Book Review: Time’s Convert by Deborah Harkness
Time’s Convert
Series: All Souls #4
Author: Deborah Harkness
Published: June 25, 2019
Audiobook
Reviewed By: Jessica
Dates Read: February 20-March 1, 2022
Jessica’s Rating: 4 stars
Book Description:
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.
Jessica’s Review:
I have not read the previous novels in the series, but I just finished the show Discovery of Witches which I enjoyed. I’m not a huge fan of Matthew, but I was a big fan of Marcus and Phoebe in the show and I saw the fourth novel was Marcus’ backstory and Phoebe’s transition to vampirism… so I had to grab the audiobook! I know I missed some things by not reading the previous books, but I was ok with that since I knew the story through the show.
As I mentioned, we get Marcus’ backstory in Time’s Convert along with present day events. Diana is also our narrator and we are updated with her and Matthew’s story along with their twins. I really enjoyed hearing Marcus backstory, especially with what happened in New Orleans which was referenced on the show. Seeing Phoebe going through her transformation as a modern woman was intriguing as she went along with ancient customs. There are also some funny situations that occur.
We also have more of Miriam in this novel as she has a certain importance in this novel. I also liked Miriam in the show though she was just a minor character. We see more of who she is in Times Convert.
I still am not a fan of Matthew, who just comes off as an older version of Edward Cullen. I just don’t see what made Diana fall for Matthew. On the show she goes from not liking him at all to an intense ‘insta-love’. I guess some women just ‘smell’ irresistible…
I do hope that Harkness chooses to continue the story of the de Clermont family as there is still so much story to tell! I personally want to see more with Marcus and Phoebe actually together. And the continuing story doesn’t even begin to include the Congregation and all of those politics!
Times Convert is recommended.
Kim has read the entire series and her reviews are here.
Purchase Links:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
