I love the whole world that has been created in The Parasol Protectorate, however.... It's so annoying when you start a review with a however! For me I felt that this book lacked some of the humor through observation that the previous two had.

Alexia is still her stubborn self, coated in tight fitting corsets, figure flattering dresses and one ugly but useful parasol, however for one so observing, it is disconcerting to see her not notice the advance of Madam Lefoux's advances. In saying that why does Madam Lefoux, for all her trouser dressing, top hat wearing splendor need to be gay? It feels as if stereotypes were laid in the second, and stuck to by the third.

As for the 'infant-inconvenience' as Alexia referred to her 'condition' through the book.... Inconvenient being that its sparked a mass of homicidal humans and supers chasing in its wake, across continents and from the wilderness to 'orange' Florence... All without the support of her Lord Maccon, oh my, big swoon sigh...

So where oh where would the little wolf be??? At home, drunk for the best part of most chapters. By the time that the two star crossed characters (sarcasm people) reunite there is definitely a little let down with how that played out. Yes he did care the whole way through (some people may have forgotten that) as when he thought her guilty as sin, he still sent a wolf to shadow her journey, and 'save' her at times of imminent despise, and did turn up at the end... I didn't want grovelling, just maybe maybe a little more feeling behind what was the reason for the whole drive of the book in the first place. Just felt a bit last minute.

Again the character that Gail Carriger seems to give most love and care to is still outstanding, and that would be Professor Lyall, who balances the illogical of the book with his logical approach. He is, for me, one of the highlights of the whole series, and does not disappoint in this one either. Also it is Prof. Lyall that gives Ivey her due, noting her intelligence, and the fact that maybe she just likes to play the blonde...

I have a gripe to make; what is with Alexia's selfish disregard of the friends and family around her? Through each novel we have seen her poke fun at Ivy, make statements of her stupidity, and complain of her fashion and gossipy ways, yet Alexia herself loves a good gossip with Lord Akeldama??? Secondly in this book, she turns to Lord Akeldama to find solace however he has relocated without telling her anything, except a random code with a cat... She gets annoyed at this and never worries about him, one of her closest friends???

Last thing (promise, on this book at least ;) the whole serious is touted as Steam Punk.... yes its set it the correct time, yes there are a few inventions that are mentioned, however most are things that already exist in today (and in today's last century England) that have just been made more nonsensical... Example glassicals (glasses) / ascension room (elevator).... a very goofy looking version of today's glasses / a very noisy jolty version of today's elevator / lift. If you are looking for a steam punk novel, read this, but just not for that purpose. The book does have little inventions peppered throughout, though they are not thick in the field.

So the important question: Would I read the next novel in this series??? Yes I've already ordered it...

I love Gail Carrigers world, and even though was not impressed with this one, I think that was partly because there was too much going on, and therefore Carriger didn't spend as much time developing the characters as she did in the previous two novels. Its still a cool idea, still cool settings, and despite Alexia's selfish ways I still like her. I like Prof. Lyall, and Lord Maccon. In fact I like them all... Gail can we be friends?