Is Diana Bishop, the most powerful witch in multiple generations, a Mary Sue? Yes.

Is Matthew Clairmont, 1500-year-old vampire, acquainted with more-than-one too many historical figures and granted so much status from his author it's plain ridiculous? Yes.

Could Harkness have chosen to make their relationship less alpha-driven by tweaking a few things? Yes.

Should I be able to devour and enjoy this book despite all of the above? No. But I did.

I guess it's Matthew Goode's fault, because I watched the show first, and his portrayal transcends the script all over the place. But on top of that, this storyworld is feeding my creative brain in the best ways (pseudo-science, complex lore, conflict between the "creature" races...check, check, check!). And the slow-burn relationship of two brilliant academics who wholly appreciate one another's mind, who trust and challenge and protect each other and become best friends first of all...well, despite their overwhelming specialness, I'm delighted by Matthew and Diana together.