Another Review at MyShelf.Com

Shadow of Night
All Souls Trilogy #2
Deborah Harkness

Viking Press
July 10, 2012 / ISBN 978-0670023486
Historical/Fantasy
Amazon

Reviewed by Cheryl Green

The only things I know about vampires I learned from watching Dark Shadows. That is until I read Discovery of Witches. The reason I decided to read the book was the review I read mentioned the main character is a scholar and spent a lot of time at the Bodleian Library. Having been there on a tour years ago I decided to give the book a try. It was one of the best decisions I have made when it comes to picking a book.

Shadow of Night picks up the story right where Discovery of Witches left off with Diana and Matthew time-walking to 1590 Elizabethan England. They need to get a witch to teach Diana how to use her ever changing powers and also try and locate an enchanted manuscript called Ashmole 782. They arrive in Oxfordshire at Matthew's home and find several of his friends there including Christopher Marlowe and Walter Raleigh, who are both members of the School of Night. Unanswered questions in A Discovery of Witches will be answered but more questions will be raised.

Diana needs to remember that what happens in the past will influence the future. I love that from time to time we do get a glimpse of the present day and what is taking place. Diana will have to navigate through witch hunts, spies, and the Congregation. Matthew is becoming more like his old 16th century self and less Oxford Don. A few questions to consider: Will Matthew still be the man Diana married when the quest is over? Will Diana get control over her powers? Will the Ashmole 782 be recovered?

This is a real pager turner. Deborah Harkness is a fantastic writer and historian, who pays attention to everything and has a great eye for detail. She brings the past alive and you find you just want to keep reading to stay in that special world with Diana and Matthew and the rest of the cast of characters. This will make a great beach read…but be warned….bring a ton of SPF since once you start reading you won't be moving! The only thing I hated was that there will be another long wait until I can get my hands on the last book in the trilogy.

Reviewer's Note: Discovery of Witches - All Souls Trilogy #1
Reviewed 2012
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