Thursday, May 24, 2012

Review: Soulless



Soulless by Gail Garriger
Series: Parasol Protectorate #1
Genre: Steampunk
Pages: 373 (Ereader)
Source: Purchased
Author's website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter
Buy it: Amazon | Kindle | B&N | Book Depo
Currently $.99 on Kindle!!

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.

My Rating:

My Review:
Alexia Tarabotti stumbles into an intriguing mystery when she accidentally kills a vampire who is unaware that she has no soul.  Curious about this turn of events and hounded by Lord Moccan, Alexia sets off to discover what is going on with the paranormal creatures.  This is no easy feat when she must consider Victorian Age social norms and events.  Soon the paranormal creatures start disappearing and strange creatures come after Alexia and the stakes become much higher.  Together, Lord Moccan (alpha Were and head of the BAU) and Alexia are on a race to save the paranormal creatures.

I just wrote about Alexia yesterday and I love love her!  I enjoyed the proper English appropriate for the time, but I also loved that she was the heroine dashing to save the day.  Well not quite dashing, but she is quick to jump into her carriage.  Lord Moccan and all the rest of the paranormal creatures all had their own personality and I loved their interactions with each other.  This was my first experience with steampunk and I didn't know what to say.  I didn't really notice the gadgetry but I loved the alternate historical account.  It was like learning about an entirely new world in a context that you understand.  I look forward to continuing this series.

Overall, a great steampunk introduction with great characters and an intriguing mystery.


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28 comments:

  1. wild, you almost have me considering on reading this novel. I do like the sound of her character. I am so not a steampunk FAN. maybe, when nothing else comes up. Great review.
    why you up so early? lol.

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  2. I loved this book. I thought Alexia was a great character.

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    1. I'm looking forward to diving into her character more in the coming books.

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  3. I just reread this one and was reminded of how much I enjoyed it. I'm saddened that the series is now over but I can't wait for the next one from Cariger. I just love her writing and her characters.

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    1. I haven't read it so I've got a ways to go. I'm said to hear that it is the end of a wonderful series.

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  4. I seriously need to read this series already. I've owned the books forever now. I love the time period and funky gadgetry.

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  5. I'm glad to know this story and the characters are enjoyable as I bought this for my Nook a couple of weeks ago! Alexia sounds like my kind of girl and adding the sexy Werewolf, I'm 100% sold on the book. I'll have to get to it soon.

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  6. I've heard so many good things about this series but I'm sad to admit that I have never picked them up, mostly because I'm REALLY put off by the cover art. Vain, I know, but what can I do.

    Still, I'm glad you liked this book.

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    Replies
    1. Well give it a grab soon. They seem to have deals quite often.

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  7. This book is my introduction to Steampunk too, but it feels more like a Paranormal Historical to me. I also didn't really see the 'gadget' part of it but I haven't finished it yet.

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    1. I felt like the gadgets were mentioned. I never really knew what they were or what they did. It didn't seem to be an integral part of the book. I think it just helped with the setting. Since it is my first I really have nothing to compare it to. I guess I just need to explore the genre more.

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  8. I bought this when it was 99cents on the Nook. I can't wait to read it. it's part of my summer reading series. Can't wait to read it! :-)

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  9. I really liked this book too-it was just a lot of fun and the writing style appealed to me very strongly. I can't wait to continue the series and look forward to your reviews if you also continue.

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    1. It is so much fun and it is different. I can't wait to finish the series either.

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  10. I need to read this still! I literally had it in my hands to buy on Wednesday and then realized that whoever opened the box of box cut through the cover and fixed it with tape. It was the ONLY copy. :(

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    1. So sad it was the only copy :( Hopefully you'll stumble across another one.

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  11. *does the jumping up and down thing again* ;)

    Yes this book rocked my socks off :D

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  12. I read this book awhile back when it first came back, and I remember loving Alexia too! I really need to do a reread of Soulless so I can catch up on the rest of the series!

    Glad to hear you enjoyed it too! I love Gail Carriger's writing style. :)

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    1. I love her writing style as well. I can't wait to keep reading this series.

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  13. Great, straight-to-the-point review, Alexis! I enjoy old English language and historical setting, and I do love mysteries and action, so it seems like this would be something I'd enjoy! I seriously need to get cracking on this series!
    Oh, how I missed stopping by your blog! I so need to find time to do that more often! <3

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    1. Those are the reviews I write best lol. I need to visit you more often too. I miss your colorful reviews :)

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  14. I am glad you liked it. Because I have it collecting dust on my shelf. LOL!

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