Recommended, however....

Any additional comments?

I have read and listened to “A Discovery of Witches” more than a dozen times over the past year. I waited for “Shadow of Night” like a child eagerly anticipates Christmas. In this new book, Deborah Harkness weaves a beautiful story as the main characters escape into the past. The new characters in the story are refreshing and endearing. Once again, Jennifer Ikeda does a marvelous performance of every character. Also, as a history major in college, I found the detailed information on the Elizabethan era of England interesting. With all of that said, I missed some the “magic” found in the first book. I felt the detailed historical information slowed the storyline. Matthew’s point of view is rarely provided. I missed the quick wit exchanges between characters, the faster pace to the storyline, and the peaks and valleys in the storyline of the first book. While I recommend the book and, once again, eagerly await the third volume, I am hoping that the full magic that Harkness has the ability to provide in her writing will be found in the next book.

143 people found this helpful

Absence and Desire...for another year

Whew; I liked this, but it took perseverance to get to *liking.* I don't just mean because of the 600 pages (24.5 hrs), and I'm not alone with my endurance problem -- even some of the professional critics confessed to wanting to skip ahead, jump over some of the fettering details. They justified their confessions by, in the end, giving Shadow of the Night a shining review. For me, that was the trick to *liking*...sticking it out to the end. I almost unplugged half-way through, which would have been regrettable. So, before you get discouraged by: the mass of characters (so many that the text book includes a glossary of characters), or the tediousness of tea and wine (Harkness at one time wrote a blog about wine), or the seemingly pointless conversations, the contrived events, and other minutiae of Elizabethan England...Hang in there.

When they say this one picks up where A Discovery of Witches left off -- they aren't kidding. If you have not recently read (or reviewed) the first book (D of W) you will probably be lost in a torrent you can't get out of. Diana the "reluctant witch," and Matthew the "vampire-scholar," continue their urgent quest for the ancient alchemical manuscript, Ashmole 782, which is said to contain critical secrets about the inhabitants of this book: vampires, witches and demons/daemons (tomato/tomahto - I googled it). The as-of-yet-unwed couple time travels (by way of Diana's limited witching abilities) to 1591 -- a troublesome landing spot -- Matthew is a devout catholic in Protestant England, and next door in Scotland they are burning witches. Diana, in and out of a yards of petticoats, stealthily searches for a much needed witch-tutor (Goody Alsop was great), while Matthew attends to one of his many secret roles; their actions constantly watched by dangerous cabals and covetous eyes. There are 3 sections to this book: Matt and Di's actions in 16th century England, France, and Prague, with a brief (and sudden) jump back to the 21st century at the end of their hunt in each location, to explain the impact of their actions (in the *past*) on the present. This little section also updates the present-time reactions of the Conventicle and the Congregation to either defend or thwart the couple's progress in finding Ashmole782.

The title refers to an actual 16th century poem by George Chapman that referrences the heretical The School of Night, and several prominent historical figures, William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, Sir Walter Raleigh, even Queen Elizabeth I (does Harkness hint at a royal relationship years earlier with Matthew?). Harkness, a professor of history at USC, uses her knowledge and writing skills to embellish the story with copious details and some clever alterations of some of the significant historical figures. Obviously a great amount of research and attention went into this book. Still, even appreciating the authentic rich scenes and the new presentation of history, the overreliance on details becomes very weighty, and some good editting would have easily helped keep the middle from dragging without cutting any of the story. As for plot...aside from some pretty hot vampire on witch action between shopping, lessons, and secret missions--there isn't much, which is understandable if you look at this book as setting the stage for the final installment (boy, it had better be phenomenal!). I especially enjoyed Matthew's father, Phillipe, and hope to read more about him, as well as SOME of the interesting characters introduced in this book.

They find Ashmole, (not a plot spoiler) no fanfare, still missing 3 pages. Some questions are answered, some vexing new ones presented. Matthew's personality is a little lost in the past, but Diana's is expanded; the couple becomes more joined. The tension between the witches and vampires builds. All in all a great set-up. Jennifer Ikeda does a noteworthy job of reading so many accents and characters. She was clearly familiar with the characters and story, and gave an enjoyable, sophisticated performance. If you have read that this is "Harry Potter for adults," or a "grown-up version of Twilight," toss those epithets aside; there is much more here than comparisons. On it's own, Shadow of the Night is intelligently written adult fare. In an interview, author Deborah Harkness stated, "There are a lot of adults reading YA books, and for good reason...I wanted to give adult readers a world no less magical, no less surprising and delightful, but one that included grown-up concerns and activities. These are not your children's vampires and witches." If you liked Discovery of Witches, if you can appreciate carefully setting up the final act--you'll like this. In hind-sight, after the final book is released and so many details justified or explained, I'll probably like it even more, but since I can't time travel back and change my rating, I'll stick with a glowing 3* for now and hope for 5* with a fantastic conclusion of the All Souls Trilogy.

129 people found this helpful

Even better than A Discovery of Witches

This is a beautifully written series so far. Deborah Harkness takes you right into the 16th century. The plot is complex but not confusing, and the narration is excellent. The variety of accents Jennifer Ikeda conveyed was impressive without being overly theatrical. This is a vivid, enchanting story. The array of personalities was engaging, each character seemed well thought out and had a depth that was really refreshing. If you liked the first book you will certainly enjoy this one.

110 people found this helpful

This Book Isn't For Everyone

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene when Matthew and Diana are talking about how vampires are depicted in modern day romance novels. Hysterical! It's like she put that scene in just to stick it to all the readers whom complained about the lack of sex in the first book.

Any additional comments?

I can see why some people do not like this story. It's really not that suspenseful, there are no hot and heavy sex scenes every other chapter, and it's slooooooow.

Having said that, I still loved this book. These books are not nail biting page turners, and they are not vampire erotica hidden behind a plot. This story is a long, slow stroll down a road filled with beautiful scenery. Harness does a fantastic job of putting the reader in 16th century England, I found myself looking up many of her characters on Wikipedia just to get more background on them.

If you want a roller coaster experience, you will not like this book. Personally I loved the slow, lazy tide of the story.

The narrator was fantastic!

32 people found this helpful

Beautiful book!

What made the experience of listening to Shadow of Night the most enjoyable?

I absolutely loved the scenes of unexpected meetings with family members. I was so happy Diana had the opportunity to meet Phillippe. I also loved meeting the various famous people from the 16th century such as Kit Marlowe and Queen Elizabeth. Deborah Harkness did a fabulous job bringing them to life!

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite character is Diana (no surprise there). I love the way she always wins over Matthew's family & friends despite their prejudices. She inspires fierce loyalty in the people she brings into her circle.

Any additional comments?

I highly recommend this series. Diana and Matthew's story is one of the most unique I've read in a long time. If you love Diana Gabaldon you will love this series as well.

26 people found this helpful

Read it!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. Awesome story, great reader. Starts a little slow, but then you can't stop. Best audiobook reader I have found - and I have listend to about 300 books in the last few years. She can do both male and female characters, which is a rare talent. She is amazing at accents. She is very good at inflection and emotion.

What did you like best about this story?

The idea of time travel and the anomalies that occur in the present as a result of their visit to the past.

Which character ??? as performed by Jennifer Ikeda ??? was your favorite?

Gallowglass was awesome, I love the mental image I got of the character based on how the reader performed his dialogue. The only voice I didn't like was Rudolph, but then his character was supposed to be unlikeable.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Laughed at several points, witty dialogue. Cried when it was over, thinking how long I'm going to have to wait for the third book in the trilogy.

Any additional comments?

Can't say enough good things about it. Really loved it.

22 people found this helpful

they solve each argument with sex.

ugh, how many times can he "slip inside her"? yuck. This book romanticizes abusive, narcissistic relationships. The bones of the story are good, but their relationship dynamic is awful.

20 people found this helpful

*SIGH*

I really liked Discovery of Witches and waited impatiently for the sequel......having that said...

Sheesh! I was bored ! This was some kind of punishment Deborah Harkness thought her newly acquired readers needed, you think?
The time traveling thing for one, she can time travel at will when she's a toddler but now it's this complicated song and dance thing? Really?
You find contradictions and inconsistencies about Diana's magic AND thoughts, this also applies to Mathew's character .
Diana remains relatively incompetent and reckless and Matthew continues to be controlling and possessive. They were playing house in Elizabethan times! Very little time and even less attention was given to the threats of the present time.
I have so many problems with this book that I honestly don't feel like talking or writing about them anymore..

Two stars, after all I guess I will read the third installment in the All Souls Trilogy because I am curious (and hopeful?) about Diana and Mathew's story.

19 people found this helpful

Harkness is an amazing story teller!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely, yes! The subject of magic occurs in more than just the plot, the author casts a wonderful spell in telling this tale of an intellectual professor who tries to deny her gifts and a mysterious research professor who convinces her to acknowledge them while they both plow through ages of adventure in search of a book...

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the way this story was spun the most, and that it's author appears to acknowledge that her readers really can deal with an intellectual heroine.

Which scene was your favorite?

Phillipe's visit to the grove with Diana...

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes!

Any additional comments?

I am reading this book in hard cover and will be listening to my audible version right after because I pick up things I hear in the audible version I missed in the written book and vice versa. The two together make for a fuller experience of the story.

19 people found this helpful

Harry Potter + Twilight For Adults

This book seemed a bit slow getting started, but once it did, it took off. I love the alchemical references, the intricate and believable characters, the historical settings... My only complaint is that the main character, Diana, seemed to have times when she was believable and other times when she'd seem to have a wild mood swing and be someone else entirely. I'm not sure if this is something that plays out in the story eventually and it's deliberate, or it's because the author didn't have a good feel of how her main character would act in a certain situation. Overall, though, I highly highly recommend this book. It's incredible, and the narrator was absolutely perfect for this book (seriously, her 'voices' are amazing, and her pronunciation mostly spot-on). I look forward to the other 2 books in the series by this author and this narrator.

16 people found this helpful