The Book of Life is the wonderful conclusion to the All Souls Trilogy that Deborah Harkness started with A Discovery of Witches. I was ridiculously lucky this last week when I was able to get a copy of both The Book of Life AND Diana’s Commonplace Book signed for the blog to give away!
If you’re not familiar with the Commonplace book – it’s from Shadow of Night when Diana kept a commonplace book and had to leave it the past when she and Matthew came back to present day. They didn’t make a ton of these commonplace books and they were pretty hard to find but I was able to get my hands on one to give away.
To enter to win the signed copies – just post a comment on this blog post and like us on Facebook (because it make it MUCH easier to find the winner!!). I will pick a winner via random.org. The contest is only open to those in the U.S. Contest will close Aug. 20th at midnight Eastern and the winner will be announced Aug. 21st.
Now… onto my review of the final book!
“It begins with absence and desire. It begins with blood and fear. It begins with a discovery of witches.”
I fell in love with A Discovery of Witches and that love affair continued with Shadow of Night and right on into The Book of Life. Diana and Matthew arrive back in present time to find that not only are they much changed (what with Diana being pregnant with twins) but so has everyone they left behind. As they and all of their loved ones have to adjust and figure out how to get used to being around each other again they just don’t have the luxury of doing that or of mourning Emily properly who died at the end of the last book. Instead they are thrust right back into the hunt for Ashmole 782 and its’ missing pages.
The Book of Life spins a complex web of old and new characters throughout the book. We have the return of Sarah- Diana’s beloved Aunt, Ysabeau- Matthew’s vampiric mother, Corra – Diana’s familiar and the ever popular Gallowglass – Matthew’s vampiric nephew. But we also get a few new characters that surprised me with how much I liked them and their impact on the events.
In A Discovery of Witches we had rich and luscious descriptions of food and wine that seemed to characterize the book and in Shadow of Night there was the intense historical detail that was carefully sprinkled through every chapter. In The Book of Life the characters shined and were the focal point for me. The main characters were as great as always but the secondary characters seemed to come alive just as much. There was a lot of humor that surprised me and had me laughing out loud at certain point too.
“And before you ask, I can go outside during the day and my hair won’t catch fire in the sunlight. I’m Catholic and have a crucifix. When I sleep, which is not often, I prefer a bed to a coffin. If you try to stake me, the wood would likely splinter before it enters my skin.” He bared his teeth. “No fangs either. And one last thing: I do not, nor have I ever, sparkled.”
For me it’s rare that a trilogy finishes as strong as it began and this one did not disappoint at all. The plot was complex and intriguing and I can’t wait for my re-read to be able to go over the details again! Deborah Harkness did a wonderful job of mesmerizing from start to finish.
Don’t forget to comment here and to like our Facebook page for your chance to win a signed copy of The Book of Life and Diana’s Commonplace Book!
5 Stars
~Melinda
Happiness is a Book 
I appreciate that you didn’t put any spoilers in there, I am only about 3/4’s through. I agree wholeheartedly with all you have to say!
I absolutely love this series ! I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of the latest installment ! kathambre@yahoo.com
Awesome series! The quotes are dead on and some of my favorites as well! I can’t believe it’s all over! 🙂 Time for a re-read!
Very excited to have a chance at a win. Thank you!
This is my favorite series. I’m listening to BOL right now,
I am still in love with these characters and I hope that Deb Harkness has more stories up here sleeve.
Love this series!
Wonderfully well written review! Absolutely love this trilogy! Re-reading them from the start. I love the transformation each of the characters made from ADOW right to the end of BOL.
Best Series that has you returning again and again…I can always find something new with each reread.
Love your review, couldn’t agreemore!
I don’t think I’ve ever adored a story more than I adore this one. It’s just so amazingly well written and beautiful!
Found your blog from the Facebook group, I like your writing style, and I’m following you on feedly now 🙂
What a wonderful trilogy and astounding author. Thanks so much for offering this opportunity for the final installment in the series and the amazing Commonplace Book that is hard to get our hands on !!!
This is a trilogy that I’m sorry to see end. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of the Commonplace Book. And lucky you to have had the opportunity to meet Deb.
Great review and excellent giveaway! 🙂
Thank you for such a great review! It was fun to read!
Great review! I agree with you about how good these books are. I’m am just a little sad to see them end.
my favourite trilogy !!! 🙂
I have never read any book(s) as much as this trilogy.
Fantastic giveaway!!! You have a wonderful blog. Enjoyed reading everything. 🙂
By far the best series I have ever read (and re-read!) Diana and Matthew’s world is a wonderful place to escape to, and I’m very hopeful that Deb Harkness will continue to share pieces of that world with us.
Great review for an amazing trilogy 🙂 Also a nice give away for those of us who weren’t able to make a signing!
Great review! Thanks so much for your generosity in this give away! i live too far away to get to see Dr. Harkness. Thanks for this opportunity! 🙂
I am sorry if fb ate the original post about your contest, but I am very happy that you reposted it giving me the chance to see it and enter! Thank you
This trilogy has been one of the very best I have ever read. Like many of us these characters have grown and have become a part of our lives.
I’m not a very lucky person but I hope I win…
Deb Harkness has introduced to me to some wonderful souls I enjoy hanging out with and did truly missed once I was done reading. This trilogy has re-ignited my interest for history, lore and myth. What a great world she has created! I was so disappointed not be able to go to any signings so this giveaway is great! Thank you!
LOVE these books so much! Great review and giveaway!
This is an awesome series! I would love to be able to loo at Diane’s Commonplace book
Love the series and loved the ending. I hope Deborah will continue writing novels, she is a great storyteller. Great review!
I’d love this!! weeeee!
Just listening to Gallowglass set on Spotify from Deb Harkness and spotted you on FB. I did not get to see Deb, but this was so nice of you. Very thoughtful for whomever the winner will be!