Soulless—book one of The Parasol Protectorate
by Gail Carriger
In a steampunk world where Vampires and Werewolves are integrated into London society, Alexia Tarabotti is still considered unmarriageable. Being a bluestocking, half-Italian, and a spinster are only part of her problems—unbeknownst to her family, she was also born without a soul and can null the abilities of supernaturals. When attacked by an ill-mannered Vampire at a ball, she’s forced to work with the sexy Werewolf Lord Maccon. The two of them can’t stand each other, but they need each other’s help to figure out exactly what’s gotten into London society.
Carriger’s vibrant steampunk world is filled with Victorian wit and humor and her very proper parasol-wielding heroine leads us on a jolly romp that makes for a delightfully entertaining—and funny—read. The steampunk elements are fairly subtle until the end, but Alexia’s parasol is classic. The secondary characters in the story add a lot of color, especially the eccentric Vampire Lord Akeldama and Alexia’s best friend Ivy, who has terrible taste in hats. The book has some terrific one-liners, such as “a vampire, like a lady, never reveals his true age.”
The cover is beautiful, but it’s very close to the photo of a dress I absolutely love over at Clockwork Couture. I’m not sure which came first, but I really covet that top hat! (Seriously, will someone please tell me where I can buy one like that?)
I found on the Soulless webpage over at Orbit Books that they have Alexia paper dolls, and its quite entertaining to play dress up with the bustles, hats, teacups, and, of course, parasols.
I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and to see what mischief Alexia gets into–especially since airships seem to be part of book two.
oooo, I want to read this now! Thanks for the review!
Can’t wait to hear what you think of it.
You beat me to it. I read this book over the holidays and intended to do a review. I think I’ll link to yours instead.
I’ve read very few historical paranormals. This one certainly stood out. I enjoyed the author’s take on the heroine, giving her a very unique gift, and I found myself fascinated with the world she built. The steampunk aspects of the story are well blended and add a level of atmosphere and suspense that keeps you entertained. Soulless is going on my keeper shelf and I look forward to the second book in the series.
I did like the uniqueness of Alexia’s gift and Carriger’s twist on the usual urban fantasy romance.
Thanks for stopping by!
Hey Suzanne–
Fancy digs you got over here, girl(Grin). I read Soulless about a month ago and REALLY – surprisingly – enjoyed it. Frankly, if it hadn’t had supernatural elements to it, I wouldn’t have even checked it out. But, I’m glad I did. I came for the Vamps and stayed for the Soulless. The setting, the dash of Steampunk, the unusual magic systems(supes have TOO much soul), the sex and romance, but especially the story’s heroine, Alexia, were all so much…well, FUN!(Laugh) Gail Carriger is whip-smart with a tongue-in-cheek sense of humour. Can’t wait for the next – Changeless(March 30th)
Be Good(Wink)
It was pretty entertaining, wasn’t it. I had people starting at me on the airplane because I was laughing so hard.
Thanks for dropping by. It is a nice site, too bad I can’t take credit for the design, lol.
If you check Gail Carriger’s webpage she credits Clockwork Couture with being the place that exact photo from her cover was developed from:) The next book in the series is Changeless and will feature the same model and dress. Lovely!
That’s great to know, Rebecca. Thanks.
I still want that hat…
Suzi,
I loved this book. One of those I gobbled down quickly, even stayed up late to finish it.
I’m reading Gail Dayton’s “Heart’s Blood” right now and will do a review for you when I finish!
What was your favorite part, Deb?
I can’t wait to hear what you think of “Heart’s Blood.” I have yet to read any of Gail Dayton’s stuff (*Gasp* — yes, I know, lol)
[...] holidays. I intended to put up a review but Suzanne Lazear over at Steamed beat me to it with this fabulous post that I decided to link to her review [...]
Hello! came across your review and couldn’t help but leave a comment. “Soulless” is my first steampunk novel I’ve read and loved it! And the Lovely Lord Akeldama was undoubtedly one of my favorite characters! Thanks for the review