Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness: A Captivating Tale of Love, Magic, and Adventure

Picking up from A Discovery of Witches’ cliffhanger ending, Shadow of Night takes Diana and Matthew on a trip through time to Elizabethan London, where they are plunged into a world of spies, magic, and a coterie of Matthew’s old friends, the School of Night. As the search for Ashmole 782 deepens and Diana seeks out a witch to tutor her in magic, the net of Matthew’s past tightens around them, and they embark on a very different—and vastly more dangerous—journey.

Deborah Harkness’ Shadow of Night is a mesmerizing tale of love, magic, and adventure that will have readers enthralled from the very first page. Set in Elizabethan England, this story follows Diana Bishop and Matthew Clairmont as they embark on an epic journey to uncover the secrets of alchemy and time travel. Through their thrilling journey, they discover not only powerful ancient artifacts but also their own enduring love for one another.

The book picks up right where A Discovery of Witches left off, with Diana and Matthew traveling back in time to 1590 London in order to track down a magical book that holds the key to Diana’s past and possibly to the survival of all supernatural species.

As they delve deeper into the city’s hidden magical underground, Diana and Matthew must contend with old enemies and new challenges, all while trying to keep their forbidden love a secret. Along the way, they will uncover some shocking secrets, a most unlikely ally, and come face-to-face with a danger that could threaten not only their love but also the very future of magic itself.

Deborah Harkness’ writing is both engaging and descriptive. She has a knack for creating interesting characters and unique plots that keep the reader hooked.  It has many strengths, including its beautifully detailed world-building, and its well-developed characters. However, this book is a bit slower in pacing when compared with the first installment of the All Souls Trilogy. There are a few moments that skirt the edge of being cliche.

Overall, Shadow of Night is a highly enjoyable read that is sure to please fans of fantasy and romance making it a book that is definitely worth reading.