Soulless

Carriger, Gail. (2009) Soulless. (Parasol Protectorate series). New York, NY: Orbit.

ISBN: 9780316056632

Pages: 373

Genre: steampunk, fantasy, romance, alternate history

Annotation: Alexia Tarabotti’s life is complicated by a plot against supernaturals.

Summary: Alexia Tarabotti goes to a ball for food, fun and maybe conversation. Instead, she has to kill a vampire who wants her for dinner. This leads to encounters with a handsome, and frustrating, werewolf investigator and being targeted by a plot against London’s supernatural citizens. Alexia has a gift which can save her if the fact she has it doesn’t get her killed.

Evaluation excellent read

The details about fashion, science and society made me think I was in an alternate steampunk and supernaturally influenced London. The characters are a lot of fun. Alexia is calm with a determined attitude that has the reader rooting for her. Lord Maccon is blunt but also caring and determined to protect London and Alexia. The minor characters are engaging as well: Lord Akeldama is amusing, Professor Lyall is urbanely capable and Alexia’s mother channels Mrs. Bennett. The storyline flows at a quick pace while also allowing for relationship development between Alexia and Lord Maccon. Some aspects of their relationship got a little too detailed for me, but that is just personal preference. The plot against the supernaturals ends smoothly while also leaving room for continuation. (What does the octopus mean?) This book is an excellent read for romance, supernatural, steampunk, alternate history and strong heroine fans. What else to read:

Other books by Gail Carriger.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen because the romance, and Alexia’s mother, reminded me of it.

The Iron Duke (Iron Seas series) by Meljean Brook for steampunk, strong heroine and romance.

Phoenix Rising (Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series) by Phillipa Ballentine for steampunk and a strong heroine.