Shadow of Night Summary
Deborah Harkness

Shadow of Night Overview

Deborah Harkness's novel, Shadow of Night, centers on a witch named Diana Bishop and her husband, a vampire named Matthew Roydon. After facing an epic battle in modern times, they have traveled back in time to the 1500s for Diana to learn to use the magic she has carefully suppressed her entire life and to find a mysterious manuscript they believe holds answers for why creatures are going extinct. In her travel back to the 1500s, Diana meets important people in historical situations she had only studied up until now. She learns that is it far more difficult for her to fit into the society of the 1500s than she had imagined. Most importantly, Diana comes to terms with her magic, her marriage, and her place in the world. The main themes are prejudice toward those who are different, hope bringing change, and coming of age.