Clare L. Deming

This is another review for a book that I’d read some time ago. Time’s Convert by Deborah Harkness is both a prequel and a sequel to her All Souls Trilogy. I don’t think I reviewed the first book, A Discovery of Witches, but you can find my reviews for Shadow of Night (#2) here, and The Book of Life (#3) here.

While you could probably read this book without having read the earlier ones since much of it tells the backstory of one character (Marcus), the parts set in the present of the story won’t make much sense.

Here is the blurb:

On the battlefields of the American Revolution, Matthew de Clermont meets Marcus MacNeil, a young surgeon from Massachusetts, during a moment of political awakening when it seems that the world is on the brink of a brighter future. When Matthew offers him a chance at immortality and a new life free from the restraints of his puritanical upbringing, Marcus seizes the opportunity to become a vampire. But his transformation is not an easy one and the ancient traditions and responsibilities of the de Clermont family clash with Marcus’s deeply held beliefs in liberty, equality, and brotherhood.

Fast-forward to contemporary Paris, where Phoebe Taylor–the young employee at Sotheby’s whom Marcus has fallen for–is about to embark on her own journey to immortality. Though the modernized version of the process at first seems uncomplicated, the couple discovers that the challenges facing a human who wishes to be a vampire are no less formidable than they were in the eighteenth century. The shadows that Marcus believed he’d escaped centuries ago may return to haunt them both–forever.

A passionate love story and a fascinating exploration of the power of tradition and the possibilities not just for change but for revolution, Time’s Convert channels the supernatural world-building and slow-burning romance that made the All Souls Trilogy instant bestsellers to illuminate a new and vital moment in history, and a love affair that will bridge centuries.

I enjoyed this book but I could see how it wouldn’t be for everyone. If you read the original three books, then this novel fills in some backstory and provides a look ahead at how Matthew and Diana’s story continues. The dynamics between the vampires are expanded upon, but the story doesn’t have the same tension as the original trilogy.

The author is reportedly working on more books in this world though, so if you liked Matthew and Diana’s story, I would read this book so that you’re caught up when the next one comes out. Also, AMC has produced a television show from the All Souls Trilogy. The first season was well done and the second season is out now (I still have to watch the new episodes)!

Here’s my last comment — I have a kitten (okay, adult cat now) named Marcus. He wasn’t named for the character in this book, but here are photos, just because the internet always needs more cats.

If you like witches, look here in October for my thoughts on some witchy fiction! I’m planning to read several witch-themed books soon.

Have you read anything by Deborah Harkness? Are you watching the show? Let me know in the comments above.

Find more of my reviews here.