Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Time’s Convert
Deborah Harkness’A Discovery of Witchesseries bookTime’s Convertis a continuation of the belovedAll Soulsbook trilogy, offering readers a grippingblend of romance, historical intrigue, and supernatural elements. The novel delves deeper into the lives of Marcus and Phoebe, whose love story continues to enthrall readers, particularly following the successfulTV adaptationA Discovery of Witches. As a result, the book offers potential insight into what would have happened inA Discovery of Witchesseason 4.
While the primary focus remains onPhoebe and Marcus’ romance, Harkness also weaves in – no pun intended – the ongoing adventures of Matthew and Diana, providing updates on their family life and the challenges they face as parents to their twin children, Philip and Rebecca. A key aspect of the story revolves around the twins' unique heritage as"bright-born,“offspring of a weaver and a vampire. This means that the book moves the overall story on apace, having profound implications for fans who miss the TV series.
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Diana Resists Spellbinding Hers And Matthew’s Twin Children
Spellbinding Would Inhibit The Twins' Powers
AlthoughTime’s Convertprimarily follows Marcus and Phoebe’s romance, it also appeases keen readers of theAll Soulstrilogy by updating on Matthew and Diana’s family life. An important aspect of this is their parenting journey andhow they approach raising their twins, Philip and Rebecca. The twins are“bright-born”according to the Book of Life – the offspring of a weaver and a vampire, the two species alongsidedaemons inA Discovery of Witches,possessing a unique blend of bloodlines. Because of Diana’s past having been a spellbound weaver in her youth, she has to find a way to raise her children without inhibiting their magical abilities.
Diana, one of themost powerful TV witches, was spellbound by her parents for her protection – however, she and Matthew do not want to enforce those restrictions, which can only be undone by the weaver. Even Diana still has some of her powers bound, which is finally unraveled inTimes Convert– includingher ability to fly. Further, thechildren’s budding abilitiesare exploredinTime’s Convert.Their magical and mortal aspects are given equal value. At some points the reader is given an idea of how they are developing as people through how they play – but there are fun surprises, like Philip’s“chatoiement”and weaving his first spell.
Time’s Convert Jumps Between Marcus' Revolutionary Past And The Present
Marcus believes in liberty, equality, and brotherhood.
A significant aspect ofTime’s Convertisworld-building and in-depth character study. This is effectively established by jumping back and forth in time while Marcus reveals his background in the American Revolution. Marcus believes in liberty, equality, and brotherhood – or “liberté, égalité, fraternité,”as popularized by Maximilien Robespierre. However, these beliefs clash with the de Clermont family he is sired into by Matthew in the eighteenth century. The de Clermont family has ancient traditions. This is not easy to fit into for Marcus, who since childhood has rejected familial tradition, having wanted to be a soldier rather than a scholar.
His break with traditional values throughout the series – such as rejecting the antiquity of theKnights of Lazarus traditions inA Discovery of Witches– is given context and depth inTime’s Convert.It also provides ahistorical backdrop to the theme of radical transformation, which is explored both in the past and present day. The de Clermont family’s traditions are in a state of flux, and Phoebe is transforming into a vampire, so Marcus’ backstory is a wonderful thread that brings these common themes together – along with Diana getting stuck into research to put his anecdotes into a documented historical context.
Marcus Falls In Love With Shopkeeper Phoebe In Paris
Fan Favorite A Discovery Of Witches Couple Have Origins In The City Of Love
Marcus and Phoebe’s relationship begins in the city of romance, with Marcus living in Paris and first meeting Phoebe while she is working at Sotheby’s. Although Marcus and Phoebe’s romance is established in theAll Soulstrilogy,Time’s Convertcould work as a standalone and their love story is compelling in isolation. However, as a whole, the book is better enjoyed knowing the background of all the characters from the previous novels. Thecourtship of Marcus and Phoebe has already happenedbefore the events ofTime’s Convert.
While working at Sotheby’s inShadow of Night, Phoebe first crosses paths with Marcus, a collector of Hilliard miniatures. Theirchance encounter blossoms into a romance, leading to Phoebe moving to Sept Tours to be closer to him. InThe Book of Life,Phoebe becomes a trusted member of the de Clermont family. She helps navigate family disputes, uncovers hidden family secrets, supports Marcus' plans, and aids in the search for the Book of Life. Despite facing danger from family members, Phoebe remains devoted to Marcus and the family.
Phoebe Becomes A Vampire So She Can Marry Marcus
Forever Means Vampirism For Phoebe and Marcus
Phoebe and Marcus become engaged inThe Book of LifeandTime’s Convertcenters around that commitment and what it means. Phoebe agrees to become a vampire so she canmarry Marcus and be with him“evermore”. However, Harkness makes a point that this is not Phoebe’s only character motivation. She also genuinely craves vampirism –“Ever since Phoebe met Ysabeau at Sept-Tours, she had craved the inexhaustible supply of time that vampires possessed.”This is fuelled by her admiration for the mindfulness and presence in time that comes with having forever.
Marcus warns Phoebe that being alive forever is one thing and being with one person forever is another, as it is after Phoebe’s transformation that they plan to marry. He points out,“you’re able to’t know for sure. Not until you know me blood to blood.”In the book, Harkness does a good job ofreintroducing some tensioninto an established couple. There is a sense of anxiety in both Phoebe and Marcus that while they rationally know they are mated and meant to be together, their relationship might change along with Phoebe’s transition to vampirism.
Marcus Stays With Diana & Matthew During Phoebe’s Transformation
Tradition Dictates The Pair Be Separated During Phoebe’s Fledgling Phase
Phoebe needs time and space to adjust to her rebirth and new life.
InTime’s Convert,as well as introducing just the right amount of conflict into their interactions, Harknessuses distance as a tension device. This is because tradition dictates that mates must be separated for three months. It is both a ritual and a necessity – Phoebe needs time and space to adjust to her rebirth and new life. This is one tradition that Marcus is on board with – for much of the book, Phoebe is in Paris while he is at the Sept-Tours, a stunningfilming location inA Discovery of Witches,with Matthew and Diana.
During this time, Phoebe’s maker – Miriam – teaches Phoebe what being a de Clermont vampire means. Theirbeing physically separatedmakes the thematic parallels in the book even more effective. While Marcus delves into his coming of age, with an emphasis on independence, the present day at the Sept-Tours shows the twins going through a“terrible twos”phase. In Paris, Phoebe’s turning has subverted maternal imagery at the pivotal moment of her siring. The process is compared to suckling, as per literary tradition. By the end ofTime’s Convert, theA Discovery of Witchescouple are reunited at the townhouse in Pickering Place, Marcus’ home.
