Diana attempts to recall Ashmole 782 to understand its secrets; however, it vanished from the library catalogue. Matthew was drawn to the mystery of Ashmole 782, yet enthralled by Diana. Diana and Matthew fall in love, which, of course, is strictly forbidden by the Congregation, a group of otherworldly creatures, which govern the magical community. When the non-human community became increasingly aggressive and hostile towards Matthew and Diana, they decided to time step into the past in order to have respite from the Congregation as well as to obtain proper training for Diana and to locate Ashmole 782 in its own time.
This story was very slow at first and the introduction of historical persons as characters in the book was kitschy. My interest was caught in the trip to Sept Tours and kept throughout the book due to my interest in Elizabethan England. However, I can't help but feel that not much really happened in 600 pages. The main substance of the book was the development of a marriage between Matthew and Diana, as well as the many issues that come along in a new marriage. While, friends and family of the present are preparing for a battle against the Congregation, it is not until the end of the novel that Matthew and Diana feel a sense of urgency to prepare.
I would have a difficult time recommending this book. It does have a Twilight feel, but only very slightly. The characters are well developed and multi-faceted. I enjoy the historical aspects of this novel as well as the fun, fantasy aspects. I am very eager to read the conclusion of the All Souls Trilogy – no date has been set for the release of the final book.
