Harbinger of Books

Diana is a witch, but she is resistant to her magic and strives to be a normal human. Ironically she is a historian who is quite familiar with alchemy. The story opens with her calling an alchemical manuscript that has been missing for 150 years and is under a spell. Now all creatures daemons, witches and vampires all want the manuscript. There is a particular vampire Matthew Claremont also wants to get his hands on the manuscript but soon the line is blurred is he protecting his interest for getting the manuscript or is he interested in Diana. Quite soon Diana is experiencing threats on all sides and she has to decide if she will turn to the vampire or her own people.

This is a very beautifully written story and not a love story but one about relationships. The pace is incredibly slow, and at times when the action picks up the writer takes a step back to explain which is sometimes a bit annoying. The vivid descriptions of the setting were lovely, but at times the descriptions of alchemy texts and symbolism were a bit heavy and dry. The characters are all well done, at times you think each one is great and brave. Then at times you just want to throttle them for their silliness and for being a little over the top with their conviction and determination. A huge downer for me was I thought this was a stand a lone book but no I think there are two additional books to come. So I was not a fan of the ending.