"Soulless (Parasol Protectorate, #1)" by Gail Carriger

"Soulless (Parasol Protectorate, #1)" by Gail Carriger

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Published: October 1, 2009
Publisher: Orbit
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Pages: 388
Format: ebook
Source: OverDrive

Read February 23 to 26, 2014

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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.

I feel like I need to say that this is the first "Adult" book that I have ever read. Everything else that I have read is Young Adult. For some reason I felt that due to my age, being a young college student, that I wouldn't be able to appreciate or understand, or any other reason, this book. I felt that this was a genre that I had to wait until I was older to read. However, I saw many great reviews, so I decided to read it. And I'm happy that I did. Not because it proved that despite being a young adult, I could read "Adult" books, but because I thought that this book was amazing! Maybe I just associate "Adult" books with people older and more mature than me.

For being a sophisticated 19th century woman, Alexia is pretty badass! She's not afraid to say what she is thinking, even if she is expected to be quiet, like woman were told to be. She is considered to be strange by everyone, but she doesn't care. She is happy with who she is and that's all that matters.

I will say that I don't remember too much about what happens in the book, as I did read it a year ago. However, I do remember Ivy, Alexia's best friend. She was so funny when she was trying to be a proper lady and kept trying to get Alexia to behave like one too.

Alexia
I really liked her. She didn't care about what others thought and was happy with who she was. And that's all that matters!

Ivy
So funny, even though she wasn't trying to be.

Lord Maccon
Sexy werewolf. 'Nuf said.

Overall, I am really happy that this is my first adult novel. It was hilarious, entertaining, and had amazing characters. I will DEFINITELY be reading the rest of this series!