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jenndamron's review against another edition
I have to admit I am not going back to this book. I am so sad because I loved the All Souls Triology. It was my everything when the books came out. I don't know what happened with this one. The writing was different and the story so boring. I am incredibly disappointed as I had high hopes.
beachybookstack's review against another edition
4.0
Of the All Souls world, this one is good but not as fun as previous entries. Charting its way through Marcus' memories of the 18th century, sprinkled with bits of Matthew & Diana's twins growing powers. Phoebe's transformation is both slow and frustrating. I thought the old memories were more fun to navigate than Phoebe getting lightstruck. Overall, it made me wonder what Gallowglass was up to all this time as he popped up every so often in the past. Hopefully that book is written soon!
skyewild's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
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
3.75
mariarty24601's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
1.0
buaslbutterfly's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
arcoirisdesign's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-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
Book Summary
This book is about Marcus McNeil, Matthew’s son. It’s his life story. We also get to experience his mate Phoebe turn into a vampire. Matthew and Diana deal with raising their kids too.
Book Review
This book was great. It wasn’t as dramatic as the other books, which I actually liked. It was still super entertaining though.
How I Discovered It
I’ve been reading All Souls.
Who Should Read It
Anyone into fantasy and vampires and history.
Thoughts & Impressions
The story itself was interesting. I was glad for the break from all the drama after the first three books. I really enjoyed getting to experience what it was like to turn into a vampire.
What I Liked About It
Story.
What I Didn’t Like About It
I wish they had kept the original narrator.
How the Book Changed Me
This book has influenced how I view parenting and what it takes to be one.
hannahesabal's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kathydavie's review against another edition
4.0
First in the All Souls Universe paranormal historical fiction series (a spin-off from her All Souls Trilogy) and revolving around the de Clermont family of vampires. The primary focus is on Matthew's son, Marcus, and his intended, Phoebe Taylor.
Time's Convert was nominated in 2018 for the Goodreads Choice Award.
My Take
It's a time-traveling story that requires a third person global subjective point-of-view, as there are so many stories within that require different perspectives in a fascinating backdrop of history, violence, gruesome eating (ahem), supportive family, obedience to family, and when it's appropriate to break with family, um, traditions. Oh, it's not actual time travel, but a look back in time through one's memories.
Yes. Family. It was rather confusing to keep in mind that there are two different kinds of family. The human kind and the vampire kind. Whoever turns you into a vampire is your parent, and whoever turned them into a vampire becomes your grandparent. Naturally, any siblings (of whatever generation) become aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers, sisters, etc.
There are actually three stories here, as we follow Matthew and Diane and their twins' progress versus the family fears, Marcus' past from his childhood through his second "childhood" with all he must learn, and Phoebe's transformation into a vampire.
The primary theme is one of freedom. The freedom to make your own choices, the freedom promised by the Revolutionary War and Thomas Paine's Common Sense, and the freedom hoped for as a result of the French Revolution. In other words, it's all about Marcus, and we learn about his past history, before he became a vampire, and after. What he struggled with in his human life and in his vampire life.
I wonder if Phoebe's being turned is why Harkness goes in depth into the blessings of living nearly forever. And it is a lesson we could take to ourselves, one summed up by that old chestnut "take time to smell the roses". To embrace what you are doing right now. In each chapter about Phoebe, Harkness goes deep on the effect on the various senses, an odd combination of the sensuality of one's physical senses and Phoebe's selfish spoiled self. Some are forced on her, such as Françoise's telling her off. Hoo, boy, that was a good one! Okay, yeah, I'm not liking Phoebe.
A side note is about war and the effect it has. As well as the effect of power. And that was quite the effective way to show how powerful the de Clermonts (and Philippe) are when we learn why Gallowglass flies the family crest!
One of those introspections includes Marcus' reasoning for not liking rules, for what that lack did to his father after fighting at Fort William Henry. Harkness made use of the War of Independence and the French Revolution to relate how Marcus' beliefs grew, and yet I wonder why Harkness didn't include the Civil War in this as well. Probably a lack of space.
Oh, man, Diana has her own revelations, particularly the reasons why her parents spellbound her. Oh, man...lol... It's those memories that have a violent affect on Diana's decision about her children's futures. The most amazing revelation is from Baldwin about Philippe and about the family. Oh. My. Lord. Hell hath frozen over.
Harkness throws in side bits from the time: primer examples and ads regarding stolen property and deserters.
The role of vampires in Harkness' universe is quite unique and their manipulation of history makes for a much more interesting story, as Harkness flips back and forth through time that is easy enough to follow. I must say that I would never have considered them guardians of the world, lol.
It's a story packed with action and remarkable characters with a pace that veers between fast and slow, depending upon your interests. Most of the time, I could easily understand what Harkness was saying. Other times, I had to go back over and over a few pages, a few scenes, and there are still some events or comments about which I am clueless.
The Story
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.
The Characters
A more detailed character list is in the book review on my website, which will publish on September 6.
Phoebe Taylor is human, for now and works at Sotheby's (Shadow of Night, 2). Her parents, Edward, a career diplomat, and Padma, are supportive but unhappy. Her sister, Stella, is a bitch. Persephone becomes Phoebe's illicit cat.
The unconventional, too-impetuous Marcus MacNeil of Hadley, a.k.a., Galen "Doc" Chauncey, Marcus O'Neil, Marcus Chauncey, Marcus Whitmore, was born in August of 1757. His parents were Obadiah MacNeil and Catherine Chauncey of Boston. Patience was his little sister. Oliver will be Patience's son. Cousin Josiah was a shifty character suspected of being a Tory, who had lived in Amherst.
The de Clermonts are...
...an aristocratic vampire family with tremendous influence. Freyja, a.k.a., Aunt Fanny, dislikes many modern devices, even though she has been a member of the Paris police force since 1904. Dr Miriam Shepherd is Freyja's stepsister. Jason had been the son of Miriam's deceased mate, Ori.
Philippe de Clermont had been the family patriarch and the father of Baldwin, Freyja, Verin, and the ennui-struck Stasia. Ysabeau, based in Sept-Tours, France, had been Philippe's mate and Matthew's mother, and she still mourns Philippe's passing. The casual Fernando Gonçalves is/was?? Hugh's mate, which makes him Matthew's brother-in-law. Hugh had been one of Philippe's favorites — because Philippe could never figure him out. Eric Gallowglass, a vampire sired by Hugh who has feelings for Diana, is captain (Eric Reynold) of the Aréthuse.
Charles, a vampire, is the family chef. Françoise is a vampire servant who has also been with the family for centuries.
Drs Matthew de Clermont and Diana Bishop were...
...the focus of The All Souls Trilogy and are now married with twins, Bright Borns: Rebecca "Becca" Arielle and Philip "Pip" Michael Addison Sorley Bishop-Clermont. They are living at Les Revenants in France for most of the story. Apollo is Philip's familiar, a griffin. Corra had been the firedrake familiar Diana summoned (Shadow of Night, 2).
Jack is Matthew's great-grandson; Diana thinks of him as their first son (Shadow of Night). Marthe is their vampire cook-housekeeper who knows all. Sarah is Diana's witchy aunt, and Emily is her companion.
Dr Christophe "Chris" Roberts is doing research with Matthew Hamish Osborne is a daemon friend and lawyer to the de Clermonts.
The Knights of Lazarus are...
...the de Clermonts' supposedly secret military/charitable organization founded during the Crusades to protect vampire interests and is always led by a de Clermont — Marcus these days — with their fingers in every political pie.
The Congregation is...
... a council of nine vampires, witches, and daemons whose purpose is to rule the supernaturals, and the covenant is meant to prevent them from mixing with each other. Gerbert of Aurillac and Domenico Michelle are vampire representatives. Andrea Popescu. Albret and Eliezer are more progressive vampires. Castle Holló, Hungary, is considered sacred ground to be fought over to the death.
London, 1591
"Father" Andrew Hubbard had ruled over London's vampires. Still does, actually.
England, 1790
Catharine Graham, a friend of Ben Franklin's and the most notorious woman in England, will provide a refuge. Her husband, William, is a Scots surgeon and less than half her age.
America, 1770s
John Cole was wearing buckskins when he died. Marcus meets Mistress Bishop, a healer, for the first time at the end of his first battle. The Philadelphia Associators is a gunnery company that became Marcus' new family with Captain Moulder the nominal head, Lieutenant Cuthbert, Adam Swift was Irish and Cuthbert's second-in-command, and Claes Vanderslice was a fourteen-year-old Dutch rigger. German Gerty runs a tavern.
Marcus will meet Dr Bodo Otto, the chief surgeon for the Pennsylvania companies, and become his surgeon's mate; Mrs Otto is his formidable wife. The Ottos' three sons — Frederick, Bodo, Jr, and John — are also doctors. Drs Cochran, the too abrupt Rush, and the aggressive Shippen are fellow doctors. Dr Sutton's method for inoculation works.
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is...
...the home of a Moravian community led by Johannes Ettwein who is also the town's minister. Mrs Boeckel, her daughter, Liesel, and young John Ettwein are skilled nurses. Brother Andrew and Sister Magdalene are Negros and not quite as equal as their fellow Brethren. Brother Eckhardt is their apothecary.
Hadley, Massachusetts
Zeb Pruitt, a Negro, was Marcus' friend and hero. Ellie Pruitt helped Catherine clean once a week. Madam Porter had a fine house. The gossipy, snotty Anna Porter was her granddaughter. Anna's father runs the mercantile. Joshua Boston seems to be all right.
Northampton, Massachusetts
Thomas Buckland has a surgery and lends Marcus medical books. Mercy Buckland is his wife and compiles the potions and medications for their apothecary. Seth Pomeroy is a fine gunsmith.
The French
Gilbert "Gil", a.k.a., the Marquis de Lafayette, is only nineteen! Adrienne is Gil's wife, and they have two children already, Anastasie and Georges. Part of his entourage includes Matthew, the chevalier de Clermont, a.k.a., Dagoweyent; John Russell; and, I think, Le Brun. Mlle Juliette Durand is Matthew's nasty French girlfriend.
Paris, 1782
Dr Benjamin Franklin is the American ambassador with whom Fanny works.
1789 to 1790
Veronique, an independent vampire, runs a tavern, La Ruche, and espouses the beliefs of the extremely paranoid Jean-Paul Marat, a daemon.
New Orleans, 1805 to 1817
Thomas Paine, who wrote Common Sense, lives here?? with Marguerite Bonneville, a friend who has two children, one of whom is Benjamin. Aaron and Edward are the men who drove Paine to New Rochelle, Connecticut. Harkness' version of his death was quite sad.
Ransome Fayrweather is a scam artist who befriends Marcus and introduces him to the joys in life, including the Domino Club.
The Cover and Title
The cover is an incredibly busy collage of arcane circles in oranges, browns, and golds with the textured profile of a woman, Diana??, emerging from behind the trio of stacked circles, the bottom of which is a clock representing time. All the text is in white, causing it all to stand out well from the author's embossed name at the top followed by two lines, one an info blurb and the second the original series information. The embossed title spans the lower half with the information that this is a "novel" at the bottom.
I'm thinking the title has more to do with Matthew and Diana's children and their future abilities, as Time's Converts.
Time's Convert was nominated in 2018 for the Goodreads Choice Award.
My Take
It's a time-traveling story that requires a third person global subjective point-of-view, as there are so many stories within that require different perspectives in a fascinating backdrop of history, violence, gruesome eating (ahem), supportive family, obedience to family, and when it's appropriate to break with family, um, traditions. Oh, it's not actual time travel, but a look back in time through one's memories.
Yes. Family. It was rather confusing to keep in mind that there are two different kinds of family. The human kind and the vampire kind. Whoever turns you into a vampire is your parent, and whoever turned them into a vampire becomes your grandparent. Naturally, any siblings (of whatever generation) become aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers, sisters, etc.
There are actually three stories here, as we follow Matthew and Diane and their twins' progress versus the family fears, Marcus' past from his childhood through his second "childhood" with all he must learn, and Phoebe's transformation into a vampire.
The primary theme is one of freedom. The freedom to make your own choices, the freedom promised by the Revolutionary War and Thomas Paine's Common Sense, and the freedom hoped for as a result of the French Revolution. In other words, it's all about Marcus, and we learn about his past history, before he became a vampire, and after. What he struggled with in his human life and in his vampire life.
I wonder if Phoebe's being turned is why Harkness goes in depth into the blessings of living nearly forever. And it is a lesson we could take to ourselves, one summed up by that old chestnut "take time to smell the roses". To embrace what you are doing right now. In each chapter about Phoebe, Harkness goes deep on the effect on the various senses, an odd combination of the sensuality of one's physical senses and Phoebe's selfish spoiled self. Some are forced on her, such as Françoise's telling her off. Hoo, boy, that was a good one! Okay, yeah, I'm not liking Phoebe.
A side note is about war and the effect it has. As well as the effect of power. And that was quite the effective way to show how powerful the de Clermonts (and Philippe) are when we learn why Gallowglass flies the family crest!
One of those introspections includes Marcus' reasoning for not liking rules, for what that lack did to his father after fighting at Fort William Henry. Harkness made use of the War of Independence and the French Revolution to relate how Marcus' beliefs grew, and yet I wonder why Harkness didn't include the Civil War in this as well. Probably a lack of space.
Oh, man, Diana has her own revelations, particularly the reasons why her parents spellbound her. Oh, man...lol... It's those memories that have a violent affect on Diana's decision about her children's futures. The most amazing revelation is from Baldwin about Philippe and about the family. Oh. My. Lord. Hell hath frozen over.
Harkness throws in side bits from the time: primer examples and ads regarding stolen property and deserters.
The role of vampires in Harkness' universe is quite unique and their manipulation of history makes for a much more interesting story, as Harkness flips back and forth through time that is easy enough to follow. I must say that I would never have considered them guardians of the world, lol.
It's a story packed with action and remarkable characters with a pace that veers between fast and slow, depending upon your interests. Most of the time, I could easily understand what Harkness was saying. Other times, I had to go back over and over a few pages, a few scenes, and there are still some events or comments about which I am clueless.
The Story
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.
The Characters
A more detailed character list is in the book review on my website, which will publish on September 6.
Phoebe Taylor is human, for now and works at Sotheby's (Shadow of Night, 2). Her parents, Edward, a career diplomat, and Padma, are supportive but unhappy. Her sister, Stella, is a bitch. Persephone becomes Phoebe's illicit cat.
The unconventional, too-impetuous Marcus MacNeil of Hadley, a.k.a., Galen "Doc" Chauncey, Marcus O'Neil, Marcus Chauncey, Marcus Whitmore, was born in August of 1757. His parents were Obadiah MacNeil and Catherine Chauncey of Boston. Patience was his little sister. Oliver will be Patience's son. Cousin Josiah was a shifty character suspected of being a Tory, who had lived in Amherst.
The de Clermonts are...
...an aristocratic vampire family with tremendous influence. Freyja, a.k.a., Aunt Fanny, dislikes many modern devices, even though she has been a member of the Paris police force since 1904. Dr Miriam Shepherd is Freyja's stepsister. Jason had been the son of Miriam's deceased mate, Ori.
Philippe de Clermont had been the family patriarch and the father of Baldwin, Freyja, Verin, and the ennui-struck Stasia. Ysabeau, based in Sept-Tours, France, had been Philippe's mate and Matthew's mother, and she still mourns Philippe's passing. The casual Fernando Gonçalves is/was?? Hugh's mate, which makes him Matthew's brother-in-law. Hugh had been one of Philippe's favorites — because Philippe could never figure him out. Eric Gallowglass, a vampire sired by Hugh who has feelings for Diana, is captain (Eric Reynold) of the Aréthuse.
Charles, a vampire, is the family chef. Françoise is a vampire servant who has also been with the family for centuries.
Drs Matthew de Clermont and Diana Bishop were...
...the focus of The All Souls Trilogy and are now married with twins, Bright Borns: Rebecca "Becca" Arielle and Philip "Pip" Michael Addison Sorley Bishop-Clermont. They are living at Les Revenants in France for most of the story. Apollo is Philip's familiar, a griffin. Corra had been the firedrake familiar Diana summoned (Shadow of Night, 2).
Jack is Matthew's great-grandson; Diana thinks of him as their first son (Shadow of Night). Marthe is their vampire cook-housekeeper who knows all. Sarah is Diana's witchy aunt, and Emily is her companion.
Dr Christophe "Chris" Roberts is doing research with Matthew Hamish Osborne is a daemon friend and lawyer to the de Clermonts.
The Knights of Lazarus are...
...the de Clermonts' supposedly secret military/charitable organization founded during the Crusades to protect vampire interests and is always led by a de Clermont — Marcus these days — with their fingers in every political pie.
The Congregation is...
... a council of nine vampires, witches, and daemons whose purpose is to rule the supernaturals, and the covenant is meant to prevent them from mixing with each other. Gerbert of Aurillac and Domenico Michelle are vampire representatives. Andrea Popescu. Albret and Eliezer are more progressive vampires. Castle Holló, Hungary, is considered sacred ground to be fought over to the death.
London, 1591
"Father" Andrew Hubbard had ruled over London's vampires. Still does, actually.
England, 1790
Catharine Graham, a friend of Ben Franklin's and the most notorious woman in England, will provide a refuge. Her husband, William, is a Scots surgeon and less than half her age.
America, 1770s
John Cole was wearing buckskins when he died. Marcus meets Mistress Bishop, a healer, for the first time at the end of his first battle. The Philadelphia Associators is a gunnery company that became Marcus' new family with Captain Moulder the nominal head, Lieutenant Cuthbert, Adam Swift was Irish and Cuthbert's second-in-command, and Claes Vanderslice was a fourteen-year-old Dutch rigger. German Gerty runs a tavern.
Marcus will meet Dr Bodo Otto, the chief surgeon for the Pennsylvania companies, and become his surgeon's mate; Mrs Otto is his formidable wife. The Ottos' three sons — Frederick, Bodo, Jr, and John — are also doctors. Drs Cochran, the too abrupt Rush, and the aggressive Shippen are fellow doctors. Dr Sutton's method for inoculation works.
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is...
...the home of a Moravian community led by Johannes Ettwein who is also the town's minister. Mrs Boeckel, her daughter, Liesel, and young John Ettwein are skilled nurses. Brother Andrew and Sister Magdalene are Negros and not quite as equal as their fellow Brethren. Brother Eckhardt is their apothecary.
Hadley, Massachusetts
Zeb Pruitt, a Negro, was Marcus' friend and hero. Ellie Pruitt helped Catherine clean once a week. Madam Porter had a fine house. The gossipy, snotty Anna Porter was her granddaughter. Anna's father runs the mercantile. Joshua Boston seems to be all right.
Northampton, Massachusetts
Thomas Buckland has a surgery and lends Marcus medical books. Mercy Buckland is his wife and compiles the potions and medications for their apothecary. Seth Pomeroy is a fine gunsmith.
The French
Gilbert "Gil", a.k.a., the Marquis de Lafayette, is only nineteen! Adrienne is Gil's wife, and they have two children already, Anastasie and Georges. Part of his entourage includes Matthew, the chevalier de Clermont, a.k.a., Dagoweyent; John Russell; and, I think, Le Brun. Mlle Juliette Durand is Matthew's nasty French girlfriend.
Paris, 1782
Dr Benjamin Franklin is the American ambassador with whom Fanny works.
1789 to 1790
Veronique, an independent vampire, runs a tavern, La Ruche, and espouses the beliefs of the extremely paranoid Jean-Paul Marat, a daemon.
New Orleans, 1805 to 1817
Thomas Paine, who wrote Common Sense, lives here?? with Marguerite Bonneville, a friend who has two children, one of whom is Benjamin. Aaron and Edward are the men who drove Paine to New Rochelle, Connecticut. Harkness' version of his death was quite sad.
Ransome Fayrweather is a scam artist who befriends Marcus and introduces him to the joys in life, including the Domino Club.
The Cover and Title
The cover is an incredibly busy collage of arcane circles in oranges, browns, and golds with the textured profile of a woman, Diana??, emerging from behind the trio of stacked circles, the bottom of which is a clock representing time. All the text is in white, causing it all to stand out well from the author's embossed name at the top followed by two lines, one an info blurb and the second the original series information. The embossed title spans the lower half with the information that this is a "novel" at the bottom.
I'm thinking the title has more to do with Matthew and Diana's children and their future abilities, as Time's Converts.