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Parasol Protectorate #4-5
The Parasol Protectorate Collection #2: Heartless / Timeless
Victorian supernatural fantasy has never been funnier or more fashionable than in the hands of Gail Carriger. Now her New York Times bestselling steampunk series comes to a smashing conclusion in our exclusive hardcover omnibus, The Parasol Protectorate Volume 2.
Heartless: A mad ghost is menacing Queen Victoria, and as the soulless Lady Alexia investigates, she and her trusty parasol are led deep into her were husband’s past. Top that off with a suffragette sister (shocking!), Madame Lefoux’s latest invention (incredible!), and a plague of zombie porcupines (bloody hell!), and Alexia barely has time to remember she’s eight months pregnant! Can she learn who’s trying to kill the queen before time runs out?
Timeless: Alexia has settled into domestic bliss, but, alas, a summons has arrived that cannot be ignored. With husband, child, and Ivy Tunstell’s acting troupe in tow, Alexia boards a steamer to Egypt. But the Land of the Nile may hold more mysteries than the indomitable Lady Maccon can handle. What does Alexandria’s vampire Queen really want from her? Why is the God-Breaker Plague suddenly expanding? And how has Ivy become the most popular actress in the British Empire?
Heartless: A mad ghost is menacing Queen Victoria, and as the soulless Lady Alexia investigates, she and her trusty parasol are led deep into her were husband’s past. Top that off with a suffragette sister (shocking!), Madame Lefoux’s latest invention (incredible!), and a plague of zombie porcupines (bloody hell!), and Alexia barely has time to remember she’s eight months pregnant! Can she learn who’s trying to kill the queen before time runs out?
Timeless: Alexia has settled into domestic bliss, but, alas, a summons has arrived that cannot be ignored. With husband, child, and Ivy Tunstell’s acting troupe in tow, Alexia boards a steamer to Egypt. But the Land of the Nile may hold more mysteries than the indomitable Lady Maccon can handle. What does Alexandria’s vampire Queen really want from her? Why is the God-Breaker Plague suddenly expanding? And how has Ivy become the most popular actress in the British Empire?
512 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2012
4 people are currently reading
399 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
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 23, 2013
I can't ever be certain I'm not giving things away, so there is LIKELY RISK OF SPOILER here.
Jane Austin meets Elizabeth Peters with more complex (therefore more appealing) characters. Good romp in mid-Victorian England (with field trips to Scotland, France and Egypt). The Peabody/Emerson trope represented by Alexia Tarabotti, a smart, independent, alpha female, with the power to neutralize immortal powers of werewolves (e.g. Lord Connal Maccon, alpha werewolf of London pack) and vampires ( e.g. Her Good friend, Lord Akeldama, the biggest queen ever - La!) The second half of that trope is none other than Lord Maccon, alpha werewolf himself. Just as Peabody wears the pants, so does Alexia (with greater right, I must say). Add in a mysterious scientific society, a cross dressing French haberdasher/inventor, an airhead with a penchant for bad hats, two heinous middle class sisters and mother, a gaggle of gossip gathering dandies, and a somewhat mysterious beta werewolf who keeps things together, werewolf and vampire social customs, and, my little plum blossoms, you just might get the idea.
Good time (and good breeding, I'm sure) aside, I must say that I was surprised and delighted that, interspersed with the light Austin humor, there are several moments of such sweetness...when our heroine gives an immortal the gift of a sunrise, by making him human (not destructable by light) for that moment, and when two long-suffering secondary characters give each other a gift of love. Such gentle, loving moments came as such a surprise in the general flippant good-nature of the story, their presence was almost painful, and so much more appreciated for that.
...and then there're the "faces get eaten" parts....ooh, goody!
Jane Austin meets Elizabeth Peters with more complex (therefore more appealing) characters. Good romp in mid-Victorian England (with field trips to Scotland, France and Egypt). The Peabody/Emerson trope represented by Alexia Tarabotti, a smart, independent, alpha female, with the power to neutralize immortal powers of werewolves (e.g. Lord Connal Maccon, alpha werewolf of London pack) and vampires ( e.g. Her Good friend, Lord Akeldama, the biggest queen ever - La!) The second half of that trope is none other than Lord Maccon, alpha werewolf himself. Just as Peabody wears the pants, so does Alexia (with greater right, I must say). Add in a mysterious scientific society, a cross dressing French haberdasher/inventor, an airhead with a penchant for bad hats, two heinous middle class sisters and mother, a gaggle of gossip gathering dandies, and a somewhat mysterious beta werewolf who keeps things together, werewolf and vampire social customs, and, my little plum blossoms, you just might get the idea.
Good time (and good breeding, I'm sure) aside, I must say that I was surprised and delighted that, interspersed with the light Austin humor, there are several moments of such sweetness...when our heroine gives an immortal the gift of a sunrise, by making him human (not destructable by light) for that moment, and when two long-suffering secondary characters give each other a gift of love. Such gentle, loving moments came as such a surprise in the general flippant good-nature of the story, their presence was almost painful, and so much more appreciated for that.
...and then there're the "faces get eaten" parts....ooh, goody!
July 1, 2017
Lizard: 4⋆.
Wombat: 5⋆.
Overall: 4.5⋆.
Wombat: 5⋆.
Overall: 4.5⋆.
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.
June 9, 2019
I read and reviewed the two volumes collected here separately, so this is basically just for my own records. The rating is an average of the individual ratings - I gave Heartless 2.5 stars, rounding up to 3 - it's my least favourite of the entire series, being a little too flippant overall. Timeless, on the other hand, got 3 stars. Honestly, I had my doubts that introducing a baby into the cast of characters would improve things, as it so rarely does, but the advantages of having a soulless protagonist, I suppose, is that Alexia's far less sentimental about things than the average heroine, so little Prudence is kept fairly subordinate within the narrative. Frankly, the best part about her is that she's largely being raised by Lord Akeldama instead of her biological parents, so the supernatural shenanigans are still front and centre. Given that's one of the most entertaining parts of this series for me, I was glad to see it unchanged.
October 20, 2019
This collection contains the last two novels in the Parasol Protectorate series: Heartless and Timeless. 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.
July 25, 2017
such awesome books
March 13, 2012
In comparison to the first two books, Books 4 & 5l (Heartless & Timeless), where not as good. Book 4 is about on par with book 3 and Book 5 was better, closer to book 1 & 2. These books did not seem to have a much humor as the first two books either. That being said, I still rather enjoyed the books. They just were not as enthralling as the start of the series.
Heartless finds Alexia 8 months pregnant with her infant inconvenience. A unique solution is found to deal with the vampires attempts at assissinating her person in order to end said inconvenience. The assassination attempt on queen is prevented. A hive is made to swarm to an unlike location requiring said occupants to relocate. A person is forced into droneage. A secret is revealed and maintained. And the Maccon child is born. Can’t say any more than that without giving away details…
Timeless finds the Maccons two years older than the previous book. A summons from Egypt, sends the Maccons for a visit and there they learn more about the God Breaker Plague, Alexia’s father, her child’s talents and preternaturals. Biffy finds love and a new form. The Scottish pack loses and gains a Beta. Lord Maccon learns the secret and plans for retirement. Someone most unexpected becomes a vampire. There you go…teasers but few details. Enjoy.
My understanding is that the next two series by this author involves Alexia’s child and a finishing school set 25 years before the Parasol Protectorate…will be waiting, not so patiently, for the next book(s).
Heartless finds Alexia 8 months pregnant with her infant inconvenience. A unique solution is found to deal with the vampires attempts at assissinating her person in order to end said inconvenience. The assassination attempt on queen is prevented. A hive is made to swarm to an unlike location requiring said occupants to relocate. A person is forced into droneage. A secret is revealed and maintained. And the Maccon child is born. Can’t say any more than that without giving away details…
Timeless finds the Maccons two years older than the previous book. A summons from Egypt, sends the Maccons for a visit and there they learn more about the God Breaker Plague, Alexia’s father, her child’s talents and preternaturals. Biffy finds love and a new form. The Scottish pack loses and gains a Beta. Lord Maccon learns the secret and plans for retirement. Someone most unexpected becomes a vampire. There you go…teasers but few details. Enjoy.
My understanding is that the next two series by this author involves Alexia’s child and a finishing school set 25 years before the Parasol Protectorate…will be waiting, not so patiently, for the next book(s).
Read
May 16, 2012This series, from the very first book of the series is delightfully witty and incredibly smart. After re-reading all five books in this omnibus and the previous, I discovered again why Gail Carriger so completely delighted me with her writing. Not only is it feisty and fun, but the portrayal of Victorian society through the lens of the supernatural provides an excellent analysis of not only the historical era, but also the way our society has evolved from the same.
Alexia is the perfect iconoclast character, but also fits into her society in such a way as to believable and endearing. Even on the second read-through, her travails are still as good to read as the first time. Ms. Carriger has created a character that is abrasive, lovable, and completely endearing.
The best part, other than the above mentioned, is how well the secondary characters are treated. Each and every one of them is integral to the plot and they all are all lovable in their own way. Their sorrows and joys engage the reader and draw them into the story so deeply that it's impossible to let go.
Finally, I challenge any reader to finish this series without the irresistible urge to call someone "buttercup."
Alexia is the perfect iconoclast character, but also fits into her society in such a way as to believable and endearing. Even on the second read-through, her travails are still as good to read as the first time. Ms. Carriger has created a character that is abrasive, lovable, and completely endearing.
The best part, other than the above mentioned, is how well the secondary characters are treated. Each and every one of them is integral to the plot and they all are all lovable in their own way. Their sorrows and joys engage the reader and draw them into the story so deeply that it's impossible to let go.
Finally, I challenge any reader to finish this series without the irresistible urge to call someone "buttercup."
July 1, 2017
Ever since my friend let me borrow the first 3 books as a 3-in-1 I have enjoyed these books without fail while eagerly awaiting for her to finish this 2-in-1 set, which of course are the last in the series.
The fourth book (Heartless) wasn't as good or catching as the other books in my opinion but it did a glorious job acting as a bridge between the other books. Furthermore the characters were all kept fresh, with the same strong personalities and with a wittily wicked sense of humor just like in the other books. And Lord Akeldama will again surprise you....
The best of the books and probably the most different one of the series has to be the very last book - Timeless. In this book there are two minor characters who end up becoming actually major characters - one at the very end of the book and one throughout the book but you are going to have to read it to enjoy each scrumptious morsel of the book.
This series is definitely going to become a part of my library! Good job Gail you are a marvelous author and I cannot wait to see what you may do with the next series of books!
The fourth book (Heartless) wasn't as good or catching as the other books in my opinion but it did a glorious job acting as a bridge between the other books. Furthermore the characters were all kept fresh, with the same strong personalities and with a wittily wicked sense of humor just like in the other books. And Lord Akeldama will again surprise you....
The best of the books and probably the most different one of the series has to be the very last book - Timeless. In this book there are two minor characters who end up becoming actually major characters - one at the very end of the book and one throughout the book but you are going to have to read it to enjoy each scrumptious morsel of the book.
This series is definitely going to become a part of my library! Good job Gail you are a marvelous author and I cannot wait to see what you may do with the next series of books!
April 10, 2015
The last two books from the five book series, in Heartless Alexia Maccon is far advanced in her pregnancy and constantly avoiding attempts on her life. The vampires of the London Hive (socially very similar to bees) view her child as a threat to them, and try every means possible, but she always manages to struggle through alive. A solution is proposed to stop these attempts, but I won't spoil the story for you. The last book, Timeless, has Alexia investigating mysteries in Egypt, traveling there with her husband, Conall, her toddler daughter Prudence, her close friend Ivy Tunstell all under cover of a theatre troupe going to perform for the Alexandria vampire Hive's queen, rumored to be the oldest vampire on earth. She has extended an invitation (not to be denied) for the Maccons to visit, but really to see the child born of a werewolf and a preternatural. Unheard of and quite extraordinary. Many more adventures follow, and much uproarious events. The books are all very funny, creative and enjoyable to read. They also humanize these characters and I learn to care for them all.
May 17, 2012
This is one of my new favorite series. I sincerely hope this wasn't the end of it! However, if it is, I'll be okay I suppose since everything tied up so nicely! All my questions were answered and I was pleasantly surprised by several things. It was absolutely amazing and I loved all the characters, especially the Maccon's, Biffy and Akeldama. It was also interesting reading about Prudence considering I, myself, am a mother and could compare toddler antics. It was great!
August 13, 2012
Wonderfully intelligent and toungue-in-cheek! Victorian urban-fantasy!
February 19, 2013
waiting for more...
March 27, 2013
Wonderful! Very entertaining, I hope it's made into movies.
August 17, 2013
Seemed to be a little slower than the first book, but it really picked up toward the end and led you right into wanting to start the third book. Glad I bought the whole set.
January 29, 2014
Enjoyed the whole series
March 19, 2014
What a thrilling conclusion to a fun romp of a series.
February 6, 2017
Reviews will begin once I am finished moving.
June 22, 2014
Nicely completed series.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews