In Harkness's lively debut, witches, vampires, and demons outnumber
humans at Oxford's Bodleian Library, where witch and Yale historian
Diana Bishop discovers an enchanted manuscript, attracting the attention
of 1,500-year-old vampire Matthew Clairmont. The orphaned daughter of
two powerful witches, Bishop prefers intellect, but relies on magic when
her discovery of a palimpsest documenting the origin of supernatural
species releases an assortment of undead who threaten, stalk, and harass
her. Against all occult social propriety, Bishop turns for protection to
tall, dark, bloodsucking man-about-town Clairmont. Their research raises
questions of evolution and extinction among the living dead, and their
romance awakens centuries-old enmities. Harkness imagines a crowded
universe where normal and paranormal creatures observe a tenuous peace.
"Magic is desire made real," Bishop says after both her desire and magical
prowess exceed her expectations. Harkness brings this world to vibrant life
and makes the most of the growing popularity of gothic adventure with an
ending that keeps the Old Lodge door wide open.

Download File Size:2.29 MB

---