A Discovery of Witches

Like A Discovery of Witches, this novel blends meticulous academic research with supernatural lore. It follows a scholar through European libraries and archives as she uncovers the historical truth behind the Dracula legend.

This book captures the 'dark academia' essence of Harkness's work, focusing on secret societies and occult magic within the prestigious setting of Yale University. It features a resilient female lead navigating complex power dynamics between the mundane and the magical.

Fans of the atmospheric prose and the high-stakes, star-crossed romance between Diana and Matthew will be enchanted by this lyrical tale of two rival magicians. The focus on a unique, aesthetic-heavy magic system mirrors the intricate world-building of the All Souls trilogy.

If you enjoyed the time-traveling elements and the deeply researched historical settings of Shadow of Night, Claire Fraser's journey to 18th-century Scotland is a perfect match. It features a strong, capable female protagonist and a central, enduring romance that defies the boundaries of time.

This novel shares the bibliophilic obsession found in A Discovery of Witches, centering on a secret 'Cemetery of Forgotten Books' in post-war Barcelona. It is a lush, gothic mystery that treats books and manuscripts as powerful, dangerous objects.

This is a masterpiece of historical fantasy that treats magic as a rigorous academic subject, much like Diana Bishop’s initial approach to her heritage. The dry wit and extensive footnotes create a grounded, intellectual atmosphere for its magical alternate history.

Readers who appreciated Diana's journey of self-discovery and the reclamation of her powers will resonate with this lyrical reimagining of the Greek sorceress. It explores the isolation of being 'other' and the strength required to forge one's own destiny among immortals.

This book echoes the themes of immortality and the weight of history that Matthew Clairmont carries. It is a beautifully written, atmospheric story about a woman who lives for centuries, exploring the loneliness and the passion of an eternal life.

For those who enjoyed the more cynical, complex, and intellectual side of Harkness's magical world, this series offers a grounded look at magic in a modern university setting. It deconstructs fantasy tropes while maintaining a sense of wonder and danger.

Set in medieval Russia, this novel combines historical detail with folklore and magic in a way that feels both ancient and immediate. The protagonist’s struggle to balance her magical gifts with the expectations of her society mirrors Diana’s own internal conflict.