All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness: I wish I could read it again for the first time...

I've spent the past three weeks reading A Discovery of Witches, Shadow of Night, and The Book of Life. If this confession doesn't convince you that these books are some of the best fantasy fiction I have ever read- and I have read A LOT- then I don't know what will.

Don't laugh, but have you ever read a fiction book that made you feel smart? I know this is a fantasy series that we're discussing, but Harkness blends together clever elements of history and science seamlessly into the story, teasing us with facts through the fiction. There are some embellishments so don't use the text for history class, but the sense of place and time that Harkness creates is so vivid and rich that I can practically taste it. I am more than a little bit envious of the writer's talent.

The plot follows Diana Bishop, a history of science professor at Oxford and a reluctant witch who becomes tangled in species politics upon her accidental discovery of a manuscript that daemons, witches and vampires desire for themselves. The most persuasive creature is Matthew Clairmont, vampire and professor of biochemistry at the very same university. However, their relationship is drawing attention from their own people and from the congregation who govern the species through sanctions and segregation, as well as those who will stop at nothing to discover the secrets of the manuscript.

One thing I love about the way this is written is that, though this is very much Diana's story, we get these pocket chapters that allows us access into other character's thoughts and experiences which I happened to really like.

I'm desperately trying not to say too much, but be prepared to cross continents, transgress time and listen to heartbreak. It's bloody, violent, romantic, intelligent and enchanting. This is a saga you cannot miss.