At times this reads more like a historical biography than a novel, but there's enough in here to keep most people entertained. It definitely could have been edited down to improve the pace.

What a slog to get through this book, I thought it would never end. Tedious descriptions of places, meals, clothing, Matthew's famous friends, but almost nothing happens. I felt like I wasted my time reading this, I won't be reading the next one.

This was so good. A great follow up to "A Discovery of Witches". I went on line hoping to see that there would be a further sequel and was glad to see that there will be one - just not yet.

Enjoyed the continuing story of Matthew and Diana as much as the first one - love the history in it. Can't wait for the last one...

A great followup to the first book. Long, but I still hated to see it end.

I really like this book, I liked the first one as well, a quick read. I would recommend this book

I too think I liked this one better than the first, so either authors are getting better at writing middle trilogy/quartet books, or their editors are! 600 pages flew by for me. The pacing was great, the story was interesting, characters developed and grew. Altogether fantastic middle book for the trilogy. It's just a shame we have to wait so long before the last book is released!

This is the second book in the series that began with A Discovery of Witches. It takes up where that one left off. Diana and Matthew are now in 16th century England, landing in Matthew's home in Woodstock. They have travelled to have the time for Diana to develop her abilities and learn more about herself, away from the immediate threats to the couple in the 21st century. But there are threats to them in this time as well. Another purpose of their trip is to find Ashmole 782, the book Diana was able to call up once in the Bodleian but that has eluded them since. Their travels here take them back to Sept-Tours, to London, and to Prague. Diana is in danger from other creatures, and from powerful humans, and Matthew and his relations must work diligently to keep her safe. Diana encounters more members of Matthew's family, and begins to make friends of her own. Some of these friends are those Matthew introduces her to, and some are ones she meets herself. Part of the purpose here is to learn more about her skills, and that means meeting witches who can help her and teach her. This is accomplished, and Diana learns the true nature of her witch abilities, the reason she has trouble learning spells, and the way to direct her skills to best effect. Most of the witches she meets are of the time, but she does encounter another time-walking witch that she spends time with. The couple also find the trail to Ashmole 782, and learn more about this mysterious work, the cause of the missing pages, and some of its nature. But their presence creates changes in history and Matthew's relatives in the present try to contain these effects as much as they can. Using many real historical figures, Harkness brings history to life while also furthering the personal adventures of the couple. Meeting kings and queens, writers and thinkers, the two move in interesting circles. This book will leave you eager for the next installment.

Unlike another reviewer, I actually liked this book better than the first one. I enjoyed the appearance of historical characters. I also thought the writing was better in this book. The author has tightened up a bit so there are fewer long passages about irrelevant things.

It took me a little while to get into this book. I thought that the first half of it was a little slow, but the second half had a lot more action in it. It seemed to go a lot faster after that. Good ending. :)