REVIEW: All Souls Trilogy (Deborah Harkness)
Author: Deborah Harkness
My rating: 4/5
Premise: Reluctant witch/historian Diana Bishop discovers a bewitched manuscript in the Bodleian library. As she attempts to unravel the secrets this book, she is forced back into the world of magic, full of vampires, daemons, witches and forbidden love. Forming an unlikely alliance, geneticist and vampire Matthew Clairmont helps Diana to attempt to protect the book and solve the riddles within, while at the same time dodging threats from the magical creature world.
I came across the TV show Discovery of Witches early last year and read the first book after watching the show. I then heard that series 2 was being filmed locally so decided to read the whole series. I really enjoyed this series! The story has many elements to it: there's a forbidden romance, there's politics between creatures (ie supernatural beings); there's an old mystery; there's the classic protagonists realising who she is. I wasn't nuts over the second book - it dragged a bit for me and I got frustrated with Diana let Matthew treat her. But the final book picks up the pace again and I couldn't predict how it's going to end! An enjoyable and light read!
The TV series (available on NowTV) is a very good adaptation. The show is very true to the books, but also fleshes out the world - we see more of the Congregation, get a bit more back story to some main characters, and there are hints of what's to come! I can definitely recommend this show and can't wait for series 2!!!