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All Souls #5
The Black Bird Oracle
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Fantasy (2024)Diana Bishop journeys to the darkest places within herself—and her family history—in the highly anticipated fifth novel of the beloved #1 New York Times bestselling All Souls series.
Deborah Harkness first introduced the world to Diana Bishop, Oxford scholar and witch, and vampire geneticist Matthew de Clairmont in A Discovery of Witches. Drawn to each other despite long-standing taboos, these two otherworldly beings found themselves at the center of a battle for a lost, enchanted manuscript known as Ashmole 782. Since then, they have fallen in love, traveled to Elizabethan England, dissolved the Covenant between the three species, and awoken the dark powers within Diana’s family line.
Now, Diana and Matthew receive a formal demand from the Congregation: They must test the magic of their seven-year-old twins, Pip and Rebecca. Concerned with their safety and desperate to avoid the same fate that led her parents to spellbind her, Diana decides to forge a different path for her family’s future and answers a message from a great-aunt she never knew existed, Gwyneth Proctor, whose invitation simply reads: It’s time you came home, Diana.
On the hallowed ground of Ravenswood, the Proctor family home, and under the tutelage of Gwyneth, a talented witch grounded in higher magic, a new era begins for Diana: a confrontation with her family’s dark past, and a reckoning for her own desire for even greater power—if she can let go, finally, of her fear of wielding it.
Deborah Harkness first introduced the world to Diana Bishop, Oxford scholar and witch, and vampire geneticist Matthew de Clairmont in A Discovery of Witches. Drawn to each other despite long-standing taboos, these two otherworldly beings found themselves at the center of a battle for a lost, enchanted manuscript known as Ashmole 782. Since then, they have fallen in love, traveled to Elizabethan England, dissolved the Covenant between the three species, and awoken the dark powers within Diana’s family line.
Now, Diana and Matthew receive a formal demand from the Congregation: They must test the magic of their seven-year-old twins, Pip and Rebecca. Concerned with their safety and desperate to avoid the same fate that led her parents to spellbind her, Diana decides to forge a different path for her family’s future and answers a message from a great-aunt she never knew existed, Gwyneth Proctor, whose invitation simply reads: It’s time you came home, Diana.
On the hallowed ground of Ravenswood, the Proctor family home, and under the tutelage of Gwyneth, a talented witch grounded in higher magic, a new era begins for Diana: a confrontation with her family’s dark past, and a reckoning for her own desire for even greater power—if she can let go, finally, of her fear of wielding it.
444 pages, Hardcover
First published July 16, 2024
5132 people are currently reading
87458 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Harkness
43 books33.9k followersDeborah Harkness is a #1 New York Times bestselling author who draws on her expertise as an historian of science, medicine, and the history of the book to create rich narratives steeped in magical realism, historical curiosity, and deeply human questions about what it is that makes us who we are.
The first book in Harkness’s beloved All Souls series, A Discovery of Witches, was an instant New York Times bestseller and the series has since expanded with the addition of subsequent NYT bestsellers, Shadow of Night (2012), The Book of Life (2014), and Time’s Convert (2018), as well as the companion reader, The World of All Souls. The All Souls series has been translated in thirty-eight languages.
The popular television adaptation of A Discovery of Witches, starring Theresa Palmer and Matthew Goode, was released in 2019 by Sky/Sundance Now, and also broadcast on AMC.
Having spent more than a quarter of a century as a student and scholar of history, Harkness holds degrees from Mount Holyoke College, Northwestern University, and the University of California at Davis. She is currently a professor at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, where she teaches European history and the history of science.
Harkness has published scholarly articles on topics such as the influence of theatrical conventions on the occult sciences, scientific households, female medical practice in early modern London, medical curiosity, and the influence of accounting practices on scientific record keeping. She has received Fulbright, Guggenheim, and National Humanities Center fellowships, and her most recent scholarly work is The Jewel House: Elizabethan London and the Scientific Revolution.
The first book in Harkness’s beloved All Souls series, A Discovery of Witches, was an instant New York Times bestseller and the series has since expanded with the addition of subsequent NYT bestsellers, Shadow of Night (2012), The Book of Life (2014), and Time’s Convert (2018), as well as the companion reader, The World of All Souls. The All Souls series has been translated in thirty-eight languages.
The popular television adaptation of A Discovery of Witches, starring Theresa Palmer and Matthew Goode, was released in 2019 by Sky/Sundance Now, and also broadcast on AMC.
Having spent more than a quarter of a century as a student and scholar of history, Harkness holds degrees from Mount Holyoke College, Northwestern University, and the University of California at Davis. She is currently a professor at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, where she teaches European history and the history of science.
Harkness has published scholarly articles on topics such as the influence of theatrical conventions on the occult sciences, scientific households, female medical practice in early modern London, medical curiosity, and the influence of accounting practices on scientific record keeping. She has received Fulbright, Guggenheim, and National Humanities Center fellowships, and her most recent scholarly work is The Jewel House: Elizabethan London and the Scientific Revolution.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,436 reviews
July 18, 2024
It's no secret how much I adore this series! The world is a fantastical dream come true for any fantasy lover. From the very first book, we are treated to a well-crafted story that takes us on a magical journey filled with discovery, fear, and powerful love.
In this latest installment, things slow down a bit as Diana embarks on a new journey to explore her dark magic. There's a lot of backstory that comes to light, which can take some getting used to. But let me tell you, the scenes with the twins are absolutely delightful! Their innocence shines through, and it's clear their characters are being set up for important roles in the future.
I did miss Matthew a bit; he felt more like a background character this time around. We did get a steamy scene but I needed him to be more prominent. While I understand that the focus was meant to be on Diana, I wish we could have seen more of the beloved characters we've come to know.
The hype around the twins' magical testing was big throughout the book, but when it finally happened, it felt a bit short and flat. Despite that, it's clear this book is setting the stage for something huge, and I can't wait to be part of it!
In summary, while this book had its slow moments, it's a must-read for fans of the series. The world-building continues to be enchanting, and the setup for what's to come has me eagerly anticipating the next installment!
In this latest installment, things slow down a bit as Diana embarks on a new journey to explore her dark magic. There's a lot of backstory that comes to light, which can take some getting used to. But let me tell you, the scenes with the twins are absolutely delightful! Their innocence shines through, and it's clear their characters are being set up for important roles in the future.
I did miss Matthew a bit; he felt more like a background character this time around. We did get a steamy scene but I needed him to be more prominent. While I understand that the focus was meant to be on Diana, I wish we could have seen more of the beloved characters we've come to know.
The hype around the twins' magical testing was big throughout the book, but when it finally happened, it felt a bit short and flat. Despite that, it's clear this book is setting the stage for something huge, and I can't wait to be part of it!
In summary, while this book had its slow moments, it's a must-read for fans of the series. The world-building continues to be enchanting, and the setup for what's to come has me eagerly anticipating the next installment!
November 8, 2024
I was visiting family while trying to read this, so I kept getting interrupted and had to restart the book and reread many chapters afterward over and over again. I’m glad I persisted, though I think I would’ve enjoyed it more if I’d had more continuity.
First, I LOVED the inclusion of my alma mater Mount Holyoke College and its founder Mary Lyon. Turns out the author is also an alumna. It’s a beautiful liberal arts college networked with four others: Smith College, Amherst College, Hampshire College, and University of Massachusetts. Mount Holyoke and Smith were the first two colleges for women in the US and part of the Seven Sisters (partnered with the Ivies before colleges became coeducational). Highly recommend them to any female (including trans)/nonbinary high school seniors.
I was wholly satisfied with the ending in book 3 and had considered the fourth book to be a bonus. Looks like we are in for a longer ride, given this fifth one ended with a cliffhanger.
There are too many characters for my liking. It’s starting to feel like I’m reading a Marvel movie, but nonetheless, the stories are generally strong, and I’m looking forward to the battle between Diana and Satu. Hoping book 6 has more love for Mount Holyoke in it too 💕
This should be a 4, but my love for Mount Holyoke bumps it up to a 5, which I write as I’m wearing one of my Mount Holyoke baseball caps.
First, I LOVED the inclusion of my alma mater Mount Holyoke College and its founder Mary Lyon. Turns out the author is also an alumna. It’s a beautiful liberal arts college networked with four others: Smith College, Amherst College, Hampshire College, and University of Massachusetts. Mount Holyoke and Smith were the first two colleges for women in the US and part of the Seven Sisters (partnered with the Ivies before colleges became coeducational). Highly recommend them to any female (including trans)/nonbinary high school seniors.
I was wholly satisfied with the ending in book 3 and had considered the fourth book to be a bonus. Looks like we are in for a longer ride, given this fifth one ended with a cliffhanger.
There are too many characters for my liking. It’s starting to feel like I’m reading a Marvel movie, but nonetheless, the stories are generally strong, and I’m looking forward to the battle between Diana and Satu. Hoping book 6 has more love for Mount Holyoke in it too 💕
This should be a 4, but my love for Mount Holyoke bumps it up to a 5, which I write as I’m wearing one of my Mount Holyoke baseball caps.
July 23, 2024
This entire book is an overly long prequel to the next of the series, and could have used major editing. The book is about twice as long as it needed to be, and rather than a storyline of building character growth, the characters remain inconsistent and at times immature throughout the entire novel. We had four books of Matthew and Diana becoming partners and having them constantly at odds, acting like they barely know each other, is disappointing. Also Harkness has decided to throw away many of the rules and dynamics of the universe she built for several “plot twists” that frankly felt a bit lazy. Lastly, you cannot have a book about the importance of kids and have them be such underdeveloped side characters who basically come and go as is convenient for the author. For all readers interested in this book - take it from the library. It’s not worth the price.
August 26, 2024
I just finished this book and all I can say is: WHAT THE FUCK?
The characters have all either stayed stagnant or regressed spectacularly. I loved the original trilogy despite the obvious flaws, but this book is just egregious!
Let’s start with Diana, who, at the grand old age of 40/41 is STILL inept, uncertain, juvenile, and impulsive. How is it that she hasn’t practiced higher magic in the SEVEN years between the twins’ birth and now?? And wasn’t there a crossroads moment in the BoL?!?! I thought Diana had already accepted that her path lay in higher magic and helping creatures, and that Matthew would be by her side?
Which brings us to the next question: why this book then? This book seems like a replica of those chapters in the BoL where Diana was trying to come to terms with her gifts: instead of Sarah, we have Gwyneth, and in the place of the Bishop house we have Raven’s Wood.
Not to mention paragraph after paragraph describing tea!!! (Is there a tea porn genre I’m unaware of?) and herbs!!! Lots of herbs!!
The logic of the higher magics is never explained clearly, nor are the stakes ever presented in clear terms. Yes the Congregation is interfering, but what exactly will happen to the twins if they know the twins’ potentials? The dicsussions among Matthew, Diana, Chris, and Miriam haven’t changed one iota since the previous book.
Diana and Matthew are as unprepared as ever, and are constantly caught off guard despite having not one, but two family members in the congregation, plus all the fucking oracles in the Americas. How come they didn’t know about higher magic tests that witches go through? How come they didn’t know about the memory palace? How come they didn’t know Sarah snd Rebecca didn’t have the same father despite the fact that MATHEW HAS BEEN UP TO HIS EYEBALLS IN BISHOP GENETICS? And don’t get me started on how a witch who is also a HISTORIAN can live to forty and never ask a single goddess damned question about her father’s family! You’d think that given their precarious family dynamics, Diana and Matthew would dedicate all their time to making sure they can deter any and all threats to their family, but noooo, they’d rather squirt out useless papers than prepare to face their enemies.
Btw, can we talk about psycho Sarah and her personality transplant? What the FUCK was that? That was never resolved!
And to top it all off, the ending that was not an ending!! That seemed like the middle of the story. I’m not a writer, but I think an *ahem* adept editor would’ve fixed the pace and told Prof. Harkness to outline her plot better. But hey, what do I know?
The characters have all either stayed stagnant or regressed spectacularly. I loved the original trilogy despite the obvious flaws, but this book is just egregious!
Let’s start with Diana, who, at the grand old age of 40/41 is STILL inept, uncertain, juvenile, and impulsive. How is it that she hasn’t practiced higher magic in the SEVEN years between the twins’ birth and now?? And wasn’t there a crossroads moment in the BoL?!?! I thought Diana had already accepted that her path lay in higher magic and helping creatures, and that Matthew would be by her side?
Which brings us to the next question: why this book then? This book seems like a replica of those chapters in the BoL where Diana was trying to come to terms with her gifts: instead of Sarah, we have Gwyneth, and in the place of the Bishop house we have Raven’s Wood.
Not to mention paragraph after paragraph describing tea!!! (Is there a tea porn genre I’m unaware of?) and herbs!!! Lots of herbs!!
The logic of the higher magics is never explained clearly, nor are the stakes ever presented in clear terms. Yes the Congregation is interfering, but what exactly will happen to the twins if they know the twins’ potentials? The dicsussions among Matthew, Diana, Chris, and Miriam haven’t changed one iota since the previous book.
Diana and Matthew are as unprepared as ever, and are constantly caught off guard despite having not one, but two family members in the congregation, plus all the fucking oracles in the Americas. How come they didn’t know about higher magic tests that witches go through? How come they didn’t know about the memory palace? How come they didn’t know Sarah snd Rebecca didn’t have the same father despite the fact that MATHEW HAS BEEN UP TO HIS EYEBALLS IN BISHOP GENETICS? And don’t get me started on how a witch who is also a HISTORIAN can live to forty and never ask a single goddess damned question about her father’s family! You’d think that given their precarious family dynamics, Diana and Matthew would dedicate all their time to making sure they can deter any and all threats to their family, but noooo, they’d rather squirt out useless papers than prepare to face their enemies.
Btw, can we talk about psycho Sarah and her personality transplant? What the FUCK was that? That was never resolved!
And to top it all off, the ending that was not an ending!! That seemed like the middle of the story. I’m not a writer, but I think an *ahem* adept editor would’ve fixed the pace and told Prof. Harkness to outline her plot better. But hey, what do I know?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2024
it seems like this is the year of being disappointed by new books in a series - the blackbird oracle was good, but didn’t measure up to the standards of the previous books. it read more like a novella that wasn’t trim enough than a standalone book - maybe because nothing felt resolved at the end, but maybe too because it was all a little one note.
at no point did i really feel the stakes were high - i was told they were, sure, but ultimately it all felt a little stale. i think the real issue is that despite it having been several years since the last books, diana, matthew, and others seemed to have not only not grown, but maybe even regressed.
i can’t even get started on the character assassination of sarah - except to note that once again it felt like there was no resolution. as if diana of books1-3 would ever have let that slide? please. part of the issue is that diana is no longer the most interesting characters. nearly anyone else’s story, from chris & miriam to baldwin to wherever the hell marcus was would have been a welcome lens for this one, and it was disappointing that diana remains firmly the narrator and center of attention.
overall, though, there were moments of fun. i enjoyed the brief glimpses of ysabeau and gwyneth was beyond lovely. the twins were a delight, baldwin remains a star, and the idea of a house like the old place is nothing less than charming.
overall - okay. i’ll hold full judgement until the next, when hopefully some of this is resolved.
at no point did i really feel the stakes were high - i was told they were, sure, but ultimately it all felt a little stale. i think the real issue is that despite it having been several years since the last books, diana, matthew, and others seemed to have not only not grown, but maybe even regressed.
i can’t even get started on the character assassination of sarah - except to note that once again it felt like there was no resolution. as if diana of books1-3 would ever have let that slide? please. part of the issue is that diana is no longer the most interesting characters. nearly anyone else’s story, from chris & miriam to baldwin to wherever the hell marcus was would have been a welcome lens for this one, and it was disappointing that diana remains firmly the narrator and center of attention.
overall, though, there were moments of fun. i enjoyed the brief glimpses of ysabeau and gwyneth was beyond lovely. the twins were a delight, baldwin remains a star, and the idea of a house like the old place is nothing less than charming.
overall - okay. i’ll hold full judgement until the next, when hopefully some of this is resolved.
July 25, 2024
I actually hated it so much, which breaks my heart. This series is one of my favorites, but this one just felt so different from the original 3 and even Time's Convert. I was bored through most of it. I feel like nothing happens and that everything changed. Diana and Matthew just seemed like completely different characters, and I didn't like who they had become. Also witches use wands now??? why??? Overall, so sad that I didn't enjoy :(
July 31, 2024
It is painful to give this a three as I truly love the series. I was really looking forward to the release of this book, but I don’t think that there was enough conflict, honestly. It was a bit muddled and caught up in detail and ultimately, it felt like "Diana Bishop learns how to read tarot cards for 400 pages with some sassy elders while her husband supports her completely and only pauses to say “mon couer” or “ma lionne” from time to time."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2024
I just... what?! What even was this?!
Now, I absolutely LOVED the original trilogy. I enjoyed the 4th although I though it rambled a lot. I've re-read them all multiple times. So let me assure you that I didn't go into this book unprepared for complex history and magic systems, character growth and family dynamics.
But this book was a total clusterfuck. From the get go the characters do NOT act like did previously. Matthew would never have let Diana go to some mystery family on a whim and he would have supported her gaining knowledge in higher magic - the opposite of how this book portrays him. Diana doesn't seem to give a flying fuck about her husband or his feelings in pursuit of her "purpose" (which, I thought, had already been made clear in BoL?!) Sarah's character is DESSIMATED and oh, hello! Turns out Rebecca is actually her HALF sister and Sarah resented her?! What?! And Matthew, despite obsessing over creature genetics and Diana's heritage in particular, NEVER ONCE NOTICED THIS?! Don't even get me started on the apparently "my dad had a twin I never knew about" and all that rubbish.
There were plot holes galore, from her grandparents apparently appraising Ysabau (who somehow didn't kill them despite being renowned for it), her spellbinding of Satu "not sticking" and a very confusing and unclear description of higher magic and what it actually is. Pages of descriptions about tea or smells or the colours of a random glass or whatever - sure. But not the actual magic system in place. For apparently "dark" magic I was pretty surprised to see it used to open doors and make marshmallows self cook.
Deborah has said in interviews that the BoL is always present on Diana (and the twins aren't alarmed as this is her normal to them) yet this is never mentioned and appears to no longer be the case. The book everyone chased for THREE BOOKS is now "no big deal". Diana is no longer presented as a mature, experienced witch but instead a 40 something teenager with an attitude problem. Matthew is a side character we barely see and the United partnership we've grown to love as readers has vanished.
Inconsistent, rambling and downright disappointing book. 2 stars are for the twins, Ysabau, Granny Dorcas and the references to the Salem with trials. Here's hoping book 6 is better.
Now, I absolutely LOVED the original trilogy. I enjoyed the 4th although I though it rambled a lot. I've re-read them all multiple times. So let me assure you that I didn't go into this book unprepared for complex history and magic systems, character growth and family dynamics.
But this book was a total clusterfuck. From the get go the characters do NOT act like did previously. Matthew would never have let Diana go to some mystery family on a whim and he would have supported her gaining knowledge in higher magic - the opposite of how this book portrays him. Diana doesn't seem to give a flying fuck about her husband or his feelings in pursuit of her "purpose" (which, I thought, had already been made clear in BoL?!) Sarah's character is DESSIMATED and oh, hello! Turns out Rebecca is actually her HALF sister and Sarah resented her?! What?! And Matthew, despite obsessing over creature genetics and Diana's heritage in particular, NEVER ONCE NOTICED THIS?! Don't even get me started on the apparently "my dad had a twin I never knew about" and all that rubbish.
There were plot holes galore, from her grandparents apparently appraising Ysabau (who somehow didn't kill them despite being renowned for it), her spellbinding of Satu "not sticking" and a very confusing and unclear description of higher magic and what it actually is. Pages of descriptions about tea or smells or the colours of a random glass or whatever - sure. But not the actual magic system in place. For apparently "dark" magic I was pretty surprised to see it used to open doors and make marshmallows self cook.
Deborah has said in interviews that the BoL is always present on Diana (and the twins aren't alarmed as this is her normal to them) yet this is never mentioned and appears to no longer be the case. The book everyone chased for THREE BOOKS is now "no big deal". Diana is no longer presented as a mature, experienced witch but instead a 40 something teenager with an attitude problem. Matthew is a side character we barely see and the United partnership we've grown to love as readers has vanished.
Inconsistent, rambling and downright disappointing book. 2 stars are for the twins, Ysabau, Granny Dorcas and the references to the Salem with trials. Here's hoping book 6 is better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2025
Just over half way through The Black Bird Oracle and I’m so deeply, sadly disappointed, so far. Who is this Diana we’ve returned to? There’s no mention of her palimpsest tattooed body and eyes, no remembrance of the creatures who’ve died for her children to exist, she hasn’t used her magic much and seems to have forgotten she has any. Pip just stopped using magic, apropos of nothing? Becca suddenly didn’t need blood for sustenance? And, Matthew let her wander off to strange witches without any protection, knowing she’s seemingly set aside magic for years?
I want to LOVE every second of this book, but I don’t know these characters and mourn that they’ve regressed.
Fingers crossed that our brilliant Authoress rights the ship, explains the backslide of Diana’s confidence and knowledge of her intrinsic power, and weaves the spell this fifth installment needs to match the enchantment of its predecessors.
Edited to add:
Finished book; review and rating stand. I still adore the first four books for their impeccable writing and brilliantly crafted tales. I won’t revisit this story until just before a sixth book is published.
I want to LOVE every second of this book, but I don’t know these characters and mourn that they’ve regressed.
Fingers crossed that our brilliant Authoress rights the ship, explains the backslide of Diana’s confidence and knowledge of her intrinsic power, and weaves the spell this fifth installment needs to match the enchantment of its predecessors.
Edited to add:
Finished book; review and rating stand. I still adore the first four books for their impeccable writing and brilliantly crafted tales. I won’t revisit this story until just before a sixth book is published.
April 18, 2025
It’s been a while since I was in that a land 😝 so I had some worries that I would struggle getting back into this world 🤓 but it was just as good as the first four in the series 👍
July 19, 2024
Feeling really flat after finishing this.
It was a slow start, but does start to pick up the pace. But then just as things seem to be about to get interesting, it just stops. Very abrupt and anticlimactic.
It’s meant to be a cliffhanger I know, but it just left me feeling… was that it?!
So many long and complex ramblings and storylines and info dumps. Have a pen and paper handy to keep track of all the extended family through the ages.
Found it really hard to follow the point in places.
Also there are some really random and out of the blue actions and decisions from characters that don’t really fit how they would normally behave. (Diana and Matthew going into the forest to ‘try’ the task in there just in case? What? Just felt so out of character and dumb. And I know Sarah has been difficult before, but her character in this book just feels nasty in places, which I’ve never felt from her before)
I’ll read book 6 when it eventually gets here, but I’m disappointed with this one. Better than 4, but nowhere near as good as the first 3.
It was a slow start, but does start to pick up the pace. But then just as things seem to be about to get interesting, it just stops. Very abrupt and anticlimactic.
It’s meant to be a cliffhanger I know, but it just left me feeling… was that it?!
So many long and complex ramblings and storylines and info dumps. Have a pen and paper handy to keep track of all the extended family through the ages.
Found it really hard to follow the point in places.
Also there are some really random and out of the blue actions and decisions from characters that don’t really fit how they would normally behave. (Diana and Matthew going into the forest to ‘try’ the task in there just in case? What? Just felt so out of character and dumb. And I know Sarah has been difficult before, but her character in this book just feels nasty in places, which I’ve never felt from her before)
I’ll read book 6 when it eventually gets here, but I’m disappointed with this one. Better than 4, but nowhere near as good as the first 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2024
Deborah Harkness is BACK and stronger than ever after her battle with ovarian cancer!!
The Black Bird Oracle is book 5 in the All Souls series and I can not put into words how much I loved getting to dive back into the magical world of the Bishop-de Clermont family as Diana discovers her very large Proctor family and the support they offer as the Congregation is looking to examine Becca and Pip, and the magical crossroads she finds herself facing.
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
Magic
Strong family bonds
Suspense
Tension
Hidden Secrets
Diverse Characters
Atmosphere that sucks you in
Dark Pasts
History
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲?
Slow/steady
𝗗𝗼 𝗜 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿?
If you have not picked up Discovery of Witches (first book the series) you absolutely have to! NOW! It is a world you will become sucked into and never want to leave. Plus, this is one of those series where you have to read all the previous books in order to fully understand everything that is going on.
𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?
I just love the way she can weave together atmosphere, family, and magic to create such a compelling story. A must read for anyone who has enjoyed falling into this magical world full of creatures, drama, adventure, romance, secrets and basically everything you look for in a binge worthy book!
Thank you PRH Audio and Ballantine for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
The Black Bird Oracle is book 5 in the All Souls series and I can not put into words how much I loved getting to dive back into the magical world of the Bishop-de Clermont family as Diana discovers her very large Proctor family and the support they offer as the Congregation is looking to examine Becca and Pip, and the magical crossroads she finds herself facing.
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
Magic
Strong family bonds
Suspense
Tension
Hidden Secrets
Diverse Characters
Atmosphere that sucks you in
Dark Pasts
History
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲?
Slow/steady
𝗗𝗼 𝗜 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿?
If you have not picked up Discovery of Witches (first book the series) you absolutely have to! NOW! It is a world you will become sucked into and never want to leave. Plus, this is one of those series where you have to read all the previous books in order to fully understand everything that is going on.
𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?
I just love the way she can weave together atmosphere, family, and magic to create such a compelling story. A must read for anyone who has enjoyed falling into this magical world full of creatures, drama, adventure, romance, secrets and basically everything you look for in a binge worthy book!
Thank you PRH Audio and Ballantine for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Want to read
January 6, 2024THE VIBES ARE IMMACULATE
July 20, 2024
I was so excited for this book. Sadly, it was a total slog to get through. The characters’ actions often are inconsistent and they do little to engage the reader - quite the opposite as I found myself not caring what happened to them and just wanting to get through the book. I agree with other reviews that the book should be half as long as it is, definitely. It has a bit of a ‘middle book in a trilogy’ vibe; that is, getting the reader from one place to the next. However, it’s more than just that as it doesn’t feel true to the characters as established in the original trilogy.
July 4, 2024
I received this book as a Goodreads first-reads winner.
Let me start by saying that I love the first 3 books. The 4th one was good, but not as enjoyable as the others.
Unfortunately, this 5th installment was NOT good. I fought to finish it as it dragged along and failed to hold my interest. Once again, Diana is selfish. Matthew is controlling. Sarah is a complete jerk. Miriam is bossy and arrogant. I am done with this series. The only exception is a Gallowglass installment.
Let me start by saying that I love the first 3 books. The 4th one was good, but not as enjoyable as the others.
Unfortunately, this 5th installment was NOT good. I fought to finish it as it dragged along and failed to hold my interest. Once again, Diana is selfish. Matthew is controlling. Sarah is a complete jerk. Miriam is bossy and arrogant. I am done with this series. The only exception is a Gallowglass installment.
July 24, 2024
What a sad mess. Confused, rambling and so dull.
August 18, 2024
This was super good! I might even read it a second time!
October 5, 2024
THE BLACKBIRD ORACLE by Deborah Harkness A thrilling and triumphant return to the All Souls Universe about facing the darkness inside yourself—and embracing it. Four years after the events of TIME’S CONVERT, Diana and Matthew are living in Connecticut with their seven-year-old twins preparing for a summer holiday in England.
Their plans are thrown into disarray, however, when the Congregation notifies Diana that her children are scheduled to have their magic tested this autumn, bringing back painful memories of her own assessment and the chain of events it set in motion. The mail also brings a letter telling her it’s time to come home to Ravenswood—the family farm— and fulfill the prophecy the Proctors call The Blackbird Oracle. The letter is signed by Gwyneth Proctor—a great-aunt Diana didn’t know existed from a side of her family she thought dead.
Concerned for their children and curious to meet any family that remains, Diana and Matthew travel to the marshes of Ipswich, Massachusetts to meet Gwyneth. She shows Diana the higher magic that runs through her veins— and through her children’s, too—and Diana finds herself conflicted between her lifelong fear of darker magic and the tantalizing powers she could have.
Diana also discovers a collection of dusty old bottles filled with family memories captured through higher magic, including those of her mother’s. But her family’s memories aren’t just stored in Ravenswood; the Congregation holds some of the Proctor and Bishop memories along with those of other powerful witches as a means of control.
As Diana learns how higher magic operates and how the Congregation withholds it for their own purposes, she’ll have to decide whether or not to embrace the darkness within her to protect her family. And whether to give her own children the chance to learn higher magic—a chance she never had—even if it means exposing them to the Congregation and their own dark sides.
Their plans are thrown into disarray, however, when the Congregation notifies Diana that her children are scheduled to have their magic tested this autumn, bringing back painful memories of her own assessment and the chain of events it set in motion. The mail also brings a letter telling her it’s time to come home to Ravenswood—the family farm— and fulfill the prophecy the Proctors call The Blackbird Oracle. The letter is signed by Gwyneth Proctor—a great-aunt Diana didn’t know existed from a side of her family she thought dead.
Concerned for their children and curious to meet any family that remains, Diana and Matthew travel to the marshes of Ipswich, Massachusetts to meet Gwyneth. She shows Diana the higher magic that runs through her veins— and through her children’s, too—and Diana finds herself conflicted between her lifelong fear of darker magic and the tantalizing powers she could have.
Diana also discovers a collection of dusty old bottles filled with family memories captured through higher magic, including those of her mother’s. But her family’s memories aren’t just stored in Ravenswood; the Congregation holds some of the Proctor and Bishop memories along with those of other powerful witches as a means of control.
As Diana learns how higher magic operates and how the Congregation withholds it for their own purposes, she’ll have to decide whether or not to embrace the darkness within her to protect her family. And whether to give her own children the chance to learn higher magic—a chance she never had—even if it means exposing them to the Congregation and their own dark sides.
July 18, 2024
I was super excited to go back to Diana and Matthew and find out more about the twins, but even though the writing was impeccable, the story fell flat.
Diana and Matthew didn’t have the same spark from the original trilogy and Diana was no longer the most powerful witch? After everything that happened in the trilogy, this one seems like an entire new tale and pretty much nothing got resolved anyway.
I’m disappointed ☹️
July 28, 2024
This is ... I can't quite decide.
On the one hand, I love being back with the De Clermont-Bishops, because I've missed them. But everyone seems to have undergone a bit of a personality transplant, which I hate.
Matthew lacks his intensity, Miriam her sense of danger, Sarah is used as a punching bag for no real good reason, and the Bishops are replaced by the Proctors.
Now don't get me wrong. Stephen's family sounds lovely, but there's a lot of inconsistency regarding magic now. Particularly Diana's. We always knew she got timewalking from her dad, but higher magic from her mom Rebecca - a Bishop. In this book, the Bishops are suddenly relegated to the backseat, and Diana's Proctor legacy is more important and all-encompassing.
Also why the hell is Rebecca's ghost at Ravenswood and not at the Bishop house - her home?? Make it make sense!
And Diana. Oh, Diana. She's becoming unlikeable. Not only has she apparently not done anything with her magic in 7 years, the goddess seems to have forgotten she'd chosen her to uphold justice and the scales in balance for her within the realm of creatures, plus we're rehashing things again to chase after her lust for more power.
More than that though, unfortunately it seems like Ms Harkness regrets having her marry and become a mother, because I'm sorry - but you just can't make life-altering decisions without consulting your partner or thinking about your family. YOU don't dissapear, this is true, but your identity becomes closely-woven into a unit - and yes, there is a you in unit. Diana doesn't seem to like having to think of others not just herself, and she commits some really awful deeds as a resut.
I might never forgive her for the labyrinth with Matthew (thanks Grandpa Tally for being there!) or how she treats Sarah, the person who raised her and provided for her. All Sarah ever did was follow the wishes of Diana's parents - why is SHE being faulted for it??
All in all, I give this book 2 stars for the nostalgia, great prose in that Ms Harkness always writes well, and the return to this world. But the rest is clearly lacking, and I hate how we're rehashing the same things all over again with the SAME characters. Seriously, the higher magic choice and Crossroads have already happened, and Satu should have stayed bound. This sudden addition of their being MORE weavers makes Diana's journey in the previous trilogy cheap and hacks big holes in the original plot.
The ending is also rather abrupt, with a big lead up and then a cut-off. Clearly, this book is meant to segue into the next, but it's a rough transition and not my favourite.
This book is a mixed bag. I might have to read the OG trilogy again to refresh on the greatness of it all. And possibly find good Baldwin fanfics along the way.
On the one hand, I love being back with the De Clermont-Bishops, because I've missed them. But everyone seems to have undergone a bit of a personality transplant, which I hate.
Matthew lacks his intensity, Miriam her sense of danger, Sarah is used as a punching bag for no real good reason, and the Bishops are replaced by the Proctors.
Now don't get me wrong. Stephen's family sounds lovely, but there's a lot of inconsistency regarding magic now. Particularly Diana's. We always knew she got timewalking from her dad, but higher magic from her mom Rebecca - a Bishop. In this book, the Bishops are suddenly relegated to the backseat, and Diana's Proctor legacy is more important and all-encompassing.
Also why the hell is Rebecca's ghost at Ravenswood and not at the Bishop house - her home?? Make it make sense!
And Diana. Oh, Diana. She's becoming unlikeable. Not only has she apparently not done anything with her magic in 7 years, the goddess seems to have forgotten she'd chosen her to uphold justice and the scales in balance for her within the realm of creatures, plus we're rehashing things again to chase after her lust for more power.
More than that though, unfortunately it seems like Ms Harkness regrets having her marry and become a mother, because I'm sorry - but you just can't make life-altering decisions without consulting your partner or thinking about your family. YOU don't dissapear, this is true, but your identity becomes closely-woven into a unit - and yes, there is a you in unit. Diana doesn't seem to like having to think of others not just herself, and she commits some really awful deeds as a resut.
I might never forgive her for the labyrinth with Matthew (thanks Grandpa Tally for being there!) or how she treats Sarah, the person who raised her and provided for her. All Sarah ever did was follow the wishes of Diana's parents - why is SHE being faulted for it??
All in all, I give this book 2 stars for the nostalgia, great prose in that Ms Harkness always writes well, and the return to this world. But the rest is clearly lacking, and I hate how we're rehashing the same things all over again with the SAME characters. Seriously, the higher magic choice and Crossroads have already happened, and Satu should have stayed bound. This sudden addition of their being MORE weavers makes Diana's journey in the previous trilogy cheap and hacks big holes in the original plot.
The ending is also rather abrupt, with a big lead up and then a cut-off. Clearly, this book is meant to segue into the next, but it's a rough transition and not my favourite.
This book is a mixed bag. I might have to read the OG trilogy again to refresh on the greatness of it all. And possibly find good Baldwin fanfics along the way.
July 15, 2024
Ok I've had time to calm down and will try to write a coherent review.
I loved it. Diana and Matthew are some of my all time favorite characters, and the original trilogy is a comfort reread for me. I love every second we get to spend with them. Plus, the twins are almost 7 years old now, and it's so interesting to see how they are growing up.
From the original books, I never thought much of the fact that the Proctors (Diana's dad's family) are never really mentioned. But wow have we been missing out on so much! I absolutely loved meeting all the Proctors (ghosts and all!). Diana has to go through entirely retraining herself with a new side of magic that's super reminiscent of her journey in Shadow of Night and Book of Life. And Matthew again has to come to grips with how this new magic might change Diana.
I gotta say, the congregation rears its ugly head again, and I was left raging at how they can still control so much! I was frustrated with Aunt Sarah too; her fears and resentments really clouded her judgement here.
One of my last favorite things I want to mention are the rich flashbacks and memories we are treated to. So many amazing Easter eggs are dropped--some made me giddy and some left me shocked.
I NEEEEED the next book(s) now please! Because there is NO WAY this is a standalone addition to this world!
*Thanks to Libro.fm for the ALC!
I loved it. Diana and Matthew are some of my all time favorite characters, and the original trilogy is a comfort reread for me. I love every second we get to spend with them. Plus, the twins are almost 7 years old now, and it's so interesting to see how they are growing up.
From the original books, I never thought much of the fact that the Proctors (Diana's dad's family) are never really mentioned. But wow have we been missing out on so much! I absolutely loved meeting all the Proctors (ghosts and all!). Diana has to go through entirely retraining herself with a new side of magic that's super reminiscent of her journey in Shadow of Night and Book of Life. And Matthew again has to come to grips with how this new magic might change Diana.
I gotta say, the congregation rears its ugly head again, and I was left raging at how they can still control so much! I was frustrated with Aunt Sarah too; her fears and resentments really clouded her judgement here.
One of my last favorite things I want to mention are the rich flashbacks and memories we are treated to. So many amazing Easter eggs are dropped--some made me giddy and some left me shocked.
I NEEEEED the next book(s) now please! Because there is NO WAY this is a standalone addition to this world!
*Thanks to Libro.fm for the ALC!
September 4, 2024
I'm done reading this & I'm not all the way convinced I was reading about the same Matthew & Diana as in the previous books. Matthew was way more out of character than Diana, but they still seemed like different people.
I thoroughly enjoyed meeting The Proctors & going down this path of Higher Magic... so pretty excited to see what's in store for the future books.
However, I WANT GALLOWGLASS. It's all i've ever asked for since the original trilogy ended. Marcus was missed in this as well.
OVERALL: ***
SPICE: !
PLOT: @@@@
ENDING: ###
"Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves."
"You will not bring your destiny closer by standing up to greet it."
-------------------------------
WAIT WHAT??????
How did I not know this was a thing????? I am obsessed with this series AND the tv show. All I really ever wanted was a Gallowglass novel, but I'll take this too!!!!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed meeting The Proctors & going down this path of Higher Magic... so pretty excited to see what's in store for the future books.
However, I WANT GALLOWGLASS. It's all i've ever asked for since the original trilogy ended. Marcus was missed in this as well.
OVERALL: ***
SPICE: !
PLOT: @@@@
ENDING: ###
"Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves."
"You will not bring your destiny closer by standing up to greet it."
-------------------------------
WAIT WHAT??????
How did I not know this was a thing????? I am obsessed with this series AND the tv show. All I really ever wanted was a Gallowglass novel, but I'll take this too!!!!!!
July 22, 2024
a disappointment
I am a fan of the first three All Souls Series and was excited to read this one. I’m sorry to say it was a disappointment. Too much magic detail, I kept getting lost in all the words. The plot was all over the place. Such a disappointment.
I am a fan of the first three All Souls Series and was excited to read this one. I’m sorry to say it was a disappointment. Too much magic detail, I kept getting lost in all the words. The plot was all over the place. Such a disappointment.
July 16, 2024
The books in All Souls series are ones I own both in hardcover & audiobook. I usually listen first and then read my hardcover copies. To me, The Black Bird Oracle feels like the start of a trilogy and I am hoping we get a new book next year. If you haven’t started the series or watched them, I encourage fans of fantasy, romance, magic, suspense, historical fiction, mystery and well written, addictive, must devour fiction to own them, pet them and feed them your soul regularly.
Could you pick up The Black Bird Oracle and begin here? I think so. Harkness does a wonderful job of acclimating new and familiar fans to Matthew and Diana’s story and world. Of course, I recommend devouring them all from the beginning.
I will try to keep this spoiler free. The tale begins at the beginning of summer. Diana and Rebecca are just returning home when a black bird delivers a message. Then, Diana and Matthew receive a formal demand from the Congregation that their children Pip & Rebecca are to receive their witches test. They say all things come in threes, and Diana also receives a letter from a great-aunt she never knew existed. Gwyneth Proctor’s letter simply reads: It’s time you came home, Diana. And just like that, I was all in. Despite my desperate attempts to make the story last, I lost waaaay too much sleep devouring this tale.
I loved visiting Diana’s paternal side of the family and seeing Diana explore that side of her magic. Ravenswood is situated outside of Salem, Massachusetts, and is an active witch community with family lines dating back to the Salem witch trials. Diana Bishop herself is from the line of the first witch to die. From the witches’ council to the memory bottles, I was all in. As always, Harkness wraps history, prophecy and magic into her tales. The story is brilliantly paced and of course I lost sleeping listening over and over to just one more chapter.
I loved getting to know Gwyneth, the cousins, and Diana’s children. Diana will be tested and face a nemesis, but she will also grow as a witch as she embraces both dark and light.
The tale left us in a good place, but hints of things to come and this fan needs more.
Except for A Time’s Convert, which shares a different perspective, the series is narrated by Jennifer Ikeda. Jennifer has become the voice of Diana, Matthew and all the other wonderful characters in the series. She does an exceptional job of capturing the tone of the story, the character’s emotions, passions, and fears, as well as their unique personalities. Ikeda enhances Harkness’s story, making listening my first choice. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Could you pick up The Black Bird Oracle and begin here? I think so. Harkness does a wonderful job of acclimating new and familiar fans to Matthew and Diana’s story and world. Of course, I recommend devouring them all from the beginning.
I will try to keep this spoiler free. The tale begins at the beginning of summer. Diana and Rebecca are just returning home when a black bird delivers a message. Then, Diana and Matthew receive a formal demand from the Congregation that their children Pip & Rebecca are to receive their witches test. They say all things come in threes, and Diana also receives a letter from a great-aunt she never knew existed. Gwyneth Proctor’s letter simply reads: It’s time you came home, Diana. And just like that, I was all in. Despite my desperate attempts to make the story last, I lost waaaay too much sleep devouring this tale.
I loved visiting Diana’s paternal side of the family and seeing Diana explore that side of her magic. Ravenswood is situated outside of Salem, Massachusetts, and is an active witch community with family lines dating back to the Salem witch trials. Diana Bishop herself is from the line of the first witch to die. From the witches’ council to the memory bottles, I was all in. As always, Harkness wraps history, prophecy and magic into her tales. The story is brilliantly paced and of course I lost sleeping listening over and over to just one more chapter.
I loved getting to know Gwyneth, the cousins, and Diana’s children. Diana will be tested and face a nemesis, but she will also grow as a witch as she embraces both dark and light.
The tale left us in a good place, but hints of things to come and this fan needs more.
Except for A Time’s Convert, which shares a different perspective, the series is narrated by Jennifer Ikeda. Jennifer has become the voice of Diana, Matthew and all the other wonderful characters in the series. She does an exceptional job of capturing the tone of the story, the character’s emotions, passions, and fears, as well as their unique personalities. Ikeda enhances Harkness’s story, making listening my first choice. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
August 7, 2024
All the snark aside, my heart hurts from all the retcon done on this beloved series. Matthew was reduced to a cardboard cut out, and the character assassination of Sarah felt pointless and cruel after all of her growth in the original trilogy. It seems like the years between Time's Convert and TBBO can be summed up as character regression.
And dropping Domenico's name and not even giving him a cameo? About the only constant is Baldwin showing up to help the scion out of their latest mess, and and getting nothing but mockery and grief.
Frankly, I'm just baffled.
PS On the plus side, we did get some pieces to add to the white board and an egg or two confirmed.
2.5 stars
And dropping Domenico's name and not even giving him a cameo? About the only constant is Baldwin showing up to help the scion out of their latest mess, and and getting nothing but mockery and grief.
Frankly, I'm just baffled.
PS On the plus side, we did get some pieces to add to the white board and an egg or two confirmed.
2.5 stars
July 28, 2024
I really wanted to be nice and give this 3 stars but there was so just much I didn’t like about The Black Bird Oracle.
- It was SO SLOW, and there was practically no plot to keep it moving forward and interesting. The initial premise is that they’re worried about the kids being tested, and it doesn’t happen until the last 10 pages of the book and is super anticlimactic. Not to mention the extremely annoying ending that’s way too open ended.
- I get that this is Diana’s story, but even the original trilogy would cut to other POV and this book desperately needed that to break up the monotony. The first three books were about her learning her magic. We did not need another entire book of just this.
- In addition to that, we barely see any characters from the original trilogy and the ones we do see are barely there. I would like some #justiceforgallowglass who STILL hasn’t gotten a happy ending.
- The scene where she gives Matthew the love potion was so weird.
- It was SO SLOW, and there was practically no plot to keep it moving forward and interesting. The initial premise is that they’re worried about the kids being tested, and it doesn’t happen until the last 10 pages of the book and is super anticlimactic. Not to mention the extremely annoying ending that’s way too open ended.
- I get that this is Diana’s story, but even the original trilogy would cut to other POV and this book desperately needed that to break up the monotony. The first three books were about her learning her magic. We did not need another entire book of just this.
- In addition to that, we barely see any characters from the original trilogy and the ones we do see are barely there. I would like some #justiceforgallowglass who STILL hasn’t gotten a happy ending.
- The scene where she gives Matthew the love potion was so weird.
August 8, 2024
This is not worth the read for any fan of the original series. Save your time and your money.
I don't understand what happened to the characters.
Diana ended the last book as a powerful witch who came into her own and embraced her power as one of the most powerful witches alive, goddess blessed. In the Black Bird Oracle, she's basically powerless and has no concept of magic. She treats the Proctors as if they walk on water and they're teaching her everything Sarah never taught her. But much of the previous story was Sarah wanting to teach her and incorporating magic into their lives daily... Which Diana just forgot? She almost paints Sarah in a negative light in every memory.
Her relationship with Matthew feels forced. Jack, her son who she loves and protects, is basically nonexistent. Same for Marcus, Phoebe, and all other amazing characters. The children are so underdeveloped and it seems like they only like Rebecca and Philip is just... There.
There's barely any plot, and even less purpose. No intrigue. Just hair-tearing frustration and thoughts as to why the characters had to be ruined in such a wordy and boring way.
I don't know if Harkness had one more book contracted and came up with this just to fulfill the need, but it's the only reason I can think of for this being written as it is a mediocre shadow of the original trilogy and a disservice to the characters.
I don't understand what happened to the characters.
Diana ended the last book as a powerful witch who came into her own and embraced her power as one of the most powerful witches alive, goddess blessed. In the Black Bird Oracle, she's basically powerless and has no concept of magic. She treats the Proctors as if they walk on water and they're teaching her everything Sarah never taught her. But much of the previous story was Sarah wanting to teach her and incorporating magic into their lives daily... Which Diana just forgot? She almost paints Sarah in a negative light in every memory.
Her relationship with Matthew feels forced. Jack, her son who she loves and protects, is basically nonexistent. Same for Marcus, Phoebe, and all other amazing characters. The children are so underdeveloped and it seems like they only like Rebecca and Philip is just... There.
There's barely any plot, and even less purpose. No intrigue. Just hair-tearing frustration and thoughts as to why the characters had to be ruined in such a wordy and boring way.
I don't know if Harkness had one more book contracted and came up with this just to fulfill the need, but it's the only reason I can think of for this being written as it is a mediocre shadow of the original trilogy and a disservice to the characters.
September 9, 2024
Amazing!!! Book 5 of this All Souls series and I’m here for it! I was excited to read this because I love the books, audiobooks and Tv series. This one draws the reader to Diana’s father Stephen Proctor side of the family. I don’t want to say too much, TutTut and Granny Dorkus are added to my favorite characters in this series. A lot of history and characters in this one and the ending left me with so many questions in my reading journal. This world is so amazingly crafted. The author has woven such a beautiful, tale to include so many creatures and lore. I definitely recommend reading the whole series or if you like audiobooks the narrator Jennifer Ikeda does an amazing job.
June 23, 2025
Unfortunately, I found this new instalment mundane and flat.
Diana’s unreliable narrator's perspective is exhausting. Whatever information you got in the All-Souls Trilogy about the Bishop family, the witches, magic, and the Congregation in general, you can put everything in the shredder. In addition to suffering from multiple retcons, this book also performs some baffling character assassinations (still not over the revelation about Stephen (it left a bad taste in my mouth), also poor Sarah).
Speaking of characterisation, Diana is underwhelming (much like all the other characters in TBBO). Seven years have passed since TBOL, and she has regressed. She hasn’t used her magic in years, making you wonder what the point of the original trilogy was.
Another rip-off is Diana’s spells. They are directly taken from Emily Dickinson and Milton’s poems or even Giordano Bruno's philosophical thoughts.
Ravenswood, where the Proctor family’s base is located, embodies Carl Jung’s Shadow theory in a very heavy-handed way.
Overall, this story is a massive nothing-burger. The witches in the Congregation want to test Diana and Matthew's children. Diana is scared about what the witches will do to her children, yet she spends 400 pages learning how to read oracle cards and gets a pet owl.
As for the ending, it was extremely anticlimactic.
Diana’s unreliable narrator's perspective is exhausting. Whatever information you got in the All-Souls Trilogy about the Bishop family, the witches, magic, and the Congregation in general, you can put everything in the shredder. In addition to suffering from multiple retcons, this book also performs some baffling character assassinations (still not over the revelation about Stephen (it left a bad taste in my mouth), also poor Sarah).
Speaking of characterisation, Diana is underwhelming (much like all the other characters in TBBO). Seven years have passed since TBOL, and she has regressed. She hasn’t used her magic in years, making you wonder what the point of the original trilogy was.
Another rip-off is Diana’s spells. They are directly taken from Emily Dickinson and Milton’s poems or even Giordano Bruno's philosophical thoughts.
Ravenswood, where the Proctor family’s base is located, embodies Carl Jung’s Shadow theory in a very heavy-handed way.
Overall, this story is a massive nothing-burger. The witches in the Congregation want to test Diana and Matthew's children. Diana is scared about what the witches will do to her children, yet she spends 400 pages learning how to read oracle cards and gets a pet owl.
As for the ending, it was extremely anticlimactic.
July 27, 2024
This was definitely my least-favorite book in this series, and not just for one reason, but for several small reasons that add up.
**** Some spoilers below ***
This book was extremely boring in different places, particularly the middle. I don't need to read page after page of Diana reading tarot cards (also, she's an oracle now?).
There were so many odd things thrown in that didn't seem to amount to anything or to really have a purpose; the love potion, the owl, the naked people in the forest, the "Elsewhere", the memory jars, and now they're using wands and there are fairies?
There were also too many living people to keep track of, and also ghosts - but it seems some of these people were previously notable in other parts of the series, but there was nothing to help me remember what their significance was (like Janet, or Tally (who?) or Thomas Lloyd (again, who?)).
Also, now Sarah is someone who is vilified, when she was loved and revered before? And Meg was supposed to be this sinister person, but turns out she wasn't really? And we were supposed to fear the twins' evaluation from the Congregation, but it turned out to be a nothing-burger? It was just all so weird, and didn't seem to go anywhere. I did like the last little bit when Diana was in Venice, but that was only 72 hours and we were back to the boring witch homestead in the U.S.
This book made me realize that what I like best about this series is the interplay between the vampires, the witches, and the daemons. This book focuses mostly on the witches, and I didn't like it. I wanted more of Matthew, Ysabeau, Marcus, Gallowglass, and the others. I definitely missed that passionate connection between Matthew and Diana, which was notably absent here.
This book seems to be setting up for another in the series, and I just hope the next one is more interesting, less all-over-the-place, and focuses more on the vampires.
**** Some spoilers below ***
This book was extremely boring in different places, particularly the middle. I don't need to read page after page of Diana reading tarot cards (also, she's an oracle now?).
There were so many odd things thrown in that didn't seem to amount to anything or to really have a purpose; the love potion, the owl, the naked people in the forest, the "Elsewhere", the memory jars, and now they're using wands and there are fairies?
There were also too many living people to keep track of, and also ghosts - but it seems some of these people were previously notable in other parts of the series, but there was nothing to help me remember what their significance was (like Janet, or Tally (who?) or Thomas Lloyd (again, who?)).
Also, now Sarah is someone who is vilified, when she was loved and revered before? And Meg was supposed to be this sinister person, but turns out she wasn't really? And we were supposed to fear the twins' evaluation from the Congregation, but it turned out to be a nothing-burger? It was just all so weird, and didn't seem to go anywhere. I did like the last little bit when Diana was in Venice, but that was only 72 hours and we were back to the boring witch homestead in the U.S.
This book made me realize that what I like best about this series is the interplay between the vampires, the witches, and the daemons. This book focuses mostly on the witches, and I didn't like it. I wanted more of Matthew, Ysabeau, Marcus, Gallowglass, and the others. I definitely missed that passionate connection between Matthew and Diana, which was notably absent here.
This book seems to be setting up for another in the series, and I just hope the next one is more interesting, less all-over-the-place, and focuses more on the vampires.
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