Description (from cover):
‘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 appalling Lord Maccon (loud, messy, gorgeous, and werewolf) is sent by Queen Victoria to investigate.
With unexpected vampires appearing and expected vampires disappearing, everyone seems to believe Alexia responsible. Can she figure out what is actually happening to London’s high society? Will her soulless ability to negate supernatural powers prove useful or just plain embarrassing? Finally, who is the real enemy, and do they have treacle tart?
Soulless is the first book of the Parasol Protectorate series: a comedy of manners set in Victorian London, full of werewolves, vampires, dirigibles, and tea-drinking.’
My thoughts:
To be honest, I don’t normally read fantasy-type books. I dabble here and there, but after reading this author’s other works, it was impossible to pass up this book. I enjoy the author’s writing style, her wit and her humorous take on things. I hate vampires and werewolves and all that Twilight nonsense, but for some reason this book really appealed to me. The vampires and werewolves are exactly what you expect them to be, but they are not so romanticized as a lot of other books. This book is tasteful and I think it is what makes what I normally don’t like somewhat tolerable.
Alexia Tarabotti is a kick-ass heroine. It is impossible not to like her and her character. When this book opens, she is found fighting off a hungry vampire and she uses less-than-normal means of defending herself. This book hits the ground running and it was impossible to put down. I am anxious to see what happens with the characters in this series, as this book is only the beginning. Knowing Alexia, she is sure to find herself in some strange circumstances, but I don’t doubt for one moment that she won’t be able to use her sharp wit to get herself out of these messes.
The author does a fantastic job of weaving supernatural with Victorian-era London. She creates a world all amongst itself and it is reminiscent of how Rowling does in Harry Potter. It takes a special type of author who can weave and create virtually a new world just by using the written word. No wonder this author has won awards. She most certainly deserves them, if this is the caliber of her novels. Because I can’t stop gushing about this book, I will be continuing along with the next in this series, Changeless. I hope that this next book amuses me as much as this one did.
Overall Rating: 5+
Title: Soulless
Author: Gail Carriger
Series: Parasol Protectorate #1
Publisher: Orbit
Publication Date: October 1, 2009
Pages: 388
Genre: Fantasy
Get It: Amazon; Barnes & Noble
Disclaimer: This book was purchased by myself and I reviewed this book without compensation of any kind. All thoughts and opinions are solely mine.
girllostinabook.com 
I loved Soulless and it is one I recommend to a lot of readers. When I first heard of the book I wasn't sure if I wanted to read it. I had read a lot of paranormal teen fiction but not very much for adults. I agree that it has wide appeal factors and it isn't like the typical “romantic” take on vampires. Alexia is a big part of what makes the book work. In addition to this series I have also read the first book in her series for young teens set in the same world (at an earlier time). I hope you enjoy Changeless and the rest of the books in the Parasol Protectorate series.
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I imagine the writing would be good, based on the hilarious cover blurb.Ann
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I absolutely loved Etiquette and Espionage, so I've been thinking about reading these. Thanks for reviewing – I think I'm a bit more inclined to proceed now!
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