Witches, Vampires, Daemons, Oh My!

I am the biggest fan of the Harry Potter Collection and was enthralled with The Twilight Saga, so when I heard about another Witches and Vampire trilogy, I was not going to let it pass me by.  Going from early reader, to teen reading and now to a more mature series, I am still enamored with the fantasy and underworld of other creatures.  I finished the first Book in Deborah Harkness’ Trilogy: A Discovery of Witches: A Novel (All Souls Trilogy.) and loved it!

The story centers around Diana Bishop, a Yale Historian, researching alchemical texts at the Oxford Bodleian Library. While she is a witch by birth, she chooses not to use her magic, instead leading a life of academia without any help of her powers.  Unknowingly, she calls up from the depth of the library an ancient and highly sought after manuscript, Ashmole 782, that supposedly explains the origins of all supernatural creatures.

I know what you are thinking.. No way am I reading a fantasy story about witches and vampires!

Diana not knowing the significance of the book, returns it to the stacks where it becomes impossible to recall again. By requesting the manuscript (and getting it) Diana drew the attention of ever witch, vampire and daemon who wanted the text for their clan.   While the creatures become more agitated and pressing her for the book, she meets Matthew de Clairmont, a 1,500 year old vampire, who becomes her confident and protector.

The tale follows Diana and Matthew as they navigate a forbidden romance between creatures, trying to relocate the Ashmole 782 and protect themselves from the creatures congregation.  It is a page turner and the other books in the series do not disappoint!

To get ready for ‘Time’s Convert’ – I re-read the trilogy.. I loved it even more the second time!

I have now read the entire All Souls trilogy which includes Shadow of Night (book two) and The Book of Life (book three).   In addition to the trilogy, Harkness published  Time’s Convert which follows along with the vampires from the series.  It is a different perspective that dives deeper into several characters and their story lines.  I love that we get to visit with Diana, Matthew and their extended family but see a whole new side of their world.  A great follow up novel to the trilogy!