Book Review: Soulless

Soulless (Parasol Protectorate, #1)Soulless by Gail Carriger

My rating: 4,5 of 5 stars

Alexia Tarabotti is a “preternatural”, that is she was born without a soul. This gives her a special power over those who have extra soul – namely vampires and werewolves. Their supernatural powers are deactivated whenever they come into bodily contact with Alexia. Naturally, if the supernatural beings found out what Alexia can do they would not be happy so Alexia keeps her being a preternatural a secret from most everyone. Soullessness is not Alexia’s only affliction. She’s also a spinster and Italian.

Alexia lives in a Victorian England where werewolves, vampires and ghosts live openly alongside ordinary human beings. When a vampire rudely attacks her at a party, Alexia starts to uncover a larger problem brewing in the supernatural community. The investigation brings her closer to Lord Maccon, an Alpha werewolf.

I loved the stylized manner in which this book was written. I felt transported back to Victorian times as I was reading and Alexia has a dry wit that kept me chuckling to myself. The chemistry between Alexia and Lord Maccon was great – I wasn’t expecting the love scenes to be as steamy as they were. There were also so many fantastic supporting characters in this book that were vividly written and really fun.

This book has elements of a few genres, it’s hard pin it down to just one. If I had to, I would say steampunk. It also fits into paranormal romance, mystery and comedy of manners. I think this book would appeal to almost everyone in some way. I highly recommend it.

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December 16th, 2011 in Books
  • http://averagejane.blogs.com Average Jane

    I’m really enjoying that series. I read all four of the currently available books within just a few weeks.

  • http://rhapsodyinbooks.wordpress.com rhapsodyinbooks

    I should try this one. I have yet to read any steampunk but I want to, and it certainly sounds steampunk-esque from your plot summary! as well as fun!

  • http://foofynotfoofy.blogspot.com/ HeatherAnne

    Sounds interesting. I’ve put it on hold for my Kindle at the library (btw, LOVE that I can do that now).

    I’m in the middle of both the Wicked Lovely series (Melissa Marr… fairies) and the Ranger’s Apprentice series (my son LOVES the books so I’m reading too so I know what the heck he’s talking about… very good though).

  • http://foofynotfoofy.blogspot.com/ HeatherAnne

    Reading this now and I’m enjoying it. The steampunk genre is fun! I think I’ll look up some more of it. I love the fashion descriptions of the times…. and visualizing Lord Akeldama’s get-ups in my head. I’ve checked out the next four in the series to read on my Kindle while on my trip next week.