Book Review: Soulless by Gail Carriger

Soulless (Book 1 in the Parasol Protectorate series) by Gail Carriger
373 pages
Publisher: Orbit
Released: September 29, 2009

Synopsis:

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 a comedy of manners set in Victorian London: full of werewolves, vampires, dirigibles, and tea-drinking.

My Thoughts:

Despite being a spinster (due to her swarthy complexion, large nose, and being a bluestocking) Alexia Tarabotti is strong willed and is a force to be reckoned with....oh, and she has no soul. Having no soul makes her a preternatural. She is the opposite of werewolves and vampires (who have an overabundance of soul) and can nullify their powers when in physical contact with them. I love Alexia's wit and that she is a strong woman who doesn't sit on the sidelines.

I enjoyed Lord Macon and Professor Lyall (the Alpha and Beta werewolves in the story) very much as well. The romance between Lord Macon and Alexia kept the story interesting even though it was a little predictable at times. I missed Professor Lyall's character in the book...he seemed to disappear for awhile which surprised me because I thought he would be more present. I am hoping that in the next book in the series he will be featured more prominently so that we may learn more about him.

In the beginning of the book there were some things that were confusing because of the lack of explanations (mostly about people). I felt that had there been more descriptions then I would have had a better start. However, I did enjoy the book and thought it was a fun read. I am excited for the next book in the series, Changeless. One final thing I definitely have to point out is the gorgeous covers of these two books. They are some of the most beautifully done covers I have seen.

MY RATING: 4/5