Debut novelist Deborah Harkness has crafted a mesmerizing and addictive read, equal parts history and magic, romance and suspense. Diana is a bold heroine who meets her equal in vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont, and gradually warms up to him as their alliance deepens into an intimacy that violates age-old taboos. This smart, sophisticated story harks back to the novels of Anne Rice, but it is as contemporary and sensual as the Twilight series-with an extra serving of historical realism. (Goodreads)
So, I totally and utterly loved this book. As in, devoured it, despite the very limited reading time I currently have. Did it screw up some basic evolutionary principles? Yes. Did I have to skip a few parts because I found myself going "ack! Not how science works!!"? Yes. Still, totally and utterly loved it. I know there are a few reasons why: I love history. I adore Oxford. I have a soft spot for immortal creatures and all they've seen. And I really liked Diana's voice. Well, more so at the start of the novel when she seems much more put together and stronger than later on (and even though I totally understand what broke her down, I found myself wanting to tell her, "hey, you are a strong person--act like it!" (I apparently had a lot of conversations with these pages!) Anyhow, overall, very fun read, and I can't wait to check out the next one, because hello Time Travel!
Have you read this book? Or do you ever have conversations with books? :)
Do I talk to books? LOL ... all the time! Glad I'm not alone :-)
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear I'm not alone! :)
DeleteI laugh, cry, sob and chuckle. As well as talk with the characters!
ReplyDeleteI've definitely been known to yell at them occasionally, too :)
DeleteOh, I've seen this book around! I think Deborah has almost 4 out now? I've heard really good things about it. looks like I'll be picking this one. Thanks for sharing your review, Mer! :) And yes, I have conversations with books ALL the time..LOL It's the new sane.. :D
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it!!
DeleteI have indeed have conversations with books!
ReplyDeleteExcellent review, Meradeth!
I am beginning to see a trend here--I think it may warrant a post at some point!
DeleteHah! I love your commentary. I could totally imagine you saying them as you read through the book. There are definitely stories I've read, where I had a lot of conversations out loud and in silence at the pages I'm reading, knowing the only way to get any sort of answer is to keep reading! :)
ReplyDeletelol, I've had a few people today say they see me saying those things... :)
DeleteI have been wanting to read this one- so I was excited to read your review. :) I love that you adored this book- even with the mix-ups with the science. Can't wait to get my hands on A Discovery of Witches! :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it!! You'll have to tell me what you think :)
DeleteThis sounds really good and I love that the cover is different from a lot of what's out there right now.
ReplyDeleteIt is very different. At first I kind of didn't care for it, but it grew on me :)
DeleteSounds mysterious and magical. I might have this on my Kindle, but I can't quite remember. I know I want to read this.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it if you get a chance to read it!
DeleteI love the cover and it sounds really good!
ReplyDeleteIt was definitely a great read!
DeleteIt isn't a good sign when I talk to a book, because it usually means I'm aggravated about something: clunky wording, factual errors, misspellings, poor grammar, that sort of thing. Not that I expect perfection, but it drives me crazy when poor (or a total lack of) editing detracts from an otherwise good book. It's like running into a bunch of speed bumps and potholes in the middle of the interstate.
ReplyDelete"A Discovery of Witches" sounds like an interesting read, and since I've been forewarned about the "altered" evolution, it probably wouldn't bother me.
I like the pot hole analogy :) I am okay with a few--they don't bother me a ton, unless they get to be so heavy I worry about a "flat tire" or basically getting too confused to continue.
DeleteI have NO CLUE what people saw in this book. My librarian recommended it, and I found it so tedious and predictable I couldn't even make it through the first 50 pages.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear that!
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