What do you think?
Rate this book
Parasol Protectorate #1-3
The Parasol Protectorate, Volume 1
Book 1: SOULLESS
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.
Book 2: CHANGELESS
Alexia Tarabotti, the Lady Woolsey, awakens in the wee hours of the mid-afternoon to find her husband, who should be decently asleep like any normal werewolf, yelling at the top of his lungs. Then he disappears - leaving her to deal with a regiment of supernatural soldiers encamped on her doorstep, a plethora of exorcised ghosts, and an angry Queen Victoria.
But Alexia is armed with her trusty parasol, the latest fashions, and an arsenal of biting civility. Even when her investigations take her to Scotland, the backwater of ugly waistcoats, she is prepared: upending werewolf pack dynamics as only the soulless can.
She might even find time to track down her wayward husband, if she feels like it.
Book 3: BLAMELESS
Quitting her husband's house and moving back in with her horrible family, Lady Maccon becomes the scandal of the London season.
Queen Victoria dismisses her from the Shadow Council, and the only person who can explain anything, Lord Akeldama, unexpectedly leaves town. To top it all off, Alexia is attacked by homicidal mechanical ladybugs, indicating, as only ladybugs can, the fact that all of London's vampires are now very much interested in seeing Alexia quite thoroughly dead.
While Lord Maccon elects to get progressively more inebriated and Professor Lyall desperately tries to hold the Woolsey werewolf pack together, Alexia flees England for Italy in search of the mysterious Templars. Only they know enough about the preternatural to explain her increasingly inconvenient condition, but they may be worse than the vampires — and they're armed with pesto.
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.
Book 2: CHANGELESS
Alexia Tarabotti, the Lady Woolsey, awakens in the wee hours of the mid-afternoon to find her husband, who should be decently asleep like any normal werewolf, yelling at the top of his lungs. Then he disappears - leaving her to deal with a regiment of supernatural soldiers encamped on her doorstep, a plethora of exorcised ghosts, and an angry Queen Victoria.
But Alexia is armed with her trusty parasol, the latest fashions, and an arsenal of biting civility. Even when her investigations take her to Scotland, the backwater of ugly waistcoats, she is prepared: upending werewolf pack dynamics as only the soulless can.
She might even find time to track down her wayward husband, if she feels like it.
Book 3: BLAMELESS
Quitting her husband's house and moving back in with her horrible family, Lady Maccon becomes the scandal of the London season.
Queen Victoria dismisses her from the Shadow Council, and the only person who can explain anything, Lord Akeldama, unexpectedly leaves town. To top it all off, Alexia is attacked by homicidal mechanical ladybugs, indicating, as only ladybugs can, the fact that all of London's vampires are now very much interested in seeing Alexia quite thoroughly dead.
While Lord Maccon elects to get progressively more inebriated and Professor Lyall desperately tries to hold the Woolsey werewolf pack together, Alexia flees England for Italy in search of the mysterious Templars. Only they know enough about the preternatural to explain her increasingly inconvenient condition, but they may be worse than the vampires — and they're armed with pesto.
720 pages, Hardcover
First published July 4, 2011
42 people are currently reading
829 people want to read
About the author
Gail Carriger
63 books15.4k followersGail Carriger writes comedies of manners mixed with paranormal romance (and the sexy San Andreas Shifter series as G L Carriger). Her books include the Parasol Protectorate and the Finishing School series. She is published in many languages and has over a dozen NYT bestsellers. She was once an archaeologist and is fond of shoes, octopuses, and tea. Join the Chirrup for sneak peaks of upcoming giggles: http://gailcarriger.com/chirrup
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
July 12, 2011
I loved these books so much. It's as if Sense and Sensibility, Interview With A Vampire, and Bridget Jones' Diary somehow merged, and so much more. Pure fun.
June 13, 2012
The Parasol Protectorate Series by Gail Carriger is a treasured find from 2010. I was riding home from work on a very packed bus and noticed the cover of the book the man sitting across from me was reading. He had a bemused, wry grin on his face. Something told me he was reading something scintillating. Being brave, I boldly went in. In a realm where strangers don't want to, but are often forced to interact, I decided to talk to a stranger. So, I asked?
"Excuse me, If I may - what are you grinning about?"
He looked mortified, looking nervously around us and all the curious eyes suddenly watching our interaction. "It's a steampunk series, do you like steampunk?" he said, managing to regroup himself.
"As it turns out, yes." I grinned. I left the man in peace, taking note of the title & promptly pulled out my phone to order it online.
This series isn’t being marketed as erotica, but I will tell you why it is in my mind. This is one of the best paranormal series that includes interplay between an Alpha female and an Alpha male. Saucy, hilarious, touching, very entertaining & I pre-ordered the last three books of the series (there are five total) that is how hooked I was.
Characters include werewolves, vampires, ghosts, etc. It's also steampunk fiction, a favorite of mine. The rest of it is delicious, all the supporting characters have their own naughty streaks with every type of sexual orientation well represented. Honestly, I found myself attracted to almost all of her well-written characters.
So yeah, H-O-T. Fun, always amusing, funny, paranormal fiction.
Tea anyone?
"Excuse me, If I may - what are you grinning about?"
He looked mortified, looking nervously around us and all the curious eyes suddenly watching our interaction. "It's a steampunk series, do you like steampunk?" he said, managing to regroup himself.
"As it turns out, yes." I grinned. I left the man in peace, taking note of the title & promptly pulled out my phone to order it online.
This series isn’t being marketed as erotica, but I will tell you why it is in my mind. This is one of the best paranormal series that includes interplay between an Alpha female and an Alpha male. Saucy, hilarious, touching, very entertaining & I pre-ordered the last three books of the series (there are five total) that is how hooked I was.
Characters include werewolves, vampires, ghosts, etc. It's also steampunk fiction, a favorite of mine. The rest of it is delicious, all the supporting characters have their own naughty streaks with every type of sexual orientation well represented. Honestly, I found myself attracted to almost all of her well-written characters.
So yeah, H-O-T. Fun, always amusing, funny, paranormal fiction.
Tea anyone?
July 31, 2011
I couldn't pass up this great three-book deal — I've seen the covers for a while and was curious about the stories they represented — and I'm so glad I took the plunge and bought these books. I am now a fan.
First off, these books were great FUN to read. The writing is clever, witty, and irreverent. The cast of characters is unique and memorable. The stories are formulaic but only in the very best of ways. This series is the kind of series that you'd want to see in movie or TV series format — they're just that nicely done. Think of the latest iteration of Sherlock Holmes, with Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. It's that kind of fun, one of those steampunk mystery action adventure romps, but with werewolves, vampires, and ghosts not as magical beings but as facts of science.
Were I to rate the three books individually, I'd probably give Soulless a 5, Changeless a 4, and Blameless a 4.5.
Now, the only reason I would give Changeless a 4 is that it sort of ends on a cliffhanger — not really a cliffhanger, though, since the bulk of its actual story ends properly, but sort of a cliffhanger because there is a revelation towards the end that sort of segues into the next book; it becomes the thing that sets off the events, the conflict in the next installation. And for me, loose ends nearly always bring a rating down.
But given that this is a three-book package, the cliffhanger was easier to take, as I could just simply continue reading. These books are meant to be read like the Harry Potter books — each is an adventure unto itself, but there's an even bigger story involved, so of course the real big bad guy has yet to be caught. So that's how I see the books, just parts in an even bigger book. I will definitely be reading books 4 and 5 for the conclusion.
By the way, I tried to explain these books to someone, describing the mash up of genres and using words like Victorian, steampunk, paranormal, vampires, werewolves, ghosts, et cetera, but I'm afraid I did a terrible job trying to make him see how great these books are. He thought it was all ridiculous and didn't see why I was so taken by them or why there were so many genre mash-ups lately — think Cowboys and Aliens (though really, such mash ups have been around a while; Cowboys and Aliens actually kind of remind me of The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. from the '90s). Oh, well. I couldn't have described the Harry Potter books either, but he liked them well enough. Really, these books are probably best experienced for yourself. They kind of defy description.
Some of my Kindle highlights, passages that made me laugh:
Alexia and Ivy are having a discussion while walking through the park shortly after the reader is JUST introduced to this bizarre world of a Victorian era London were werewolves and vampires are integrated into society. They watch a dirigible land as they converse...
...whereas werewolves and vampires are perfectly natural.
Mr. Siemons is a fat character — "such a well-fed man" made me laugh out loud.
I totally and completely love the gloating here!
Other memorable passages:
...
...
...
...
...
Here, Alexia is referring to the white tunics the Templars wear over their armor.
First off, these books were great FUN to read. The writing is clever, witty, and irreverent. The cast of characters is unique and memorable. The stories are formulaic but only in the very best of ways. This series is the kind of series that you'd want to see in movie or TV series format — they're just that nicely done. Think of the latest iteration of Sherlock Holmes, with Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. It's that kind of fun, one of those steampunk mystery action adventure romps, but with werewolves, vampires, and ghosts not as magical beings but as facts of science.
Were I to rate the three books individually, I'd probably give Soulless a 5, Changeless a 4, and Blameless a 4.5.
Now, the only reason I would give Changeless a 4 is that it sort of ends on a cliffhanger — not really a cliffhanger, though, since the bulk of its actual story ends properly, but sort of a cliffhanger because there is a revelation towards the end that sort of segues into the next book; it becomes the thing that sets off the events, the conflict in the next installation. And for me, loose ends nearly always bring a rating down.
But given that this is a three-book package, the cliffhanger was easier to take, as I could just simply continue reading. These books are meant to be read like the Harry Potter books — each is an adventure unto itself, but there's an even bigger story involved, so of course the real big bad guy has yet to be caught. So that's how I see the books, just parts in an even bigger book. I will definitely be reading books 4 and 5 for the conclusion.
By the way, I tried to explain these books to someone, describing the mash up of genres and using words like Victorian, steampunk, paranormal, vampires, werewolves, ghosts, et cetera, but I'm afraid I did a terrible job trying to make him see how great these books are. He thought it was all ridiculous and didn't see why I was so taken by them or why there were so many genre mash-ups lately — think Cowboys and Aliens (though really, such mash ups have been around a while; Cowboys and Aliens actually kind of remind me of The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. from the '90s). Oh, well. I couldn't have described the Harry Potter books either, but he liked them well enough. Really, these books are probably best experienced for yourself. They kind of defy description.
Some of my Kindle highlights, passages that made me laugh:
Alexia and Ivy are having a discussion while walking through the park shortly after the reader is JUST introduced to this bizarre world of a Victorian era London were werewolves and vampires are integrated into society. They watch a dirigible land as they converse...
"What remarkable times we live in," commented Alexia, her eyes sparkling at the spectacular sight.
Ivy was not as impressed. "It is not natural, mankind taking to the skies."
...whereas werewolves and vampires are perfectly natural.
[Mr. Siemons] picked up Dr. Neebs's long sharp surgical knife and moved at her unexpectedly fast for such a well-fed man.
Mr. Siemons is a fat character — "such a well-fed man" made me laugh out loud.
"Ah." Alexia grinned. "I win." Professor Lyall sighed, looked briefly up toward the moon, and said as though appealing to a higher deity, "Alphas."
I totally and completely love the gloating here!
Other memorable passages:
Ivy waved the wet handkerchief, as much as to say, words cannot possibly articulate my profound distress. Then, because Ivy never settled for meaningful gestures when verbal embellishments could compound the effect, she said, "Words cannot possibly articulate my profound distress."
...
"Had I died, I should never have lived it down!"
...
"Let me understand this correctly. You are a werewolf with a keen interest in sheep breeding?"
...
"I preserve the nonviable embryo in formaldehyde for future study. Lord Maccon has been drinking my samples. When confronted, he admitted to enjoying both the refreshing beverage and the 'crunchy pickled snack' as well. I was not pleased."
...
It was difficult to see the exact nature of his expression as, in addition to the ubiquitous mustache, the clockmaker also wore a golden-brown beard of such epic proportions as might dwarf a mulberry bush. It was as though his mustache had become overly enthusiastic and, seized with the spirit of adventure, set out to conquer the southern reaches of his face in a take-no-prisoners kind of way.
...
White nightgowns to the rescue, thought Alexia happily.
Here, Alexia is referring to the white tunics the Templars wear over their armor.
August 22, 2012
Here's an ancedote: When I attended community college in a very small town of upstate New York, called Corning, I took an acting class in which the final was a performance of a comedy. Our group chose Seven Brides For Dracula in which I was casted as Mrs. Half Nelson a "guest" at the sanatorium. My favorite part was when I chased a warewolf and tried to kiss it.
The reason why I bring this up is because the first book in The Parasol Protectorate: Soulless, Blameless, and Changeless features the very bizarre, but highly original and neo-Victorian romance between our heroine, Alexia Tarabotti/Lady Maccon and her Alpha Warewolf husband, Lord Maccon. It is silly and totally farcical, but it's also cute in a bizarro, interspecies erotica kind of way.
Word of Warning though: If you don't like romance of any kind, then Soulless won't be a book you will enjoy because it is primarially focused on establishing the lead characters and their romance. The steam punk universe (which I aboslutely loved!!!) doesn't come until the second book, Changeless.
In this book, we're introduced to my favorite character Madame Genevieve Lefoux. She is a scientist in the Order of the Brass Octopus and has a hidden contrivance chamber beneath the hat shop. This is probably the most steam-punk element to this series. Also, she knows how to work the aethographic transmitter and fly the ornithopter (but that doesn't happen until Blameless)
We also get more Lord Akeldama and his dandy vampire drone Biffy. There's something terrible that happens to Biffy in Blameless but I'm not going to tell you what it is because you have to read it. Also, there's a cliff hanger at the end of Changeless in which Lady Alexia Maccon has a startling announcement that carries over to Blameless.
In the final book of this wonderful bustle, I mean bundle, Alexia and her Parasol Protectorate clan find themselves in Italy and the mystery, mayhem, and utter hilarity that insues is well worth the read. In this one Floote (Alexia's secretary) whom up until this book has been more a secondary character really comes to light and steals the story, at least I thought he did.
All in all, this series has been my guilty summer reading pleasure and I can't wait to see what will happen next in Heartless and then Timeless, which I'm sure will leave me saddened because it is the end of this wonderful universe that I could easily read a million more stories about.
The reason why I bring this up is because the first book in The Parasol Protectorate: Soulless, Blameless, and Changeless features the very bizarre, but highly original and neo-Victorian romance between our heroine, Alexia Tarabotti/Lady Maccon and her Alpha Warewolf husband, Lord Maccon. It is silly and totally farcical, but it's also cute in a bizarro, interspecies erotica kind of way.
Word of Warning though: If you don't like romance of any kind, then Soulless won't be a book you will enjoy because it is primarially focused on establishing the lead characters and their romance. The steam punk universe (which I aboslutely loved!!!) doesn't come until the second book, Changeless.
In this book, we're introduced to my favorite character Madame Genevieve Lefoux. She is a scientist in the Order of the Brass Octopus and has a hidden contrivance chamber beneath the hat shop. This is probably the most steam-punk element to this series. Also, she knows how to work the aethographic transmitter and fly the ornithopter (but that doesn't happen until Blameless)
We also get more Lord Akeldama and his dandy vampire drone Biffy. There's something terrible that happens to Biffy in Blameless but I'm not going to tell you what it is because you have to read it. Also, there's a cliff hanger at the end of Changeless in which Lady Alexia Maccon has a startling announcement that carries over to Blameless.
In the final book of this wonderful bustle, I mean bundle, Alexia and her Parasol Protectorate clan find themselves in Italy and the mystery, mayhem, and utter hilarity that insues is well worth the read. In this one Floote (Alexia's secretary) whom up until this book has been more a secondary character really comes to light and steals the story, at least I thought he did.
All in all, this series has been my guilty summer reading pleasure and I can't wait to see what will happen next in Heartless and then Timeless, which I'm sure will leave me saddened because it is the end of this wonderful universe that I could easily read a million more stories about.
March 1, 2012
Delightfully addicting. This 3-in-1 book combines some of my favorite genres all into one book: supernatural, gadgets (ala steampunk), humor, romance, fashion and the Victorian era. The main character reminds me somewhat of myself…curious, hung up on her “lack” of good looks, intelligent, outspoken, etc. The way her husband deals with her is very reminiscent of my own hubby. The characters are engaging and the humor often left me laughing out loud much to my son’s bewilderment. (What’s so funny mom?!) I can’t wait to read the final two books and yet am very sorry to find out there is only two more for the series. I hope her other series are equally as entertaining!
Favorite line: ”What was the maximum possible expansion ratio?” (you have to read it to find out why it was so funny…remembering Victorian morals)
I look forward to rereading them so I can pick out other wonderful lines (that do not seem so funny out of context) such as “once the egg was broken, might as well make an omelet with it.” (Again involves Victorian scruples.) I’ll be truthful, the third book was not as good as I would have expected given the first two but was still very entertaining and engaging. It was very quick paced to the point of feeling rushed and consequently the humor wasn’t there as in the other two. (Not to mention Alexia forgave to easily I think.) Yet it still kept me up late as I wanted to finish it before going to bed.
I’m trying to think of a good synopsis without giving too much away: Alexis is a soulless spinster in Victorian steampowered London who can negate the powers of both the vampires and werewolves who are incorporated into public life. This makes her feared by the supernatural set, a curiosity to the scientific set and a bundle of trouble for the head of BUR (Bureau of Unnatural Registry), a loud Scottish Alpha werewolf and his competent Beta. Other items of note mixed into Victorian society: a flamboyant rove vampire with a swarm of drone dandies, terrible taste in hats, a woman wearing man’s clothing, steampunk-type gadgets galore and oh so much more.
Favorite line: ”What was the maximum possible expansion ratio?” (you have to read it to find out why it was so funny…remembering Victorian morals)
I look forward to rereading them so I can pick out other wonderful lines (that do not seem so funny out of context) such as “once the egg was broken, might as well make an omelet with it.” (Again involves Victorian scruples.) I’ll be truthful, the third book was not as good as I would have expected given the first two but was still very entertaining and engaging. It was very quick paced to the point of feeling rushed and consequently the humor wasn’t there as in the other two. (Not to mention Alexia forgave to easily I think.) Yet it still kept me up late as I wanted to finish it before going to bed.
I’m trying to think of a good synopsis without giving too much away: Alexis is a soulless spinster in Victorian steampowered London who can negate the powers of both the vampires and werewolves who are incorporated into public life. This makes her feared by the supernatural set, a curiosity to the scientific set and a bundle of trouble for the head of BUR (Bureau of Unnatural Registry), a loud Scottish Alpha werewolf and his competent Beta. Other items of note mixed into Victorian society: a flamboyant rove vampire with a swarm of drone dandies, terrible taste in hats, a woman wearing man’s clothing, steampunk-type gadgets galore and oh so much more.
August 4, 2012
What a Great Series!! If you like steam punk, vampires, werewolves, comedies of manners, historical fiction and fun, these books are for you. If you're not a fan of any of these genres, these books are STILL for you. I really don't like steam punk. I'm tired (exhausted, really) of werewolves and vampires. I did't want to read Soulless, but I had nothing else to read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and HAD to keep going.
The various recurring characters are what make this series. Alexia, our heroine, is fresh -- a take-no-prisoners Victorian woman with a smart mouth and no soul. Her touch renders the supernatural, mortal. Her husband, Conal, is a werewolf. A very civilized werewolf most of the time but prone to fly off the handle with little provocation (and he gets plenty from Alexia). Her best supernatural buddy is a flaming homosexual vampire roue' with exquisite taste and a penchant for floral pet names. These people are NOT who I expected to find in a steam punk novel and they are pretty damned funny.
The novels are romantic adventures with lots of humor a little sex and a true cast of "characters." They are very entertaining. I recommend them highly.
The various recurring characters are what make this series. Alexia, our heroine, is fresh -- a take-no-prisoners Victorian woman with a smart mouth and no soul. Her touch renders the supernatural, mortal. Her husband, Conal, is a werewolf. A very civilized werewolf most of the time but prone to fly off the handle with little provocation (and he gets plenty from Alexia). Her best supernatural buddy is a flaming homosexual vampire roue' with exquisite taste and a penchant for floral pet names. These people are NOT who I expected to find in a steam punk novel and they are pretty damned funny.
The novels are romantic adventures with lots of humor a little sex and a true cast of "characters." They are very entertaining. I recommend them highly.
September 9, 2011
I’d put this series squarely in the very entertaining poolside read category. It’d also work well on an airplane.
Since I read this series as a bundle and it’s hard for me to separate the story arc into the different novels, I’ll put my review this way—if you like (or tolerate) at least three of the items from this list and haven’t already succumbed to soulless person, werewolf, or vampire-related burnout, you’ll like this series:
1. Steampunk.
2. The Importance of Being Earnest. (George Bernard Shaw plays would be an acceptable substitute as well.)
3. The phrase “flaccid dirigibles”.
4. Ugly hats.
5. Unexpected public nakedness .
I rather wish that GoodReads supported graphics, because a venn diagram would work perfectly here.
Since I read this series as a bundle and it’s hard for me to separate the story arc into the different novels, I’ll put my review this way—if you like (or tolerate) at least three of the items from this list and haven’t already succumbed to soulless person, werewolf, or vampire-related burnout, you’ll like this series:
1. Steampunk.
2. The Importance of Being Earnest. (George Bernard Shaw plays would be an acceptable substitute as well.)
3. The phrase “flaccid dirigibles”.
4. Ugly hats.
5. Unexpected public nakedness .
I rather wish that GoodReads supported graphics, because a venn diagram would work perfectly here.
April 29, 2015
Despite being notably bothered by the fact that Alexia gets married and then knocked up almost immediately -which is NOT what I signed on for- I was told that I was getting the adventures of an independent woman in steampunk Victorian England. BUT, as neither marriage nor 'delicate condition' stops her from having adventures, I'll probably continue with the series.
This is mostly for the B-list characters, though, as it often is with me, Lord Akeldama (and his flock of dandies), Ivy Hisselpenny (who is silly, but never foolish) and Madame Lefoux (an inventor of some note).
The first book is DEFINITELY a first novel, and VERY bodice-ripper romance-novel, but if you get past that, it's actually a pretty fun story all in all, as are the second and third ones.
This is mostly for the B-list characters, though, as it often is with me, Lord Akeldama (and his flock of dandies), Ivy Hisselpenny (who is silly, but never foolish) and Madame Lefoux (an inventor of some note).
The first book is DEFINITELY a first novel, and VERY bodice-ripper romance-novel, but if you get past that, it's actually a pretty fun story all in all, as are the second and third ones.
June 29, 2017
Lizard: 4⋆.
Wombat: 4⋆.
Overall: 4⋆.
Wombat: 4⋆.
Overall: 4⋆.
August 25, 2011
You can read my review on each book independently through their personal links. I did buy the series in the collection of 1-3 and also 4 all at once. I really appreciated having book 3 around at the end of 2 as there is a bit of a cliff hanger. It was also nice to have all three books in a row in 1 book on my reader so I didn't have to switch them out at any point. I get confused sometimes if I don't have the computer right next to me to tell me which is next in the series when the names are so similar. It's a pita to get up at 11pm to see what the order is.
It was a great value for the quantity and quality of books. I loved the dry humor, the dimensional characters and the premise of the novels. All and all, quite a good buy.
It was a great value for the quantity and quality of books. I loved the dry humor, the dimensional characters and the premise of the novels. All and all, quite a good buy.
April 30, 2019
I actually read and reviewed separately the three books collected in this volume, so this is really just for my own records. The rating for the collection is the average of the individual volumes - in this case a very simple average, as I gave them all three stars. This is a fun and absolutely frivolous series, and I say that not to put down the frivolous... sometimes you're in the kind of reading mood where only frivolous will do, and this is the literary equivalent of a big pile of whipped cream with some little biscuits to dunk into it. I enjoy the alternate universe that's been devised here, where vampires and werewolves are part of the established social and political system of Victorian England; it's entertaining to see them all play off against each other. Less entertaining is the romance, but after the first volume the romance sort of becomes a mild background to the plot rather than paranormal romance proper. The strong cast of supporting characters more than makes up for it, although I'd love to see more of Ivy, who I find absolutely hilarious.
June 6, 2019
Alexia Tarabotti is one of the greatest loves of my life. There I said it. From the very first page I fell madly in love with these stories and found a kindred spirit in Alexia. A full figured women with a sound mind and lots of gumption taking on the world with her intelligence and forthrightness while dealing with vampires, warevoles, exceptional tea, treacle tart and victorian fashion. You can not get any better.
I have probably read the entire series 10 times over. They act as a place of rest for my mind, a mental vacation that I never tire of. Gail Carriger is a masterful writer, her books are exceptionally well paced and the dialogue is so witty. If you like The Parasol Protectorate series, I highly recommend the other steampunk fiction Gail has written that further develops her"parasolverse." Gail is very engaging author and has a great website and blog. Her pinterest account is also fun to follow, it allows you to "see" the book and characters more.
I have probably read the entire series 10 times over. They act as a place of rest for my mind, a mental vacation that I never tire of. Gail Carriger is a masterful writer, her books are exceptionally well paced and the dialogue is so witty. If you like The Parasol Protectorate series, I highly recommend the other steampunk fiction Gail has written that further develops her"parasolverse." Gail is very engaging author and has a great website and blog. Her pinterest account is also fun to follow, it allows you to "see" the book and characters more.
October 20, 2019
This collection contains the first three novels in the Parasol Protectorate series: Soulless, Changeless, and Blameless. I really enjoyed this series. The books are well written, and I love the steampunk fantasy world that Gail Carriger has created. Her characters are interesting, and the stories are engaging and somewhat suspenseful. However, I feel obligated to say that if sensuality and sex scenes bother you, then this series isn't for you.
February 17, 2023
Alexia Tarabotti is a Victorian lady who is half English and half Italian. She also has no soul. She can neutralize any supernatural being (vampire, werewolf or ghost) power. She often helps the Bureau of Unnatural Registery (BUR) and its head Lord Conall Maccon, a alpha werewolf. In this series Alexia faces supernatural threats while dealing with Victorian customs. The Victorian era is slightly different since the British have fully embraced the supernatural into its culture. It is exciting and fun. There is romance, action and steampunk gadgets. Alexia is quite smart despite her family.
November 27, 2018
This was an utterly delightful and entertaining series which perfectly blended steampunk and fantasy. It's a quick read with charming characters, great romance, and fun action. I highly recommend it!
Want to read
July 19, 2020elibrary
April 27, 2021
Fun story well written.
February 16, 2023
Only got through one and a half books before I lost I interest.
August 22, 2025
stopped around volume 2, chapter 2.
main heroine has no “soul”.
thought it would be more interesting.
not much steampunk so far, just a victorian setting with werewoolfs and vampires.
main heroine has no “soul”.
thought it would be more interesting.
not much steampunk so far, just a victorian setting with werewoolfs and vampires.
August 25, 2015
Overall I'd give the series 4.2 Stars.
Soulless- Book 1
4.2 Stars. Public Library 8/14/15. I started with the YA series because it had better reviews but I enjoyed this book much more and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Alexia is a charming and direct female character with a nice adventures backbone. Lord Maccon is a equally delightful alpha werewolf and love interest. Together they get into and out of trouble frequently that serves as a nice mating dance. The support characters are equally as interesting and stay true to character/personality thought the different series. I'm not a fan of steampunk but enjoyed this book. The addition of vampires and werewolves made it that much more enjoyable.
Changeless- Book 2
4.2 Stars. Public Library 8/15/15. I liked this book but I also found it a bit sad. Having read her YA series first it wasn't until this book that I realized that the YA series takes place before this one in the world time line. To see some of my favorite characters dead or old was sad but to see the technology in action was exciting. There is a mystery about town as all the supernatural citizens in the area are suddenly rendered human. Alexia is on the trail but is unsurprised to find that her husband is some wrapped up in the mystery. Scotland and murder plots through Alexia for a loop as well as her own personal surprise. With unknown foes mounting can Alexia solve the mystery before it costs her her life?
I had gotten the first two books from the Library but the rest of the series weren't available (in a timely fashion) so I just bought the whole series. The books have been good enough to be rereadable.
Blameless- Book 3
3.9-4.1 Stars. Alexia is jobless, homeless, pregnant, and estranged from her husband. To make matters worse the vampires are trying to kill her because they fear what she carries. In a bid to save her life and find answers she leaves England and heads towards Italy but it holds more danger then she is aware.
Heartless- Book 4
4.2 Stars. Picking up several months after the last book Alexia is heavily pregnant and still dodging assassination attempts from the vampires. A compromise is reached that while practical I didn't love. However, it will make for some humorous future episodes. With her life no longer constantly as risk she gets herself into some new trouble when a ghost with a questionable mental status tells Alexia of a plot to kill the Queen. This leaves Alexia to waddle all over London looking for conspiracies both current and past. Leaving no stone unturned she even dredges up the Scottish werewolf plot to poison the Queen. Things get more ridiculous as she gets farther into her pregnancy and investigation. With plenty of werewolf, vampire, and evil genius shenanigans there isn't a dull moment.
Another good book in the series although this might be my least favorite. The format changed a little with a couple shifts in POV. I found that both added and distracted from the story. The plot and Alexia running around heavily pregnant was just too unbelievable for me. While the commentary was funny I couldn't help but roll my eyes every time she did something. I won't even talk about the unnecessary danger and damage she could've don't to her baby.
Timeless- Book 5
4.1 Stars. I both liked and disliked the last book in this series. Again we are subjected to multiple POV with Lyall and Biffy having their adventures in London. It added to the overall story yet took away from Alexia. A lot of change happens in this book that I liked and yet it made me sad. The biggest thing about this book is the plot and how it never really came together for me. This last book has so many strings going in so many different directions that it was just too much. The author seemed more determined to creat new possible storylines then finishing the one she was working on. Ivy, Sandy, Floote, Biffy, Lyall, Lady Kingair, Lord Akeldama, Madame Lefoux, Felicity, and even Conall all had their own story/motivations going on in this book. I like my last book in a series wrapped up more then this one was. It wasn't a bad story perhaps less cohesive then the others but didn't contained the finality that I needed to wrap up the series.
Soulless- Book 1
4.2 Stars. Public Library 8/14/15. I started with the YA series because it had better reviews but I enjoyed this book much more and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Alexia is a charming and direct female character with a nice adventures backbone. Lord Maccon is a equally delightful alpha werewolf and love interest. Together they get into and out of trouble frequently that serves as a nice mating dance. The support characters are equally as interesting and stay true to character/personality thought the different series. I'm not a fan of steampunk but enjoyed this book. The addition of vampires and werewolves made it that much more enjoyable.
Changeless- Book 2
4.2 Stars. Public Library 8/15/15. I liked this book but I also found it a bit sad. Having read her YA series first it wasn't until this book that I realized that the YA series takes place before this one in the world time line. To see some of my favorite characters dead or old was sad but to see the technology in action was exciting. There is a mystery about town as all the supernatural citizens in the area are suddenly rendered human. Alexia is on the trail but is unsurprised to find that her husband is some wrapped up in the mystery. Scotland and murder plots through Alexia for a loop as well as her own personal surprise. With unknown foes mounting can Alexia solve the mystery before it costs her her life?
I had gotten the first two books from the Library but the rest of the series weren't available (in a timely fashion) so I just bought the whole series. The books have been good enough to be rereadable.
Blameless- Book 3
3.9-4.1 Stars. Alexia is jobless, homeless, pregnant, and estranged from her husband. To make matters worse the vampires are trying to kill her because they fear what she carries. In a bid to save her life and find answers she leaves England and heads towards Italy but it holds more danger then she is aware.
Heartless- Book 4
4.2 Stars. Picking up several months after the last book Alexia is heavily pregnant and still dodging assassination attempts from the vampires. A compromise is reached that while practical I didn't love. However, it will make for some humorous future episodes. With her life no longer constantly as risk she gets herself into some new trouble when a ghost with a questionable mental status tells Alexia of a plot to kill the Queen. This leaves Alexia to waddle all over London looking for conspiracies both current and past. Leaving no stone unturned she even dredges up the Scottish werewolf plot to poison the Queen. Things get more ridiculous as she gets farther into her pregnancy and investigation. With plenty of werewolf, vampire, and evil genius shenanigans there isn't a dull moment.
Another good book in the series although this might be my least favorite. The format changed a little with a couple shifts in POV. I found that both added and distracted from the story. The plot and Alexia running around heavily pregnant was just too unbelievable for me. While the commentary was funny I couldn't help but roll my eyes every time she did something. I won't even talk about the unnecessary danger and damage she could've don't to her baby.
Timeless- Book 5
4.1 Stars. I both liked and disliked the last book in this series. Again we are subjected to multiple POV with Lyall and Biffy having their adventures in London. It added to the overall story yet took away from Alexia. A lot of change happens in this book that I liked and yet it made me sad. The biggest thing about this book is the plot and how it never really came together for me. This last book has so many strings going in so many different directions that it was just too much. The author seemed more determined to creat new possible storylines then finishing the one she was working on. Ivy, Sandy, Floote, Biffy, Lyall, Lady Kingair, Lord Akeldama, Madame Lefoux, Felicity, and even Conall all had their own story/motivations going on in this book. I like my last book in a series wrapped up more then this one was. It wasn't a bad story perhaps less cohesive then the others but didn't contained the finality that I needed to wrap up the series.
June 11, 2016
Since this volume is an anthology of the first three books in the Parasol Protectorate series, I thought it best to write a little about each one.
Soulless
This is the first book in the series, and also my first approach to the story and the author’s writing. It was hard to get into the story at the beginning because this is not my usual type of reading, and given the fact that the story is set in a Victorian era I found it difficult to adapt to the writing style but that was just a matter of getting used to. Once I got into the rhythm I couldn’t stop, that’s how much I was engaged by this urban-fantasy novel of manners! Lady Alexia Tarabotti is, undoubtedly, one of my favorite female characters of all time. The characters, scenarios and story are absolutely wondrous!
Changeless
This is my favorite of the three books, mainly because the author left common place and ventured in the dirigible towards the nether regions of Scotland. It was interesting, not to mention, lots of fun to see how the characters grew out of their roots. The journey is hilarious, and Miss Ivy Hisselpenny is at her best. Maybe not, from Alexia’s point of view. And the Frenchwoman is the perfect enigmatic character that comes to disrupt this very troublous group of adventurers. Oh, well, what else can I say, it was delicious. Loved every moment!
Blameless
Not as good as the second, but equally enjoyable. I don’t think there was much of a mystery here, but the action scenes, combined with Alexia’s sense of humor make it up to it. One can never get tired of Lady Alexia’s humor. It was nice to see the characters working together to help Alexia regain her dignity. Lord Maccon behaved very badly, childish, I would say, but I’m glad he finally regained his senses and made a run for the road of redemption.
Overall, I loved this series, and I can’t wait to read the next installments!
Soulless
This is the first book in the series, and also my first approach to the story and the author’s writing. It was hard to get into the story at the beginning because this is not my usual type of reading, and given the fact that the story is set in a Victorian era I found it difficult to adapt to the writing style but that was just a matter of getting used to. Once I got into the rhythm I couldn’t stop, that’s how much I was engaged by this urban-fantasy novel of manners! Lady Alexia Tarabotti is, undoubtedly, one of my favorite female characters of all time. The characters, scenarios and story are absolutely wondrous!
Changeless
This is my favorite of the three books, mainly because the author left common place and ventured in the dirigible towards the nether regions of Scotland. It was interesting, not to mention, lots of fun to see how the characters grew out of their roots. The journey is hilarious, and Miss Ivy Hisselpenny is at her best. Maybe not, from Alexia’s point of view. And the Frenchwoman is the perfect enigmatic character that comes to disrupt this very troublous group of adventurers. Oh, well, what else can I say, it was delicious. Loved every moment!
Blameless
Not as good as the second, but equally enjoyable. I don’t think there was much of a mystery here, but the action scenes, combined with Alexia’s sense of humor make it up to it. One can never get tired of Lady Alexia’s humor. It was nice to see the characters working together to help Alexia regain her dignity. Lord Maccon behaved very badly, childish, I would say, but I’m glad he finally regained his senses and made a run for the road of redemption.
Overall, I loved this series, and I can’t wait to read the next installments!
August 15, 2017
The Parasol Protectorate series is a positively wonderful steampunk read. It has everything you could hope for from a book in this genre – action, mystery, humour, romance, and more. It keeps you addicted throughout, each book leaving you curious as to what will come next.
It’s one of those easy read series. None of the books can be considered heavy, each being a light read. They’re great for when you want a break from books requiring lots of attention.
Without a doubt, one of the most addictive series I’ve read in a long time. Well worth the read for fans of steampunk.
It’s one of those easy read series. None of the books can be considered heavy, each being a light read. They’re great for when you want a break from books requiring lots of attention.
Without a doubt, one of the most addictive series I’ve read in a long time. Well worth the read for fans of steampunk.
September 28, 2012
I just finished the third book of this series, and it's pretty fun. It's an alternate universe with werewolves and vampires and steampunk all wrapped up into a Victorian comedy of manners. Alexia Tarabotti is a "preternatural", which means she was born without a soul. This doesn't mean that she's evil, it means that she's extremely pragmatic and scientific-minded, but not very imaginative or creative. In this world, having "excess soul" causes you to become a werewolf or a vampire or a ghost, and if Alexia touches one of these, she sucks the soul right out, turning them back into a regular human. I'd love to watch Alexia's adventures as a tv series...she can easily kick Sookie Stackhouse's ass.
July 5, 2012
This is a three book anthology.
Soulless:
I really liked this one, flew through it. The dynamic with the main characters was very fun to read.
Changeless:
This one was hard to get through. I'm not quite sure why, but I just didn't care for it as much. Too many secrets and not enough interaction of the main characters (they are in different places for a good chunk of the book)
Blameless:
This one got better again. Although Lord Maccon (the main guy) started to feel a lot like Richard from the Anita Blake series, he wasn't quite as frustrating and annoying so he didn't ruin the book. The story was quite enjoyable.
Soulless:
I really liked this one, flew through it. The dynamic with the main characters was very fun to read.
Changeless:
This one was hard to get through. I'm not quite sure why, but I just didn't care for it as much. Too many secrets and not enough interaction of the main characters (they are in different places for a good chunk of the book)
Blameless:
This one got better again. Although Lord Maccon (the main guy) started to feel a lot like Richard from the Anita Blake series, he wasn't quite as frustrating and annoying so he didn't ruin the book. The story was quite enjoyable.
July 30, 2012
Make no mistake; these are bad, but they are also funny.
I read all five books in the Parasol Protectorate series over the course of about a week and a half. The premise is ridiculous; steampunk British (and a minority of French, Italian, Prussian, and Egyptian) vampires, werewolves, ghosts, creepy religious brothers, and a few additional newly made up paranormals, all caught up in national & international intrigues, ludicrous romances, and maybe some slash, why not? Also Queen Victoria, amateur theatricals, and amazingly awful hats!
I read all five books in the Parasol Protectorate series over the course of about a week and a half. The premise is ridiculous; steampunk British (and a minority of French, Italian, Prussian, and Egyptian) vampires, werewolves, ghosts, creepy religious brothers, and a few additional newly made up paranormals, all caught up in national & international intrigues, ludicrous romances, and maybe some slash, why not? Also Queen Victoria, amateur theatricals, and amazingly awful hats!
September 6, 2012
I liked the first book the best, and the second the least. I'm not going to rush out to get the next installment, but I will eventually read more. Here are some reasons I have to keep reading this series, other than that I enjoy the author's sense of the ridiculous.
What will happen to Biffy?
How will Lord Akeldama react to his new circumstances?
What will happen to the hat shop?
Will Alexia's sisters ever get married?
What is Floote hiding?
I'm sure I'll come up with other reasons.
What will happen to Biffy?
How will Lord Akeldama react to his new circumstances?
What will happen to the hat shop?
Will Alexia's sisters ever get married?
What is Floote hiding?
I'm sure I'll come up with other reasons.
April 22, 2012
This is my new favorite series (besides Harry Potter, of course). It's hilarious, charming and Alexia Tarabotti is the best female character I've ever known! Set in Victorian London, this steampunk world is incorporating the supernaturals into every day (or night) London society. Hilarity ensues as Alexia, a spinster, becomes the center of all that is to-do in society - with her ever-present parasol!
September 4, 2015
Soulless - ★★★★
Changeless - ★★★½
Blameless - ★★★½
I was a little less enthralled with Alexia & company in the subsequent books, but I still enjoyed the reads. They are light, easy and fun. Quite entertaining. Not the most substantive reads, but not everything has to be. They are good for what they are. I look forward to continuing the series.
Changeless - ★★★½
Blameless - ★★★½
I was a little less enthralled with Alexia & company in the subsequent books, but I still enjoyed the reads. They are light, easy and fun. Quite entertaining. Not the most substantive reads, but not everything has to be. They are good for what they are. I look forward to continuing the series.
December 20, 2013
This was an excellent series.
I found that I wanted to share several quotes through the book. I think that the author has done an excellent job of putting together a fun and coherent world that many people can enjoy.
The series starts off very strong and continues just as strong until the final book. I do wish that the author had held tight to the ending that was apparent rather than the happier one she concluded with.
Yes you should read this and enjoy it for the fun romp that it is.
I found that I wanted to share several quotes through the book. I think that the author has done an excellent job of putting together a fun and coherent world that many people can enjoy.
The series starts off very strong and continues just as strong until the final book. I do wish that the author had held tight to the ending that was apparent rather than the happier one she concluded with.
Yes you should read this and enjoy it for the fun romp that it is.
September 5, 2011
This was a purely for-fun read, and it delivered in spades, or should I say shades? A delightful mix of all my favorites: an irreverent, independent Victorian heroine, werewolves, vampires, ghosts, and steampunk. Am starting the fourth book right away, even though I should be reading my book club selection for the month.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews