Caffeinated Reviewer

Time’s Convert by Deborah Harkness is the fourth novel in the All Souls series. This is Marcus’s story, the young man who Matthew turned. An addictive tale filled with mystery, romance, history and the supernatural. A must for fans of the All Souls Trilogy that began it all.

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, the fourth books in the All Souls Series channels the supernatural world-building and slow-burning romance that made the previous books instant bestsellers to illuminate a new and vital moment in history, and a love affair that will bridge centuries.

I absolutely loved the All Souls trilogy. I own the hardcovers and listened to the audiobooks and devoured the television series. Naturally, I pre-ordered the hardcover of Time’s Convert and then did what so many of us do….. let it sit on my bookshelf. When I saw Harkness was releasing book five, The Black Bird Oracle, in 2024, I knew it was time to read this. I scooped up the audiobook and dove in. I was not disappointed. (and kicked myself for waiting so long)

Phoebe Taylor, the young employee at Sotheby’s whom Marcus has fell for, has accepted to be turned. The two will be separated while the transformation is performed. The story told from three different perspectives with distinct storylines. We have Phoebe’s transformation to a vampire. Marcus’s own story of rebirth and troubles that still follow him. Then we have Matthew and Diana’s life as they raise their bright-born children and the dangers and challenges they face.

The story is brilliantly told and perfectly formatted for the audiobook experience. Harkness is brilliant as she transports us to the past, sharing the intimate struggles of a newly born vampire and the challenges of parenthood. She pulls the reader in and allows us to experience the emotions, fear, joy, love and dangers these characters face.

We travel with Marcus during the American Revolution and his chance meeting with Matthew, who offers him a choice. We get a taste of his bleak homelife and his yearning for more. Phoebe’s transformation is aided by Matthew’s sister, Freya, and his colleague, Miriam. It was fascinating to see what was involved and to spend time with these women. I absolutely adored time spent with Diana and Matthew. I worried at first that after the trilogy I might be disappointed as I envisioned their happily ever after, but Harkness shared the trials, joys, and surprises of raising these bright-born children and I found myself swept up in the telling.

We see hints of what could becoming in the next book, but the tale wrapped up nicely. Saskia Maarleveld narrates and brilliantly gave voice to these characters capturing their personalities, emotions, and tone of the story.

Amazon | Audible

About Deborah Harkness

Deborah Harkness is the number one New York Times bestselling author of A Discovery of Witches, Shadow of Night, and The Book of Life. A history professor at the University of Southern California, Harkness has received Fulbright, Guggenheim, and National Humanities Center fellowships. Her publications include works on the history of science, magic, and alchemy. Her most recent scholarly book is The Jewel House: Elizabethan London and the Scientific Revolution. She lives in Los Angeles.

Website | Twitter | Facebook

About Saskia Maarleveld

SASKIA MAARLEVELD is an AudioFile magazine Earphones Award–winning narrator living in New York City. Working full-time in the voice-over world, Saskia has recorded over 160 audiobooks. She switches seamlessly between accents and can often be heard speaking in British, Australian, New Zealand, and various European accents, in addition to her own American accent.

Twitter

About Kimberly

Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

Related Posts

• By Deborah Harkness
• Same Genre