Addicted to YA discussion

This discussion will be lead by Tamara. The discussion leader will be here to help keep the conversation going. Look out for comments and questions the discussion leader might make and respond back to them!

Good Afternoon All & Happy Beltane to you! I am truly looking forward to leading this discussion re:

I hope many people want to talk about it this month of May!
Please start off by letting everyone know ...
▪ if you have read or are currently reading 'A Discovery Of Witches'? How far in are you, if currently reading?
▪ what are/were your first impressions of the book?

I have read - and re•read the entire All Souls trilogy (A Discovery Of Witches, A Shadow Of Night & The Book Of Life). I also recently read Time's Convert (an accompanying book) ... along with the Illustrated Guide to the All Souls trilogy and the All Souls Reading Companion. I am currently re•reading A Discovery Of Witches for this discussion and will surely, again re•read all the All Souls books as well.

This book is one of my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE books ever (the All Souls books in their entirety actually); as they are definitely magical, hold a beautiful sense of history and details and bring about inspiration - and also are somewhat more mature. I LOVE fantasy, paranormal, metaphysical, sci•fi, etc. - but wish much of it was [also] more mature. I still love so many books geared toward young adults, but just want MORE ... I wish these genres spanned Y.A. and Adult reading more so.

Happy Reading & I look forward to discussing this awesome book with everyone!

)O(

Last year was the last time I read All Souls!

Never before did I think a book series could capture my heart the way Harry Potter, and Throne of Glass have done, but boy oh boy was I wrong. Lol!

This is my first time ever posting on one of these threads, and I’m not entirely certain on what I can or cannot say, but I’ve loved the character developments throughout the series, and I love how the time eras are clearly written and thought out. This series is honestly one of those I’ll read again, and again, and again... not many books capture my heart quite like this, so it’s a magical thing.

I’m also curious about the tv series, I’ve yet to watch it but I’m also so wary that it isn’t the same feel as the books. Has anyone seen it? I need reassurance that it’s not going to damage my perception of the books!

(I also feel this has somewhat turned into a review, and that was not my intention. Eek. 😬)

I became aware of A Discovery of Witches by those equally happy with the TV show, which I hope to watch. I’m only about 7 chapters into the 1st book but purchased the series. I love academic back-settings and this one delivers on the Oxford campus. I agree that the writing is more mature is an actual reflection of the environment - excellence.

I also loved this trilogy, The mystery wrapped in romance wrapped in demon,witches and vampires!! the perfect package.

There's a TV SHOW!!????

Audii wrote: "Last year was the last time I read All Souls!

Never before did I think a book series could capture my heart the way Harry Potter, and Throne of Glass have done, but boy oh boy was I wrong. Lol!
..."

Audii - ABSOLUTELY no worries on HOW to answer any questions, etc. It is an amazing series ... well, trilogy but along with the accompanying book; Time's Convert.

I LOVE the Harry Potter series as well. I have never read Thorn Of Glass, but will check into it. I can inbox you a list of other books / series that I love also ... and if you want to do the same?

I enjoyed the t.v. series, which I binge•watched. It is not as good as the books - but they did a fairly good job. I get annoyed when a book is made into a t.v. show / movie and they change things that don't necessarily need to bechanged. There was a bit of that going on, but not too much ... I would seriously doubt that your love of the books will change by watching the t.v. show. I am looking forward to Season II.

If you want to write any messages that contain spoilers simply type;

< spoiler > whatever you want to write about here ... < /spoiler >

without the spaces between the < >

😉

Nancy wrote: "I became aware of A Discovery of Witches by those equally happy with the TV show, which I hope to watch. I’m only about 7 chapters into the 1st book but purchased the series. I love academic back-s..."

That is great! It is a fantastic read, as is the whole All Souls trilogy AND Time's Convert! Make sure to read that as well. It delves into the history of one of the characters of the All Souls trilogy. I would have loved to attend Oxford; unfortunately it didn't happen, but I do still plan to visit - it is on my "Travel Bucket List"!

Cassie wrote: "I also loved this trilogy, The mystery wrapped in romance wrapped in demon,witches and vampires!! the perfect package.

There's a TV SHOW!!????"

Cassie - DEFINITELY read Time's Convert as well. It is more All Souls - which ROCKS!!!
The t.v. series; A Discovery Of Witches came out in the U.K. in September 2018 and in the U.S. in January 2019. You can watch (or binge•watch free over the trial period) it via the Shudder app. or the Sundance app. OR it is now also available via SlingT.V. I am sure that, as Sling has it; it is also likely available via other paid outlets as well ... but DEFINITELY via the three sources I mentioned.

Okay Everyone; I know more people will certainly chime in throughout the month ... and I will mostly try to contain any spoilers within links. For now though; I imagine it is safe to post a few questions/comments re: Chapters 1 and 2.

I will be coming up with some original questions and comments, as well as some that come from the All Souls Reading Companion or internet research for reading discussions.

Happy Reading! )O(

Early on, in Chapter 1 (page 5) Diana's mother [Rebecca] states that fear "is the strongest force on earth".

What does she mean?

Do you agree?

I will contain my answers below. In case you choose to answer before reading my answers - so they don't influence your opinions.

(view spoiler)[I know that, initially Diana believes that she should recognize her fear and be wary ... However, right from the get go I understood Rebecca's true meaning; fear holds people back. You cannot let fear get the best of you. It is a strong force and one must not let fear control one's self.

I DEFINITELY agree that no one should let fear control them. (hide spoiler)]

In Chapter 2, Harkness describes the typical personalities and physical traits of daemons, witches, and vampires.

If you could be any one of these beings, which would you choose and why?

This is a difficult question for me to answer. IF my choices were between a daemon, a witch or a vampire; although I LOVE the idea of living throughout MANY historical periods ... I am a practicing Eclectic Witch (I wish I had magical powers such as the witches in the All Souls ▪Verse!) - I would choose to be a witch. I would love to have an even greater affinity with nature, with magic and the universal consciousness/force/current/spirit. )O(

For those who have read the entire trilogy - click below for additional insight. And, if you respond to this; please put it on the thread as a spoiler, as I did.
(view spoiler)[Actually I would love to be a Bright Born; I could be a witch, as I LOVE ... AND also live for approx. 200 years - enjoying and experiencing various periods of time (and future history)!!! (hide spoiler)]

Cassie wrote: "I also loved this trilogy, The mystery wrapped in romance wrapped in demon,witches and vampires!! the perfect package.

There's a TV SHOW!!????"

The show is currently on AMC & BBC America here in the states. They are working on the scripts for season 2 now and if they do the same as season 1, it will be be released in the UK, then streaming in the US and then on regular TV, but probably 3-4 months apart for each release.

Tamara wrote: "Good Afternoon All & Happy Beltane to you! I am truly looking forward to leading this discussion re:

I hope many people want to talk about it this month o..."

I've read the full trilogy multiple times and got into them shortly after SON came out, so I'm very familiar with this book (series). I love the world that Deb has built for us and how she incorporates the creatures into our everyday world.

Janet wrote: "Cassie wrote: "I also loved this trilogy, The mystery wrapped in romance wrapped in demon,witches and vampires!! the perfect package.

There's a TV SHOW!!????"

The show is currently on AMC & BBC ..."

Janet wrote: "Tamara wrote: "Good Afternoon All & Happy Beltane to you! I am truly looking forward to leading this discussion re:

I hope many people want to talk about ..."


Ah, yup I bet I saw it via SlingT.V. on AMC ... But, I was so excited to see the show that I had already seen the entire first season on Sundance.

Janet wrote: "Tamara wrote: "Good Afternoon All & Happy Beltane to you! I am truly looking forward to leading this discussion re:

I hope many people want to talk about ..."

Yes, same here - as far as multiple readings! Have you also read


Would you rather be a daemon? ... a witch? ... or a vampire?

Tamara wrote: "Janet wrote: "Tamara wrote: "Good Afternoon All & Happy Beltane to you! I am truly looking forward to leading this discussion re:

I hope many people want ..."

Yep, already got Time's Convert done and have the World of All Souls as well. I actually AM a Witch (solitary practitioner), so if I had to pick something else, then I'd go with Vampire.

I've been a big fan of this series for a long time & am also going to my second All Souls Con in Cardiff this summer (my profile pick is with Deb in NOLA 2 years ago), so looking forward to everything they have planned for us this year.

For those who have read the entire All Souls trilogy; here is a link to a GoodReads quiz ...


https://www.goodreads.com/quizzes/112...

I got 15 out of 16 - which is good; However I got NONE wrong. The quiz skipped no. 2, so I couldn't answer it. As I didn't know I missed a question, unfortunately I didn't review my answers before submitting ... I was confident in my answers. Oh well, I know I got 💯

Tamara wrote: "For those who have read the entire All Souls trilogy; here is a link to a GoodReads quiz ...


https://www.goodreads.com/quizzes/112...

I got 15 out of 16 - which is go..."

I got 15 of 16 as well, but actually answered wrong on #7.

Janet wrote: "Tamara wrote: "For those who have read the entire All Souls trilogy; here is a link to a GoodReads quiz ...


https://www.goodreads.com/quizzes/112...

I got 15 out of 1..."


1 wrong is no big deal ... and - see; I KNOW that and believe it ... but I am annoyed with myself because IF I had double•checked as they suggested, even knowing I had all the questions [that I answered] correct; I would have caught not answering no. 2 ... especially as no. 2 was about blood & fear quote! But, I need to stop myself from trying to be such a Perfectionist¡ I will get over it; L.o.L. 😏

Janet wrote: "Tamara wrote: "Janet wrote: "Tamara wrote: "Good Afternoon All & Happy Beltane to you! I am truly looking forward to leading this discussion re:

I hope ma..."

Me too; I practice solitary, eclectic ... Please see my spoiler link re: answer to "I would be a vampire" ... but I added another comment on that note - which I hid via link as it contains [seemingly] spoiler•info.
I would ABSOLUTELY LOVE to do that! We are prepping for our hand•fasting ~ wedding ... and planning to move this Summer/Fall ... But, hopefully come 2020 I will be able to do some mini•vacations, etc.

Vampires, werewolves, daemons, and genetics... what’s not to like. If you’ve only read book one, don’t stop. The history in these books is well researched and fun to explore. Who wouldn’t want to jump from Oxford to Salem to France to Elizabethan England and the likes. And that’s as spoilerish as I’ll get. Read on and enjoy the spectacle that pulls Diana and Matthew closer together as they Ashmole seems to bind us all.

Kevin wrote: "Vampires, werewolves, daemons, and genetics... what’s not to like. If you’ve only read book one, don’t stop. The history in these books is well researched and fun to explore. Who wouldn’t want to j..."

Welcome Kevin!

We would love it if you want to take part ... answer the above questions ... I get the gist of your impressions on A Discovery Of Witches [the entirety of the All Souls trilogy]; but if you'd like to answer the questions in Message 10 and Message 11 - I would love to hear what you have to say.
Also, I shared a quiz via GoodReads on the All Souls trilogy in Message 17 if you feel like taking it.
Have you read ?
... ?

Oh, and as you are in the boat with myself and others who have read the whole trilogy (¿ Time's Convert too?); if you want to include info from further into A.D.O.W. or the other books in an answer; simply post it with a link for any spoilers hidden. See Message 6 if you need to know "how to". 😊

Something to ponder this evening ...

Deborah Harkness presents the use of magic & witchcraft in everyday life; for example, Diana uses a spell to fix her washing machine, as well as to reach a book in the Bodleian ...

▪Which example of the novel's blending of the magical with the mundane did you find most entertaining or creative?
▪If you could use magic in your daily life, what would you use it for?

Personally, I appreciated reading about Diana's mother's [Rebecca] and her Aunts [Sarah & Emily] use of magic & witchcraft in everyday life. These ladies DEFINITELY utilized their gifts not only on a more spiritual level, but also in mundane tasks such as doing the dishes. I look forward to Diana doing the same; she should embrace being a Witch.

I would certainly utilize magic & witchcraft for any & all mundane tasks, chores, etc. - whenever possible ... As an Eclectic Witch I already honor the Goddess & the God; celebrating the Pagan holidays, full moons, new moons, and to progress spiritually in my personal beliefs and life. I would love to add magic to my rituals also.

)O(

I have compiled some YouTube links; Deborah Harkness' All Souls musical inspirations ~

🎵🎶🎵 ~ Enjoy! ~ 🎶🎵🎶

Inspiration for All Souls, regarding nature ~
David Berkeley; Moon Song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1RXTc...

Matthew the day of his dinner in Diana's rooms ~
Spill Canvas; The Night Will Go As Follows
https://youtu.be/rAyZNDpSObI

Conversations regarding history and science, over wine ~
Rhine; Drunkard's Prayer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3Zuc...

Feeling vulnerable with one another ~
GooGoo Dolls; Iris
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdYWuo...

Recognizing danger ~
RadioHead; The Gloaming
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW4uZ...

Juliette Durand ~
Spill Canvas; Gold Dust Woman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiW2gN...

Diana's fight, Matthew's struggle, mood ... ~
Rachel Yamagata ft. Ray LaMontagne; Duet
http://youtube.com/watch?v=2EO0w9i5wmA

Conventicle's call to battle ~
EmmyLou Harris; The Pearl
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fd8nT...

I will look into compiling more of the music that inspired Harkness while writing the A.D.O.W. [All Souls]. These songs are courtesy of:


)O(

Good Afternoon All;

Here is another A.D.O.W. quiz for those interested!

http://www.bookrags.com/studyguide-a-...

I currently feel wretched, as I have a migraine coming on ... Since the discussion seems fairly quiet; I am going to-probably- not check in again til late evening [EST]. Hopefully, I will feel better soonER! 🤯

Happy Reading! 📖😊

)O(

... just checking ... I would love to hear thoughts on A.D.O.W., discussion, quizzes, music, inspiration, etc. ... I'll be popping in to see if anyone is commenting.

Happy Reading! 📖😊

)O(

Tamara wrote: "Good Afternoon All;

Here is another A.D.O.W. quiz for those interested!

http://www.bookrags.com/studyguide-a-...

I currently feel wretched, as I have ..."

So I went in & did this quiz...only to find out that you have to sign up for their site to get the results. :( While taking though, I realized if people took this after only watching the show, they would definitely miss things...like Ysabeau singing to Diana when she has the Witchwater going on. There's so much more in the book!

Janet wrote: "Tamara wrote: "Good Afternoon All;

Here is another A.D.O.W. quiz for those interested!

http://www.bookrags.com/studyguide-a-...

I currently feel wretc..."

Hello Janet;

Good to 👀 you here! Sorry re: that quiz. I actually copied & pasted it ... waiting to take it, because I forgot and then got busy. I was looking forward to it. I wonder if it is a pain in the butt to sign•up, get results and delete the account/membership ...¿ Anyhoo, sorry for the lack of warning re: the gimmick. I wasn't aware.

I DEFINITELY agree with you regarding the richness of the book vs. the t.v. series. Although, this is often the case. I do understand SOME necessary cuts and changes; I get upset when they change things they can obviously do the same [as in the book].

Let me know, if you listen to the music - what you think? I also have some more music, some recipes, ... from the Reading Companion and the Illustrated Guide.

Blessed Be. )O(

"As far as I can tell, there are only two emotions that keep the world spinning, year after year. One is fear. The other is desire."
- Deborah Harkness [Matthew DeClermont], All Souls trilogy: A Discovery Of Witches

"It begins with absence & desire.
It begins with blood & fear.
It begins with a discovery of witches."

- Deborah Harkness, All Souls trilogy: A Discovery Of Witches

*checking in daily; hoping readers will want to join the discussion. ... ... ...

... 📖 ... 📖 ... 📖 ...

I've tried to read this book a few times over the years and I just find it painfully boring. I started it on audio a few months ago and I think I got somewhere around 60% and still gave up 🙈 Which sucks because I own books 2 and 3 in hardcover

Farren wrote: "I've tried to read this book a few times over the years and I just find it painfully boring. I started it on audio a few months ago and I think I got somewhere around 60% and still gave up 🙈 Which ..."

Okay; that is a first! ... perhaps; sell your books second•hand. 🙃

Farren wrote: "I've tried to read this book a few times over the years and I just find it painfully boring. I started it on audio a few months ago and I think I got somewhere around 60% and still gave up 🙈 Which ..."

I agree. I've tried reading this three times over the last two years and I just can't get into it. I found it slow paced, repetitive and boring.

Rinda wrote: "Farren wrote: "I've tried to read this book a few times over the years and I just find it painfully boring. I started it on audio a few months ago and I think I got somewhere around 60% and still g..."

Each to her/his own, of course ... However, I am curious; why bother commenting if you didn't enjoy the book¿!¿

:::shrug::: 🙃

I commented because I thought the purpose of this discussion is to express our thoughts on the book with other readers. Everyone will not love every book. Are we not allowed to express our opinions simply because they differ from yours?

Rinda wrote: "I commented because I thought the purpose of this discussion is to express our thoughts on the book with other readers. Everyone will not love every book. Are we not allowed to express our opinions..."

Feel free to comment if you choose, certainly. However, it isn't as of you are stating you do not like certain aspects of the book, certain characters, etc. You are simply stating you dislike the entirety of this selection ...

My point is; Why would you want to "discuss" a book you didn't enjoy whatsoever? - nor did you even complete it; which means you're unable to discuss the book in full.

Regardless, it is your prerogative, of course. Blessed Be. )O(

Wow. I was simply replying to another comment and agreeing with their opinion. This is my first time joining in on a Addicted To YA book discussion. I thought this was going to be a place where we could have a discussion without getting attacked personally, but if every comment I make will be met with a negative and hostile response I'll just refrain from joining any of these discussions in the future. I joined this group to chat with people with similar interests in my spare time but if this is how this group is run maybe I should just leave it.

Rinda wrote: "Wow. I was simply replying to another comment and agreeing with their opinion. This is my first time joining in on a Addicted To YA book discussion. I thought this was going to be a place where we ..."

Rinda,

I merely asked why you would want to discuss a book that you dont enjoy and didn't finish. I ABSOLUTELY agree that you have the right to discuss the book. I simply dont have a response when you say it was boring, so boring that you didn't finish it. I didn't want to argue with you - that is all. I was completely polite ... I would never be rude to someone because of their reading preferences. Each to her/his own. From my perspective; I did not try arguing with your opinion whatsoever ... even ending with 'Blessed Be' which is meant wishing you the best - truly. I think you maybe reading something into this that isn't there. Unfortunately, that is a problem with online communication. You are more than welcome to contribute. ✌

A question for thought;

Why is Diana and Matthew's love forbidden? Have you ever loved someone whom your family or friends thought was inappropriate? How did their reaction influence your feelings?

Diana & Matthew deal with discrimination - they find that vampires and witches and daemons can, in fact be speciesist. I haven't personally experienced this particular type of prejudice; however I am certainly empathetic.

Happy Reading! 📖😊


🌛🌝🌜

Rinda wrote: "Wow. I was simply replying to another comment and agreeing with their opinion. This is my first time joining in on a Addicted To YA book discussion. I thought this was going to be a place where we ..."

No, you have every right to express a negative opinion if that's how you feel about the book. Don't feel like you need to refrain from future discussions, since the whole point of a discussion is to talk about what we did or did not like about the story. I personally feel like I end up being the Negative Nancy in group reads because for some reason popular books tend not to resonate with me, but the books other people don't love will and I'll still be singled out.

Tamara, group discussions are not just for people who only have positive things to say about a book. All opinions are welcome, whether the members liked, disliked, or didn't finish a BOTM.

Rinda wrote: Farren wrote: "I've tried to read this book a few times over the years and I just find it painfully boring. I started it on audio a few months ago and I think I got somewhere around 60% and still gave up 🙈 Which ..."

I agree. I've tried reading this three times over the last two years and I just can't get into it. I found it slow paced, repetitive and boring.

Rinda gave valid reasons why her, and I, didn't enjoy and were unable to finish the book. Just because you disagree doesn't mean we shouldn't be able to talk about it with the group. I wish we could all enjoy every book published, but that is never going to happen. As a discussion leader who very clearly is over the moon for the BOTM, you should have gave us examples of why your opinion differed from ours. For example, how is it that in almost 600 pages of Diane talking about a manuscript everyone wants, her frizzy hair, and why she can't be with Michael, meanwhile with no actual events occurring, did you find excitement within this story?

Farren wrote: "Tamara, group discussions are not just for people who only have positive things to say about a book. All opinions are welcome, whether the members liked, disliked, or didn't finish a BOTM.

Rinda ..."

If you read over my above response to Rinda; I stated [I agree] everyone is welcome no matter what their opinions are. As I mentioned, I think sometimes online communication leaves something to be desired. I simply wondered why you both would want to discuss a book that you didn't enjoy at all. Whenever I have read books that I truly didn't enjoy whatsoever; I am pretty fully over them. Now, if I like some aspects, but not others or I enjoy a book in its entirety - I will want to discuss and debate it. I believe you are taking my words as aggressive, when I was truly curious. Each to her/his own; we dont all like the same genres ... which is great - variety is the spice of life.


I enjoy the mystery, the intrigue, the historical aspects, the characters; Diana & Matthew, as well as Marcus, Miriam, Ysbeau, Emily, Sarah ... etc. I have no intention of defending the fact that I love the All Souls books. You are very welcome to discuss aspects of the book, or ask anyone - why they like the books ... I simply wanted to discuss aspects of A.D.O.W. with fellow readers. I feel like this takes us into a ➕A.D.O.W. v. ➖A.D.O.W. debate; which was why I was curious about wanting to discuss a book you didn't enjoy at all. I think having that arguement is pointless and a waste of time; and by your own words - re: us not all enjoying the same books - I would think you would seemingly agree.

Brightest Blessings. )O(

I read the full series back in 2015 and I love love loved it. I finished binging the TV series a month or two ago as well and I'm so bummed I have to wait until the end of the year for the second season to come out. I was really happy with how the show was in comparison.

I have only read Discovery of Witches .. I finished it back in March.

I found it pretty slow moving for the most part, the ending picks up in my opinion and made me want to grab book two at the next book sale :)

Sara wrote: "I read the full series back in 2015 and I love love loved it. I finished binging the TV series a month or two ago as well and I'm so bummed I have to wait until the end of the year for the second s..."

Sara,

I agree completely; the All Souls ▪Verse captivated me! I am excited for season 2 of the t.v. series as well. Have you also read Time's Convert? I loved getting back•story on Marcus. If you want to discuss any particular aspects - feel free to point them out. Also, I would love your opinion on if you would choose to be a vampire, witch, daemon - or bright•born?


Blessed Be )O(

Tiffany wrote: "I have only read Discovery of Witches .. I finished it back in March.

I found it pretty slow moving for the most part, the ending picks up in my opinion and made me want to grab book two at the n..."

Tiffany,

I do agree that A.D.O.W. starts of a bit slow - but I love the world•building and the back•story that is developing. And, I am fairly certain you will enjoy Shadow of Night and The Book of Life - also Time's Convert, which tells Marcus' story.

Have you seen the t.v. series; A Discovery Of Witches?


Blessed Be )O(

Tamara wrote: "Sara wrote: "I read the full series back in 2015 and I love love loved it. I finished binging the TV series a month or two ago as well and I'm so bummed I have to wait until the end of the year for..."

Hi Tamara!
No, I haven't read Time's Convert but I have it on my TBR list! Is it worth the read?

I think of those choices, I would pick a witch. What about you?