If you’re like us and still can’t get enough of the enchanting All Souls world by Deborah Harkness, then you’re in for a treat. The fourth addition to the series, Time’s Convert, takes us on a thrilling journey through time, love, and the supernatural. This time, the spotlight shines on Marcus Whitmore, our favorite vampire heartthrob, and his love story with Phoebe Taylor. Buckle up, because we’re about to dive deep into this captivating novel!
Table of Contents [CLICK HERE TO OPEN]
Time’s Convert – All Souls Book 4
Return to the enchanting world of All Souls for a love story like no other…
Marcus Whitmore was made a vampire in the eighteenth century. Over two hundred years later, he finds himself in love with Phoebe Taylor, a human who decides to become a vampire herself.
And with tradition enforcing separation from Marcus, Phoebe’s transformation will prove as challenging now as it was for Marcus when he first encountered Matthew de Clermont, his sire.
Time’s Convert moves with epic sweep from the battlefields of the American Revolutionary War, through the treachery of the French Revolution to a bloody finale in New Orleans.
In Deborah Harkness’s world of witches, daemons and vampires, watch as history comes to life.
Brief Plot Overview
Time’s Convert takes us on a whirlwind adventure through two intertwining stories. In the present day, we follow Marcus and Phoebe as they navigate the challenges of love and transformation after Phoebe makes the life-changing decision to become a vampire. Their journey is filled with passion, sacrifice, and a whole lot of figuring things out.
Meanwhile, we flash back to Marcus’s past as a human in the 18th century, witnessing his life as a surgeon during the American Revolution and the events that led him to become the vampire we know and love. It’s a fascinating glimpse into history, and it sheds light on Marcus’s deepest fears and desires.
But I won’t spoil the rest – you’ll have to read it for yourself to find out what happens!
The Scoop
Ready to get the inside scoop on Time’s Convert? Here are some of the things that totally captivated me while reading:
A Love Story That Transcends Time
One of the most captivating aspects of Time’s Convert is the love story between Marcus and Phoebe. It’s not just a romance; it’s a deep connection that spans centuries and challenges the boundaries between human and vampire. We witness their relationship unfold in both the past and present, adding layers of complexity and intrigue.
History Meets the Supernatural
Harkness’s signature blend of historical detail and fantastical elements is in full force here. The novel takes us back to the Revolutionary War era, where we see Marcus’s human life and the events that led to his transformation. Get ready for a fascinating glimpse into 18th-century America, complete with historical figures and battles.
New Challenges, New Transformations
Time’s Convert isn’t just about romance and history. It’s also about the challenges of change and transformation. Phoebe’s journey as she embraces her new vampire identity is both relatable and thought-provoking. We also see how Marcus grapples with his past and his place in the world as a vampire.
Familiar Faces and New Friends
If you’re a fan of the All Souls series, you’ll be delighted to see some familiar faces pop up in Time’s Convert. Matthew, Diana, and other beloved characters make appearances, adding depth and continuity to the series. But we also meet new characters who bring fresh perspectives and add to the richness of the story.
Our Review
Okay, now that you’ve got the lowdown on the plot and themes, let’s get into my personal take on Time’s Convert.
Okay, now for the real tea. I’ve gotta say, I was totally smitten with Marcus and Phoebe’s love story. Their bond felt so real and deep, and the way it played out across different time periods was just chef’s kiss. Harkness also nailed the historical aspect again, which is always a huge draw for me. I felt like I was right there in the midst of the Revolutionary War, dodging musket balls alongside Marcus.
However, I did have a few minor gripes. The pacing felt a bit uneven at times, especially when the story jumped back and forth between past and present. And while I loved seeing glimpses of Matthew and Diana, I did miss them a bit. Their presence in the original trilogy was so strong, and their absence here was noticeable.
Overall though, Time’s Convert was a worthy addition to the All Souls universe. It’s a captivating story of love, loss, and the challenges of embracing change. If you’re a fan of historical fiction with a supernatural twist, and you’re a sucker for a good love story, then this book is definitely for you. It’s a solid 4 out of 5 stars from me!
To Summarise!
Deborah Harkness’s Time’s Convert serves as a captivating expansion of her beloved All Souls series, offering readers a deeper exploration into the life of Marcus Whitmore, Matthew de Clermont’s vampire son. Shifting between past and present, the novel delves into Marcus’s human origins in Revolutionary War-era Massachusetts and his present-day romance with Phoebe Taylor, a human choosing the path of immortality.
What Works
- Rich Historical Detail: As with the All Souls trilogy, Harkness’s meticulous research shines through, bringing 18th-century America to life with vivid detail. The historical backdrop weaves seamlessly with the supernatural elements, adding a layer of authenticity to the narrative.
- Compelling Characters: Marcus and Phoebe are complex and engaging protagonists. Marcus’s journey from a conflicted human surgeon to a vampire grappling with his newfound existence is both fascinating and moving. Phoebe’s transformation and adaptation to vampire life offers a fresh perspective on the challenges of immortality.
- Exploration of Love and Change: The novel beautifully explores the enduring power of love across centuries and the complexities of embracing change, whether it’s a personal transformation or societal shifts.
Room for Improvement
- Pacing: Some readers may find the pacing uneven, with the historical sections occasionally overshadowing the present-day narrative.
- Familiarity with the “All Souls” Trilogy: While Time’s Convert can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, a deeper appreciation for the characters and their relationships is enhanced by familiarity with the original trilogy.
Overall Impression
Time’s Convert is a worthy addition to the All Souls universe, offering fans a deeper understanding of Marcus’s rich history and his enduring love story with Phoebe. Harkness’s intricate world-building, compelling characters, and exploration of timeless themes make this a must-read for fans of historical fantasy and paranormal romance.
Who Should Read It?
Fans of the All Souls trilogy will undoubtedly enjoy this deeper dive into Marcus’s life. Readers who appreciate historical fantasy, well-developed characters, and stories of enduring love will also find much to savor in Time’s Convert.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the plot of the time’s convert?
Time’s Convert by Deborah Harkness follows three intertwined storylines: Marcus MacNeil’s transformation from a young man in the American Revolution to a vampire under Matthew de Clermont’s guidance, Phoebe Taylor’s contemporary journey of becoming a vampire herself, and the challenges faced by Diana Bishop and Matthew de Clermont as they raise their twin children. The novel blends historical fiction, romance, and fantasy, exploring themes of identity, transformation, and the complexities of immortality.
Is Times Convert part of the All Souls series?
Yes, Time’s Convert by Deborah Harkness is part of the All Souls series. It is a companion novel that expands on the universe established in the original trilogy, focusing on the characters Marcus Whitmore and Phoebe Taylor, while also continuing the story of Diana Bishop and Matthew de Clermont.
In what order do I read Deborah Harkness books?
To read Deborah Harkness’s books in order, follow this sequence:
- A Discovery of Witches (2011) – Book 1 of the All Souls Trilogy
- Shadow of Night (2012) – Book 2 of the All Souls Trilogy
- The Book of Life (2014) – Book 3 of the All Souls Trilogy
- Time’s Convert (2018) – A companion novel set in the same universe
This order ensures you experience the primary storyline and character developments as intended.
Will there be a fifth book in the All Souls series?
Yes, there is a fifth book in the All Souls Series, it is called The Black Bird Oracle and it was released on July 15 2024.
So, there you have it! Time’s Convert is a magical blend of history, romance, and the supernatural that’ll keep you hooked from start to finish. Whether you’re a die-hard All Souls fan or new to the series, this book has something for everyone. Happy reading!
