Trilogy - A Discovery of Witches

[VonWeasel]

Hello Everyone,

I was recommended the Discovery of Witches trilogy to read. It was a bit cheesy in places but I got caught up in the first book from chapter one and knew I was hooked with the descriptions and intrigue plus it was a great read whilst on holiday. I really enjoyed it. I am due to go on holiday again soon for three weeks and would love an epic read - either one long novel or a trilogy or series - because there's something enjoyable about knowing that your reading is sorted for a while and you can happily drift off to another place for several thousand pages! Does anyone have any recommendations I could check out?

Other books I have enjoyed, so not high brow just a good caper include:

A Secret History & The Goldfinch - Donna Tartt
Shantaram - Gregory David
A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth
The Historian - Elizabeth Kostova
House of Echoes - Barbara Erskine (and loads of her other books).

I guess based on this I like books with several plot lines or ones that dip in and out of the past, possibly with an aspect of the supernatural . . Any recommendations gratefully received. Thank you.

P.s. I also really enjoyed the Girl with a Dragon Tattoo trilogy

Have you read the fourth Discovery of Witches book? Times Convert, I think. It follows Matthew’s son (can’t remember his name) I enjoyed it.

I'll look out for those books. I read Winter Ghosts by Kate Mosse a few years ago, it was one of those can't put down books. if you like history, supernatural, mystery you'll enjoy it.

The Priory of The Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon is an epic fantasy book with a few different intertwining plot points. There's a sequel coming out in January too.

The Kate Mosse trilogy beginning with Labyrinth

The King's Witch, Devils Slave and a third I can't remember the name of by Tracy Borman. Like Deborah Harkness who wrote Discovery of Witches she is a proper historian by day so details in her books are historically accurate. It is set at the end of Elizabethan era and James reign the main character is a courtier but into herbal healing and it follows the witch trials.

Thank you everyone. I have just downloaded the Dark is Rising series as it was recommended on several other threads and I have never heard of it. Sounds like good winter reading!

@Absolutesuperstar I had no idea that there was a fourth book but reckon I would like it!

@Alexandernevermind Winter Ghosts sounds amazing. I love a book that you can't put down because you almost worry that something might happen if you do! I remember reading House of Echoes in pretty much one sitting/didn't quite make it out of bed. So very creepy but had to find out what happened.

@Costacoffeeplease thank you for the Kate Mosse suggestion I remember reading Labyrinth years ago and enjoying it but haven't read any of her newer books so will revisit this.

@PepsiMaxandPringleStacks sounds intriguing. Thank you.

@Singleandproud these books sound really interesting so will have a Google. I reckon I might like them so thank you.

Mary Stewart's Merlin trilogy, beginning with The Crystal Cave.
The Arthurian saga set in Romano-celtic Britain with added magic.

OP I think the DoW 4th book is 99p in the 12 days of kindle sale. Jic you haven't already noticed.

I might give it another go, I gave up because of all the rowing and yoga.

Thank you @IcakethereforeIam for this top tip. I have downloaded it and what a bargain. Amazing!

I also downloaded the first in the Merlin trilogy too so thank you @BoreOfWhabylon

Now time for some reading by the far. Peace and quiet for 10 minutes at last!

I have read all 4 books and loved the second one best - for the history!
It is also a series with Matthew Goode and at Bridport Literary Festival Sheila Hancock said he was really lovely and if she had been younger .... ☺️

I do hope you enjoy the Mary Stewart @VonWeasel It's one of my very favourite books and I re-read the series every few years.

You might also like The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley.

You are welcome @VonWeasel

Just rereading my previous post, i feel i should clarify the rowing and yoga were in the book. They are not hobbies that are keeping me too busy to read.

You might like the Rivers of London series

You might enjoy The Bronze Horseman by Paulina Simon. There is a trilogy of books in the series.

Try The Curse of Chalion by Lois Mcmaster Bujold - if you like that there are loads more to discover in the same series and others. Powerful, character driven fantasy and sci fi, on a seriously epic scale.

I recently read the spirit prophecy. Not what I usually read but quite enjoyed it.
It fits your description exactly.

How about Outlander by Diana Gabaldon? Perfect holiday reading.