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Heartless (Parasol Protectorate #4)

by Gail Carriger (Goodreads Author)

4.05 of 5 stars 4.05 · rating details · 10,711 ratings · 1,241 reviews

Lady Alexia Maccon, soulless, is at it again, only this time the trouble 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 a...more

Mass Market Paperback, 385 pages

Published July 1st 2011 by Orbit

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Community Reviews

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Jul 28, 2011 Catie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal, read-in-2011, series

Well, the shine has definitely worn off a bit for me, but I do always love a pregnant heroine. I have this little fantasy: two ruffians chase a woman into a dark alley, and just as they are about to attack, she flashes her stretch-marked, saggy belly at them. Their faces both register shock and fear, as they realize that she’s a complete bad-ass. Then they run away in terror. I wish that pregnancy scars were revered like battle scars.

Or you know, that I could wear a bikini and not feel self-cons...more Well, the shine has definitely worn off a bit for me, but I do always love a pregnant heroine. I have this little fantasy: two ruffians chase a woman into a dark alley, and just as they are about to attack, she flashes her stretch-marked, saggy belly at them. Their faces both register shock and fear, as they realize that she’s a complete bad-ass. Then they run away in terror. I wish that pregnancy scars were revered like battle scars.

Or you know, that I could wear a bikini and not feel self-conscious about it.

So, Alexia’s still pregnant, but she’s finally nearing the end. At eight months along, she’s unwieldy and swollen (which gets mentioned and poked fun at waaaaaay too many times). Lord Akeldama has concocted a plan to appease the vampires which will hopefully put a stop to the attempts on her life and that of her unborn child. When a barely tethered ghost shows up to warn her about an imminent threat to the Queen’s life, no one can stop Lady Maccon from charging forward to save the day, infant inconvenience be damned!

I really didn’t get into this story until more than half way through. The clever word play and witty little jokes just aren’t enough to keep me going anymore. Lord Akeldama’s little pet names for Alexia really started to grate by the end. I can just picture Gail Carriger wracking her brain for yet another foodstuff to use: ”Pomegranate seed? Dripping biscuit? Buttered tea cake? Damn, I’ve used them all!”

However, at about the half-way point, the plot really starts to pick up. There’s some intriguing information about Alexia’s father, and some connections that I wasn’t expecting. The ending is predictable (view spoiler) This book is definitely a massive improvement over the, in my opinion, disappointing third installment.

This is the first of the series that I listened to. Emily Gray does a wonderful job at narrating, and really this book is worth getting simply for her narration. She captures Floote’s “Yeesss, Madame” so perfectly.

Perfect Musical Pairing

B.B. King – The Thrill Is Gone

I will most likely be continuing with this series, but I’ve definitely gone from happy and excited to mildly interested and amused. We’ll see how I feel a year from now.
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22 likes · like · see review

Oct 28, 2011 Melyssa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, i-own-it, mystery, steampunk, would-read-again, pn, 2011-release

*HUUUUGE SIGH OF RELIEF* AHHHHHHHH!!

Finally finished this book! Thank you school for making it difficult for me to finish anything fun... ;)

Oh, my... Ohmyohmyohmy. I loved this book. Dare I say that it was more fun to read than a couple of the previous books in the series? Yes I dare.

Further reflection to come once I figure out what I'm going to say... :D

7 likes · like · see review

Oct 14, 2011 Dija rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, lollercoaster, uf-or-pnr, authors-i-stalk, my-reviews

Series Review:

Gail Carriger is the most unique author I've ever come across. Her style is truly unparalleled in all of Fictiondom. She has immense talent for turning even the most mundane of things into the epitome of sophistication. If it wasn't for her writing, I doubt I would ever enjoy these books.

The Parasol Protectorate has the most original cast of characters ever. None of the characters in this series even remotely resemble any other characters out there, except for maybe Lord Maccon. A...more

12 likes · like · see review

Jun 20, 2011 Suzanne Lazear added it

You all know how much I love these books. Gail Carriger is one of my favorite authors. When this surprise landed in my mailbox I didn’t read it, I devoured it in two sitting, while the hubby looked on in worry asking me why I was laughing so hard.

A ghost is on the loose and threatening Queen Victoria, Felicity has (gasp) joined the suffragette movement, there’s an infestation of zombie porcupines, and Madame Lefoux is inventing strange things. Alexia must deal with these while in her most delica...more

7 likes · like · see review

Sep 22, 2011 Peter rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was the first of the Parasol Protectorate books I read in paper; the others were all audio, where I loved the narration by Emily Gray. Reading it myself meant doing all Emily's voices in my head which proved a bit exhausting, but well worth it. The ongoing soap opera of Alexia Maccon and company in Carriger's Urban Fantasy/Steampunk 1870's London is always a delight.

8 likes · like · see review

Jul 19, 2011 Katie(babs) rated it 4 of 5 stars

LOVED IT!!

A pregnant Alexia waddling with her parasol through London like Sherlock Holmes is freakin hilarious.

Major wow twist of a cliffhanger that has me dying to read the fifth and final book.

Conall was the cuddliest and very caring about Alexia.

Total win of a book.

8 likes · like · see review

Dec 11, 2011 Filipa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: english-books, own, steampunk, 2011-reads

I have immensely enjoyed this fourth book of the Parasol Protectorate series. I think it was better than the third book, actually.
It answered some questions that had been left unanswered and it was a titbit more unpredictable regarding the Kingair pack mystery. I have to admit that I did not expect some revelations regarding this matter.

However in the present time, the mystery underlying the general plot was as predictable as ever. And that's a shame really because though I love this series and...more

2 likes · like · see review

Aug 02, 2011 Laura (Kyahgirl) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: humour, part-of-a-series, steam-punk, shapeshifters, vampires

3.5/5; 4 stars; B+

I thoroughly enjoyed the last half of this book. The first half was not so engaging. It seemed like a lot of going here and there and filling time. However, the story really picked up momentum and was rollicking along quite nicely by the second half.

Carriger has a gift for snark and the dry nasty humour that I associate with British people,(no offence intended). In this book Conall, Professor Lyall, Lord Akeldema , Biffy, and many of the familiar characters played key roles in...more

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 02, 2012 Bry rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, historical-fiction, mystery, series, urban-fantasy, steampunk

I love this series. I love the way Gail Carriger writes. I love her humor. I love her characters. I love her quirky imagination. And I really want to lie to you all and tell y'all that I loved this book....

But I can't.

If we were sitting around a parlor in Victorian England sipping some earl grey, in a lace trimmed visiting gown, with my best kid skin gloves and ringlets I would be forced to submit to my best manners and in accordance with polite society gush over the entire book with alacrity....more

5 likes · like · see review

Jul 04, 2011 Rachel rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: what-i-own, mystery, fantasy, steampunk, lgbt

I loved this book so, so much.

Lady Alexia Maccon is eight months pregnant, but she doesn't let that stop her from following up on an accusation made by a (mad) ghost: someone is trying to assassinate Queen Victoria. As always happens with these books, not all is as it seems!

Hijinks ensue, including my favorite scene: when Ivy Tunstall is (hilariously) asked to join the "Parasol Protectorate" -- which Alexia makes up as she goes along. We also learn Biffy's real name, find out something heartbre...more

5 likes · like · see review

Sep 22, 2011 Ivanna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance, werewolf-shape-shifter, vampire, historical-fiction

PERFEEEEEEEEEEEECT... [URL=http://www.laymark.com][img]http://ww...]

Ada hantu yg memperingatkan Alexia bahwa ada ancaman pembunuhan terhadap Ratu, Alexia, Conall, Lord Alkedama bahkan Profesor Lyall langsung siaga untuk mencari siapa dalang yg akan melakukan pembunuhan tersebut..

Alexia walopun dengan keadaan kandungannya yg semakin membesar dengan di sertai ketidaknyamanannya tetep ajja aktif [URL=http://www.laymark.com][img]http://ww...].

Dalam penyelidikan guna mencari dugaan pembunuhan terseb...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 06, 2012 Bonnie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: steampunk, ya, audiobooks, adult

3.5 stars

2 likes · like · see review

Sep 25, 2011 Gloria Mundi rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: humorous, steampunk, weres, vamps, urban-fantasy, alternative-history, london

OK, so much as I love the characters, I have to admit I was a teensy bit bored throughout most of this book.

Alexia is very heavily pregnant in this latest instalment but she does not let the infant inconvenience get in the way of her usual antics, investigating a warning by a nearly demented ghost that an attemt on the Queen's life is being planned. Alexia and Connall are completely reconciled with barely a mention of his inexcusable (in my view) behaviour in the previous book, the vampires are...more

8 likes · like · see review

Feb 29, 2012 ☆Jessie☆ (Ageless Pages Reviews) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: supernatural-fiction, best-of-2011, the-best-of-the-best, owned-copy, reviewed, steampunk, series-ongoing, 2011-reads, 2011-reviews, excessive-fangirl-alert, lol-worthy, i-love-you-for-your-words, this-is-how-to-write-a-series, actiontastic, inventive-and-original, pure-entertainment

Read This Review & More Like It On My Blog!

The heroine of this unbelievably rich and vivid series is ultra proper and beautifully mannered Lady Alexia Maccon (formerly Tarabotti), a preternatural of (gasp!) Italian descent in an alt-Victorian England. In this world that Carriger has so deftly crafted a 'preternatural' is a person without a soul, and thus the direct opposite of vampires/werewolves, as those were people who died and possessed excess soul enough to become either a vampire, were...more Read This Review & More Like It On My Blog!

The heroine of this unbelievably rich and vivid series is ultra proper and beautifully mannered Lady Alexia Maccon (formerly Tarabotti), a preternatural of (gasp!) Italian descent in an alt-Victorian England. In this world that Carriger has so deftly crafted a 'preternatural' is a person without a soul, and thus the direct opposite of vampires/werewolves, as those were people who died and possessed excess soul enough to become either a vampire, werewolf or ghost. The idea of 'excess soul' being the catalyst and determining factor of supernaturality is ingenious and intriguing. The mythology and world-building of this series are incredibly well-thought-out and unique in structure. Alexia's physiology makes her completely unique in nature, but she has all too-human problems, as exhibited in each book. In a genre populated with stereotypes and cliches, this was a breath of fresh air. It is a clever book in a clever series by a very smart woman. Between the dirigibles, octomatons (dangerous octopus weapons), mysterious secret societies (Hypocras Club, Order of the Brass Octopus, Alexia's own Parasol Protectorate), sexy werewolves, ultra-mannered and fashionable vampires (Victorian collars -- invented to hide the fang marks!) and sheer originality (a fang lisp for new vampires! Werewolves have packs with Alphas, but vampires have hives with Queens), and tea --- what more could you want?

There are plenty of books with worlds/universes I love and enjoy reading about; this is one of the very few I would like to live in. I'd also love to be Alexia's best friend (take that Ivy/Genevieve!) and help her with her zany, diverting and dangerous schemes. Another reason this book is so hard to put down (if you need more besides the awesome characters, witty dialogue, ingenious steam machines, werewolves/vampires, tea, more witty dialogue...) is that from page one, the atmosphere is enveloping. Well-researched in all aspects, without being overbearing on extraneous details, from clothing trends (do you know how to tie a cravat? or even what one is?) to correct phrasing and speech ("notoriety mongers" instead of "fame whores"), not one word feels out of place. It is certainly important to me to know what Alexia is wearing, but not at the expense of the plotting and development. A perfect balance of the frivolous and the necessary keep the tone light and the amusement nonstop, while continually building the mystery and tension.

Set in a steampunk version of Victorian England in the 19th century, Alexia is not your typical apathetic/passive Victorian woman. She's brash, abrasive, intelligent and above all, curious. Far from conforming to her society's ideals of women at the time, Alexia largely acts the part of a man in that point in history: she makes the important decisions, she rules her husband completely, she's on a secret council with the Queen of England: in short, she's an independent woman in a time of harsh repression for her sex. Interestingly, Carriger has some of the men in Alexia's life assume the roles and positions thought acceptable for women instead forced upon the males (Biffy as a lady's maid, Lyall organizing the house while Alexia does more 'mannish' activities, Floote running her life, etc.) This dichotomy is just another reminder of how very different Alexia is from the rest of humankind (and supernaturalkind) in her views, actions and day-to-day life.

Continuing in the same cheeky, smart tone as the amazing first three in the series, Heartless does not miss a beat. Characters beloved and loathed (ahem, Felicity) from Alexia's adventures before are all present, with new aspects or facets to their well-known personalities. Another reason I enjoy Alexia so much as a heroine is that she knows she has a large cast to back her up and she is not afraid to call on them. Not for her to decide it's all down to her and her alone: she might make all the decisions but when she needs help she is not too proud to ask. This large (mostly) amiable group of Floote, Lord Akeldama, Ivy & Tunny, Genevieve, Lyall, Conall, Biffy have a nice chemistry and camaraderie among them, though be it may that of those browbeaten into submission by a determined woman. Ivy even grows a bit as a character: she's shown to possess hidden facets of intelligence and observance heretofore believed outside her mental capacity. Genevieve, the alluring and shady French inventor gets more on-screen time than the last novel, eliciting much interest from me because she is such a morally grey character. Sadly, I did not get as much time with Alexia's sexy husband Conall as I'd have liked but in the face of all the awesome femaleness all up in this book, I think I can deal. As long as he's more involved in the last in the series, Timeless.

Can we talk about how fun it is to read these characters? Not only their inner monologue and thoughts, but conversations sparkle with wit and humor. Oh, I am so sorry. Humour. I look forward to reading any exchange involving Lord Akeldama especially: his flair and fashion are some of my favorite bits of each book. The question of the status of his star-crossed love with Biffy is finally answered in a way that surprised me with its simplicity. I do have to say the romance angle was much more played down than before (practically nonexistent), however as Alexia is supposed to be nine months pregnant during the events of the novel, it is understandable but much lamented. Ms. Carriger managed to drop quite a few bombs on me, about some of my most beloved characters! Incorporating events from past books in the series, a new spin was put on much of what I had thought I knew about these familiar characters. Speaking of spinning things in unexpected ways: the ending. While I predicted many of the outcomes (I don't mind because it was so fun getting there) the author still managed to pull the rug out from under me, even as I correctly anticipated many turns and twists.

This is an excellent, excellent series. I thoroughly enjoyed this fourth foray into the steam-powered world of Alexia Maccon, and I am only sorry that there remains only one more book left in this series. I highly, highly recommend reading all of them. Even if you've never read steampunk (I've heard this called steampunk, which I think is perfect) try with this series. It doesn't get caught up in the machinery aspect and lose the characters, nor does it ignore the technology as unimportant until the end. Excellent novel, one of my favorites of 2011. (less)

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Oct 29, 2011 Kindle-aholic rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: steampunk

This one was just so much fun to read. After the drama of the previous two books (which did culminate in the action-packed Blameless, my favorite of the series so far), it was nice to have a change of pace. Sure, there are still conspiracies, death threats, and political machinations, but in this one, "the gang is finally back together." Of course, it's not all sunshine and roses, but that would be boring.

All of my favorite side characters - Akeldama, Lyall & Biffy, get lots of "airtime" in...more

2 likes · like · see review

Oct 24, 2011 The Flooze rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy-paranormal, steampunk, owned, vanquished_2011

**3.5-ish**

I have a great fondness for Alexia. Her exploits continue to entertain. However, as my friend CJ expressed in her review, there was some indefinable spark missing from this book. I also echo her sentiment that much of the plot might have been capably - and more enjoyably - handled in a short story or two. As a novel, there just wasn’t enough meat to it.

But before I try to reason that out: I was so pleased to once again have Akeldama’s societal schemes and italicized utterances pepper...more **3.5-ish**

I have a great fondness for Alexia. Her exploits continue to entertain. However, as my friend CJ expressed in her review, there was some indefinable spark missing from this book. I also echo her sentiment that much of the plot might have been capably - and more enjoyably - handled in a short story or two. As a novel, there just wasn’t enough meat to it.

But before I try to reason that out: I was so pleased to once again have Akeldama’s societal schemes and italicized utterances peppered throughout. He’s such an endearing character. Couple that with his enigmatic nature and he’s easily my favorite. I hope we learn heaps more about him before the series ends. (view spoiler)

On to the rest: Although Alexia does have a situation to investigate - a threat to the Queen herself - it seems less a case to solve and more a convenient vehicle for personal discoveries. Just when Alexia thinks she has a reasonable handle on the life she’s chosen, damaging secrets come to the fore regarding her friends, her pack, and her own family. Some make sense in hindsight, while others are so out of left field that they don’t quite track. With only one more installment to come, perhaps Ms. Carriger decided to cram in as many twists as possible?

Speaking of cramming: Metaphors and similes, while individually witty, are used in such abundance as to grow tiresome. Also, Alexia’s dictatorial personality doesn’t amuse as it once did. Perhaps this is a side effect of soulless pragmatism, but marriage has made Conall and Alexia’s interactions less thrilling; part of me had hoped they’d maintain a degree of that delicious, coy tension. Oh, to return to that bite under the streetlamp! Phwoar.

The villain was obvious, and it pained me that Alexia didn’t suspect the culprit until everything had gone to hell in a hand basket. I expect better of her.

Overall, Heartless struck me as preparation for the series finale rather than a story unto itself. While that’s understandable, I still expected more from this installment. I only hope that all of this new information will result in Timeless being a humdinger of a wrap-up.
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5 likes · like · see review

Jul 28, 2011 Shelley aka Gizmo's Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-releases, steampunk

*Rating* 4 stars
*Genre* Steampunk/Fantasy

*Review*

Heatless is the fourth book in the Alexia Tarabotti Parasol Protectorate series. This story is, in my opinion, probably even par with Soulless which was the first book in this series. I especially liked the fact that Conall and Alexia are back together and they appear to have grown more in love with the other. Alexia, especially, realizes how much she actually loves the big goof.

Alexia, aka Lady Maccon, has once again regained her position as muh...more

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Jul 11, 2011 Tarra rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: new-in-2011, july-2011, pre-ordered-on-kindle

I adore this series! Heartless was another fun, humorous, inventive journey to Victorian England and the adventures and mysteries surrounding Alexia Maccon and a wonderful, colorful cast of characters.

Heartless was full of heart and compassion. I love that the characters in these books are so fleshed out, constantly changing and evolving. Loved the interactions between Maccon and Biffy, Gen's actions will surprise you, Lysell is a sweetheart. And the sarcastic and loving nature between Alexia an...more

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Jul 17, 2011 ~Megan~ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: steampunk, shifters-werewolves, ghosts, dangerous-dudes, vampires

I realh enjoyed the latest installment of the life and times of Alexia Tarabotti, now Lady Maccon. After the letdown of the last book, I felt like this one captured the magic again!

Alexia gets into so much mischief, all while 8 months pregnant with her infant inconvenience. We learned a lot about the pasts and presents of some of the most beloved secondary characters, especially some rather shocking info about Professor Lyall. I loved the brief interludes we got into the private moments of Conn...more

3 likes · like · see review

Nov 06, 2011 Whitelady3 rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: own, 2011

Rating: 3,5

Really, why did it have to end when I was enjoying it again?! I want to read the last book!

It didn't have so much action as the previous one, or at least Alexia didn't have her life threatened throughout the whole book, and the mystery was way to predictable. Really! What was supposed to be som sort of a twist was so predictable it made me roll my eyes and say "really? You arrived to that conclusion only now?" But I did enjoyed, and think it was the best part of this book, Alexia's in...more

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May 26, 2013 Katie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

My library only had the audiobook available and I was hesitant, but it was read in such a way as to be even more fun so it was worth being slowed down a bit. Still adoring this series and ready for more!

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Aug 15, 2011 LeiAnn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011

Statements like the following description of how happy Biffy was to be living with Lord Akeldama again are why I adore Gail Carriger: "One might even have described him as gay..."!!! Ha ha ha! The whole book is chock full of these little gems. Love it!

Poor Alexia has dealt with many undignified circumstances regarding her pregnancy, including multiple assassination attempts and her ever-increasing girth. But a threat to the Queen forces her to continue working as muhjah long past all reasonable...more

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Aug 21, 2011 Michelle added it

Alexia Maccon is back and bigger than ever. Her pregnancy has limited her mobility but has not affected her wit or her ability to get involved in the affairs of the pack or other supernatural beings. Things follow in their normal pattern when Alexia gets involved. In other words, hi-jinks ensue in the traditional soulless fashion - Alexia faces impossible, and hilarious, situations with her typical no-nonsense approach to life, as only she can.

Heartless continues with Alexia's preoccupation with...more

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Aug 20, 2011 Aliyyah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Oh La! Just finished another enjoyable romp through the world of Alexia, Conall and company. Always makes me want to start using Victorian turns of phrase. This book is lighthearted with just the right dose of seriousness when appropriate, but mostly it tries not to take itself too seriously. Alexia is very pregnant, which we are made aware of again and again, as she does things most heavily pregnant women would avoid or at least do with more caution. Perhaps the famous saying should be "where p...more

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Jun 17, 2013 Kristi rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: reading-challenge-2013

This fourth installment of the Parasol Protectorate series begins right where Blameless left off--with a very pregnant Alexia Maccon. Alexia has managed to get the vampires of the world to stop trying to kill her by agreeing to have her "metanatural" child raised by her flamboyant vampire friend Lord Akeldama, so she and her husband have bought a house in London and the werewolf pack is divided between the latter and Woolsey Castle. Alexia is receiving strange messages from ghosts about a plot t...more

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Jun 01, 2013 Jason Bucky Roberts rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Yes

Every book I read by Gail Carriger is a charming delight! They are fast reads that leave me wanting more, and unfortunately a long wait of many months until the next one. I love the witty repartee, sacrifices in the name of fashion, and "uptight" Brittish societal rules. However, underneath the characters do really have heart (despite the name of the book) and care about each other. Lord Akeldama is even willing to sacrifice his second best closet to prevent the vampires from killing Alexia!

This...more Every book I read by Gail Carriger is a charming delight! They are fast reads that leave me wanting more, and unfortunately a long wait of many months until the next one. I love the witty repartee, sacrifices in the name of fashion, and "uptight" Brittish societal rules. However, underneath the characters do really have heart (despite the name of the book) and care about each other. Lord Akeldama is even willing to sacrifice his second best closet to prevent the vampires from killing Alexia!

This story had all of the comedy of manners/steampunk goodness that we have come to expect from Gail Carriger. Alexia is up to her usual tricks only this time she is also eight months pregnant. She is busy dodging the vampires attacks on her life because of their fear that her infant will be a soul-stealer with the ability to be both human and supernatural. In fact one of the attacks involve killer porcupines. But a solution os found that will satisfy the vampires when Lord and Lady Maccon agree to let their child be adopted by Lord Akeldama. Of course, they intend to move in next door for the sixteen years until the child reaches its majority and, in fact, take up residence in one of Lord Akeldama's closets. Lord Akeldama is his wonderful self - fashion obsessed, snarky, and always curious.

Having gotten the vampires to stop their constant attempts to kill her, Alexia can focus on other problems. Biffy isn't adjusting well to being a werewolf. Her sister Felicity has taken to wearing dowdy clothing and attending meetings. She has left home and wants to move in with Alexia. Madame Lefoux is troubled, losing weight, and working on some strange device that she won't tell Alexia about. Then, the big problem, a ghost comes to Alexia and says that someone is going to assassinate the Queen.

Alexia immediately gets involved in investigating the last attempt to assassinate Queen Victoria which was made by Lord Maccon's former pack and actually resulted in Conall becoming Lord Maccon. All of the werewolves try to discourage this investigation but Alexia persists. She learns something about her husband's past that she wishes she didn't know.

The story was filled with fashion, wonderfully strange inventions, and interesting characters. The language is wonderful and filled with interesting and amusing turns of phrase. Fans of Alexia will not be disappointed in this story.(less)

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Apr 12, 2013 Corrina rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Read my full review at wadingthroughbooks.wordpress.com!

Alexia continues to be thoroughly incapable of not having an adventure, and proves that just because she is pregnant most certainly does not mean that she will be slowing down in any way. She may be barely able to waddle around, but she will still vigorously investigate the threat against the queen’s life. Even if she does initially mistake which queen the threat is against. We learn a bit more about preternaturals and supernaturals, and wh...more

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Mar 01, 2013 Joshua Burns rated it 5 of 5 stars

As Seen on Rabidreads.ca:

No doubt Heartless would make the best movie of the series. Entry opens with vampire assassination attempts and town house purchases in London beside Lord Akeldama, the vampire fashion and flowery epithet lord. Due to this relocation of Lord and Lady Maccon, we can hear and see that much more of this eccentric and lovable bloodsipper.

In the werewolf world, Biffy, formerly one of Lord Akeldama’s most favored bloodsippers in training, adjusts to the hairier and mangier sid...more

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Feb 01, 2013 Lucy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, uf, steampunk

This book was my saviour on a 15 hour bus ride from Bogotá to Santa Marta, that ride was terrifying. I'm surprised I was able to sleep at all. Thankfully, this book which had taken me forever to read (too much steampunk in too few sittings), was actually quite hilarious. Our dear Alexia, Conall, Floote-basically the whole gang, were cracking me up. Steampunk is such a fun mix of urban fantasy, romance, historical novels combining into something so often ridiculous, but you can't help but to laug...more

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Sep 02, 2012 Deb rated it 4 of 5 stars

Alexia's adventures continue! The plot of this book is weak but the plot has never been what has kept me reading this series. It is the mix of characters and all their oddities that makes this whole series fun. Werewolves having to be locked in the dungeons during the full moon and vampires swarming is just funny. And then Alexia is running around 8 months pregnant amd fighting her friend Genevieve who is driving a large octopus contraption knocking down buildings as she goes is also just too fu...more

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Shut Up & Read: Heartless by Gail Carriger - March	6	48	Mar 22, 2013 07:45pm
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Nothing but Readi...: Carriger, Gail - Heartless (Buddy Read) Start Dec. 15th	88	49	Feb 26, 2012 07:47pm

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Science Fiction > Steampunk

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Fantasy

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Fantasy > Paranormal

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Paranormal > Vampires

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Romance

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Fantasy > Urban Fantasy

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Shapeshifters > Werewolves

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Historical Fiction

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Mystery

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Fantasy > Supernatural

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About Gail Carriger

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

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Books by Gail Carriger

Etiquette & Espionage (Finishing School, #1)

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Quotes from Heartless

“[She] lost her patience, a thing she was all too prone to misplacing.” — 34 people liked it

“I am entirely capable."
"Of what, waddling up to someone and ruthlessly bumping into them?” — 29 people liked it

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avg rating	preview: Heartless Goodreads rating: 4.05 (10711 ratings)
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Heartless (Parasol Protectorate #4)

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