Time's Convert: A Novel

Time's Convert by Deborah Harkness is the first book in her All Souls Universe series. This is a spin-off series to the much beloved All Souls Trilogy and focuses on Marcus and Phoebe whom we met in the All Souls Trilogy. I have read mixed reviews to this series stating that the flow of the story was off, that there wasn't enough drama, that it was more of a historical recounting than a story and to these I personally disagree. Marcus's story is a gem of information and insight. We get to see Diana and Matthew and the rest of the family at Sept Tours and Les Revenants. We are there to witness Phoebe's transition from human to vampire. We are also privy to Marcus's past thanks to Diana's passion for anything in history. The story ebbs and flows between these three places and times (Phoebe in Paris, everyone else at Sept Tours, and Marcus in the past from his time as a soldier in the revolutionary army through to his time in Louisiana). Well-written and the perfect balm to my soul that is desperate for more from this world. Having devoured Matthew and Diana's story and binge-watched (multiple times) the first season of the show on Sundance Channel, this was a great tide me over. Enjoy!

the book is so far an expansion on character development of Phoebe and Marcus. while you still catch glimpses of Dianna, Matthew, and the twins, it explores the process of becoming a vampire, family rules, and a little more into how the de Clermont family worked, as well as Phillipe. not the best book in this series, but still worth the read for the insight into Marcus and the late 1700s and how Marcus created a vampire family. Miriam even gets a little more attention and Freyja.

Not as good as the others. Bounced around a lot. I don't care for Phoebe, so that was rough. Too much time on her and she just comes across as spoiled and priveledged. Had character growth been included, I'd have rated this higher.