Title: Soulless
Book: The Parasol Protectorate 01
Author(s): Gail Carriger
Genre: Steampunk – Romance
Publisher: Orbit
ISBN: 1-84149-972-2 / 9781841499727 (UK)
September 2010: Paperback
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.
My Personal Review:
Alexia Tarabotti is not an average spinster. She’s more than eccentric, she’s unique. She has good taste and sense of decorum and -most important of all- she has the ability to negate supernatural powers. When she was rudely attacked by an unknown vampire, Alexia accidentally killed him. Now everyone wants answers and Alexia’s dance card is full of vampires, werewolves and villains alike.
Soon she realizes that this isn’t the first unknown vampire coming out of the blue and – even worst – known vampires are disappearing. So she decides to do some research. After all, she is smart and has a lethal parasol.
But is the gorgeous and testy Lord Maccon who is in charge of the official investigation and – if they continue to be found in suspicious and improper circumstances – they’ll have more things to worry about than solve the mystery.
On the bright side:
An alternative Victorian era full of supernatural beings and steampunk gadgets. Lovable characters. A subtle sense of humor worthy of Jane Austen and a Queen Victoria who does not mince words.
On the flip side:
Unfortunately, the lovely Alexia has a horrible family. Poor girl!
Overall:
A mystery story set in an alternative Victorian era – written in an elegant and humorous style – starring vampires, werewolves and a damsel to be reckoned with.
A thrilling read recommended for urban fantasy, paranormal and historical romance fans.
Rating: 5/5
If you want to learn more about this author:
http://gailcarriger.com/
Next book in The Parasol Protectorate series:
Changeless – March 2010
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New Blood – Blood Sorceress 01 – Gail Dayton – Tor Books
The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker -Leanna Renee Hieber – Leisure
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