gwensadventure's review against another edition
4.0
When you are looking for a series to mend your heart after sobbing because your favorite character died tragically, this one is for you When you want some fluff, a happy ending, supernatural adventures and bad ass women, this is the series for you.
I have read this series a few times after discovering them last year. They are absolutely hilarious and genuinely nice.
Here are some reasons I find them SOOOO worth reading:
-plus size women portrayed in a WONDERFUL light, but not for some cliche reason.
-Hunky warewolfs.
-LGBTQ+ representation
-1800s England, society, fashion and more
-Classy Vampires
-NICE relationships
-Advebture
-basically everything else you could want in a series.
Steampunk technology (which i think sounds deeply nerdy, but is absolutely delightful)
Seriously, this series is truly lovely and fun and good to read at any time.
I have read this series a few times after discovering them last year. They are absolutely hilarious and genuinely nice.
Here are some reasons I find them SOOOO worth reading:
-plus size women portrayed in a WONDERFUL light, but not for some cliche reason.
-Hunky warewolfs.
-LGBTQ+ representation
-1800s England, society, fashion and more
-Classy Vampires
-NICE relationships
-Advebture
-basically everything else you could want in a series.
Steampunk technology (which i think sounds deeply nerdy, but is absolutely delightful)
Seriously, this series is truly lovely and fun and good to read at any time.
catpingu's review against another edition
4.0
It's a great soft read for mystery and adventure. The first book especially is a cute slow-burn romance. While I didn't give the series a whole 5 stars, I would want to read more books like this as a break from the super emotionally-stirring books, you know?
I didn't realize that this series is the sequel series for [b:Etiquette & Espionage|10874177|Etiquette & Espionage (Finishing School, #1)|Gail Carriger|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1331952557l/10874177._SX50_.jpg|15789500]. They're largely unrelated, but some characters from there appear here and I feel like I've missed out on some of those Easter egg moments I enjoy. As I never finished reading that series, I intend to rectify that immediately and have that "oh yeah, little do they know, in the future, this is what happens!"
Soulless: 3 stars
It's nothing on the plot, mind you. It reads like a more mature version of [b:The Girl in the Steel Corset|9166877|The Girl in the Steel Corset (Steampunk Chronicles, #1)|Kady Cross|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1297987541l/9166877._SY75_.jpg|14046028], when it sounds like...a white non-British author is trying to write a steamy romance novel set in the Victorian age, and then add in some trendy steampunk or supernatural conflict. It reads better than Kate Locke's, though, because the characters don't read as "pretentious", they read as "shy but sensible independent Victorian woman in fiction." Also the mystery portion is quite well-written.
In London, the supernatural society is well-integrated with human society. Werewolves, vampires, and ghosts find themselves living regular lives around the country and even have seats in Queen Victoria's Shadow Council. Monitored by the Bureau of Unnatural Registry (BUR), the supernatural creatures live in controlled hierarchies and relative harmony, outside of the usual gasps of scandal with their appearances and culture. Alexia Tarabotti is a contemporary spinster harboring a secret: she is a preternatural, a "soulless" being whose single touch nullifies the traits of a supernatural entity. In ancient times, her kind was inclined to hunt down the supernatural, but they numbered so few they are regarded as myth. Her identity is protected by BUR, and the established supernatural communities know not to cross her. Except, one larva vampire attacking her most indecently during a ball held by Duchess Snodgrove. BUR's investigations reveal that there are strange things happening all around the country, loner wolves and rove vampires disappearing, and newborns randomly appearing with no knowledge of etiquette or culture. A mysterious wax-faced man is hunting Alexia, but with her trusty brass parasol, Alexia is confident she can get to the bottom of this mystery.
With names like "Snodgrove" and "Hisselpenny", it's hard not to think that this book is written like a satire. So I'll read it like a satire-comedy. It's an interesting idea to tackle the outsider-vibes of a biracial woman in a society that discriminates against her skin color, and also adding on that other-ness of the supernatural races. It's not an issue that is explored as deeply, though the author clearly tries to put it at the forefront of the attraction between Alexia and Conall (stereotypically hot Alpha werewolf); the contrast between her independence and feminism and his traditional male upbringing in the Scottish Highlands.
Obviously, they're going to be together, but I think the way they suddenly fell through the romance was a bit abrupt on Alexia's edge. Suddenly "finding her femininity", where as Conall is doing a great job transitioning from denier to acknowledgement. If you ignore the fact that suddenly his "instinct" kicks in before a full-moon and he snogs her right there in the street. I'm not one for slow-burn, but I think slow-burn would be definitely warranted here.
Kinda hoping there's a baby in the next one...
Changeless: 5 stars
Frankly there's nothing I can really say badly about this book of the series. I've gotten used to the writing style, and in my understanding that Ivy Hisselpenny is meant to be a satirical caricature of Victorian perfect lady (minus the fashion sense), the story becomes exceedingly more tolerable and even enjoyable as Hisselpenny adds a greats contrasting aspect of feminity and sense to Alexia's preternaturalness sensibility and political position.
Lady Alexia Maccon is loving her life, married to her infuriatingly handsome werewolf husband who also happens to the earl and Alpha of Woolsey Castle, she has taken to her muhjah duties on Queen Victoria's Shadow Council swimmingly. The English regiments from abroad have returned to British soil, along with a mysterious phenomenon where parts of the city have had their supernatural abilities and essences nullified; vampires have lost their fangs, werewolves can't change, and ghosts are permanently exorcised. As the only known preternatural in London, Alexia naturally becomes the number one suspect. However, as the only known preternatural in London and has the best knowledge of science and supernatural topics, Alexia takes it upon herself to investigate why this phenomena appeared, and why it's moving North where her husband is taking care of an emergency with his old Scottish pack.
I still think it's weird that being a "soulless" preternatural basically makes it seem like Alexia has no emotional output sometimes, like saying how "she doesn't have the soul to appreciate art" or something like that, but otherwise this book largely focuses on the mysterious abilities of soul-sucking and how it's affecting the supernatural UK! Yet, she still has enough soul to love passionately and have a strong moral sense of code.
I have to admit, I was sort of surprised how deeply the regiment affects the storyline. Naturally, as a caricature of Victorian England, we have to remember the influence Queen Victoria had on the East India Company and its ventures in India and across the world. While the regiments can say that they "bought things legally", I think we should assume they "bought them legally" after they were looted by the sellers from the freaking pyramids. Don't mess with stuff you don't understand you old British nincompoops!
I want to see more hilarious travel stories. The dirigible felt very steampunk, carriages are always interesting transition vehicles, and the aetherograph? Which somehow transferred information from place to place on radio waves sort of like telephones, only I can't exactly grasp how the aetherograph is actually supposed to work? Please have more. I hope Alexia gets on installed in her castle and I hope we can see all the gossip she'll share with Lord Akeldama.
Conall, I'll be judging you going on into the third book.
Blameless: 4 stars
Trust Conall to pull an Edward Cullen new-father-horrifed-face *le gasp*. Alexia's taking her pregnancy in stride and it's not really stopping her from getting what she wants. Finally getting some Continent content, and the travel sounds way more interesting than whatever happened in Scotland and England before. They really should have gone on an overseas honeymoon or something!
Following her sister Felicity's blabbermouth leaking to the press about her pregnancy and being forced to leave Woolsey Castle, Alexia is forced to leave her parents' home as well so as not to "ruin her family's reputation" and also loses her position as the Queen's muhjah on her Shadow Council. Alexia attempts to find refuge at her good friend Lord Akeldama's estate, only to find it completely empty and a mysterious warning about embroidering Italians. Vampires start attacking her and without the protection of the Queen or the pack, Alexia is forced to rely on her "parasol protectorate" to protect her as she travels to the Italy for more information.
I have to keep reminding myself Alexia's family and Ivy are meant to be caricatures, because the amount of airheadedness it takes to blame your black sheep for "ruining your reputation" while being the ones to take the most advantage of her married title is monumental. It's even more irritating to see how the rest of high society women are on the Loontswill's side! Alexia is far ahead in the times, dealing with their ignorance and titters with the restraint of a seasoned politician. It's crises like this that make it glaringly obvious who her real friends are, and they really pull through.
On top of that, will we finally get more background about Italy and the Tarabottis? Maybe! Let's pretend this is the [b:New Moon|49041|New Moon (The Twilight Saga, #2)|Stephenie Meyer|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1630592760l/49041._SX50_.jpg|3203964] arc of this supernatural love story, when you realize there's a huge supernatural presence with a tight hold on its citizens via religious manipulation and superstition, housed in Italy. Because why not Italy.
I like how they consult actual biologists or evolutionarists or something in this book, whereas the previous ones focused on mechanics. It's another side of steampunk science that I think deserves a larger presence in steampunk historical fiction.
I appreciate how the author seems to have dropped the accented dialogue partway through, except in some introductions when it fully mattered. It would have been incredibly annoying to have to read through the Italians and Mme. Lefoux's dialogue with all the accents. Conall's is still accented because hawwwt! Everyone else, when the accented dialogue comes up, cringe...
Heartless: 3 stars
Well, it's dramatically exciting whereas I think I was craving an actionable exciting. The mystery is rather flat in this book, but the political implications are great and influential. Not exactly my favorite, but it serves a purpose without going full [b:Breaking Dawn|1162543|Breaking Dawn (The Twilight Saga, #4)|Stephenie Meyer|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1361039438l/1162543._SY75_.jpg|2960529] birth scene.
Alexia is eight months pregnant when her husband and closest supernatural friend stage an intervention to get her to solve their vampire assassination problem. In the middle of Alexia and Conall relocating to be Lord Akeldama's new next-door neighbors, a mysterious ghost appears right up from their sofa to deliver a nonsensical message about a conspiracy to kill the queen! As muhjah, Alexia is obligated to report this incident to the Shadow Council and get to the bottom of things. Madame Lefoux has been acting strangely lately, Biffy's still having trouble adjusting to werewolf immortality, and Alexia is stretched thin physically and mentally. This baby cannot get here late enough!
One thing I can say for this book, everything is appropriately hectic for a very pregnant woman in a position of great power and responsibility. There's less Loontwill and Hisselpenny/Tunstell in this book, but we still get their comedic input and chaotic interference; though, sadly, not to the same degree.
Felicity is acting weird. Just really, really weird..
Meanwhile, Ivy is incredibly palatable. It's so sweet she and Tunstell got married and are happy together! And that she's discovered and invented hairmuffs basically making her an entrepreneur as well.
Madame Lefoux, Formerly Lefoux, Quesnel, why are the French so troublesome? Okay okay, caricaturing. First Angelique, now Lefoux? Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. Well, look where emotional instability and stress has gotten them..
Speaking of that last spoiler, Vampires are punished for being childish, and werewolves are modernizing and being implicitly forced to have to take care not to wander around naked everywhere and observe societal niceties. Sort of a nice compromise? Next book will tell.
Timeless: 3 stars
The antics of little Prudence largely replace or substitute Ivy's role as main comic relief. Toddlers are cute, horrific, and make for great drama. Must be a nightmare raising a well-to-do young toddler with Alexia's disposition and Conall's jolliness, but Akeldama's doing some great work.
The oldest vampire alive, Queen Matakara of Alexandria, has extended an invitation to Alexia and her baby Prudence to visit her. Surprise surprise, she sired Akeldama! Now that most of the drama has died down concerning Prudence's living arrangements and metanatural state, it seems like an appropriate time for a real family vacation to the source of the God-Breaker Plague and Alessandro Tarabotti's last overseas destination.
We're taking a break from all of this political drama and now just doing a good old travel mystery where obviously someone get's kidnapped. I want to say it's a stunning conclusion, but really it's a great sort of "end of one cycle, start of another". We're closing off some of the leftover questions and secrets from the previous book, and with the changing times, setting up a nice world for Prudence to grow up in.
Spoiler section!
On another note, Alexia's mother's maiden name was Phinkerlington?! Okay I really need a whole story of how and why Alexia's parents got together, considering Alessandro's playboy attitude and Alexia's mother's distaste for non-British features and status. It has to be interesting. And, of course, about Alessandro and Lyall.
In knowing that there is another series about the children from the Parasol Protectorate, I hope we hear more about Felicity. She's a right bitch, I want to know how things are going on in the Loontwill home, how Evelyn's doing, and hope that Felicity gets a littttle more punishment.
I didn't realize that this series is the sequel series for [b:Etiquette & Espionage|10874177|Etiquette & Espionage (Finishing School, #1)|Gail Carriger|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1331952557l/10874177._SX50_.jpg|15789500]. They're largely unrelated, but some characters from there appear here and I feel like I've missed out on some of those Easter egg moments I enjoy. As I never finished reading that series, I intend to rectify that immediately and have that "oh yeah, little do they know, in the future, this is what happens!"
Soulless: 3 stars
It's nothing on the plot, mind you. It reads like a more mature version of [b:The Girl in the Steel Corset|9166877|The Girl in the Steel Corset (Steampunk Chronicles, #1)|Kady Cross|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1297987541l/9166877._SY75_.jpg|14046028], when it sounds like...a white non-British author is trying to write a steamy romance novel set in the Victorian age, and then add in some trendy steampunk or supernatural conflict. It reads better than Kate Locke's, though, because the characters don't read as "pretentious", they read as "shy but sensible independent Victorian woman in fiction." Also the mystery portion is quite well-written.
In London, the supernatural society is well-integrated with human society. Werewolves, vampires, and ghosts find themselves living regular lives around the country and even have seats in Queen Victoria's Shadow Council. Monitored by the Bureau of Unnatural Registry (BUR), the supernatural creatures live in controlled hierarchies and relative harmony, outside of the usual gasps of scandal with their appearances and culture. Alexia Tarabotti is a contemporary spinster harboring a secret: she is a preternatural, a "soulless" being whose single touch nullifies the traits of a supernatural entity. In ancient times, her kind was inclined to hunt down the supernatural, but they numbered so few they are regarded as myth. Her identity is protected by BUR, and the established supernatural communities know not to cross her. Except, one larva vampire attacking her most indecently during a ball held by Duchess Snodgrove. BUR's investigations reveal that there are strange things happening all around the country, loner wolves and rove vampires disappearing, and newborns randomly appearing with no knowledge of etiquette or culture. A mysterious wax-faced man is hunting Alexia, but with her trusty brass parasol, Alexia is confident she can get to the bottom of this mystery.
With names like "Snodgrove" and "Hisselpenny", it's hard not to think that this book is written like a satire. So I'll read it like a satire-comedy. It's an interesting idea to tackle the outsider-vibes of a biracial woman in a society that discriminates against her skin color, and also adding on that other-ness of the supernatural races. It's not an issue that is explored as deeply, though the author clearly tries to put it at the forefront of the attraction between Alexia and Conall (stereotypically hot Alpha werewolf); the contrast between her independence and feminism and his traditional male upbringing in the Scottish Highlands.
Obviously, they're going to be together, but I think the way they suddenly fell through the romance was a bit abrupt on Alexia's edge. Suddenly "finding her femininity", where as Conall is doing a great job transitioning from denier to acknowledgement. If you ignore the fact that suddenly his "instinct" kicks in before a full-moon and he snogs her right there in the street. I'm not one for slow-burn, but I think slow-burn would be definitely warranted here.
Kinda hoping there's a baby in the next one...
Changeless: 5 stars
Frankly there's nothing I can really say badly about this book of the series. I've gotten used to the writing style, and in my understanding that Ivy Hisselpenny is meant to be a satirical caricature of Victorian perfect lady (minus the fashion sense), the story becomes exceedingly more tolerable and even enjoyable as Hisselpenny adds a greats contrasting aspect of feminity and sense to Alexia's preternaturalness sensibility and political position.
Lady Alexia Maccon is loving her life, married to her infuriatingly handsome werewolf husband who also happens to the earl and Alpha of Woolsey Castle, she has taken to her muhjah duties on Queen Victoria's Shadow Council swimmingly. The English regiments from abroad have returned to British soil, along with a mysterious phenomenon where parts of the city have had their supernatural abilities and essences nullified; vampires have lost their fangs, werewolves can't change, and ghosts are permanently exorcised. As the only known preternatural in London, Alexia naturally becomes the number one suspect. However, as the only known preternatural in London and has the best knowledge of science and supernatural topics, Alexia takes it upon herself to investigate why this phenomena appeared, and why it's moving North where her husband is taking care of an emergency with his old Scottish pack.
I still think it's weird that being a "soulless" preternatural basically makes it seem like Alexia has no emotional output sometimes, like saying how "she doesn't have the soul to appreciate art" or something like that, but otherwise this book largely focuses on the mysterious abilities of soul-sucking and how it's affecting the supernatural UK! Yet, she still has enough soul to love passionately and have a strong moral sense of code.
I have to admit, I was sort of surprised how deeply the regiment affects the storyline.
Spoiler
It was in fact, Egyptian artifacts the regiments brought back that caused the supernatural-free zones. Scarily enough, it was a mummified preternatural body.Spoiler
Did the British really have "unwrapping" parties where they unwrapped mummies to see what they looked like?! The loss of history! The indelicate taking apart of ancient dry bodies! Oh, the loss of history and culture and religious desecration...I want to see more hilarious travel stories. The dirigible felt very steampunk, carriages are always interesting transition vehicles, and the aetherograph? Which somehow transferred information from place to place on radio waves sort of like telephones, only I can't exactly grasp how the aetherograph is actually supposed to work? Please have more. I hope Alexia gets on installed in her castle and I hope we can see all the gossip she'll share with Lord Akeldama.
Spoiler
When it's not the butler, it's gotta be the maid. Angelique, we all knew you would be a spy but to this extent? Tsk tsk tsk. Kind of cute, her lesbian relationship with Mme. Lefoux. Lefoux, Akeldama, and Alexia are a great trio indeed. Lefoux's shop reminds me heavily of Kingsman! A whole secret lab or something downstairs!Conall, I'll be judging you going on into the third book.
Blameless: 4 stars
Trust Conall to pull an Edward Cullen new-father-horrifed-face *le gasp*. Alexia's taking her pregnancy in stride and it's not really stopping her from getting what she wants. Finally getting some Continent content, and the travel sounds way more interesting than whatever happened in Scotland and England before. They really should have gone on an overseas honeymoon or something!
Following her sister Felicity's blabbermouth leaking to the press about her pregnancy and being forced to leave Woolsey Castle, Alexia is forced to leave her parents' home as well so as not to "ruin her family's reputation" and also loses her position as the Queen's muhjah on her Shadow Council. Alexia attempts to find refuge at her good friend Lord Akeldama's estate, only to find it completely empty and a mysterious warning about embroidering Italians. Vampires start attacking her and without the protection of the Queen or the pack, Alexia is forced to rely on her "parasol protectorate" to protect her as she travels to the Italy for more information.
I have to keep reminding myself Alexia's family and Ivy are meant to be caricatures, because the amount of airheadedness it takes to blame your black sheep for "ruining your reputation" while being the ones to take the most advantage of her married title is monumental. It's even more irritating to see how the rest of high society women are on the Loontswill's side! Alexia is far ahead in the times, dealing with their ignorance and titters with the restraint of a seasoned politician. It's crises like this that make it glaringly obvious who her real friends are, and they really pull through.
On top of that, will we finally get more background about Italy and the Tarabottis? Maybe! Let's pretend this is the [b:New Moon|49041|New Moon (The Twilight Saga, #2)|Stephenie Meyer|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1630592760l/49041._SX50_.jpg|3203964] arc of this supernatural love story, when you realize there's a huge supernatural presence with a tight hold on its citizens via religious manipulation and superstition, housed in Italy. Because why not Italy.
Spoiler
Kind of sad about Biffy, poor guy gets captured and even though he does get immortality, he'll be with the pack instead of the hive. Wouldn't it be hilarious if they actually find some way to use Alexia's preternaturalness to turn Biffy human only for him to be turned into a vampire? Would that even be possible? Would be interested if someone tried that experiment.I like how they consult actual biologists or evolutionarists or something in this book, whereas the previous ones focused on mechanics. It's another side of steampunk science that I think deserves a larger presence in steampunk historical fiction.
Spoiler
But man is that German twat messed up. This book largely works off of stereotypes, so the evil scientist being German is not unexpected.I appreciate how the author seems to have dropped the accented dialogue partway through, except in some introductions when it fully mattered. It would have been incredibly annoying to have to read through the Italians and Mme. Lefoux's dialogue with all the accents. Conall's is still accented because hawwwt! Everyone else, when the accented dialogue comes up, cringe...
Heartless: 3 stars
Well, it's dramatically exciting whereas I think I was craving an actionable exciting. The mystery is rather flat in this book, but the political implications are great and influential. Not exactly my favorite, but it serves a purpose without going full [b:Breaking Dawn|1162543|Breaking Dawn (The Twilight Saga, #4)|Stephenie Meyer|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1361039438l/1162543._SY75_.jpg|2960529] birth scene.
Alexia is eight months pregnant when her husband and closest supernatural friend stage an intervention to get her to solve their vampire assassination problem. In the middle of Alexia and Conall relocating to be Lord Akeldama's new next-door neighbors, a mysterious ghost appears right up from their sofa to deliver a nonsensical message about a conspiracy to kill the queen! As muhjah, Alexia is obligated to report this incident to the Shadow Council and get to the bottom of things. Madame Lefoux has been acting strangely lately, Biffy's still having trouble adjusting to werewolf immortality, and Alexia is stretched thin physically and mentally. This baby cannot get here late enough!
One thing I can say for this book, everything is appropriately hectic for a very pregnant woman in a position of great power and responsibility. There's less Loontwill and Hisselpenny/Tunstell in this book, but we still get their comedic input and chaotic interference; though, sadly, not to the same degree.
Spoiler
I think the adoption and relocation plan was actually a great appeasement for the vampires, and it puts Alexia really close to her best supernatural friend Akeldama! Even better than a godfather, he'll be the foster father! The baby will have a nice well-rounded education.Felicity is acting weird. Just really, really weird.
Spoiler
So maybe...she didn't really join the suffragettes? Maybe, she was really thrown out of her house because the Loontwills realized she'd basically become a drone for the Westminster Hive. If this has been happening since the wedding, Felicity is just a no-good spy! How much of a prejudiced idiot is she to be doing this?!Meanwhile, Ivy is incredibly palatable. It's so sweet she and Tunstell got married and are happy together! And that she's discovered and invented hairmuffs basically making her an entrepreneur as well.
Spoiler
The fact that she somehow "knew" that Alexia is preternatural is kinda impressive. Maybe Ivy is malappropriating "preternatural" with "supernatural"? Her dialogue is all vocabulary, to realize what she's actually trying to use instead of the line she's actually using.Madame Lefoux, Formerly Lefoux, Quesnel, why are the French so troublesome? Okay okay, caricaturing. First Angelique, now Lefoux? Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. Well, look where emotional instability and stress has gotten them.
Spoiler
Hive drones...Speaking of that last spoiler,
Spoiler
at first I was really sad at the thought that the werewolves are losing that picturesque rural castle life, but in fact it is a chance for them to upgrade their lifestyle, isn't it? Guess it's going to be weird now if the regiments come back to hang out; unless they've purchased enough city blocks to let the regiments sleep in a real bed and have real rooms as a nice respite from their military camps.Timeless: 3 stars
The antics of little Prudence largely replace or substitute Ivy's role as main comic relief. Toddlers are cute, horrific, and make for great drama. Must be a nightmare raising a well-to-do young toddler with Alexia's disposition and Conall's jolliness, but Akeldama's doing some great work.
The oldest vampire alive, Queen Matakara of Alexandria, has extended an invitation to Alexia and her baby Prudence to visit her. Surprise surprise, she sired Akeldama! Now that most of the drama has died down concerning Prudence's living arrangements and metanatural state, it seems like an appropriate time for a real family vacation to the source of the God-Breaker Plague and Alessandro Tarabotti's last overseas destination.
We're taking a break from all of this political drama and now just doing a good old travel mystery where obviously someone get's kidnapped. I want to say it's a stunning conclusion, but really it's a great sort of "end of one cycle, start of another". We're closing off some of the leftover questions and secrets from the previous book, and with the changing times, setting up a nice world for Prudence to grow up in.
Spoiler section!
Spoiler
Biffy and Lyall are cute together. I never really thought of Lyall that way, soft-spoken and caring and professional and efficient, like a Floote clone. I'm happy for Biffy, that he's finally moved on and accepted his new role in the pack better. One can only hope that perhaps Biffy, once he's fully grown and a trained Alpha, will take Lyall back and everything should be right again with the London pack. I can see Channing presenting a bit of a problem because he's older and has been with the pack longer, maybe there'll be a side story or something resolving this potential conflict.Spoiler
Ivy becoming vampire queen? Can't say I'm surprised. In comparing her behavior to Countess Nadesdy's, I don't see much of a difference; they're both similar personality-wise, but Ivy has stronger scruples.Spoiler
This shift of Ivy bringing the Alexandrian vampires into London, I feel like is a loss to have an Egyptian hive, but it could just be more for safety and security as Floote essentially builds a retirement country for supernaturals to age and die peacefully without going mad. Good ole dependable Floote. I'd want a whole backstory about Floote. This is probably his retirement too.On another note, Alexia's mother's maiden name was Phinkerlington?! Okay I really need a whole story of how and why Alexia's parents got together, considering Alessandro's playboy attitude and Alexia's mother's distaste for non-British features and status. It has to be interesting. And, of course, about Alessandro and Lyall.
In knowing that there is another series about the children from the Parasol Protectorate, I hope we hear more about Felicity. She's a right bitch, I want to know how things are going on in the Loontwill home, how Evelyn's doing, and hope that Felicity gets a littttle more punishment.
kdf_333's review against another edition
4.0
i like this series! i gave updates so that is myreview.
ok, ok, ok, ok. yes, i forgot to update when i finished but i enjoyed all the books in the series.
ok, ok, ok, ok. yes, i forgot to update when i finished but i enjoyed all the books in the series.
baybleevw's review
4.0
A fun steampunk supernatural adventure!
This book includes the entire 5 novels part of the parasol protectorate series. I truly enjoyed reading each one. Towards the end, they were a little predictable but that didn't take away from my enjoyment and I was still left wanting to read more
This book includes the entire 5 novels part of the parasol protectorate series. I truly enjoyed reading each one. Towards the end, they were a little predictable but that didn't take away from my enjoyment and I was still left wanting to read more
nissahh's review
4.0
It's hard to describe this series without giving away spoilers. I don't think I will do it justice. It's pretty much a steampunk with vampires and werewolves that is revolved around Alexia Tarabotti.
I started reading Soulless around mid December 2015, but I couldn't get pass the first two chapters; it didn't capture my attention. This year I was determined to start and finish this series. After getting pass the first three chapters or so, I began enjoying the book. Even though I did enjoy Soulless, it's my least favorite book in this series. How I feel about each as follow:
1. Timeless (5): In the beginning of the book I felt like this would be my third favorite book, by half way through it became number two. By the end it became my number one favorite in the series. There was a few plot twists that caught me by surprise.
2. Blameless (3): So much goodness from beginning to end. I read this in one sitting, it was so good.
3. Changeless (2): Until recently, as I was writing this, this was my least favorite. As I was going over what happened in the book, I realize I did like this book more, even though it had some boring parts.
4. Heartless (4): This was okay. I liked it a bit more than Soulless, only because of the ending and the few good parts that was scattered through it.
5. Soulless (1): Even though things happened it felt like nothing really happened at the same time. Yes I know it was basically setting up the world along with the players, doesn't mean I have to like it.
This is my first steampunk, so I don't know how to recommend this. It's a great series with a satisfying/cute ending. You will definitely fall in love with the characters, especially Lord A, even Lord Maccon.
I started reading Soulless around mid December 2015, but I couldn't get pass the first two chapters; it didn't capture my attention. This year I was determined to start and finish this series. After getting pass the first three chapters or so, I began enjoying the book. Even though I did enjoy Soulless, it's my least favorite book in this series. How I feel about each as follow:
1. Timeless (5): In the beginning of the book I felt like this would be my third favorite book, by half way through it became number two. By the end it became my number one favorite in the series. There was a few plot twists that caught me by surprise.
2. Blameless (3): So much goodness from beginning to end. I read this in one sitting, it was so good.
3. Changeless (2): Until recently, as I was writing this, this was my least favorite. As I was going over what happened in the book, I realize I did like this book more, even though it had some boring parts.
4. Heartless (4): This was okay. I liked it a bit more than Soulless, only because of the ending and the few good parts that was scattered through it.
5. Soulless (1): Even though things happened it felt like nothing really happened at the same time. Yes I know it was basically setting up the world along with the players, doesn't mean I have to like it.
This is my first steampunk, so I don't know how to recommend this. It's a great series with a satisfying/cute ending. You will definitely fall in love with the characters, especially Lord A, even Lord Maccon.
jamiemf's review
5.0
Steampunk, vampires, werewolves, and fun!
This is an engaging, funny, well-written series to delight readers of all genres. Steampunk? Check! Supernatural? Check! Romance? Got it! Humor? Double check! Subtle LGBT? Also check! British tea? Please! Leaves you wanting more? Absolutely! It's a good thing Carringer also wrote the Custard Protocol and Finishing School series. I highly recommend this series
This is an engaging, funny, well-written series to delight readers of all genres. Steampunk? Check! Supernatural? Check! Romance? Got it! Humor? Double check! Subtle LGBT? Also check! British tea? Please! Leaves you wanting more? Absolutely! It's a good thing Carringer also wrote the Custard Protocol and Finishing School series. I highly recommend this series
miles862's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
2.5
It's hard to rate this, since it's a five book set. I enjoyed some of the books better than others. I think the last two books were the ones I enjoyed the most, but honestly if I hadn't bought the set on sale as one e-book, I would probably have stopped after the first one. Not a series I'll be coming back to.
nelsonseye's review against another edition
4.0
My rating is 4.5 stars, and I might upgrade to the full 5 stars. I initially read [b:Soulless|6381205|Soulless (Parasol Protectorate, #1)|Gail Carriger|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1314020848s/6381205.jpg|6569140] way back in 2011, and I loved it. It was a great mix of romance, steampunk, mystery, with a wonderfully dry narrative voice. I very much enjoyed the rest of the series (though I put it down, and then had to start all over again, because I couldn't satisfactorily remember the details) with its surprising twists and turns, moments of unexpected sadness and laugh out loud humour. I've already read [b:Romancing the Inventor|30731095|Romancing the Inventor (Supernatural Society, #1)|Gail Carriger|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1474415642s/30731095.jpg|51269643], but I feel inclined to read it again before continuing on with Biffy and Lyall and Channing's stories. Such a hardship.
amyjoy's review
See my reviews of the individual books: [b:Soulless|6381205|Soulless (Parasol Protectorate, #1)|Gail Carriger|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1314020848s/6381205.jpg|6569140], [b:Changeless|6933876|Changeless (Parasol Protectorate, #2)|Gail Carriger|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1292566141s/6933876.jpg|7165488], [b:Blameless|7719355|Blameless (Parasol Protectorate, #3)|Gail Carriger|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1293436281s/7719355.jpg|10463674], [b:Heartless|8356487|Heartless (Parasol Protectorate, #4)|Gail Carriger|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1430530496s/8356487.jpg|13210545], [b:Timeless|11324166|Timeless (Parasol Protectorate, #5)|Gail Carriger|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1327890901s/11324166.jpg|13210557]
jalee's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
I love this series because it’s fun and funny