Book Order (The Parasol Protectorate)
- Soulless
- Changeless
- Blameless (Sept 2010)
Book Links
Amazon : Soulless by Gail Carriger : paperback / eBook
This book in 6 words:
full of quirky characters you’ll love
Why did I read this? And am I glad I did?
I’m not sure where I heard about this. It came before my (if I do say so myself) amazing TBR form system. However, I did like it a lot. I had a little trouble getting into the story probably because I’ve been reading a lot of 1st person narratives and the 3rd person POV messed me up. That being said it didn’t take long for me to get wrapped up in the mystery and romance. I’m really glad I read this.
Brief Summary
Alexia Tarabotti is laboring under a great many social tribulations. First, she has no soul. Second, she’s a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead. Third, she was rudely attacked by a vampire, breaking all standards of social etiquette.
Where to go from there? From bad to worse apparently, for Alexia accidentally kills the vampire — and then the appalling Lord Maccon (loud, messy, gorgeous, and werewolf) is sent by Queen Victoria to investigate.
With unexpected vampires appearing and expected vampires disappearing, everyone seems to believe Alexia responsible. Can she figure out what is actually happening to London’s high society? Will her soulless ability to negate supernatural powers prove useful or just plain embarrassing? Finally, who is the real enemy, and do they have treacle tart?
SOULLESS is a comedy of manners set in Victorian London: full of werewolves, vampires, dirigibles, and tea-drinking.
- via Amazon.com
Plot/Pacing/Writing Style
I found the plot to be brilliant. It was a very creative twist on paranormal myth and history. The pacing was well-done. I never felt rushed. The beginning was a little hard to get into, but I think some of it was my being really tired. The end kept me up late my first day back from NY when all I could think about was going to bed (instead I stayed up to read lol).
I laughed out loud on numerous occasions. While I didn’t care for the 3rd person omniscient point of view at first, it grew on me. I should probably read these one right after another, but I don’t have Changeless yet :/
Characters
I LOVED the characters! Not only was Alexia witty and strong-willed, she was also smart and unique. Lord Maccon is an alpha-werewolf. While a little bossy and rough around the edges, he appreciates Alexia’s strong personality and wants to help her learn to overcome all the bad self-esteem issues her family has forced on her.
My favorite character is Lord Akeldama. He is hilarious!! He’s a flamboyant rebel vampire with a flair for fine clothes and gossip.
Recommendations
I’d recommend this to anyone who likes a good paranormal mystery. You don’t have to like steampunk or romance since I think while they add to the overall story, I don’t think it would make someone dislike it.
I like 3rd person omni better than 1st person.
By the way, I gave this book to my mom to read after I finished it, and she just sent me a text this morning saying that she was surprisingly loving the “vampire book.” And my mom is not the type of person to read paranormal OR romance books. So I think that says something.
*squees* I love this post because it links us to your OCD ‘how to’ on TBR organization! *golf clap* Thanks for sharing!
I have all three books on my TBR list! Where is that 25th hour????
@ Amanda : Now that I got through that one, the book I read last night was in 3rd and it didn’t bother me at all.
Oooh I’m glad your mom is liking it! I think it’s a good book for people that don’t normally read paranormal!
@ Missie : Oh I definitely have OCD about it! I use the form all the time and have no idea how people keep track of all the new and amazing books coming out without it!
Yeah no kidding! Although I did stay up until 5am to read a book last night and it felt kinda like having an extra hour
I loved this book. I’m glad you enjoyed it too! And you’re right…the plot was brilliant and the characters were awesome. Can’t wait to hear your opinion of the sequel (which I haven’t gotten my hands on yet
)
@ Natalie : I’m a little hesitant to read the sequel after reading the blurb :/ I’ve read some good reviews for it so I’ll probably give it a shot after rereading the Sookie books
I just finished this book last week! I loved it too. Actually, it came to my attention when a sales clerk from Borders literally thrust it into my hands and informed me that I HAD to read it. I have to say he was right. Glad to hear that I was not the only one to enjoy Soulless!
@ Michelle : Have you read the next in the series yet? As much as I liked this one, the blurb for the second didn’t grab my attention :/
Oh, I’ve really been wanting to read this! I saw it on the blog of the Gail Carriger’s agent.
I haven’t seen it in Australia yet. Keeping my eyes open
@ Sarah : I was surprised to have like it as much as I did since I don’t usually read steampunk
Does it get at romancy?
I knew it was steampunk, but I got the idea it had a sligh paranormal romance leaning?
I’m really looking forward to getting my hands on it
@ Sarah : It has romance… A lot of sexual tension that leads to more. I’m not sure that the second book has as much which sadly is why I’m less interested. I really liked the relationship between the main characters in this :/
Oh, want to read it even more, now
I understand what you mean about the second in the series being less appealing. I do like a story with a good pinch of romance.
Thanks for the review!