Reviews with content warning for Child abuse - Przemiana

I was so excited to dive back into the All Souls universe. I had adored the original trilogy and when I found out that there were two more books, I was ecstatic. Though, I was a little nervous because, in my experience, books that continue after the original series end tend to not be as good. Still, I dove into Time's Convert by Deborah Harkness, published by Penguin Books, with nervous expectations.

Deborah Harkness is more than just an author. Her novels have a historic quality because she spent a lot of her life as a history professor and she spent her PHD studying the history of magic, where a lot of the story's inspiration came from.

In Time's Convert, the novel is mainly focused on Marcus and Phoebe with a few updates from Diana and Matthew. Phoebe has decided to make the transition to vampire and become Marcus's mate. In order to do so the traditional way, they must spend ninety days apart while Phoebe makes the transition. During this time, Marcus stays with Matthew and Diana at Sept-Tours and is nostalgic for his own transition in the midst of the American and French Revolution.

My initial misgivings proved to be correct--this book was not as good as the original trilogy. It wasn't bad, per se, but I didn't find it as enjoyable. I'm having a hard time deciding how to rate it, so bear with me as I talk with you all about what I liked and didn't like to process it!

As far as characters go, there wasn't really anything new added to them. The most interesting aspect, in my opinion, was getting to know Phoebe better. But, honestly, she seemed to just be an art version of Diana and Marcus is a more naive version of Matthew.

Atmosphere, though, was the best part of the novel. As always, Harkness did a beautiful job at describing when and where the setting was--important in a book that splits timelines. She painted the Revolutions and modern day in a way that activated all the senses and really included the reader. The vivid descriptions made my heart soar.

Version 1.0.0

Similarly, the writing style was beautiful. I totally understand that her writing style isn't for everyone, but if you enjoyed the initial trilogy, you'll also like the writing style here. It's sophisticated and vivid.

As for the plot, I wasn't as interested. It was fascinating to see Phoebe's transition, but as for wading through Marcus' memories, I didn't care much for. I already knew the formula--trauma, transition, make mistakes or be evil for a while, be redeemed. Perhaps being set in a historic period I didn't care much about anymore didn't help. I did also enjoy Diana's chapters and getting to know her children.

I also didn't think there was much intrigue to the book. There weren't a lot of plot twists--I kind of already knew how things would turn out. Nothing besides a new familiar really kept me turning the pages or kept me up at night.

Logically, most things made sense. We had the same tradition yielding vampires and witches keeping them on their toes. The one thing that made me yield was the one scene in which Matthew (in the past) was with Juliette and didn't say anything as she had slaves to feed from. That does not sound like Matthew to me, not like anything he'd stand for. It was Past Matthew but I still lost a lot of respect.

Overall, I enjoyed Phoebe's and Diana's chapters but, unfortunately, the majority of the book was Marcus' memories and I just could not get into them. I read for the women, I guess, and the writing descriptions.

With that in mind, I think I'll be giving this book three stars. It was okay, but I wouldn't have missed anything if I hadn't read it. Will I read Black Bird Oracle? Yes, because I can't abandon the characters now. But I don't have high expectations for it.

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himpersonal's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

I had several issues with this book: 1) It was Marcus’ origin story, but it was competing with his present-day romance/Phoebe’s story, as well as the continuity of Diana and Matthew’s new family. Too many things vying for my attention. Would’ve been better if it focused on just one of these. 2) Most stories revolving around war bore me. 3) While I got to know Marcus’ prior life better, I still feel like I don’t really know him. Nor do I feel any closer to liking or understanding Phoebe.

What I did like: how the twins are growing up and developing. They are so cute!!!

Hoping Blackbird Oracle is a better read.

Content Warnings

cinnaminskies's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

kirjakimalainen's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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saroreen's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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kirstym25's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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ka_ke's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

A good comfort read. If you have not read the All Souls trilogy, do not start here. Times Convert is a welcome look into the life of Marcus, Matthew’s son and the journey to becoming a vampire, in this universe’s version anyway.

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cha_len_novels's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional inspiring reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

Rating:4.75/5 ⭐
"Evermore, sang their two hearts. Evermore."
― Deborah Harkness, Time's Convert

What should be an peaceful interlude for the Bishop-Clairmont clan is spent unraveling the past, present and future. And it was revolutionary.

**Bonus quote**
“Miracles should leave a mark, so that we can remember how precious they are.”
― Deborah Harkness, Time's Convert

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