Soulless – Gail Carriger (Book #1 in the Parasol Protectorate Series)
October 1, 2009
Historical/Paranormal Romance/Steampunk
384 pages, paperback
Orbit
Book purchased by me
Alexia Tarabotti is a mature woman of twenty-six who would much rather be reading or eating than suffering at a ball. For that reason, she sneaks off to the library and orders tea and is having quite a marvelous time all by herself until a vampire strolls in. Under normal circumstances, vampires are civil, one of her best friends is one. But this one is starved, and wants to eat. As he lunges at her, Alexia reaches out and touches him and his fangs instantly disappear. Alexia has a secret very few know about, not even her family. She is a preternatural, she was born without a soul- she nullifies those with supernatural abilities – vampires, werewolves, etc because supernatural have an abundance of soul. The vampire, realizing he can’t bite her tries to strangle her, and so Alexia is forced to whack him with her parasol and stick her wooden hair stick through his heart.
Lord Conall Maccon, relatively new alpha werewolf in town and Chief Minister for the BUR, the Bureau of Unnatural Registry, comes into the library and is not surprised to find Alexia in the middle of another chaotic scene. Maccon is a big man, usually disheveled with a permanent frown upon his face and Alexia never misses an opportunity to get under his skin. Maccon tidies the situation but questions why there is a starved vampire, when they should all be under the protection of the hive queen. When it comes to light that vampires and werewolves are going missing, Alexia finds herself in the middle of the investigation, no matter how much Maccon wants her to stay out of it for her safety.
Soulless is just flat out a cute story. Romantic, funny, and the most vibrant, well-written characters I have read recently. Alexia could be my favorite heroine this year – she may have to duke it out with Kate Daniels (Ilona Andrews) or Mercy Thompson (Patricia Briggs) but with her parasol, she just might win. She is considered a spinster, and has really never had a chance at courting even when she was younger because her mother pretty much gave up on her at an early age. Alexia’s late father was Italian and her nose is a bit too big, her eyebrows a bit too dark and her bosoms a bit too ample. Alexia is very sure of herself though – she understands her place in society and would much rather spend her time educating herself and having fun with her very flamboyant vampire friend, Akeldama, then be courted and chased around at balls. She is very independent with a mind of her own, and everyone knows, especially her mother, that she cannot be easily persuaded.
Lord Maccon’s human behavior very much mirrors his werewolf side. He is big and overpowering and very alpha in all his mannerisms. Thankfully for everyone around him, his second in command, Professor Lyall, is a very trusted friend and often keeps him in line. He is attracted to Alexia because she herself is an alpha – he could never be with someone timid. Even in his romantic embraces, he acts a bit wild – which at first Alexia does not know what to do with. Although Alexia can talk science all day, she is very naive in the romance department. She soon realizes, the big, burly, werewolf in his reckless ways is very much a turn on to her. And although he is a bit rough around the edges, Alexia still considers herself a lady – upon entering the very untidy office of Lord Maccon –
Lord Maccon scrubbed his face with his hand, reached desperately for a nearby teapot, and drained it through the spout.Miss Tarabotti looked away from the horrible sight. […] “Please, Lord Maccon, use one of the cups. My delicate sensibilities.”The earl actually snorted. “My dear Miss Tarabotti, if you possessed any such things, you certainly have never shown them to me.” But he did put down the teapot.
He doesn’t necessarily court her, rather, attacks her with his wicked kisses, and Alexia doesn’t mind one bit. As she says, he only has two modes of operation, “annoyed and aroused.” At the start of the book, it is inferred the two of them have known each other for awhile, and it is one of those relationships where they pick on each other so much, they must be in love. Finally, Maccon can’t take it, and gives into temptation – or maybe he was just sick of her talking and kissing her is the only way to keep her quiet.
As I mentioned, when Alexia was not with Lord Maccon, she is either in the company of her trusted friend, Miss Hisselpenny or vampire friend Akeldama. He is a riot – I love him. Always dressed in bright pinks and purples and very silly in the way he talks, but underneath the facade, extremely smart and knows everything that is going on with everyone. He may play the fop, but he has a very smart side to him. It is so funny when he learns the preternatural Alexia is being courted by the head alpha werewolf. Her mother, stepfather and two half sisters, all who are the epitome of English society will have you laughing out loud at their disdain for Alexia’s actions.
The cast of characters in Soulless will have you smiling throughout. Add in a tender romance and a clever mystery, and Soulless has made its way to my keeper shelf.
Rating: Four Stars
Gail Carriger’s website
Series includes:
Soulless – October 1, 2009
Changeless – March 30, 2010
Blameless – TBA
Great review, Mandi =D I can hardly wait to read my copy!
Ohhhhh I just noticed that you have a quote from Coupling here, I love that series and the character Jeff is such a weird cutie LOL
Awesome review Mandi :)
I loved the book, so cute, great side characters, and Alexia, well she could kick ass with that parasol. Not to mention that Conall was so so grrrr.
I can't wait for book 2
Ladybug – OMG – I love Coupling..and it is so funny you mention it today because tomorrow I am going to make a small mention of the show on my blog:)
Blodeuedd – I have been wanting to read it ever since your review! So glad I finally did. Conall is very grrrrrr. Dying for Changeless!!!
I'm still reading 'Soulless' but I hope to finish it this evening. Great review!
Great review, and another one for the wishlist, sigh you are killing me with pimping all those great books…
Great review. I am glad to hear there is such a strong heroine. You put her up there with some of my favorites.
Elie (Ellz Readz)
Sarah – Looking forward to your thoughts.
Marissa – I'm a book pimp..can't help myself..LOL
elnice – Loved Alexia!!!!
I am so glad you liked it!
Not to mention found Conall grrr -ish, cos yeah, he made me forget all about those vamps. He made me a were gal ;)
He was a great alpha…I still giggle when he drank tea straight from the spout. So hot in the romance dept too
Hi Mandi, It is that I am reading your review and getting excited about this book or else I think I may have forgotten about it *eek*
PS: Was Brandon Flowers too smexy for photobucket or did you place him elsewhere and the link doesn't work??
Leontine- Thanks for bringing that to my attention..my photobucket did the same thing yesterday too…I mean, Brandon Flowers will never not be on this blog!! LOL
im so happy this book has been read and reviewed by so many bloggers, i really appreciate the diverse view points and your review is so refreshing and helpful!
Soulless has gone on and off my wish list several times but hearing you describe it as cute, funny, and tender sounds like something i can get into. as long as i have the right expectations for a book i am rarely disappointed!
maybe i'll make some mulled wine and cozy down with it this weekend…
Soulless has been on my TBB list for awhile. I've been holding off because I've read both good and bad reviews for it.I couldn't decide if I wanted to read it.your review has tipped the scales and I think I'll give it a try :)
Great review ! i'm really looking forward reading it. The cover is so pretty too.
ps: Alan Rickman is giving me the loving eyes on your sidebar…hummm i love that man!
I haven't heard of this one before, but looks like I really need to add this book to my TBR pile. I love fun and sexy stories.
Lusty – Srsly – you won't be disappointed with this one. And yes..drink the wine! ;)
elaing8 – I love to pimp books;) I hope you enjoy it!!
Pattepoilue – Alan loves to make goo goo eyes at my readers.
Liza – Oh yes – soooo much fun and definitely sexy! Really great.
Great review! I'm still not entirely sold on this book (especially after the Book Smugglers' review of it), but I might give it a try.
I understand where the Booksmugglers were coming from..but I have not read the book that is similar to this, so I don't have that point of reference.
Awesome review as always. :) I have Soulless sitting on my shelves, waiting for me to read it. I'm double glad I bought now.
I adore the cover of this book and it has quickly made it's way into my TBR pile….. Good to hear it is worth it!
Fab review, Mandi!
I think I live in a cave or something because I have never heard of this book before. But you made it sound SO awesome! I'm definitely going to look for it on my next visit to the bookstore.
Thanks for a great review. Sounds so good! This one is on my TBR list!
Dottie :)
Ok, so I am a little late in reading your review. It is simply fabulous! You really captured the heart of the book! :) I look forward to your review on Changeless!!!