I thoroughly enjoyed reading All Souls trilogy. It isn’t without flaws but the parts I love greatly outweigh the parts I’m not so keen on. With my pronounced affinity for both history and scholarly work, this story went right up my alley. It is not for everyone (no novel ever is), but where it strikes the chord with sympathetic readers, it will linger. Though some elements of plotlines are derivative to an extent, over the course of trilogy the author turned it into something genuinely her own and, within that scope, authentic. Holy grail of originality might be elusive when dealing with archetypes and I do not expect miracles in that arena.
Parts I loved the best, I noticed, are some of the parts disgruntled readers hated the most. For me, historical references and quotes were mesmerizing and inspiring to the extent that I’d very much like to track down some the original work referenced throughout the trilogy and see whether there’s more I might like. I am well aware this is work of fiction and not documentary, so I don’t mind creative licenses the author took. Though her scientific concepts aren’t quite as sure-footed as historical ones, I found the ideas interesting and worth exploring.
Overall, I loved the feel of it, the atmosphere, above anything else. I loved that distinctly European multilingual mess, loved that her worldbuilding is markedly synesthetic. Images the author projects are seldom purely visual and, almost as a rule, accompanied by smells and sounds. And she always describes food. For some readers, these details are trivial; for me details like that make the difference between ordinary and immersive novel. I found the All-Souls trilogy rather immersive. Witty, too. I laughed hard and loud throughout all three parts (at times even in the middle of the night). Furthermore, novels are populated by scores of memorable, vivid characters and I absolutely have my favorites (feeling compelled to declare my allegiances at this point, so here it goes: Phillipe first and foremost, closely followed by Gallowglass (I’d always go for scruffy Nordic biker over stuck-up scientist with serious mental health issues) and Miriam). I rather like how the author explored the concepts of family – core, chosen and extended family - along with its complicated, unpleasant realities. When it comes to romanticized ideas of everything working out and everyone eventually getting along, I remind myself it is a work of fiction and creative licenses are welcome. Another impressive point – writers often depict mythical creatures as essentially human with some extra abilities, bit like X-Men. Not here. There were moments either in Book 1 or 2 (possibly all three) where creatures seemed utterly alien and different, devoid of anything resembling humans and/or humanity. I simultaneously cringed in disgust and wanted to take a step further and have a closer look. That is rare writing skill and rare feat of imagination. Descriptions of magic are few and far in between but every single account left a lasting impression.
Book 2 is my favorite by far. Ms. Harkness vividly depicted her vision of the 16th century Elizabethan London’s atmosphere almost solely through interactions between colorful cast of characters instead of tedious, pages long descriptions. Don’t think I’ve ever read more convincing and/or entertaining account of an era or felt more “there and then”. Then she replicated the experience when plot moved to France. Even if everything else sucked (it didn’t), she would have won me over as loyal reader of her future work. I noticed a number of reviewers arguing that Book 2 failed to move the plot forward in any significant manner. Thinking back, I honestly don’t know if it’s true, but I also honestly don’t care. It’s been such a joy to read and, to me, that is sufficient reward.
Book 3 was, for most part, confusing struggle. For as long as 2/3 of the novel, I had no idea where she’s going with the plot. It certainly didn’t go where I expected it. Additionally, the author changed POV character rather often and not nearly as smooth as in previous installments. As a result, I had to backtrack either a few paragraphs or even all the way to the beginning of the chapter and re-read few times to figure out who is talking. That happened almost every time she changed POV character throughout the final installment and didn’t exactly make for satisfying reading experience. Two thirds of the final book feel kind of empty-ish, as if Ms. Harkness rushed the ending, lost focus, and/or forgot overall plot points. Also, Book 3’s main villain was introduced rather late in the story and failed to feel quite fleshed out and alive as it should have. With any other work of fiction I wouldn’t really bat an eye, but Ms. Harkness spoiled me rotten by demonstrating she can be held up to a higher standard. My feelings concerning the ending are somewhat mixed – ending is not bad – really - but not quite right either. And I do mind lose ends (even lose details) after what Kindle says are nearly 1700 pages combined.
Now, let’s tackle the elephant in the room. Trilogy’s main love story ruffled lots of feathers – for good reason – and I think the problem comes down to mislabeling. Relationship between main protagonists is many things but, to me, true love it is not. Let me be clear: Ms. Harkness is perfectly free to construct her characters any way she likes and engage them in any sort of relationship she would like to explore. However, she should have been more careful with labels. I’m not buying disturbing, abusive relationship as template for true love, regardless of the amount of sleep deprived delirium clouding my judgement. Instead, I see it as blood-chilling study of submission and dominance, control and power, of losing one’s identity within the context of romantic relationships and attempting to construct another within new realities, and new families. It is a deep, dark rabbit hole and Ms. Harkness didn’t hold back any punches. That is how Diana-Matthew story failed to ruin the trilogy for me. I see it as complex, distressing account of two deeply flawed individuals trying to navigate fundamentally toxic relationship. There is no doubt these two share genuine affection for each other; however, its expression is anything but true love. Numerous examples of something resembling true love can be found scattered throughout the novels, mind you, just not between main protagonists.
Funny thing: for about one thousand pages I’d get confused when reminded that Matthew was supposedly insanely attractive. I dislike like him as a person (he’s a dick) and could never force my mind’s eye to see him as even handsome, let alone exceptional. Even at his most endearing, the best I could do was label him as “passable” (with mandatory eye-roll). Matthew is quite simply not a person I would like to befriend in real life – unlike many other characters throughout the novels. I disliked him even as charming, well-mannered professor, let alone later on. Ironically, the only moments he felt authentic were when he’d gone completely bestial.
Finally, I fail to understand narrative purpose for appalling treatment of women throughout the novels. As merely a form of obstacles to overcome, it sucks. If there’s more to it, I fail to see it. Anyway, I could go into excruciating details on more plot points, but this review is already rather long. I thank the brave souls still reading.
To conclude, as far as I am concerned, despite its flaws, the trilogy as a whole was worth every sleepless night and every day spent reading savagely until my eyes no longer worked. I intend to read it again – perhaps at more sedate pace this time around.
Summary: Book 1 – 4 stars; Book 2 – 5 stars; Book 3 – 3 stars.
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“If you truly love someone, you will cherish what they despise most about themselves.”Highlighted by 209 Kindle readers- “One should find wholeness in marriage, Gabriel, but it should not be a prison for either party,” said Rabbi Loew.Highlighted by 169 Kindle readers
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I haven’t read the books yet so this is a review just on the physical books. They’re in perfect condition especially being on sale. the casing they come in it like card stock.
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Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on May 18, 2021
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on February 20, 2023
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I haven’t read the books yet so this is a review just on the physical books. They’re in perfect condition especially being on sale. the casing they come in it like card stock.
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Top reviews from other countries
Char Louise
All time favourite historical fantasy novels, in a lovely boxed set
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on December 13, 2016
Mr.P
Water-damaged book - not as described (as new)
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on August 27, 2020
Mr.P
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on August 27, 2020
A book in the box set had swollen, with the box Itself bulging, something that any seller of books would have recognised instantly as water-damage.
On removing the books 1 was extremely heavily water-damaged, with pages melded together.
Unusable and frankly poor form to sell something So obviously not suitable for sale.
Would not use seller again.
Returning, await refund.
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Harry C.
A breath taking set of books.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on March 20, 2019
Beth
The author is a historian and it really shows...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on November 27, 2020
