Soulless by Gail Carriger
Ok, I know you’re going to think I’m being overgenerous in giving so many books 5’s. But really, it’s because I hesitate to read a book that I’m already not sure I’m going to like. I buy most of my books, and I probably won’t drop any dough on something I don’t anticipate enjoying. Sure, once in a while there are those things I pick up not expecting to like them, then verifying that I don’t like them, then giving them away (*cough*BlueBloods*cough cough ahem*). Soulless isn’t one of them.
I was already pretty sure I was going to like Soulless. I mean, the series is called Parasol Protectorate–and I have to confess, “parasol” is one of those words you can put on practically anything and influence me in favor of that thing, along with “incognito”, “aubergine” and “crenellated”.
I think I saw E put it on her TBR shelf, so I got a gander at the cover. Thumbs up.
I clicked through to find this description:
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.
“And do they have treacle tart?” Two thumbs up! Add treacle to the list of Alethea-sensitive words, thanks to Lewis Carroll for the early ingraining.
My GoodReads review (as this is threatening to turn into something that is not a Quickie anymore):
I blame Anna Paquin; I can’t enjoy this whole Southern Vampire revival.
What I can enjoy is this new stake-and-crumpets Victorian steampunk series: The Parasol Protectorate. It has all the bells and whistles of a Regency romance (parasols, cravats, and treacle tarts); the heavings and throbbings of a historical romance; the fangs, claws, and painful transformations of a paranormal fantasy (yes, complete with a transplanted Highland werewolf in London); and buckets and buckets of tea. Part Jane Eyre, part P.G. Wodehouse, a dollop of Joss Whedon and just a dash of your favorite bodice-ripping author–my current one would probably be Madeleine Hunter… what am I saying? My current favorite is *definitely* Gail Carriger! While you’re waiting for Changeless to hit the bookshop shelves, you can play dress up with Alexia.
This is just screaming to be made into a Katherine Kellgren audiobook.
I’d tell you more, but this is cutting into my precious reading time. And I think I might just read this one again…
