Review: Time's Convert (An All Souls Universe Novel, Book #4)

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Discovery of Witches comes a novel about what it takes to become a vampire.

Time's Convert, by Deborah Harkness, is the fourth novel in the All Souls Universe. This passionate love story provides an in-depth look on the backgrounds of Marcus de Clermont and Phoebe Taylor. Diana Bishop and Matthew Clairmont, the protagonists in the best-selling All Souls Trilogy, also appear throughout the book from Diana's point of view. The setting takes place between colonial America (Marcus' past recollections of his childhood and service in George Washington's army) and contemporary Paris (Phoebe's transformation into a vampire and the agony of being a reborn supernatural). From the book excerpt:

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.

Initially, I held off on reading this fourth addition to the All Souls Universe for over two years because I saw mixed reactions to the release. With more than 400 pages, the novel required a deep time commitment. Nonetheless, I am so glad that I finally added the novel to my reading list for the fall of 2020. The timing could not be more perfect. The three characters-Marcus, Phoebe, and Diana--turned out to be an interesting and funny in their own way.

The story largely follows Marcus' tumultuous childhood in colonial Massachusetts and how he met Matthew de Clermont in the battlefields of the American Revolution. The flashbacks focus on Marcus' life as a vampire in the late eighteenth century. He witnesses advanced developments in medical practice, yet the call for revolution continues to fascinate him. In the present, Phoebe is separated from Marcus for the majority of the novel as she adjusts to her development as a vampire. It is not without its mishaps, but she does remarkably well. Meanwhile, Diana and Matthew have settled into parenthood. As a weaver mother and vampire with blood rage, their twins are rare Bright Borns with supernatural abilities. Since limited information is available about Bright Borns, they aim to find the right balance that allows for freedom and restraint. I believe this decision was, in part, to not repeat Diana's childhood where her own powerful magic was blocked. I also love how Diana has finally embraced her weaver side, considering she used to avoid magic in A Discovery of Witches.

Overall, this novel was a pleasure to read. While it lacks the twist-turning action and thrilling suspense in the All Souls Trilogy, it spends more quality time unpacking the backgrounds on our favorite characters. Harkness was able to skillfully weave three separate storylines together without interrupting the flow of the story. I also have a better impression of Marcus. While his personality may come across as passionate and idealistic, he is also bound by honor and duty--he was a product of the American Revolution. The historical lessons piqued my interest to revisit early American history. I highly recommend this book for fans of the All Souls Trilogy. As for news, there are rumors that Harkness's next project will focus on another popular supporting character, vampire Gallowglass (keeping my fingers crossed!). I can't wait to read that one! Additionally, check out the first season of the television series by the same name. 

Stay tuned for more updates on the All Souls Universe.

Review: Peace Talks and Battle Ground (The Dresden Files, Books #16-17)

He's back! Things are about to get serious for Harry Dresden, Chicago's only professional wizard ...

Peace Talks, by Jim Butcher, is the sixteenth novel in The Dresden Files series. As Chicago's only professional wizard, life seems relatively stable for professional wizard Harry Dresden and his daughter. He has settled into Mollys' apartment. One day, Thomas Raith, his brother, updates him that his lover, Justine, is pregnant. He also receives a mission assignment to join the White Council's security team at the upcoming peace negotiations to end hostilities between the Fomor and other signatories of the Accorded Nations in Chicago. As the Winter Knight, Harry Dresden is contacted by the Winter Queen to serve as her envoy.

Nonetheless, things start to stack against Harry very quickly. Unexpectedly, Thomas attacks the King of the Svartalfars, fails, and is imprisoned for his crime. Lara Raith uses her favor with Mab to force Harry to rescue her brother. Before they can leave Chicago, Harry must fight his wizard grandfather, Ebenezer McCoy, and finally reveals that Thomas is his grandson, much to his anger and disgust. Dying from his hunger, Thomas is safely trapped on the island of Demonreach to prevent his death. To make matters worse, there are rumors that the Senior Council may convene to expel Harry from the powerful wizard guild.

Battle Ground, by Jim Butcher, is the seventeenth novel in The Dresden Files series. The events pick up immediately after the conclusion of Peace Talks. After Lara and Harry escaped the meeting, the King of the Fomor declares war on humanity and unleases the last Titan, who is in possession of the Eye of Balor. Additionally, she will posssess an army that aims to oblierate Chicago. The various signatories and present parties realize this threat will certainly create a genocidal war against the supernatural and the extinction of humanity. After the Titan Ethinu declares war against humanity, Harry Dresden attempts to stop the being from destroying Chicago.

Upon their return from Demonreach, Harry and his lover Karrin Murphy rush to warn their friends in the Paranet about the upcoming supernatural war. Harry also returns to Castle Marcone, where the Accorded Nations are ready to defend the city from the Titan and her Fomor army. They will face more powerful and dangerous beings never seen on earth in over a millennia. Furthermore, Harry must survive an apocalyptic battle at a magnitude that will test his odds. While he attempts to save the city and defeat the Titan, he may not be able to save all of those he holds dear.

Harry Dresden has returned! Author Jim Butcher finally released these back-to-back novels with action-packed suspense. Fans will not be disappointed by the plot details. I thought that Harry Dresden's smackdown performance in Changes was epic, but these novels, particularly Battle Ground, take the adventure to a whole different level. Butcher always find a creative opening for Harry to outwit his powerful enemies. In particular, the Titan's powers seemed formidable and destructive. In this case, however, the war comes with a major price for Harry and the survivors that will leave psychological scars for years to come. The climatic ending also signals that the series may finally come to a close in the next subsequent novels. As I understand, this series was originally scheduled for 20 novels. Time will tell what will await for Harry in his next mission. The final chapters do leave a big clue on of his next investigation. I highly recommend reading both novels sequentially because they complement each other.

Stay tuned for the next novel in The Dresden Files series.