Soulless (Parasol Protectorate, #1) in The Parasol Protectorate by Gail Carriger

Sep 16, 2009 Elizabeth (Miss Eliza) rated it really liked it

Shelves: sci-fi_fantasy, signed_editions, steampunk, vampires, authors_i_have_met, ze_2010_challenge_atwi_80_books

It is the reign of Queen Victoria and the British Empire is vast and ever expanding, thanks in part to the Werewolves and Vampires. The supernatural are acknowledged the world over, but only England has truly accepted them into their daylight world and even into Victoria's government. They even have their own watchdog agency, BUR, the Bureau of Unnatural Registry. This revelation has resulted in technology exploding in the industrial era to harness the power of steam and create a veritable Wells It is the reign of Queen Victoria and the British Empire is vast and ever expanding, thanks in part to the Werewolves and Vampires. The supernatural are acknowledged the world over, but only England has truly accepted them into their daylight world and even into Victoria's government. They even have their own watchdog agency, BUR, the Bureau of Unnatural Registry. This revelation has resulted in technology exploding in the industrial era to harness the power of steam and create a veritable Wellsian world. Now Alexia Tarabotti enters into our story. Alexia deftly straddles these two worlds, not supernatural and not fully human, she is preternatural, soulless, and can cancel out supernatural powers. Preternatural's being used for centuries, particularly by the Templars, to hunt and kill supernaturals. But these are not Alexia's concerns...she's more worried about finding a nice cup of tea and a little something to eat...if a party says that there is to be food, food there should be! What else is a spinster who tragically takes after her dead Italian father in looks and is extremely outspoken to do at parties specifically designed to marry off her two step sisters? But her peace, and the treacle tart, are destroyed by a surprisingly ignorant vampire. She prevailes with her trusty parasol and BUR, in particular, Alpha Lord Maccon and Beta Professor Lyall, arrive on the scene to tidy up the loose ends.

The next day dawns surprisingly normal, till out on a walk with her best friend, and fashion victim, Ivy Hisselpenny, Alexia is invited to the hive of the Vampire Queen, Countess Nadasdy. From there everything goes pear shaped and it's up to Alexia to sort it out, despite Lord Maccon's interference, in more ways then one, some of them surprisingly intimate. There are disappearing rogue vampires and werewolves, and not even her trusty go to gossip, the vampire dandy Lord Akeldama knows what to make of it. With the full moon fast approaching will Alexia be able to keep her overly large nose out of this supernatural business? Or will she storm into the fray, trusting parasol (made to her specifications) in hand And will she get the man even though she has been a resigned spinster since the age of 15?

Soulless is the author Gail Carriger's first published work. I have to say I'm surprised and impressed. Surprised in that it is such a well written polished piece with great Victorian vernacular and lots of wit. Plus as an aside, I only found maybe two typos, it's unheard of for a book to be that well copy edited! But what impressed me was the author's world creation. The England of dirigibles and dandys is wonderful. I found the science and the history she created to be easy to understand, despite it's complexities, and I can't wait till the next book to re-immerse myself in this world...too bad I have to wait till March! The interaction of science with the supernatural was also so well done and logical, you never once felt that she was trying to force one or the other on a preexisting history of the British Empire, but was explaining the oddities of the British Empire itself with the world she created. If only Prince Albert were still alive...I can picture him with Professor Lyall, both equipped with Glassicals and studying the latest scientific aspects of chloroform while waiting to give a presentation to The Royal Society.

Overall the book was able to work on many levels, one of which was to overcome typical romance genre stereotypes. I don't think I'll ever really like Ivy Hisselpenny, she is too, wide-eyed innocent best friend who Alexia will endeavor to find a good match for in subsequent books. Also the throwing together of the heroine with the gruff hero so early in the novel was surprising to me, usually they wait till the very last moment. But Carriger made this work in the end with not the least bit of diluted suspense and the conclusion made me wish I hand Changeless right away to dive into to read of Maccon and Alxia's further adventures. Alexia herself is so wonderfully abrasive and forthright and knowledgeable with such a love of food you can't help embracing her instantly. Who cares that she's the typical spinster stereotype, because when you get down to it, there is nothing stereotypical about her. She is a woman who takes after Victoria herself, not those insipid heroines always needing a man to save them.

But now I must get to my favorite character, Lord Akeldama. He's a dandy to be sure, and a rogue vampire due to a mysterious disagreement over waistcoats, but he's so much more. He's a complex little spy who loves Alexia because she makes him feel human. But his spy network is really where it's at. His trusty Drones, led by Biffy. These dandy's are everywhere and hear everything, but at the same time are so stereotypical and a product of their time that they are a part of the scenery. They are perfectly calculated by Akeldama to be his eyes and ears lending him the appearance of omniscience. Also lets not forget they are great little helpers, in every sense of the word. Do to their cackling dandy herd mentality and the name of Drones and knowing that the author is a fan of P.G. Wodehouse, I can't help myself envisioning a whole different take on the Drones Club. This one would be more stylish, with lots more purple silk and more overt Wildean overtones. I would pay to read about that...really I would. Perhaps in an upcoming sequel by Gail Carriger... ...more

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Jan 21, 2011 Catalina rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

The first thing that attracted me to this book was the title, immediately followed by the blurb, so much so I bought all three books available in the series right then and then. This was a good thing because with these books I embarked on a brilliant adventure that still continues as I and countless others await the rest of the series. However let’s get back to Soulless, The Parasol Protectorate #1:

This book has the perfect balance of flavors; the savoury touch of adventure, the spiciness of wit ...more

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May 07, 2011 mundiemom5 rated it really liked it

Shelves: waiting-for-the-next-in-the-series, steampunk

I am a high school history teacher so I love steampunk!! Queen Victoria, cool inventions, and some supernaturals or in the case of Alexis Tarabotti, preternatural....ie "soulless." Carriger has created a completely new type of supernatural being. Alexia, our heroine, has the ability to turn supernatural beings mortal with her touch. The story is set at the height of the Victorian Age. The rules of social etiquette are strictly followed by all the characters even a gay vampire who is also a Peer ...more

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Nov 29, 2009 Jerri rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

I didn't know what to expect but this was another interesting take on vampire/werewolf folklore with romance added as icing on the cake. It was funny too. I got more than a few strange looks as I read this on the subway. I think I had a perpetual smile on my face and of course I laughed out loud at more than a few points. I fell in love with Alexia and Lord Maccon and even crazy Lord Akeldama. Looking forward to the 2nd book in the series and I know I will reread this again at some point. Bravo ...more

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Nov 26, 2010 red house rated it really liked it

Love the world created.

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May 18, 2010 Jen rated it it was amazing

Shelves: steampunk

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jan 10, 2010 Shana rated it it was amazing

This book surprised me with how much I liked it and enjoyed the characters in it.The author has won me over. I like how the preternatural is brought in to the story line this aspect to me is very new and unique to the story. It adds something different to the genre for me and I must say that it intrigues me so much that I have bought the next installment.

I can not wait to see what happens next.

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Sep 01, 2009 Flitterkit rated it it was amazing

Shelves: paranormal-romance, shapeshifters, steampunk

Very wonderful book!

More review when I am not brain dead. But if the idea of Victorian steampunk romance at all tickles your fancy, I highly recommend it.

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Oct 23, 2009 Vanessa rated it really liked it

I'm so in love with this book! My first steampunk book and it was such a lovely meshing of everything I love. I can't wait until the second book is released. ...more

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Jul 22, 2010 Em Tsuki rated it it was amazing

Shelves: steampunk, paranormal-supernatural

This is a damn good book with some snappy writing and ultra good characters. Loved, loved this book and I've managed to hook others into the series and genre. ...more

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Nov 10, 2009 Nia rated it really liked it

Shelves: vampire, mine, love, english, urban-fantasy, werewolves, victorian, shapeshifters, read-2009, nz-2009

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Dec 11, 2009 Judit rated it it was amazing

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Jan 03, 2010 Alison rated it it was amazing

Shelves: romance, urban-fantasy, humor, five-stars, fantasy, paranormal, historical-fiction, mystery, adventure, steampunk

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Apr 03, 2010 Anna rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2010, own, favorites

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May 12, 2010 A book away from an episode of hoarders rated it really liked it

Shelves: pnr-uf-fantasy, first-in-series, read-in-2015, cover-love, my-permanent-library, book-boyfriends, read-in-2011, epic-titles, read-in-2010, read-in-2012

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