Deborah Harkness

What a winding journey through time! More history for my history-loving self. I found myself unhappy during the first section of the book with time spent at the School of Night. I'll be honest, I was doubting whether this series was for me even though I enjoyed the first book. For the first 100 pages or so, it felt like Michael and Diana were at odds amongst some rude gentlemen, stuck and unable to move forward. Then, finally, the plot began to move again and the relationship finally developed! While I think the hops from place to place felt a little forced (just as I was getting comfortable they were travelling again), I was enamored with how Harkness tied the history and culture in with the storyline. The book was a little long in my opinion, with time spent introducing a near-overwhelming number of characters and on details that have yet to tie into the plot. Nonetheless, I'll certainly be reading the next book!… (altro)

I read this book as a kid, then watched the first season of the show, then happened upon this book again while wandering through the library and thought I'd give it another read. On this second read as an adult, I was so very impressed with the history woven into this story. Unfortunately, the relationship between Matthew and Diana left a bit to be desired. Their boundless devotion to each other without the act that would consummate their marriage, it just doesn't add up. You can't be apart for like more than a day without a panic attack but let's take things slow? It feels a bit too "purity culture" for a setting that is supposed to be mostly contemporary. With what we've been given n terms of their personalities, I can't make any sense of it. Regardless, I'm definitely reading the next book. The world is unique enough to keep my interest. Hopefully things will fall in line between those two more plot points are revealed.… (altro)