Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
31st out of 211 books
—
475 voters
The Parasol Protectorate: Soulless, Blameless, and Changeless (Parasol Protectorate #1-3)
by
Gail Carriger (Goodreads Author)
Book 1: SOULLESS
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 a...more
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 a...more
ebook, 745 pages
Published
July 4th 2011
by Orbit
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
968)
Aug 03, 2012
Emilie Smart
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
romance fans, steam punk fans, vampire/werewof fans, humor fans
Recommended to Emilie by:
found it myself
Shelves:
science-fiction
What a Great Series!! If you like steam punk, vampires, werewolves, comedies of manners, historical fiction and fun, these books are for you. If you're not a fan of any of these genres, these books are STILL for you. I really don't like steam punk. I'm tired (exhausted, really) of werewolves and vampires. I did't want to read Soulless, but I had nothing else to read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and HAD to keep going.
The various recurring characters are what make this series. Alexia, our heroine, is...more
The various recurring characters are what make this series. Alexia, our heroine, is...more
The Parasol Protectorate Series by Gail Carriger is a treasured find from 2010. I was riding home from work on a very packed bus and noticed the cover of the book the man sitting across from me was reading. He had a bemused, wry grin on his face. Something told me he was reading something scintillating. Being brave, I boldly went in. In a realm where strangers don't want to, but are often forced to interact, I decided to talk to a stranger. So, I asked?
"Excuse me, If I may - what are you grinni...more
"Excuse me, If I may - what are you grinni...more
Delightfully addicting. This 3-in-1 book combines some of my favorite genres all into one book: supernatural, gadgets (ala steampunk), humor, romance, fashion and the Victorian era. The main character reminds me somewhat of myself…curious, hung up on her “lack” of good looks, intelligent, outspoken, etc. The way her husband deals with her is very reminiscent of my own hubby. The characters are engaging and the humor often left me laughing out loud much to my son’s bewilderment. (What’s so funny...more
I couldn't pass up this great three-book deal — I've seen the covers for a while and was curious about the stories they represented —and I'm so glad I took the plunge and bought these books. I am now a fan.
First off, these books were great FUN to read. The writing is clever, witty, and irreverent. The cast of characters is unique and memorable. The stories are formulaic but only in the very best of ways. This series is the kind of series that you'd want to see in movie or TV series format —they'...more
First off, these books were great FUN to read. The writing is clever, witty, and irreverent. The cast of characters is unique and memorable. The stories are formulaic but only in the very best of ways. This series is the kind of series that you'd want to see in movie or TV series format —they'...more
I’d put this series squarely in the very entertaining poolside read category. It’d also work well on an airplane.
Since I read this series as a bundle and it’s hard for me to separate the story arc into the different novels, I’ll put my review this way—if you like (or tolerate) at least three of the items from this list and haven’t already succumbed to soulless person, werewolf, or vampire-related burnout, you’ll like this series:
1. Steampunk.
2. The Importance of Being Earnest. (George Bernard S...more
Since I read this series as a bundle and it’s hard for me to separate the story arc into the different novels, I’ll put my review this way—if you like (or tolerate) at least three of the items from this list and haven’t already succumbed to soulless person, werewolf, or vampire-related burnout, you’ll like this series:
1. Steampunk.
2. The Importance of Being Earnest. (George Bernard S...more
I just finished the third book of this series, and it's pretty fun. It's an alternate universe with werewolves and vampires and steampunk all wrapped up into a Victorian comedy of manners. Alexia Tarabotti is a "preternatural", which means she was born without a soul. This doesn't mean that she's evil, it means that she's extremely pragmatic and scientific-minded, but not very imaginative or creative. In this world, having "excess soul" causes you to become a werewolf or a vampire or a ghost, an...more
view 2 comments
You can read my review on each book independently through their personal links. I did buy the series in the collection of 1-3 and also 4 all at once. I really appreciated having book 3 around at the end of 2 as there is a bit of a cliff hanger. It was also nice to have all three books in a row in 1 book on my reader so I didn't have to switch them out at any point. I get confused sometimes if I don't have the computer right next to me to tell me which is next in the series when the names are so...more
1 like · like · see review
Make no mistake; these are bad, but they are also funny.
I read all five books in the Parasol Protectorate series over the course of about a week and a half. The premise is ridiculous; steampunk British (and a minority of French, Italian, Prussian, and Egyptian) vampires, werewolves, ghosts, creepy religious brothers, and a few additional newly made up paranormals, all caught up in national & international intrigues, ludicrous romances, and maybe some slash, why not? Also Queen Victoria, amat...more
I read all five books in the Parasol Protectorate series over the course of about a week and a half. The premise is ridiculous; steampunk British (and a minority of French, Italian, Prussian, and Egyptian) vampires, werewolves, ghosts, creepy religious brothers, and a few additional newly made up paranormals, all caught up in national & international intrigues, ludicrous romances, and maybe some slash, why not? Also Queen Victoria, amat...more
Since this volume is an anthology of the first three books in the Parasol Protectorate series, I thought it best to write a little about each one.
Soulless
This is the first book in the series, and also my first approach to the story and the author’s writing. It was hard to get into the story at the beginning because this is not my usual type of reading, and given the fact that the story is set in a Victorian era I found it difficult to adapt to the writing style but that was just a matter of gett...more
Soulless
This is the first book in the series, and also my first approach to the story and the author’s writing. It was hard to get into the story at the beginning because this is not my usual type of reading, and given the fact that the story is set in a Victorian era I found it difficult to adapt to the writing style but that was just a matter of gett...more
Here's an ancedote: When I attended community college in a very small town of upstate New York, called Corning, I took an acting class in which the final was a performance of a comedy. Our group chose Seven Brides For Dracula in which I was casted as Mrs. Half Nelson a "guest" at the sanatorium. My favorite part was when I chased a warewolf and tried to kiss it.
The reason why I bring this up is because the first book in The Parasol Protectorate: Soulless, Blameless, and Changeless features the v...more
The reason why I bring this up is because the first book in The Parasol Protectorate: Soulless, Blameless, and Changeless features the v...more
2 likes · like · see review
The Parasol Protectorate series is a lighthearted mystery series. Our heroine, armed with her personal...ahem...authority plus her special ever-trusty parasol, faces a series of dastardly villains, prevents mayhem and chaos from overwhelming the British Empire while taking tea with her friends. To reveal more is to spoil the fun of watching the characters (and they are characters) unfold. Enjoy!
Cute, entertaining, and definitely worth the read. The first book in the series (Soulless) is the best, but it maintains high quality throughout each book. If I'd been forced to wait a year between books, I don't think I'd have much difficulty. In fact, I'm not entirely confident I'd remember to watch out for the newest installation. So I enjoyed the series, but I wasn't captivated.
I wanted to like these books, but the writing was too prosy, hyperbolical, and generally loose. The author has some fun ideas and engaging characters, but the writing needed a good, thorough line edit. There's too much telling, and not enough understatement to really capture Victorian sensibilities. I may not finish even the first book in this series.
Light, fun, entertaining paranormal steampunk Victorian comedy of manners/romance with werewolves and vampires in. Needs a better editor - there are some errors I found jarred me right out of the story (desultory does not mean derogatory! also, learn the difference between may and might!) - but overall, a fun, compelling read.
Very entertaining and funny at times. An interesting idea and worth a read. Though I would not put this on my top reading list. I did enjoy my time with Alexia and her parasol. I am a big fan of comedy of manners and these books lack the complexity required by the genre. It's very nice for a bit of escape tough.
This was a purely for-fun read, and it delivered in spades, or should I say shades? A delightful mix of all my favorites: an irreverent, independent Victorian heroine, werewolves, vampires, ghosts, and steampunk. Am starting the fourth book right away, even though I should be reading my book club selection for the month.
The first book was intriguing. Except a little hard to follow due to grandiose verbiage of an unnecessary sort. It should however be classified strictly as a romance novel. Also once Lord What's his name...the Scottish dude wins Ms. Tarabotti, it just kind of loses it's appeal after that.
A brilliantly funny addition to the steampunk category. The characters are my friends now, and I could only wish that I could also live in Akeldama's closet... although that might have been from the later books. :)
Happy reading.
Happy reading.
Witty and fun! This series never takes itself seriously and is generally well-paced. Don't let Twilight turn you off of paranormal romance if only for these books, especially since the romance takes a backseat to mystery and intrigue!
I loved all of these books! I was sad to read Timeless just because I knew it was the last book. However I am glad that the series did end and that it was not one of those series that just keeps going and going.
The premise is interesting but the first book in this trilogy was rather weak in the plot department. Great mood, setting, writing, but story left me wanting so much more. I will read the others but not in a hurry.
While I must confess that some of my very favorite characters in this novel are supporting ones, I adored this book! Werewolves, Vampires, aristocracy and a kick-arse heroine who refuses to be cowtowed made this one fantastic read. Can't wait to get to book two!
May 20, 2012
Carolyn Smith
added it
I enjoyed these books. I especially liked that they continue after the romantic couple is married rather than the common trope that life and adventure ends with marriage.
This was just plain semi-clean fun. If you do not like vampires werewolve, ghosts and preternaturals and Queen Victoria all in one book, you will probably choose some thing else.
So many favs here! Makes me think a little of Amelia Peabody (Elizabeth Peters) set in a steampunk world with supernatural elements. Loved it!
so far, it's a Victorian era twist on our favorite supernatural beings with a touch of steampunk.
three words for you guys:
A MA ZING
three words for you guys:
A MA ZING
Jun 27, 2012
Barbara Akers
added it
I liked the first book and am just starting the 2nd book within the triptych. It has a nice mix of regency romance, mystery, and the supernatural.
This is a three book anthology.
Soulless:
I really liked this one, flew through it. The dynamic with the main characters was very fun to read.
Changeless:
This one was hard to get through. I'm not quite sure why, but I just didn't care for it as much. Too many secrets and not enough interaction of the main characters (they are in different places for a good chunk of the book)
Blameless:
This one got better again. Although Lord Maccon (the main guy) started to feel a lot like Richard from the Anita Bla...more
Soulless:
I really liked this one, flew through it. The dynamic with the main characters was very fun to read.
Changeless:
This one was hard to get through. I'm not quite sure why, but I just didn't care for it as much. Too many secrets and not enough interaction of the main characters (they are in different places for a good chunk of the book)
Blameless:
This one got better again. Although Lord Maccon (the main guy) started to feel a lot like Richard from the Anita Bla...more
Jul 12, 2011
Kelli
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
not-just-for-young-adults,
current-favorites
I loved these books so much. It's as if Sense and Sensibility, Interview With A Vampire, and Bridget Jones' Diary somehow merged, and so much more. Pure fun.
This series was very good fun! Set in Victorian England, but with vampires and werewolves integrated into society, with a protagonist who mixes with them all. Steampunk adventure, romance and comedy, with great attention to detail, to settings and language. Very entertaining read!
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steampunk, New We...: The Parasol Protectorate- Gail Carriger | 102 | 119 | Apr 19, 2013 09:54am | |
| YA Book Club Not ...: * Parasol Protectorate | 6 | 27 | May 01, 2012 12:34pm |
Ms. Carriger writes steampunk urbane fantasy comedies of manners to cope with being raised in obscurity by an expatriate Brit and an incurable curmudgeon. She escaped small town life and inadvertently acquired several degrees in Higher Learning. She then traveled the historic cities of Europe, subsisting entirely on biscuits secreted in her handbag. She now resides in the Colonies, surrounded by a...more
More about Gail Carriger...
Share This Book
1 trivia question
1 quiz
More quizzes & trivia...
1 quiz
