Read Discovery Of Witches Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on May 4, 2026

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The Discovery of Witches series, also known as All Souls Trilogy, is an enthralling journey that blends historical fiction, fantasy, and romance into a seamless narrative that captivates its readers. The story unfolds in a world that intertwines the lives of witches, vampires, and daemons, where magic is real but hidden from the eyes of humans. Deborah Harkness, the author behind the series, weaves a complex tapestry of history, science, and supernatural elements that invites readers to explore a universe rich with intrigue, mystery, and deep emotional stakes. The series is not only a tale of magic and romance but also a reflection on the power of knowledge, choice, and self-discovery.

At the heart of the trilogy is the story of Diana Bishop, a historian and reluctant witch, who stumbles upon a mysterious manuscript in the Bodleian Library at Oxford University. This event sets off a chain reaction that propels her into a world she’s tried to escape from, bringing her face-to-face with Matthew Clairmont, a centuries-old vampire with a secret agenda. This mysterious and passionate encounter serves as the catalyst for the series, drawing readers into a world where the boundaries of science and magic blur, and love is tested against centuries of history and societal expectations.

List Of Discovery Of Witches Books In Order

More On Discovery Of Witches Books In Chronological Order

1. A Discovery of Witches (2011)

Alright, so the journey begins with *A Discovery of Witches*. Diana Bishop, a historian and witch, is just living her life until she stumbles upon a magical manuscript, Ashmole 782, which no one really knows the full power of. It’s like the ultimate magical treasure hunt, but there’s a catch-everyone, and I mean *everyone*, wants it. Oh, and to make things even more complicated, Diana has a vampire, Matthew Clairmont, breathing down her neck. Romance, danger, history, and magic come together as the two of them try to protect this manuscript while navigating their very unexpected, not-so-simple relationship.

2. Shadow of Night (2012)

Okay, buckle up because *Shadow of Night* takes us on a time-traveling adventure to 1590s London. Diana and Matthew, with all their mystical baggage, go back in time to try and figure out the mystery of Ashmole 782. Here, we get a really juicy mix of historical figures, a deeper dive into the world of witches, vampires, and daemons, and an exploration of the past’s impact on their future. It’s a lot about discovering the layers of Diana’s powers and uncovering truths that will shape everything, all while managing their increasingly complex relationship.

3. The Book of Life (2014)

So here it is, the final book in the trilogy! In *The Book of Life*, things really heat up. Diana and Matthew have spent so much time running from the dangers around Ashmole 782 and the forces who want it, but now they’re facing their biggest challenge yet: securing their future, their family, and their very existence. There’s betrayal, family secrets, and of course, the big question-what’s the true power of Ashmole 782? It’s all about standing up to those who would tear everything apart and finding a way to protect what they love.

Background On Discovery Of Witches Books

The Discovery of Witches books, written by Deborah Harkness, are part of the All Souls Trilogy, which also includes Shadow of Night and The Book of Life. The series is widely celebrated for its sophisticated world-building, strong character development, and the unique way it combines elements of fantasy, history, and science. Deborah Harkness, a historian and scholar of early modern history, brings her academic expertise to the table, infusing the series with an impressive level of historical accuracy that makes the fantastical elements feel rooted in reality.

The first book, A Discovery of Witches, was released in 2011 and quickly gained a devoted following. The novel introduces Diana Bishop, who is drawn into a world she has long avoided after encountering an ancient manuscript that holds secrets about the origins of witches, vampires, and daemons. The series explores themes of forbidden knowledge, the dangers of power, and the relationships between different supernatural creatures, all while staying grounded in a realistic portrayal of human emotion and connection.

Harkness’s approach to the supernatural world is particularly compelling because it doesn’t rely solely on the usual tropes associated with witches and vampires. Instead, she constructs a world where magic is both a gift and a curse, and where the power dynamics between different species are as complex as the relationships between the characters themselves. The series also delves into real-world historical events and figures, with a particular focus on the 16th and 17th centuries, which adds an enriching layer of depth to the fantasy elements.

Reading Order Explained

To fully immerse oneself in the Discovery of Witches universe, it’s crucial to read the books in order of their publication. The events in each book build upon the last, and reading them in sequence will give you the full experience of the characters’ journeys, the evolving relationships, and the increasingly intricate plotlines.

Here is the recommended reading order for the All Souls Trilogy:

1. A Discovery Of Witches (2011)

   The first book introduces Diana Bishop, a historian at the University of Oxford, and Matthew Clairmont, a vampire and geneticist. Diana’s accidental discovery of a manuscript, known as Ashmole 782, opens a portal to a world of magical creatures and long-hidden secrets. This book sets the stage for the central conflict of the series-the struggle over the control of magical knowledge and the consequences of forbidden love.

2. Shadow Of Night (2012)

   The second book follows Diana and Matthew as they travel back in time to Elizabethan England to uncover the mysteries of Ashmole 782. Here, Diana must come to terms with her powers while navigating a world of politics, magic, and historical figures, all while facing the dangers of their enemies from the present. The historical setting adds an extra layer of intrigue and richness to the narrative.

3. The Book Of Life (2014)

   The final installment in the trilogy ties together the various plot threads established in the previous books. Diana and Matthew return to the present day, but their troubles are far from over. In this book, Diana must confront her role in the larger battle for magical knowledge, as the stakes grow higher and more dangerous. The series concludes with a satisfying resolution to the complex relationships and conflicts that have been building over the course of the trilogy.

In addition to the main trilogy, there is a prequel novel, Time’s Convert (2018), which provides additional backstory and context for some of the secondary characters, particularly Marcus Whitmore, a vampire and one of Matthew’s closest allies. There’s also a companion book, The World of All Souls (2018), which includes detailed information on the universe of the series, including maps, character biographies, and insights into the magical world.

What I Like About The Series?

There are many reasons why the Discovery of Witches series stands out in the world of fantasy literature. Here are a few of the key aspects that I particularly enjoy:

1. The Blend Of History And Fantasy

   One of the most compelling aspects of the series is the way Harkness merges real historical events and figures with her fantasy world. The inclusion of historical settings, such as Elizabethan England, and figures like Queen Elizabeth I and Christopher Marlowe, adds an air of authenticity to the fantastical elements. It makes the world feel lived-in and rich with history, as if magic has always existed alongside real-world events.

2. Character Depth And Development

   Diana and Matthew’s relationship is at the core of the series, and it evolves in a way that feels both natural and compelling. They each undergo significant growth throughout the trilogy, and their dynamic shifts from being driven by necessity to becoming a powerful partnership rooted in love, trust, and mutual respect. The secondary characters, like Marcus, Hamish, and Sarah, are equally well-developed and add layers of richness to the story.

3. The Exploration Of Knowledge And Power

   The theme of knowledge as power runs deeply through the series, especially in relation to Diana’s magical abilities and her research into the origins of the supernatural creatures. This intellectual curiosity, alongside the tension of hidden truths, makes for an engaging and thought-provoking narrative. Harkness’s background in history and science is evident in her writing, providing a strong intellectual foundation to the story.

4. The World-Building

   Harkness creates a world where witches, vampires, and daemons are not merely mythical creatures but complex beings with their own history, politics, and social structures. The level of detail and thought put into each of these species, as well as the ways in which they interact with each other and with humans, makes the world of the Discovery of Witches feel incredibly immersive.

Should You Read Discovery Of Witches Books In Order?

Yes, absolutely. The Discovery of Witches series has a tightly woven narrative, and each book builds on the events of the previous one. Key character development, plot points, and world-building elements are introduced gradually, so reading the books in order will provide the most coherent and enjoyable experience. Skipping ahead or reading out of sequence could lead to confusion, as each book reveals critical information that enriches the understanding of both the characters and the overall story arc.

Additionally, the first book sets the stage for the intense relationship between Diana and Matthew, which grows and deepens throughout the trilogy. The emotional weight of their journey is better appreciated when read in the proper sequence, as each new challenge they face strengthens their bond and adds layers to their characters.