Review of Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness & Giveaway

Title: Shadow of Night (All Souls Trilogy #2)
Author: Deborah Harkness
Published by: Viking Adult
Pages: 584
Source: Viking/Publisher
Format: Finished Review Copy-Hardcover
Available: July 10, 2012
Rating: 5 stars

Summary from Goodreads: Now, picking up from A Discovery of Witches’ cliffhanger ending, Shadow of Night plunges Diana and Matthew into Elizabethan London, a world of spies, subterfuge, and a coterie of Matthew’s old friends, the mysterious School of Night that includes Christopher Marlowe and Walter Raleigh. Here, Diana must locate a witch to tutor her in magic, Matthew is forced to confront a past he thought he had put to rest, and the mystery of Ashmole 782 deepens.

Shadow of Night was phenomenal, enticing, completely unforgettable. 

Deborah Harkness outdid herself with Shadow of Night.  Not only do we continue the compelling story of Matthew, Diana, and all their paranormal friends, we now add the components of time travel and historical fiction.  Deborah Harkness makes this transition flawlessly. 

Matthew and Diana have often had a complex relationship and their trip back in time tested their love for one another.  While neither of these characters are perfect, they still make a formiddable team along with their new circle of friends and allies.  With all of the obstacles the characters have to overcome, the reader gets to see all sides of their personalities.  There was deep character development as each chapter revealed more about Diana, Matthew and everyone else in the story.  Even the supporting characters grew and found a place in your heart.  It is impossible to read Shadow of Night and not become attached to these characters. 

One of the most fascinating aspects of Shadow of Night was that with the time travel aspect many new people were introduced.  These characters will sound quite familiar to everyone who has read a history book, but Deborah Harkness introduces new attributes about them you never would have thought possible. 

I adored the time I spent in 1590 as each description of clothing, food, and entertainment were luscious and detailed.  The story was so gripping and interwoven with love, deceit, scandal, and heartbreak; it was impossible to put down.      



And thanks to the amazing people at Viking I have a Finished copy of Shadow of Night and swag to offer my readers as a giveaway. 

Giveaway Rules:

The contest runs until Monday, July 16, 2012 at 11:59pm (CST)

You must be 13 years of age or older to enter

Leave a comment with your name and email address to enter.

This contest is open to participants both from the US and internationally

Once the email is sent to the winner they will have three days to respond or a new winner will be chosen

**I am not responsible for any lost or damaged items. (I haven't had any lost or damaged and I really hope that none will be)