The Book of Life (All Souls, #3)

Title: The Book of Life (All Souls, #3)

Author: Deborah Harkness

Published in: 2014

Date read: 28th October 2022

Score: 4/5

Genre: Fantasy, Supernatural, Historical fiction

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"The Book of Life," the final instalment in Deborah Harkness's All Souls Trilogy, brings Diana Bishop and Matthew Clairmont back to the present day after their time-traveling adventures in Elizabethan London. Their return is fraught with new challenges and old enemies.

Upon their arrival, they are met with a devastating loss within their family, fuelling a quest for justice and revenge. The overarching mission remains to fully unravel the mysteries of Ashmole 782, also known as the Book of Life, which is believed to hold the key to the origins of all creatures and the future of their interwoven species.

As Diana's unique "weaver" powers continue to grow and she prepares for the birth of her and Matthew's extraordinary vampire-witch twin children, they face intense pressure from the Congregation, the governing body of creatures that forbids interspecies relationships. They also contend with dangerous figures from Matthew's past, particularly his disavowed son, Benjamin, who poses a significant threat to their family and the balance of the creature world.

The narrative delves deeply into themes of family, destiny, and the power of knowledge, both ancient and scientific. Matthew's research into the genetic basis of creatures, including the devastating "blood rage" affliction, becomes crucial. Diana, now fully embracing her magical heritage, must use her extraordinary abilities to protect her loved ones and confront the forces that seek to control or destroy the Book of Life. The book culminates in a showdown that will determine the fate of witches, vampires, and daemons, ultimately revealing the true secrets hidden within Ashmole 782 and the path forward for Diana, Matthew, and their new family.

Comments:
Much better than the previous book. I thoroughly enjoyed this and DB pulled it back and made a great ending for this trilogy. Incidentally, the TV adaptation was done very well and compliments the books.

Books that we've read by Deborah Harkness (3):
A Discovery of Witches (All Souls, #1) (2011), Shadow of Night (All Souls, #2) (2012), The Book of Life (All Souls, #3) (2014)