Soulless (Parasol Protectorate, #1) in Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge

Jan 04, 2014 Emily rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy-sci-fi, read-in-2014

This book was a perfect example of needing to read something at the right time. I have tried reading it 3 or 4 times previously and the soporific effects reached near Austen-like levels for me. But I picked it back up on a whim tonight and could not put it down!

In this novel, supernatural creatures (most notably werewolves and vampires) exist openly in society and are, more or less, accepted. Alexia is a preternatural, which here means she has no soul and her mere touch can bring the supernatur ...more

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Oct 31, 2009 CrystalIsReading on StoryGraph rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction, steampunk, paranormal

I laughed aloud so much while reading this book that my husband actually started getting tired of it. That, and me reading clever lines aloud to him (given our different taste in books, he doesn't always appreciate the same humor I do).
Having just read the first two Finishing School YA novels, I was dying for a further Gail Carriger fix, so I rushed to the library for this book. I'll admit that at first I didn't like it, by comparison to the Finishing School books. Alexia is a much different he I laughed aloud so much while reading this book that my husband actually started getting tired of it. That, and me reading clever lines aloud to him (given our different taste in books, he doesn't always appreciate the same humor I do).
Having just read the first two Finishing School YA novels, I was dying for a further Gail Carriger fix, so I rushed to the library for this book. I'll admit that at first I didn't like it, by comparison to the Finishing School books. Alexia is a much different heroine than Sophronia was, aside from their mutual courage and resourcefulness, and I don't relate to her as much. But as the story progressed, I found myself laughing more and more along with as well as at Alexia and her various adventures and misadventures. This reminds me of an urban fantasy steampunk Austen or Heyer novel, if such a thing existed. the dialogue sparkled, and many of the non-dialogue lines were laugh-out-loud dryly witty as well. Sidheag's grandfather was not my idea of a dream hero, but he was likable and amusing nonetheless, much like Alexia and Akeldama. The chemistry between Maccon and Alexia was electric as well as hilarious, managing to be steamy at times, while still retaining a sense of humor and an underpinning of sweet romance. Completely engaging.
I will say that I found the perspective confusing at times, as one moment the story would be third person from Alexia's perspective, and then abruptly shift to Maccon or some other character interacting with Alexia. but I was always able to sort it out pretty quickly, and I did find the other perspectives useful and often funny. I also figured out much of the mystery, with the various nefarious and hapless characters involved, locations, motives, types of beings, etc. However, I've been on a roll for figuring those things out lately, so I'm going to assume it's me more than the book. I'm also going to remember that this was Carriger's first novel, and a pretty darn good one at that, and frantically chew my nails til book 2 comes in at the library already. ...more

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Jul 27, 2015 Sophie Brookover rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, audiobook, alternate-history, 2015

Gail Carriger's steampunky alternate history, featuring a very well-matched couple (a supremely capable & tart-tongued spinster, and the powerful werewolf who loves capable, bossy bitches), vampires, werewolves, bigoted scientists & one creepy golem, is a pure delight. I recommend starting with her YA Finishing School series first, as it is set 20 years before this one & there are some fun Easter eggs here. I read this one on audiobook & have nothing but praise for the narrator, Emily Gray. ...more

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Feb 05, 2016 Sarah left GR rated it really liked it

Shelves: series, fiction, ebooks

This is a hoot. Think Stephanie Plum, but with vampires and werewolves in Victorian England.

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Oct 09, 2011 Shannon rated it really liked it

Shelves: steampunk, otherwordly

A friend read Soulless months (years?) ago and I've been interested in it ever since I read her review. So when I was browsing the library's online offerings to stock my nook before our car ride, I checked this one out. It did not disappoint. In fact, it was the perfect companion for a very long car ride and the perfect start to a vacation - it was light, engaging and fun.

Soulless is set in a slightly askew Victorian England. Werewolves, vampires and ghosts are out of the closet and the main cha ...more

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Sep 30, 2011 Maggie Downs rated it really liked it

I've never read a book like this before -- that is, one that marries paranormal romance with steampunk, mystery and drama -- but I have to say it was a delight. The beginning was a little slow for me, but it quickly picked up, and then I found myself finishing the book at a record pace. The author has an incredibly strong voice, and the way she toys with language left me giggling out loud. ...more

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Dec 02, 2010 Joseph rated it really liked it

Hell of of a lot fun; a little steampunk goes a long way, and thankfully this never overdraws on it. Great fun if you like the light feel of 19th century British romance novels.

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Oct 01, 2013 Sarah rated it liked it

Entertaining (but not best written) novel set in Victorian England with some steampunk elements, vampires, and werewolves.

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Aug 06, 2014 Martha rated it really liked it

Shelves: steampunk-problems-i-have-them

An absolute pleasure to read -- Carriger is immensely confident in her world, and her clear delight in exploring it comes through on every page of the book. So much run.

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Apr 02, 2012 Lianne marked it as did-not-finish

Tried this in November 2013 -- couldn't get into it and returned it to the library after the first chapter. Perhaps will try again another time. ...more

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