The third installment in the All Souls Series, Book of Life invites readers back into a world where witches, vampires, and daemons exist hidden among humans, their lives intertwined with ancient secrets and forbidden desires. Harkness, a historian of science herself, weaves a tale that is as intellectually stimulating as it is thrilling, creating a narrative that captures the imagination and intellect in equal measure.
As Diana and Matthew return to the present day after their time-traveling adventures in “Shadow of Night,” they face new dangers and uncover long-buried secrets that could alter the course of their lives and the supernatural world forever. Join us as we explore the magic and mystery that await in Book of Life by Deborah Harkness.
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The All Souls Series
The All Souls series by Deborah Harkness is a captivating blend of historical fantasy, romance, and mystery that spans centuries and continents. At its heart is the story of Diana Bishop, a reluctant witch and historian. She soon discovers an ancient manuscript, Ashmole 782, in Oxford’s Bodleian Library. This discovery soon thrusts her into the hidden world of magical creatures and into the path of Matthew Clairmont, a vampire geneticist with a dark past. As their forbidden relationship deepens, they must navigate a world against them. The series intertwines the present and the past, delving into alchemical texts, historical events, and age-old conflicts.
Harkness’s meticulous attention to historical detail has certainly earned the series critical acclaim and a devoted readership. The narrative is richly layered with references to real historical figures and events, consequently adding depth and authenticity to the magical world she has created.
The books in the fan-favorite series are as follows:
- A Discovery of Witches (2011)
- Shadow of Night (2012)
- The Book of Life (2014)
- Time’s Convert (2018)
Book of Life by Deborah Harkness
At Matthew’s ancestral home in France they reunite with their families – with one heart-breaking exception. But the real threat to their future is yet to be revealed, and when it is, the search for the elusive manuscript Ashmole 782 and its missing pages takes on a terrifying urgency.
Using ancient knowlÂedge and modern science, from the palaces of Venice and beyond, Diana and Matthew will finally learn what the witches discovered so many centuries ago.
Our Overview
Back in the present, Diana and Matthew must face a new set of challenges. Diana is now a powerful witch with mastery over her formidable abilities, and she is pregnant with twins, a rare and dangerous event in the supernatural world. The couple’s foremost goal is to protect their unborn children from those who might wish them harm, particularly the Congregation, the ruling body of witches, vampires, and daemons that enforces the Covenant—a set of laws designed to keep the different species separate.
The search for Ashmole 782, the mysterious alchemical manuscript that first brought Diana and Matthew together, continues to be central to their quest. Diana believes that the Book of Life, as it is also known, holds the key to understanding the origins and future of all supernatural creatures. To unlock its secrets, Diana and Matthew must gather the missing pages, which are scattered across the globe and guarded by various factions with their own agendas.
As they hunt for the lost pages, Diana and Matthew call upon allies old and new. Thereafter they seek the assistance of Marcus, Matthew’s vampire son, and his new wife Phoebe, who is transitioning from human to vampire. Miriam, a loyal vampire scientist, and Chris, Diana’s best friend and fellow scientist, provide critical support. The couple also reconnects with Ysabeau, Matthew’s formidable vampire mother, and Fernando, a powerful vampire who has long been estranged from the family.
The Book of Life is ultimately revealed to be a genetic record of all supernatural creatures, containing the secrets of their creation and evolution. This revelation accordingly has profound implications for the future of witches, vampires, and daemons, as it suggests that their fates are intertwined and that the Covenant’s laws are based on a flawed understanding of their origins.
Our Review
In “The Book of Life,” the third and final installment of the All Souls Trilogy, Deborah Harkness delivers a fun and engaging read. Picking up where “Shadow of Night” left off, Matthew and Diana return from their time-traveling adventures ready to face the future and bringing with them an unexpected pregnancy—twins, no less.
Having broken the Covenant that forbids intermingling among demons, witches, and vampires, Matthew and Diana must now navigate a host of challenges. Matthew’s deranged son, Benjamin Fox, shortly resurfaces with menacing intentions. Baldwin, head of the De Clermont clan, becomes fiercely protective. Meanwhile, Marcus falls in love with a human and wishes to transform her into a vampire, Jack reappears as a troubled adult vampire, and Gallowglass harbors feelings for Diana. Additionally, the characters grapple with the loss of Em, Sarah’s partner, adding emotional depth to the narrative.
The series also features beautiful, authentic relationships. Sarah mourns the loss of her partner Em to the malevolent witch Peter Knox, and her grief and resilience are poignantly depicted. The representation of Sarah and Em’s relationship stands out for its depth and normalcy. Their love story is heartfelt and genuine.
The love triangle involving Gallowglass, Diana, and Matthew is another intriguing element. Gallowglass’s feelings for Diana stem from a command by Philippe to watch over her, which initially suggests a paternal role. However, this expectation progresses, altering the character dynamics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Book of Life by Deborah Harkness have a TV show?
It does! Produced by Bad Wolf and Sky Productions as a Sky Original series. Check out the trailer below.
What age group is Book of Life by Deborah Harkness for?
With some mild violence, language, and some sexual scenes, this book is ideal for those 16+. Nonetheless, we encourage parents to check out novels to judge if they’re suitable for those under the age of 18.
Is there a fourth book in the All Souls series?
Yes! The fourth book, Time’s Convert released in 2018.
Is Book of Life by Deborah Harkness part of a series?
Yes! Discovery of Witches is the second book in the All Souls series. So check out the full series as follows:
- A Discovery of Witches (2011)
- Shadow of Night (2012)
- The Book of Life (2014)
- Time’s Convert (2018)
Whether you’ve been with Diana and Matthew from the very beginning or are just discovering their story, The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness offers a fitting end to their epic journey. As you turn the final page, may you carry with you the magic, mystery, and heartfelt connections that make this series truly special. Happy reading!
