Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Time’s Convert

Deborah Harkness’ A Discovery of Witches series book Time’s Convert is a continuation of the beloved All Souls book trilogy, offering readers a gripping blend 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 successful TV adaptation A Discovery of Witches. As a result, the book offers potential insight into what would have happened in A Discovery of Witches season 4.

While the primary focus remains on Phoebe 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.

Diana Resists Spellbinding Hers And Matthew’s Twin Children

Spellbinding Would Inhibit The Twins’ Powers

Although Time’s Convert primarily follows Marcus and Phoebe’s romance, it also appeases keen readers of the All Souls trilogy by updating on Matthew and Diana’s family life. An important aspect of this is their parenting journey and how 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 alongside daemons in A 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 the most 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 in Times Convert – including her ability to fly. Further, the children’s budding abilities are explored in Time’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.

Marcus Reveals His Origins In The American Revolution

Time’s Convert Jumps Between Marcus’ Revolutionary Past And The Present

Marcus believes in liberty, equality, and brotherhood.

A significant aspect of Time’s Convert is world-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 the Knights of Lazarus traditions in A Discovery of Witches – is given context and depth in Time’s Convert. It also provides a historical 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 the All Souls trilogy, Time’s Convert could 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. The courtship of Marcus and Phoebe has already happened before the events of Time’s Convert.

While working at Sotheby’s in Shadow of Night, Phoebe first crosses paths with Marcus, a collector of Hilliard miniatures. Their chance encounter blossoms into a romance, leading to Phoebe moving to Sept Tours to be closer to him. In The 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 in The Book of Life and Time’s Convert centers around that commitment and what it means. Phoebe agrees to become a vampire so she can marry 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 can’t know for sure. Not until you know me blood to blood.” In the book, Harkness does a good job of reintroducing some tension into 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.

In Time’s Convert, as well as introducing just the right amount of conflict into their interactions, Harkness uses 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 stunning filming location in A Discovery of Witches, with Matthew and Diana.

During this time, Phoebe’s maker – Miriam – teaches Phoebe what being a de Clermont vampire means. Their being physically separated makes 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 of Time’s Convert, the A Discovery of Witches couple are reunited at the townhouse in Pickering Place, Marcus’ home.