Shadow of Night, by Deborah Harkness

The sequel to A Discovery of Witches sees witch Diana Bishop and vampire Matthew Clairmont timewalking back to 1590. The plan is to hide from the Congregation, the authority that has banned their relationship, while Diana finds some advanced training to control her unusual powers. They also want to search for the mysterious alchemical text that could supply the answers to the declining numbers of creatures – vampires, witches and daemons. Queen Elizabeth I, Christopher Marlowe, William Shakespeare, Walter Raleigh and many more literary, scientific and political identities of the age figure in the drama; apparently aware of supernatural creatures and ok with it. The couple gains the blessing of Matthew’s formidable father for their marriage; travels to Prague; and deals with treachery and tragedy at home and abroad. Suspension of disbelief is a challenge at times, as can often be the case when dealing with the rules and impact of time travel. But the narrative is involving, with complex relationships informed by (mostly) interesting historical detail. The scene is well set for a thrilling final instalment back in the present time, with Matthew and Diana’s motley alliance of creatures and humans preparing to battle the Congregation.