A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

For a while now I would pass this book on the shelf at the bookstore almost every time I was there. The cover is beautiful and the title was interesting to me, but I always passed it up. On average I prefer to spend no more than around $10 for a new book. Anything more than $15 and I pass them up. Why? because I know I can find it later at the used book store or the thrift store if I wait for a lot cheaper. Or I can find it online for a lot cheaper too. Either way, this book wasn't coming home with me until it was a great deal. As it turns out, I didn't find it for a cheaper price, instead when I was browsing a table of books one day at the store, I came across it again and it was signed. No way I could pass that up!

I had the usual preconcieved notions going into this book. It sounded like the usual witch who doesn't know she's really a super power who meets a dark mysterious vampire who is quiet but super protective without knowing her at all. They were going to complete some mission together and fall in love. Don't get me wrong, I do really enjoy those books. And yes, this one had all those elements just like I thought, but it also had a whole lot more. 

Everything about it felt a little different. The story really morphed and evolved into something I really wasn't expecting. It was beautifully written and it left me wanting more. There was a lot of interesting historical referenes and details that did not feel dumbed down like in some other books. It was lovely. It actually took me a lot longer to read than I thought it would. I didn't mind though it was a very interesting read.

The characters were written so well. There was depth to them, vulnerability, and strength which you don't always see in this type of story. I found it quite refreshing. My preconceived notions that would have turned into a complaint were dashed by the end. Now I am hooked. I am so happy that this is the first of three in a series and that all of the books in the series are out already so I won't have to wait too long to read the rest!

Recommendation: I highly recommend it. If you like stories about witches and vampires who fall in love and save the world, then read this. I know you will love it too!