'Poison or Protect' Delightfully Deadly novella #1 by Gail Carriger

Received from the author in exchange for an honest review

From the BLURB:

Can one gentle Highland soldier woo Victorian London’s most scandalous lady assassin, or will they both be destroyed in the attempt? 

New York Times bestselling author Gail Carriger presents a stand-alone romance novella set in her popular steampunk universe full of manners, spies, and dainty sandwiches. 

Lady Preshea Villentia, the Mourning Star, has four dead husbands and a nasty reputation. Fortunately, she looks fabulous in black. What society doesn’t know is that all her husbands were marked for death by Preshea’s employer. And Preshea has one final assignment. 

It was supposed to be easy, a house party with minimal bloodshed. Preshea hadn’t anticipated Captain Gavin Ruthven – massive, Scottish, quietly irresistible, and… working for the enemy. In a battle of wits, Preshea may risk her own heart – a terrifying prospect, as she never knew she had one. 

Buy Poison or Protect today to find out whether it’s heartbreak or haggis at this high tea. 

Warning: Contains men pleasing women, and ladies who know what they want and ask for it, sometimes in detail. May also contain plaid, appearances from favorite characters, and the strategic application of leather gloves. 

‘Poison or Protect’ is the first in a series of ‘Delightfully Deadly’ novellas, set in the same universe as Gail Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate and Custard Protocol series’.

Before I delve into the deliciousness of this first novella, I’ve got to quote from Ms Carriger’s website and get just a little bit excited over what readers have in store from the pre-eminent steampunk romance author.

The Delightfully Deadly novella series is set in the same world as the Parasol Protectorate series and features characters who appeared in the Finishing School series but are now grown up. As well as the DD novella series, fans will be treated to Supernatural Society Novellas – stand alone LBGT romances – as well as Claw & Courtship Novellas – which are coming in 2017, and are stand alone werewolf romances. This shall be nothing short of a fantasy feast for fans – and this fan in particular who is always happy to visit and revisit Carriger’s endlessly fascinating and fabulous steampunk/urban fantasy universe.

The first in ‘Delightfully Deadly’ is ‘Poison or Protect’, which tells the story of ex-drone to Lord Akeldama, turned deadly assassin, Lady Preshea Villentia (I always want to applaud Carriger’s character names). Preshea is tasked with attending a house party where she’ll be expected to protect her Tory host from assassination, and dissuade his young and impressionable (not to mention, moneyed) daughter from marrying a gauche gentleman and fortune-seeker called Jackson.

Except there’s one problem – young man Jackson is attending the house party with his best friend and fellow werewolf, Captain Gavin Ruthven – a much more sensible (and sensuous) retired Scottish officer who Preshea becomes complicatedly attracted to.

I adored this novella. There are lots of old favorites and familiar faces peppered throughout, but Preshea and Gavin’s romance is entirety fresh and fabulous. Both characters have interesting enough back-stories and proclivities that were simply delicious to unpack. Preshea, for instance, is nicknamed The Mourning Star because she’s been through four husbands already (and she’s too beautiful for a moniker like Black Widow Spider, thankfully).

“My skill set is in quite the opposite direction. It is unladylike to brag, but I could steer this dirigible, if needed.” 

Both men looked more admiring than shocked. Good, I have judged them correctly. These were that unusual breed of male that admired a capable female. 

Preshea found herself in an unexpected predicament. Enjoying the float, fighting an inclination for the wrong man, and a genuine affection for both.

Gavin may be big and burly, but he’s a gentleman who likes to be led by a stronger female in the bedroom … And when these two meet there’s a slow spark of chemistry that ends up igniting on the page.

“Lass, I want this clear – I’d apply for the position of fifth husband, if you’d permit.” 

“Oh, yes? Here I thought you desired a long and happy life.” 

“Aye, lass, but I’d as soon a shorter one with you than a longer one without.”

Gail Carriger is just one of the funniest, most charming and original writers I’ve ever come across – and I’m downright delighted that she’s gifting readers these novellas, so as to consume more of her words and live a little longer in her worlds. I’m particularly excited for the Supernatural Society LGBT+ novella series, and even more so since there’s a couple in ‘Poison or Protect’ who really intrigued me. I have a feeling that as more of these novellas come out, I’ll be moved to re-read all of her series in chronological order just for my own pure delight!

5/5

‘Etiquette & Espionage’ Finishing School #1 by Gail Carriger

Received from the Publisher 

From the BLURB:

It's one thing to learn to curtsy properly. It's quite another to learn to curtsy and throw a knife at the same time. Welcome to finishing school.

Sophronia is a great trial to her poor mother. Sophronia is more interested in dismantling clocks and climbing trees than proper manners-and the family can only hope that company never sees her atrocious curtsy. Mrs. Temminnick is desperate for her daughter to become a proper lady. So she enrolls Sophronia in Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality.

But Sophronia soon realizes the school is not quite what her mother might have hoped. At Mademoiselle Geraldine's young ladies learn to finish. . . everything. Certainly, they learn the fine arts of dance, dress, and etiquette, but they also learn to deal out death, diversion, and espionage - in the politest possible ways, of course. Sophronia and her friends are in for a rousing first year's education.

Some people see a dumbwaiter – Sophronia Temminnick sees a means to spy on her mother and the mystery lady called Mademoiselle Geraldine whom she’s taking tea with. And in the course of her spying, Sophronia learns that the entire Temminnick has had its fill of her wild ways and tomboyish tomfoolery – now they are desperate for her to go away to a finishing school. And there is no finer school than Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality.

Fourteen-year-old Sophronia is being carted away to become a lady – a thought she finds absolutely abhorrent. But from the moment she climbs into a beautiful carriage, she begins to suspect that she’s going to get a very different education to the one she, and her mother, initially thought. . . 

She is introduced to fellow schoolmate, the dainty Dimity Ann Pllumleigh-Teignmott who has a family legacy at the Academy. Along for the carriage ride to school is Dimity’s younger brother, Pillover – who attends a Boys' Polytechnique where he’s training to be an evil genius. And then there are the unplanned travel companions - the Flywaymen who attack from above. They demand something called “the prototype”, and in the course of a quite vexing combat, Mademoiselle Geraldine is revealed to be not the actual Mademoiselle Geraldine but an Academy student sent on assignment called Miss Monique de Pelouse. 

With the help of three novice students, and thanks to Sophronia’s ingenious, the Flywaymen are fought off and the foursome continues on to school . . . but the damnable Flywaymen are not forgotten, nor is this ‘prototype’ they were willing to die for. 

When Sophronia gets to the Finishing Academy, she finds it is in fact a floating dirigible – constantly moving and requiring the help of a leaping werewolf (also a teacher at the school) called Captain Niall to board. 

Now begins the real adventure – for this finishing school is unlike any other. Sophronia meets her roommates - Sidheag and Agatha, and unfortunately the senior student Monique de Pelouse who takes it upon herself to become Sophronia’s nemesis. Academy teachers include werewolves and vampires. And lessons include; History of social discourse, dancing, drawing, music, dress and modern languages, Fine Arts of Death, Diversion and the Modern Weaponries, the proper way to flutter eyelashes and the art of fainting. 

When Sophronia manages to sneak her (steam-powered) mechanimal pet, Bumbersnoot, onboard the floating school, his dietary requirement of coal has Sophronia venturing into the belly of the dirigible and meeting the ‘sooties’ – including one handsome boy called Soap and his little friend, Vieve (short for Genevieve Lefoux!) who is mechanical-obsessed. 

It’s a good thing Sophronia is learning a lot at this Finishing Academy (like a proper curtsey and how to fall into a pretend dead-faint) because the Flywaymen are back, and when Sophronia and her friends find out exactly what the ‘prototype’ is . . . she realizes they really will do whatever it takes to find it. 

‘Etiquette & Espionage’ is the first book in Gail Carriger’s new young adult steampunk series, ‘Finishing School’, which is a spin-off and set in the same universe as her adult ‘Parasol Protectorate’ series (and includes a few lovely cameos for real crossover-power!). 

I was a couple of pages into ‘Etiquette & Espionage’ when it hit me that this book reads exactly like Carriger’s adult series . . . and how absolutely wonderful that is! I think it’s the highest compliment to pay an adult fiction writer who crosses-over to the young adult readership, that their books lose nothing of the flavour and sass of their adult series – it’s a sign that they’ve dumbed nothing down, have retained their distinct voice and proven the versatility of their universe. Of course, I can imagine younger reader having to look up words like ‘dirigible’ and ‘prevarication’ – but, in all honesty, when I first started reading the ‘Parasol Protectorate’ series I had to get used to the steampunk-lingo and look words up too! The highfalutin language is intricate to Carriger’s steampunk world of Victorian England, and if kids have to look up words in a dictionary – that’s a good thing, not a hindrance!

Carriger’s language and narrative voice is as scrumptious as ever in this new series. She’ll throw out passages like this one, that are just melt-in-your-mouth perfection; 

‘Whot, whot?’ the man muttered, as if hard of hearing. 

He was very pale and boasted an unassuming moustache, which was perched atop his upper lip cautiously, as though it were slightly embarrassed to be there and would like to slide away and become a sideburn or something more fashionable. 

That level of characterisation and description is perfect in a young adult series, and it really brings this world to life. Everything from the floating dirigible school to mechanimal Bumbersnoot is intricate and fabulous – setting up a fascinating stage. 

Sophronia is one of the best new female protagonists on the young adult scene – hands down. She’s rough and tumble, loyal and inquisitive – and has so much room to grow as a fourteen-year-old sleuth-in-training. Although ‘sleuth’ isn’t quite right – in fact, the girls training at Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality can be anything they want, so well-rounded is their training. 

She had to give her teachers credit: they were right to insist all pupils carry scissors, handkerchiefs, perfume and hair ribbons at all times. At some point she'd learn why they also required a red lace doily and a lemon.

The book-cover quote is from Marie Lu, who calls it “the perfect steampunk version of Harry Potter” – which irks me a tiny little bit. I know people have just replaced ‘magic’ with ‘steampunk’ and said it’s Hermione instead of Harry – but Gail Carriger has such a unique voice (and is a steampunk predecessor!) it’s just sort of insulting to reduce her to a JK Rowling writealike. 

This is a refreshing new series with a female protagonist young readers can cheer on and look up to – she comes with a cast of fascinating friends who will no doubt keep this universe extremely colourful and interesting. ‘Finishing School’ is set 25-years before Carriger’s original adult ‘Parasol Protectorate’ series, but both new and old fans will want to leap onboard this new thrill-ride! 

5/5 

'Soulless: The Manga Vol. 1' by Gail Carriger

 Received from the Publisher

  

From the BLURB:

Gail Carriger's New York Times bestselling tale of vampires, werewolves and parasols comes to life in this steam-punk fuelled manga adaptation!

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 accidently 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? Or 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 the Yen Press manga adaptation of the first book in Gail Carriger’s ‘Parasol Protectorate / Alexia Tarabotti’ steampunk paranormal series. Art and adaptation is by Rem, lettering by JuYoun Lee.

I love the recent trend of graphic novel adaptations. I really enjoyed Dabel Brothers ‘Mercy Thompson’ adaptation, and I especially loved Del Rey’s adaptation of Diana Gabaldon’s ‘The Exile’. Now, I know that lots book fans haven’t really embraced the graphic adaptations, for a number of reasons – some of them are valid (such as not liking character drawings to intrude and determine reader’s imaginations) to the ridiculous (like lashing out at authors because they assume the graphic novel is the next book in the series, not an adaptation of the first book?!). Whatever your stance on the graphic novel debate, I truly believe that everyone should at least give these adaptations a chance, because they might surprise you. And if you’re dipping your toes in the adaptation waters for the first time, I can highly recommend this manga representation of Carriger’s steampunk series.

I was curious at reading a manga ‘comic’, when I have only ever read (and enjoyed) graphic novels. But I actually think the more comic styling of manga suits Carriger’s over-the-top series. For those who are unaware – graphic novels are considered more ‘books’ than comics, often more text-heavy and more realistic drawing representations. The Japanese word ‘manga’ literally means comic/graphic/cartoon, so is basically the same as a graphic novel. . .  except the manga format looks less real, more anime (I guess you could say it’s the difference between a drawn cartoon show, and a CGI movie?).

Carriger’s steampunk series is perfectly suited to the manga style. For one thing, the ‘Parasol Protectorate’ book series is so rich in outlandish description (from mechanical ladybugs to luxury dirigibles) that seeing these gorgeous steampunk contraptions drawn to life will be absolutely splendid! The little drawings of steampunk machinery throughout ‘Soulless’ are lovely and fantastical, and exactly how I pictured London when reading Carriger’s books! Admittedly, ‘Soulless’ features less of those lovely steampunk inventions than latter books in the series – indeed, this first book is more about setting up the players and meeting the characters. And I must say, artist Rem has drawn each and every one of them to a T!

Alexia is beautifully represented, in all her big-busted, parasol-wielding glory. Actually, quite a lot is made of Alexia’s *ahem* assets. . .  but it’s often for a bit of light relief, like when Conall is bending over to examine a dead vampire, and just so happens to cop a lovely eyeful down Alexia’s corset. I really loved Aexia’s drawn fashion too – her dresses are Victorian delights, and her long locks are always a little bit unkempt and wispy (staying very true to Carriger’s descriptions of her in the books). Speaking of style. . . . I also love, love, loved the mangafied Ivy Tunstell! Rem has indeed captured her outlandish dress sense; her hats are divinely flouncy and there are ruffles aplenty!

And then there’s Conall (Lord Maccon). At first I wasn’t overly thrilled with his appearance – I guess I wanted him a little more rugged and Alpha manly? And I thought his semi-wolf ‘angry face’ looked a little ridiculous (his actual werewolf does look more like a frightening wolf, it’s just when he’s snarling at Alexia that the ears and tail pop out for some reason). My scepticism turned to appreciation towards the end. . .  as people who read ‘Soulless’ will remember, at the end of the book werewolf Conall is captured, and thrown into a cell with Alexia. . .  whose touch turns him human (and very, very naked). And *that* is the Conall I was imagining! He’s absolutely scrumptious in his naked manga glory – all broad chest, rippling abs, not to mention firm in all the right places (insert lascivious wink).

My other favourite drawn character was Lord Akeldama – Alexia’s vampire friend and delectable cream puff. Rem has drawn a fabulously flamboyant Akeldama, and I especially liked that he’s so damn attractive! 

‘Soulless’ is one of the best adaptations I have ever read! The manga style perfectly suits Gail Carriger’s over-the-top fabulous steampunk paranormal series; from the Victorian clothes to the roped dirigibles in the park. I especially loved that the manga adaptation covers every aspect of the first book! Even if you’re not so sure about illustrated adaptations, give ‘Soulless’ a read – I think lots of sceptics will be very surprised at how wonderful this adaptation is.

5/5

'Timeless' The Parasol Protectorate #5 by Gail Carriger

 Received from the Publisher

From the BLURB:

Alexia Tarabotti, Lady Maccon, has settled into domestic bliss. Of course, being Alexia, such bliss involves integrating werewolves into London High society, living in a vampire's second best closet, and coping with a precocious toddler who is prone to turning supernatural willy-nilly. Even Ivy Tunstell's acting troupe's latest play, disastrous to say the least, cannot put a dampener on Alexia's enjoyment of her new London lifestyle.

Until, that is, she receives a summons from Alexandria that cannot be ignored. With husband, child and Tunstells in tow, Alexia boards a steamer to cross the Mediterranean. But Egypt may hold more mysteries than even the indomitable Lady Maccon can handle.

What does the vampire Queen of the Alexandria Hive really want from her? Why is the God-Breaker Plague suddenly expanding? And how has Ivy Tunstell suddenly become the most popular actress in all the British Empire?

Alexia Tarabotti has not always had an easy life. Of course she used to be a spinster… but then she fell in love with London’s infamous Alpha werewolf, Conall Maccon, and since then it has been nothing but mechanized ladybugs, cursed mummies and exploding parasols. But nothing, absolutely nothing, could have prepared Lord and Lady Maccon for the whirlwind terror that is … their daughter, Prudence.

Though they share responsibility for the little soulless ragamuffin with her vampiric stepfather, Lord Akeldama, Prudence is still a handful (particularly come bath time).

But it appears as though Prudence’s notoriety has spread. One of the oldest vampire queens has requested the presence of Alexia and Conall’s soulless offspring – in Egypt, no less!

So, along with Ivy Tunstell’s acting troupe as cover, and with Madame Lefoux representing the London vampire hive, the Maccon family are off to Alexandria, for an audience with a very different sort of queen…

‘Timeless’ is the fifth and, sadly, last novel in Gail Carriger’s wonderful ‘Parasol Protectorate’ series.

I have been with Carriger’s series from the very beginning, and while I was sad to read it’s end, I was delighted (but not in the least bit surprised!) to read Alexia & Co going out on a bang! ‘Timeless’ involves hot air balloon escapes, Nile river cruises and a cute-as-a-button soulless werewolf pup. Secrets are unearthed, fences mended and the romance we’ve all been waiting for comes to fruition.

‘Timeless’ is set a while after ‘Heartless’. Prudence is a toddler, running amok, and causing extreme havoc when she accidentally makes skin-to-skin contact with one of her many supernatural babysitters. Lord Akeldama is her stepfather, but a secret plank between Akeldama and the Maccon’s houses means that Alexia and Conall are an equally constant presence in her life. When Alexia and Prudence are summoned to Alexandria, Egypt, because the oldest vampire Queen known to man has taken an interest in her, they are wary but know the visit must go ahead.

While Alexia and her family, along with Ivy Tunstell’s acting acting troupe (and her family) go traipsing all over Egypt, equally fascinating happenings are occurring in London.

The dark-eyed drone came closer. She looked to Conall first.
"Lord Maccon, you are welcome to Alexandria. It has been many centuries since a werewolf visited this hive. We hope it will not be so long before the next one graces us with his presence."
Lord Maccon bowed. "I suspect," he said, because he had no tact, "that will rather depend on the course of this evening's events."
The drone inclined her head and turned dark eyes to Alexia. "Lady Maccon, soul-sucker. You, too, are welcome. We do not judge the daughter by the father's actions."
"Well, thank you I'm sure. Especially as I never knew him."

Biffy, one of the newest and most reluctant new werewolves of the Woolsey pack, runs Madame Lefoux’s old hat shop, but has been asked by Alexia to keep an eye on things while she’s away. Biffy’s instructions has him keeping a particularly close eye on Alexia’s cagey butler, Floote, and crossing paths with Conall’s Beta, Professor Lyall as secrets about Conall’s Alpha history are revealed, with devastating consequences….

‘Timeless’ is a spectacular swan song. I loved Alexia’s time in Egypt, if only because we get to read about a very different steampunked country and how Gail Carriger’s warped history appears overseas. But I was surprised to find that, while I did enjoy reading about Alexia, Prudence and Conall meeting the oldest and scariest vampire Queen alive… my interest was mostly drawn to Biffy and Lyall back in London.

Aside from the scrumptious sugar drop that is Lord Akeldama, Biffy and Lyall are probably my other two favourite characters in the ‘Parasol Protectorate’. So I was beyond delighted when these two started making puppy-dog eyes (literally) at one another in ‘Timeless’. They are so darn cute together, and I will have my fingers firmly crossed for a short story, novella or (pretty please!) spin-off series with these two. Their love affair absolutely steals the show and I hope we have not read the last of this power couple…

‘Timeless’ is an absolutely scrumptious read. There were moments and revelations that had my jaw dropping. The still steamy romance between Alexia and Conall is as sweet (and bumpy) as ever, while Biffy and Lyall’s canoodling is deserving of fan-girl squeals of delight. Prudence is a toddler du-jour and the trip to Egypt is ingenious. ‘Timeless’ is a most befitting conclusion to an epic steampunk paranormal series.

Now, I should say that while ‘Timeless’ is the last we’ll hear of Alexia for the time being, Ms Carriger has said on her website that she’d like to write more books and short stories within her steampunk world (past or future?). And a novel about Alexia’s mysterious absentee father is not out of the question… And the ‘Parasol Protectorate’ world lives on, with a manga adaptation of Gail Carriger’s toe-curlingly good series now available. ‘Timeless’ is not, technically, the last we will see of Alexia Tarabotti and friends. And it’s certainly not the last chance fans will have to get lost in Carriger’s marvellously imagined steampunk world. But ‘Timeless’ is the end of Alexia and Conall’s story. And what a grand adventure it has been!

5/5

'Heartless' Parasol Protectorate #4 by Gail Carriger

Received from the Publisher

From the BLURB:

Lady Alexia Maccon, soulless, is at it again, only this time the trouble in the air is not her fault. When a mad ghost threatens the queen, Alexia is on the case, following a trail that leads her deep into her husband's past. Top that off with a sister who has joined the suffragette movement (shocking!), Madame Lefoux's latest mechanical invention, and a plague of zombie porcupines - and Alexia barely has time to remember she just happens to be eight months pregnant.

Will Alexia be able to figure out who is trying to kill Queen Victoria before it's too late Is it the vampires again or is there a traitor lurking about in wolf's clothing And do they really have to take up residence in Lord Akeldama's second best closet.

Lady Alexia Maccon (nee, Tarrabotti) is eight months pregnant and under frequent attack from London’s vampiric society. Her husband, Alpha werewolf and Scottish pragmatist, Conall Maccon suggests putting their unborn child up for adoption . . . to Alexia’s dear vampire dandy friend, Lord Akeldama.

It’s not the best of plans, but it is necessary to placate London vampire society and stop the attacks on her protruding-self. But the adoption will be purely for show – as Alexia and Conall intend to move into the residence next door to Akeldama, and keep up the pretense of adoptive bliss.

But Alexia’s plans are interrupted by a forgetful ghost who has some important information to impart – mainly that there is a plot to kill the Queen and only Alexia can stop it. Oh dear.

‘Heartless’ is the fourth book in Gail Carriger’s ‘Parasol Protectorate’ series.

I love Carriger’s steampunk historical paranormal series. Thus far I haven’t read an installment I haven’t adored, and ‘Heartless’ is more of the same brilliance.

The last book, ‘Blameless’, concentrated heavily on Alexia and her relationship with Conall – particularly because they were separated for so much of the book, and wildly miserable without each other. Carriger takes a different tact in ‘Heartless’, instead bringing many of the beloved secondary characters to the forefront. In particular spotlight are Biffy, Lord Akeldama’s old dove (now turned unwilling werewolf) and Conall’s Beta, second-in-command, Professor Lyall.

I am a big Biffy fan, and in this novel we concentrate a lot on his uneasy transition into the werewolf pack. Poor Biffy was accidentally turned furry, and is unaccustomed to the rough and tumble life of the typical Woolsey werewolf. It has been months since his first turning, and he is still struggling with his moon-changes. Alexia cares a great deal about Biffy, both for Conall’s role in his werewolf-status, and the simple fact that he was a particular pet of Lord Akeldama. In ‘Heartless’ we learn a lot about the werewolf pack, through the eyes of its newest member. And, really, Biffy’s struggles are heartbreaking; particularly where his pining for Akeldama is concerned;

“I had a recent delivery of new fashion plates from Paris, and you hardly glanced at the hairstyles. My husband tells me you are still having difficulty controlling the change. And your cravat has been tied very simply of late, even for evening events.”

“I miss him, my lady.”

“Well, he is now living adjacent. You can hardly miss him all that much.”

“True. But we are no longer compatible – I am a werewolf; he is a vampire.”

“So?”

“So we cannot dance the same dance we used to.” Biffy was so sweet when he tried to be circumspect.

Alexia shook her head at him. “Biffy, and I man this in the kindest way possible: then you should change the music.”

“Very good, my lady.”

Professor Lyall is the other focus of the book. For so long he has been a bit of a werewolf-wallflower, always in the background but never a main storyline. Well, all that changes in ‘Heartless’ as Alexia uncovers some uncomfortable truths about her husband’s old pack and best Beta. I loved all the curveballs regarding Lyall – Carriger really pulls out some interesting factoids that were, in hindsight, fairly obvious but made delicious when Carriger brings them to the forefront of Alexia’s mind. . . I won’t give anything away, but I think we’ll be seeing a lot more Lyall in future books.

Now, I did love all of the concentration on two of my favorite second-fiddle characters, Biffy and Lyall. But I did sometimes feel that they were written at the expense of Alexia and Conall. Considering these two were bitterly separated in the previous book, I would have liked a few more scenes of loved-up bliss between them.

Carriger is quite partial to a cliffhanger, and ‘Heartless’ is no different. The book ends on a rather explosive little twist. I don’t know where the fifth book, ‘Timeless’, will go with this inventive curveball . . . but I trust in Carriger completely and I can’t wait to read where she takes her steampunk-spectacular next!

4.5/5

'Blameless' Parasol Protectorate #3 by Gail CARRIGER

Received from the Publisher

From the BLURB:

Quitting her husband's house and moving back in with her horrible family, Lady Maccon becomes the scandal of the London season.

Queen Victoria dismisses her from the Shadow Council, and the only person who can explain anything, Lord Akeldama, unexpectedly leaves town. To top it all off, Alexia is attacked by homicidal mechanical ladybugs, indicating, as only ladybugs can, the fact that all of London's vampires are now very much interested in seeing Alexia quite thoroughly dead.

While Lord Maccon elects to get progressively more inebriated and Professor Lyall desperately tries to hold the Woolsey werewolf pack together, Alexia flees England for Italy in search of the mysterious Templars. Only they know enough about the preternatural to explain her increasingly inconvenient condition, but they may be worse than the vampires -- and they're armed with pesto.

** SPOILERS ahead of book #2 ‘Changeless’ **

Gail Carriger’s second instalment of the Parasol Protectorate ended on a doozy of a cliff-hanger. At the end of ‘Changeless’ our buxom heroine discovered she was pregnant, and her werewolf husband Conall Maccon accused her of infidelity and kicked her out of his house.

When ‘Blameless’ begins Alexia is living in the aftermath of scandal. She has become the talk of London town for Conall’s abandonment, and when word gets out about Alexia’s delicate condition, she is kicked out of her mother’s house too. Everyone is convinced that Alexia was unfaithful to Lord Maccon because he is a werewolf and therefore dead, and thereby unable to procreate. But everyone seems to be forgetting that Alexia Tarabotti is a prenatural soulless – the first female soulless in history, and therefore an anomaly.

Desperate to prove everyone (namely Conall) wrong about the legitimacy of her unborn child, Alexia decides to travel to Italy and uncover information about her prenatural self.

Gail Carriger’s books are a breath of fresh air. Her ‘Parasol Protectorate’ series is historical paranormal romance with a healthy dose of Steampunk. In a word: ‘fabulous’. Gail Carriger is probably the most unique voice in the paranormal genre to date, and she continues her magnificence in ‘Blameless’.

This instalment sees Alexia Tarabotti in the uncomfortable quandary of being abandoned and pregnant. But Alexia is a heroine made of tough stuff, with a backbone of steel and enviable etiquette. In ‘Blameless’ Alexia really shines and proves her mettle – she faces down London gossip-mongers, nightgown-wearing Templars, rampaging vampires and killer ladybugs. Oh yes, Alexia Tarabotti is probably at her finest when she is backed into a corner, armed only with her Italian fortitude and weaponized parasol.
But ‘Blameless’ also reveals a softer side to Alexia, mainly triggered by her ‘infant-inconvenience’. The moments when Alexia allows herself to crumble and wallow are wonderful if only because they make her recovery that much braver.

“I believe that, if I do not lose this child, I may be forced to attempt to rid myself of it, or go insane. That, even if, by some miracle, I manage to carry through my confinement, I will never be able to share the same air as my own baby, let alone touch it. And I am so angry that my great lout of a husband has left me to deal with this alone. Couldn’t he have, oh, I don’t know, talked to me about it? But, no, he gets to blunder about acting all put upon and getting sloshed while I—“ Alexia interrupted herself. “That’s a fantastic idea! I should do something equally outrageous.”

‘Blameless’ also concentrates a lot on the series secondary characters. Accompanying Alexia to Italy is Madame Lefoux, the androgynous French inventor and hat-shop owner. I love Lefoux for her top-hat costuming, but also because she cares so deeply (and unrequitedly) for Alexia. There’s definite chemistry on Lefoux’s side for Alexia, and I love reading the heated remarks and undercurrents between these two women... I can’t wait for the time when those unreturned feelings boil to the surface.

Then there’s Professor Lyall, Beta werewolf-second to Lord Conall Maccon. Poor Lyall has a lot to contend with in this book, looking after his depressed Alpha while trying to navigate vampire politics. I absolutely adore Lyall; he’s an immaculately dressed sheep-enthusiast (don’t go getting the wrong idea...) who can turn into a proficient and vicious fighter when needs be. I really like the contrasting combination of Lyall’s Beta ruthlessness – he’s at once a well-dressed intellectual, and a formidable werewolf. I would love to read Lyall get a love-interest at some point in the series, because I think he would be very interesting when he falls in love. I’d even like it if Lyall got his own spin-off series, because I think he’s interesting enough to be his own protagonist (provided he gets his own love interest).

Everybody’s favourite secondary character, Lord Akeldama, does make an appearance in ‘Blameless’, albeit a small one. However, his storyline in the book will have repercussions in future novels... I don’t want to give anything away, but Akeldama’s love life just got interesting.

Conall Macon has a relatively small role in ‘Blameless’. But his minimalist role is understandable, what with being heartbroken and all. Regardless, Conall is at his absolute funniest in ‘Blameless’. Once again I don’t want to give anything away, but look forward to formaldehyde-soaked musings and a drunken werewolf fight. Hilarious!

One of the best things in any Parasol Protectorate novel is the ludicrously ingenious Steampunk inventions. In ‘Changeless’ it was the introduction of the dirigible (complete with attached teapot), and in ‘Blameless’ it is "homicidal mechanical dripping ladybugs" (yes, they are as cool as they sound!). Carriger seems to have an endless imagination for Steampunk contraptions, and I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next.

My one complaint with ‘Blameless’ was not enough Conall/Alexia goodness. Of course the storyline explains the reason for their lack of page-time together... but I love their relationship so much and they bounce off one another with such charming velocity that the book is a little lacking for not having enough scenes with the two of them. The need is further highlighted by their short time together which is entirely romantic, sweet and leaves you wanting *more* of the mushy stuff.

One thing that Gail Carriger does very successfully in ‘Blameless’ is secure the longevity of her Parasol Protectorate series. I don’t want to give anything away, but Carriger has set up a storyline of ensured durability that will likely take many more books (fingers crossed!) to unfold. The last page of ‘Blameless’ will have you jitterbugging for the next instalment, a far-away July 2011 wait (entitled ‘Heartless’)... but it will be well worth it!

4/5

'Changeless' by Gail Carriger

From the BLURB:

Alexia Tarabotti, the Lady Woolsey, awakens in the wee hours of the mid-afternoon to find her husband, who should be decently asleep like any normal werewolf, yelling at the top of his lungs. Then he disappears - leaving her to deal with a regiment of supernatural soldiers encamped on her doorstep, a plethora of exorcised ghosts, and an angry Queen Victoria.

But Alexia is armed with her trusty parasol, the latest fashions, and an arsenal of biting civility. Even when her investigations take her to Scotland, the backwater of ugly waistcoats, she is prepared: upending werewolf pack dynamics as only the soulless can.

She might even find time to track down her wayward husband, if she feels like it.

I am completely in love with Gail Carriger and her ‘Parasol Protectorate - Alexia Tarabotti’ series.

I ate up her first book, ‘Soulless’ – and I have to admit there was a small part of me that wondered if Ms. Carriger could capture lightening in a bottle twice. Well, ‘Changeless’ undoubtedly proves that – yes – she jolly well can!

In this book we learn some very dubious and interesting things about the late Mr. Tarabotti, Alexia’s father. Carriger also reveals some very large tidbits about Lord Conall Maccon and his old Highland werewolf pack.

Alexia continues to impress and my fictional girl-crush grows. She is such an unconventional leading lady for this 18th century London setting – she is a veritable Amazonian warrior in trim-lace, and she’s back to her wonderfully witty self in ‘Changeless’.

Ms. Carriger also introduces a cast of new and wonderful secondary characters. There’s the wonderfully androgynous inventor, Madame Lefoux who is hired by Lord Maccon to create a weapon-parasol for Alexia. Lefoux is a really fantastic character; Alexia and readers are never entirely sure if we can trust her, but we like her nonetheless. She wears men’s clothes – cravats and top hats – and it’s positively delicious to read her not so subtle flirtations with Alexia, which Alexia is completely clueless about.

Then there’s Alexia’s stepsister, Felicity Loontwill, who crashes Aliexia’s investigations and is foisted upon her as a traveling companion. Felicity is deliciously devilish, and lives up to the ‘evil stepsister’ cliché.

One of Lord Maccon’s werewolf military leaders is also introduced – Major Channing Channing of the Chesterfield Channings. If the name sounds pompous, the man himself is even worse. He has only a small role in ‘Changeless’, but it generates the most laughs and I sincerely hope he becomes a series regular.

Of course Lord Connall Maccon, London Alpha, is back and sweetly gruff. He and Alexia are completely smitten and adorable, their scenes are an absolutel delight.

“Oomph,” said his wife. “Not now.”

He nuzzled in at her neck, kissing and licking her softly just below her ear. “Just a moment,” he said. “I need a small reminder that you are here, you are whole and you are mine.”

Vampire toff Lord Akeldama also returns, along with his italic-speak and sweet endearments; “daffodil!”. He is definitely a favorite of mine, along with his ‘delicious’ drone, Biffy. These two enter a scene and hilarity ensues!

The writing itself is an absolute treat; scrumptious and voluptuous. Carriger’s prose reminds me of Oscar Wilde, with a dash of Joseph Heller, Jane Austen, H G Wells and Jules Verne thrown in for good measure. Her writing is an absolute feast. And the best thing is that Carriger’s love of the ‘Steampunk’ sub-genre is unmistakable. It’s clear in her describing a dirigble, ‘glassicals’ and a new invention of a dirigible-attached teapot. She loves this alternate reality and her writing of this modern 18th century is a delight because her love of the genre is infectious.

I am crazy about this series. So far this is the only Steampunk I’ve read, and I do keep meaning to wade deeper into the Steampunk waters… but I’m afraid the bar has been raised to such great heights by Ms. Carriger, that anything else I read in the sub-genre will fail dismally by comparison.

‘Changeless’ is wonderful, of course. But the ending will send fans reeling. Don’t read the blurb for book #3 ‘Blameless’ until you’ve read ‘Changeless’… because there are BIG, HUGE spoilers.

5/5

Coming 1 September 2010

My favorite books of 2009

Thorn Queen ‘Dark Swan #2’ by Richelle Mead

I was very disappointed to read Mead’s announcement a few months ago that there would be no book #3 released in 2010. According to Mead, a decision had to be made and her publishers cast the final vote that the 5th ‘Georgina Kincaid’ and 5th ‘Vampire Academy’ would receive more publicity (and Mead would do more author tours to promote the books), which meant she wouldn’t have time to release 3 books in one year. To be honest, I would have been more upset by this news if ‘Thorn Queen’ hadn’t been so damn satisfying. So much happened in this second instalment – true, it finished on a serious cliff hanger that left readers dangling over the edge of a potentially explosive plot for ‘Iron Crowned’ – but there was so much Dorian/Eugenie smuttiness and such HUGE plot advances that I can forgive Mead’s decision to hold off on book 3 until she has more time to properly promote it.

Succubus Heat ‘Georgina Kincaid #4’ by Richelle Mead

She is clearly a favourite author of mine – but I have a love/hate relationship with this series. No doubt I absolutely *LOVE* ‘Georgina Kincaid’, but I *HATE* how emotionally invested I get. I don’t think I ever laugh or cry so hard when I read these books. One minute I’m chortling along after one of Georgina’s wise-cracks, the next I’m bawling my eyes out over Seth’s callous actions (or feeling furious and wanting to poke a fork through Maddie’s eye!). Never before has the emotional rollercoaster of Georgina’s life been so hellish and smutty as in ‘Succubus Heat’. It was a phenomenal read, even if the ending left me feeling a bit depressed. I went to Richelle Mead’s book signing for ‘Blood Promise’ – and I am really looking forward to book #5 ‘Succubus Shadows’ after hearing a few of her comments regarding character development.

‘Soulless’ by Gail Carriger

I LOVED this book! Thankyou to Mandi at Smexy for pushing me to read it. I was a little hesitant at first because of the whole ‘Steampunk’ genre being totally foreign to me – but Carriger has written such a brilliantly fanciful and lustful supernatural story that is impossible not to love. Parasols and vampires, dirigibles and werewolves – what’s not to be obsessed about? I loved leading lady Alexia Tarabotti and her beau Lord Maccon – they were such a hot couple, they put the ‘steam’ into ‘steampunk’ and I cannot wait to read more of their adventures in ‘Changeless’ (March 30th 2010).

‘Frostbitten’ by Kelley Armstrong

This was the 10th book in Armstrong’s ‘Women of the Otherworld’ series – and it went back to being about my favourite ‘Otherworld’ couple, Elena and Clay. So much has changed for these two since we last saw them in ‘Broken’, I kind of loved that while there have been books in between, Elena and Clay have been expanding their family and carrying on in their lives. ‘Frostbitten’ had a fantastic, edge-of-your-seat mystery at its centre, delved deeper into Elena’s past and included plenty of lovey-dovey scenes between Elena and Clay. But best of all, ‘Frostbitten’ revealed the depths and changes to Elena and Clay’s characters and relationship – making this my favourite ‘Otherworld’ book yet. It will be a bit of a wait until Elena and Clay take centre stage in Armstrong’s series again, but ‘Frostbitten’ well and truly tied me over until that book comes.

Hunting Ground ‘Alpha & Omega #2’ by Patricia Briggs

Patricia Briggs is one of my all-time favourite authors. My favourite thing about Ms. Briggs’ writing is her masterful character development. Briggs’s characters are flawed, damaged and just generally frayed around the edges – none more so than Charles Cornick and Anna Latham. Charles sees himself as a cold-blooded killer, and doesn’t believe he deserves his mate, Anna’s, love. Anna is a werewolf Omega still recovering from the abuse she suffered under her previous werewolf pack. Charles and Anna are mated werewolves – two slightly damaged individuals who are learning to heal with and because of each other. I love this series. To be sure it is a fantastic Urban Fantasy – and this series, more so than ‘Mercedes Thomspon’, delves into the fascinating world of werewolf politics – but at its core ‘Alpha & Omega’ is a love story. ‘Hunting Ground’ had a wonderful mystery as its central plot, but it was amazing because it delved further into Anna and Charles’s romance and explored the repair of their fractured psyches.

Bone Crossed ‘Mercedes Thompson #4’ by Patricia Briggs.

This is probably my all-time favourite Urban Fantasy series. I loved everything about ‘Bone Crossed’ – from the cover art (drool worthy by Daniel Dos Santos) to the development of Mercy and Adam’s relationship. Mercy and Adam have been in a ‘will they or won’t they?’ dance from book #1, and in ‘Bone Crossed’ their mateship was finally cemented in a fairly anti-climactic, but wonderfully romantic mating. ‘Silver Borne’ is probably my most anticipated book for 2010, mostly because I want to see how Mercy and Adam handle their newfound relationship.

Magic Strikes ‘Kate Daniels #3’ by Ilona Andrews

Oh. My. God.

That’s all I could think reading the last 2 chapters of this book. Such an amazing final battle – I was bawling my eyes out, and cheering Kate on. And that Kate/Curran tub scene – woah! It says a lot about this author-duo that their leading man and lady have still only gone as far as first base but readers are 100% hooked on their relationship. I am *dying* for book #4, the first teaser chapter has only whet my appetite and now I need May 25th to hurry the hell up.

‘Goddess of the Hunt’ by Tessa Dare

My favourite regency romance – possibly ever. I love, love, loved this book! Again, thanks to Mandi at Smexy for recommending. The romance between naïve tomboy Lucy Waltham and stiff-upper-lip Jeremy Trescott was heart meltingly romantic. These two are such sweethearts, and even though I didn’t like the other 2 books in Dare’s series, ‘Goddess’ has made her a ‘must buy’ for me. One of the best scenes in this book occurs in a wardrobe – a wardrobe! Any author that can make a wardrobe sexy deserves to be an automatic buy.

‘Jane Jameson’ series by Molly Harper

This debut series from Molly Haper is brilliant! A comedic Urban Fantasy with one of the best and funniest leading ladies I have ever read. Jane Jameson is my hero – I want to be her BFF. Book #3 ‘Nice Girls Don’t Live Forever’ came out December 29th, but I’m still waiting for my copy – though I am sure I will love that book as much as her first two. This series has made Harper an instant buy for me – so unbelievably good, I hope Molly Harper is contracted for many more books in the series.

‘The Forest of Hands & Teeth’ by Carrie Ryan

One of the best books I have ever read (with one of the best titles). It’s a very different post-apocalyptic zombie book – Ryan writes beautifully and vividly, and the story is edge-of-your-seat from the first page. I adored this book. It is very bleak, but Carrie Ryan is such a masterful storyteller, and the world she’s created is so fascinating you can’t help but be 100% sucked in. I could easily see this book being adapted into film – it has a very cinematic quality and an epic feel to it. Ryan has a second book (set in the same universe) called ‘The Dead-Tossed Waves’ coming out March 9th 2010 – I am definitely reading that one!

'Soulless' by Gail CARRIGER

From the BLURB:

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?

I’m new to the whole ‘steampunk’ genre. Whenever the word ‘steampunk’ cropped up in the book blogs I read I’d just smile and nod, but secretly not have a clue what the whole movement was about. Thanks to wikipedia and google images, I was able to get some perspective – but the general consensus is that if you’re green to steampunk, Gail Carriger’s ‘Soulless’ is the perfect introduction.

Steampunk is normally set in the Victorian era, in a world where steam power is highly advanced. In the Steampunk world, fictional technological inventions favoring wood, silver and brass aesthetic populate the 'modern' world (think H.G Wells & Jules Verne).

Steampunk is normally set in an alternate universe, with a history similar to ours, but with slightly skewed timelines.

Carriger’s ‘Soulless’ is sort of the perfect introduction to Steampunk for an Urban Fantasy lover like me, because Carriger has combined the two genres.

Most Urban Fantasy is set in modern-day; vampires and werewolves ‘come out’ in the 21st century, normally because they believe societal advancements have prepared humanity for their existence. But Carriger rightly believes that if ‘supernatural’s’ have been lurking in shadows since the beginning of time, why wouldn’t they have chosen to ‘come out’ earlier? ‘Soulless’ is set in the 19th century (Steampunk 19th century) and vampires and werewolves have been public for quite some time.

Carriger has written an incredible world, populated with even more impressive protagonists and secondary characters.

Alexia is a fantastic lead. She’s a spinster at twenty-six, full of Italian vigour and biting wit. I loved her. I also loved werewolf Alpha Lord Maccon – who is entirely masculine and rough around the edges but with a good deal of charm directed Alexia’s way.

Carriger also puts the ‘steam’ in ‘steampunk’. Alexia and Maccon have chemistry that crackles from their first scene. It’s intense: starting with witty back-and-forth banter that quickly turns to romantic tension.

It is wonderful and refreshing to read about these fantastical creatures in an earlier era. Carriger has included some fascinating characters to highlight the century; such as Alexia’s foppish vampire friend, Akeldama who has a penchant for velvet, lace trimmings and speaks in italics (darling!).

Carriger’s writing reminded me of Oscar Wilde. It’s the same acerbic wit, aimed at polite society and asinine formalities:

The ill-informed masses included her own family among their ranks, a family that specialized in being both inconvenient and asinine.

My one complaint about ‘Soulless’ is Carriger’s flow of narration. Carriger occasionally flips between perspectives without an ellipsis break to clearly show whose thoughts we are reading. It only happens occasionally, but I found it a little jarring and sometimes had to re-read a line to make sure I knew whose narration I was reading.

I loved ‘Soulless’ so much. It gave me the best of all the genres I love; regency romance, Urban Fantasy with a mystery twist. It was refreshing and exciting to read about vampires and werewolves in the 19th century; wearing cravats, attending balls and blending into polite Ton society.

I also adore the book's cover art by Lauren Panepinto - it is to die for!

I have to thank Mandi at Smexy Books for first reviewing this book and putting it on my radar, but also for recently prodding me to read and review it. She did a very good job at pimping ‘Soulless’, and I for one am grateful that I took her advice.

I have an inkling that Gail Carriger will become a ‘must-read’ author for me. I will faithfully read whatever she writes, even if it’s not Steampunk or an Alexia Tarabotti book.

5/5

The second book ‘Changeless’ comes out May 30th 2010.