The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness ISBN: 9780143127529
Published by Penguin on May 26, 2015
Genres: Fiction, General
Pages: 592
Goodreads
The #1 New York Times bestselling series finale and sequel to A Discovery of Witches andShadow of Night
Fans of the All Souls Trilogy sent this highly anticipated finale straight to #1 on the New York Times hardcover bestseller list. Bringing the series’ magic and suspense to a deeply satisfying conclusion, The Book of Life is poised to become an even bigger phenomenon in paperback.
Diana and Matthew time-travel back from Elizabethan London to make a dramatic return to the present—facing new crises and old enemies. At Matthew’s ancestral home, Sept-Tours, they reunite with the beloved cast of characters from A Discovery of Witches—with one significant exception. But the real threat to their future has yet to be revealed, and when it is, the search for Ashmole 782 and its missing pages takes on even more urgency
About the Author
Deborah Harkness is a professor of history at the University of Southern California. She has received Fullbright, Guggenheim, and National Humanities Center fellowships, and her most recent scholarly work is The Jewel House: Elizabethan London and the Scientific Revolution. She also writes an award-winning wine blog.
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My thoughts: Abosolutely Loved It.
This is not one of my normal reviews since it is the conclusion to a series, I am leaving out most of the recap I normally provide. There would be too many spoilers to those who would like to read the series.
Diana starts out in the first book of this series by having a “cute meet” with a vampire named Matthew. Now before you think this is a replay of paranormal romance vampires, you better take another look at this series. It has all of the elements of a Philippa Gregory historical with the research done by Alison Weir plus some magical elements that took me by surprise. This is no normal novel of witches and vampires falling in love. It has such deep roots in historical research that I had to spend some time googling a lot of things like the Ashmole 782 manuscript and checking back on my court life
The characters are also so intriguing that you fall instantly into thinking you have known Diana and Matthew forever and once you get pulled into the story (by page 28 of A Discovery of Witches for me), you will want to read this series straight through. Just to warn you: There are a lot of characters in this series, much like Harry Potter. When I was first handed the initial book, I tossed it aside, even though everyone in my book group, insisted it was my sort of book. I wonder why I didn’t listen to them. I plowed through all three books in the last three weeks. They kept my attention during a time in my life I couldn’t concentrate on much of anything.
For those of you who have the first two books, let me say, you will not be disappointed in the conclusion. I know after I finished the second book, I was thinking, “how could that have possibly happened? and everything comes together in a magical way. One of my favorite things in this installment was the intrigue of court life in London during the late 1600’s. I have obsessively read about this time period and adore how Harkness addresses it. Elements of intrigue, some action and of course, romance balance out this wonderful story. Now when will this be made into a film? SWOON!
WANT TO WIN A COPY?
Giveaway Ends 5.30.15 and open to all who can legally enter.
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GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR BOOK AND THANKS FOR THE GIVEAWAY! NO I HAVE NOT READ THIS SERIES YET.
Can’t wait for the final chapter
Thanks for hosting the giveaway! I’ve read the All Souls Trilogy. It’s one of the few series that I’ll read again and again!
I’ve read the series. It’s fantastic! Thanks for the giveaway!
Love the All Souls Trilogy!
Great giveaway! Love the AST!
I have read the first two and looking forward to reading this one.
Hi, I love this series and have read the first 2 books. Can’t wait to read this one.
not yet… it’s in my tbr pile but i haven’t gotten to it yet.
I just love book giveaways, and to have them signed, is so great!
What a great giveaway. Thanks for this fascinating feature.
I have not
i read this whole series it fanastic thanks for chance to win.
I haven’t read any of this series yet. If I win, I think I’m going to have to go get the rest of the series as well!
I have not read any of this series, but I’m looking forward to it. Thanks for having the giveaway.
I’ve been hearing good things about this book!
I’ve read a couple…been holding off on the third. Waiting on the Paperback!
All the best with the book. Its great to be a best seller.
I haven’t read the series but it looks good haven’t had the chance yet. This is a great giveaway.
Loved the first two books in this series!
not yet, but it’s on my list
I have not read any of the series or had even heard of the series before this.
I’ve read the first two, great series!
I would love to own this book in paperback format. The entire series is wonderful, and I know that I will reread it again and again.
I have not yet read any of this series, but looks fantastic and pretty cool. I love life
I have not read any of the series but they sound really interesting.
Thanks for hosting such a great giveaway for an Amazing Trilogy and Author.
Yes and I loved them all! Thanks for the giveaway.
I own the first one, but lent it to a friend! Thanks!
I have not read any but would love to!
I have not read any of this series yet, but I’ve wanted to for ages. Hopefully soon!
No yet but I plan too. Thanks for the chance.
Yes, I’ve read A Discovery of Witches and if was fabulous. I can’t wait to read book 2 and 3 They are both on my TBR list. Blessings and Thanks to All.
No, not yet!