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A Discovery of Witches
by Harkness, Deborah
Diana Bishop is a historian who prefers the company of old manuscripts to people, until she accidentally conjures a bewitched book in the Bodleian Library. This single act of research exposes her to a hidden world of vampires, daemons, and witches who have been watching her from the shadows. She soon finds herself entangled with Matthew Clairmont, a geneticist and vampire whose interest in her discovery is both scholarly and deeply personal. The story moves at a deliberate, atmospheric pace, favoring rich descriptions of Oxford libraries and ancient wine cellars over quick action. It is a slow-burn romance that feels like a warm, intellectual obsession. If you enjoy stories where academic rigor meets the supernatural, and you want a long, immersive read that balances centuries of lore with intense character chemistry, this is your next obsession.
10 Books similar to 'A Discovery of Witches'
If the scholarly curiosity and forbidden romance of this world left you wanting more, our curated list focuses on books that share that same intellectual weight and supernatural tension. We have selected titles that excel at world-building, whether through the lens of historical fantasy or modern-day secret societies. From the academic rigor found in Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell to the long-spanning, immortal perspectives in The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, these picks lean into the themes of hidden history, dangerous knowledge, and the slow, complex development of relationships between extraordinary beings.
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by Lev Grossman
Like Harkness's work, this series blends academia with the supernatural, focusing on the discovery of hidden magical worlds by intelligent, scholarly protagonists. It offers a more cynical and gritty take on the 'secret magical society' trope while maintaining the intellectual atmosphere that fans of Diana Bishop will appreciate.
This is the gold standard for historical romance combined with fantasy elements, mirroring the time-traveling, star-crossed love story found in 'A Discovery of Witches'. Readers who enjoyed the rich historical detail and the intense, slow-burn chemistry between Diana and Matthew will find a similar emotional anchor here.
by V.E. Schwab
This novel features a protagonist living across centuries, much like the ancient creatures in Harkness's All Souls trilogy. It captures the same sense of wonder, historical depth, and the loneliness of immortality that defines Matthew Clairmont's existence.
This book offers a deeply atmospheric and magical experience rooted in folklore, appealing to readers who enjoyed the scholarly yet mystical tone of 'A Discovery of Witches'. It features a strong, independent female lead navigating a world where ancient, hidden forces are awakening.
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For those who loved the academic setting and the intersection of history and magic in Harkness's work, this novel provides a darker, more visceral take on secret societies at Yale University. It maintains the 'hidden world' aspect while adding a layer of grit and conspiracy.
This series features a brilliant, scholarly protagonist who stumbles into a hidden magical society, echoing Diana Bishop's journey of self-discovery. The intricate world-building, political intrigue, and slow-burn romance will feel very familiar to fans of the All Souls trilogy.
This beautifully written historical fantasy focuses on the relationship between two supernatural beings trying to navigate the human world, mirroring the cross-species romance of Matthew and Diana. It is a thoughtful, character-driven story that excels in atmosphere and emotional resonance.
by V.E. Schwab
This book offers a sophisticated magic system and a compelling, high-stakes narrative that will satisfy fans of the supernatural politics in 'A Discovery of Witches'. The dynamic between the leads and the exploration of different worlds provides a similar sense of adventure and discovery.
If you loved the academic, research-heavy approach to magic in Harkness's writing, this is the definitive book for you. It is a dense, scholarly, and deeply immersive historical fantasy that treats magic as a lost, academic discipline.
For readers who enjoyed the romantic tension and the 'dangerous partner' dynamic between the leads in the All Souls trilogy, this book offers a fun, high-stakes romance with a touch of the supernatural. It is lighter in tone but hits the same pleasure points regarding character chemistry.
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