Phoebe is in love with Marcus. His family and extended group of friends have accepted her into their circle as one of their own. But her own family are opposed to the marriage. Her father continually tries to talk her out of it. Her mother has made a begrudging peace with her decision. They both know that when she marries she will be dead to them. That is because Marcus is a vampire and for Phoebe to marry him, she needs to be turned so they can spend eternity together.

Starting his ‘warmblood’ life in the burgeoning colonies of the Americas in the late 1700s, Marcus lives a troubled life with his family. Trying to outrun his past, he finds himself in the middle of a war for the freedom of his people. His own survival through the American War of Independence and the challenges life in the 18th century posed came at a greater cost than Marcus could imagine.

He finds himself at the end of a long road of pain, being offered a chance to live a life beyond anything he could have ever dreamed. All he has to do is surrender his life and soul to Matthew, but the transition is not going to be easy or pleasant.

Deborah Harkness has made a name for herself crafting well-researched historical fiction. This is certainly one for the fans of her existing work. However, it may prove challenging to those who have not read the previous novels. There is a lot of assumed knowledge about relationships and past events built into this narrative. However, fans of this sort of rich, character-based vampire fiction will enjoy sharing the journey with Marcus and Phoebe.

Reviewed by David Johnson