Last year I read A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness and loved it. It is part of a trilogy and the second book, Shadow of Night, was just released this week. I couldn't put it down and now that I've finished it I feel bereft. Can't wait for the third book!
Plot - of the first book: The main characters are a historian named Diana and a biochemist named Matthew who both teach at Oxford. Diana is denial of her family destiny to be a witch and Matthew is a 1500 year old vampire who becomes interested in her. Their original story revolves around their interest in an ancient book that only Diana has been able to call up from the library but then Diana becomes threatened by the other creatures who are also interested in this book. Matthew becomes her protector and then they fall in love, breaking all the rules that forbid relationships between witches and vampires.
Lots of supernatural dangers and mysteries ensue. Quite enjoyable fantasy world that has made it difficult to return to reality while awaiting the third book.
I find it most amusing that there are official Facebook pages for both main characters Diana Bishop and Matthew Clairmont. Very cute to watch them sending messages between each other.
The books are being made into a movie and I have a hard time picturing who will play these characters.
Matthew is the classic vampire with hair dark as night and beautiful angular facial features. Diana is blonde and frankly I don't remember how they've described her otherwise :)
If you read them let me know what you think.
