The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness

The Book of Life (All Souls, #3)

by Deborah Harkness

The #1 New York Times bestselling third installment in the All Souls series, from the author of The Discovery of Witches and The Black Bird Oracle.

Look for the hit series “A Discovery of Witches,” now streaming on AMC+, Sundance Now, and Shudder!

Bringing the magic and suspense of the All Souls Trilogy to a deeply satisfying conclusion, this highly anticipated finale went straight to #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. In The Book of Life, 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.

Reviewed by kimbacaffeinate on

5 of 5 stars

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One-hundred-percent spoiler free review.

Our journey in The Book of Life takes us from the Clairmont’s ancestral home Sept-Tours to the Americas, London and more. Matthew is dealing with his blood rage. Diana is continuing to learn her skills as a witch and tensions are high with the council.  Now more than ever finding Ashmole 782 and its missing pages is imperative.  Harkness weaves a tale full of suspense, tension, darkness and danger. Then she cleverly weaves in romance, magic, and hope.  The characters surrounding our couple were unique and added depth to the story. I adored them from the villains to their closest confidants. The growth we see Diana is truly a thing to behold as she embraces who she is. Matthew is noble, and his love for her unending.

I am in awe of Deborah Harkness and her vivid imaginations. The Book of Life, as well as the rest of the series, is beautifully crafted from the imagery to the character growth and emotions. I have heard others say parts could have been omitted, but I would not trade one word, one scene, one kiss. The movie rights have been purchased, and if they are able to bring even a fraction of the magic to the big screen, I will be delighted. The novel while well over five hundred pages flew by as I slipped into this world. Attempts to savor it were hopeless as I found myself needing just one more chapter. It was a deeply satisfying journey and one I won’t soon forget.

I was quite curious as to how Harkness would solve many of the obstacles Diana, and Matthew faced and in the end I found it to be brilliant, and satisfying. I closed this with mixed emotions. I was deeply pleased with the outcome but sadden to part ways with these characters and their world.

Copy received from publisher in exchange for unbiased review.This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 29 June, 2014: Finished reading
  • 29 June, 2014: Reviewed