herself to a world she's kept at bay for years; one of powerful witches, creative, destructive daemons and long-lived vampires. Sensing the significance of Diana's discovery, the creatures gather in Oxford, among them the enigmatic Matthew Clairmont, a vampire genticist. Diana is inexplicably drawn to Matthew and, in a shadowy world of half-truths and old enmities, ties herself to him without fully understanding the ancient line they are crossing. As they begin to unlock the secrets of the manuscript and their feelings for each other deepen, so the fragile balance of peace unravels...
Rating: 5 Stars
Positives: Well where can I begin? The sheer level of detail in this book is absolutely amazing, so much so I've actually had dreams based around the characters and the events of the books. From the chilling Peter Knox to Diana Bishop herself each and every character is so well thought out, and there are certainly some tear jerker moments. The worst part for me I think was in chapter 37 when something happens to Matthew, no I'm not going to spoil it for you, and I sat there crying my eyes out. Deborah Harkness has created an amazing spellbinding world, and she's spent a lot of time doing her research. I was a little worried when I picked up this book that it would be nothing more than some fluffy teenage romance, and whilst there are a few elements of that, the book itself provides so much more. I was constantly sat on the edge of my seat, wanting to read the next chapter. For someone who only allows myself a couple of chapters a day this was definitely a struggle. I'd say this book is a good set up for the rest of the trilogy, and I really can't wait to read the rest.
Negatives: If anything I would only criticise the first chapter. After I'd read it I was certain I'd be able to put the book down and not feel the need to pick it up again, apart from the fact that I owe you all a review!!!
Would I recommend this book? Yes, yes, yes. I loved this book and it's fast become one of my favourites. I love everything about it and I only hope that the rest of the trilogy proves to be as good. Well why are you still reading? Go out and buy a copy now.
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