So this month Stormi and I are finally finishing up the Deborah Harkness books with the All Soul's Trilogy companion book. I think we both agree that we should have put some distance between the original series and this continuation. Read on for my very opinionated thoughts and then make sure you go check out Stormi's @ Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My!
TITLE: Time's Convert (All Soul's Universe #1)
AUTHOR: Deborak Harkness
PUBLISHER: Penguin Books
PUBLISHING DATE: September 18, 2018
FROM GOODREADS: 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.
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.
MY THOUGHTS: So first things first. Until I started this review, I didn't realize this "companion" series had a name - All Soul's Universe. In all reality, it's just All Soul's Trilogy #4. See the problem??? I think they pinned the author into a trilogy without knowing it would be so popular and they might need to continue. That being said, what it means is that the reader does get somewhat of a continuation of Matthew and Diana's tale, even though they aren't the focus.
This book follows Marcus, Matthew's vampire son, and his girlfriend, Phoebe, who has decided she wants "turned" so she can spend eternity with Marcus. Because the family does not believe in incest per se, Miriam, Matthew's tech assistance, takes on the task of transforming Phoebe which means she and Marcus must stay away from each other. While Marcus is pining away for his true love, he stays with Diana and Matthew and through bits and pieces, we learn all about Marcus' history.
So... I liked the Diana and Matthew parts. I enjoyed meeting Apollo the griffin and I think any fans will too. I learned that at times, Marcus was truly despicable, but as he matured, he changed - for the better. Also Phoebe is a bratty vampire. Think terrible twos manifested in an adult fledgling vampire. In my opinion, the book did a good job of making Phoebe unlikable.
So overall, this book did have some content I was glad I encountered, and I am sure I will continue on with the next book. However, I think I should have put some space between it and the first three books. And also, if you can finish "Book of Life" and are not overly curious about what might happen next, you could always chose to let it end there. I kind of wish I did. But then Apollo - he gets a full paw rating for himself.
RATING: 3 PAWS
