Deborah
Harkness
With Shadow of Night, Deborah Harkness
continues the complex tale she began in A Discovery of Witches, the first book of her All Souls trilogy, tracing the search
of Matthew Clairmont, a centuries-old vampire, and Diane Bishop, a witch, for
the magical manuscript Ashmole 782
throughout the continent of Europe, and through time itself. Time-walking back through history to the
Elizabethan period, when Matthew was a very different man (and vampire), Diana
must learn how to control her burgeoning powers without destroying herself or
those around her as she searches for the elusive manuscript.
Matthew’s
personal experience of the past and Diana’s historical expertise allow them to
navigate the tumultuous time period they walk into. Through England, France, and Czechoslovakia, they interact with historical
friends and foes, trying to keep Diana’s cover and gain the information that
they need.
There’s
much less tea-drinking in this book than the first, but more historical fact
and action. Matthew and Diana must learn
(and relearn in Matthew’s case) how to act in a very different time. Their relationship is pushed to the limit as
they become accustomed to their new roles in society and the danger they face
as a married witch and vampire.
If you
loved A Discovery of Witches, you’ll
eat up this second book of the trilogy. Following Matthew and Diana on their
journey, you become caught up in their lives together as husband and wife, watching
Diana as she struggles with her unpredictable and potentially dangerous powers
and Matthew as he meets old friends.
-
Lindsay Ly
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