Deborah Harkness returns with The Black Bird Oracle, an excellent addition to the All Souls series, delving deeper into themes of legacy, power, and self-discovery, The novel finds Diana Bishop grappling with both her maternal instincts and her magical abilities as she navigates a high-stakes demand from the Congregation regarding her children, Pip and Rebecca. Determined to protect her family, Diana seeks refuge at Ravenswood, the ancestral home of her newly discovered great-aunt Gwyneth Proctor. This journey unveils secrets about her lineage while forcing Diana to confront her deepest fears about her own untapped potential.
As ever, Diana remains an extraordinary heroine — intelligent, fierce, and deeply human. Her evolution in this instalment is profound, as she embraces not only her role as a mother but also her identity as a witch who must harness her full powers to chart a new course for her family. Gwyneth, a new and enigmatic mentor, adds fresh layers to the narrative. Her teachings shed light on the higher magic Diana must master, while weaving ties to the past and the future.
Harkness’s prose enchants with its vivid descriptions of magical rituals, ancestral lore, and the haunting beauty of Ravenswood. The stakes are high, yet the moments of quiet reflection — whether Diana is poring over old family books or marvelling at the magic in her children — are equally gripping, highlighting the emotional depth that has always defined the series.
With its blend of familial reckoning, ancient magic, and bold new beginnings, The Black Bird Oracle is a triumphant continuation of the All Souls saga.
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