Author: Gail Carriger
Title: Soulless
Series: Parasol Protectorate, #1
ISBN: 0-316-05663-4
Genre: Science Fiction; Fantasy Fiction;
Satirical Fiction; Steampunk Fiction; Adult Books for Young Adults
Publication Date: October 2009
Number of Pages: 384 p.
Other Formats: eBook, Audiobook
Geographical Setting: Great Britain; London, England
Time Period: 19th century (Alternative
history)
Subject Headings:
Accidents
Mate selection
Men/women relations
19th century
Nobility
Paranormal phenomena
Tarabotti, Alexia
Vampires
Werewolves
Violence
Plot Summary: The first title in the Parasol Protectorate series is set in
Victorian England (in an alternate history), with vampires and werewolves having
active roles in society. The main character, Alexia Tarabotti, has a special
gift: she’s what is known as a ‘preternatural,’ or ‘soulless.’ Her touch can
turn these supernatural creatures temporarily human. Armed with her deadly
touch and parasol-turned-deadly-weapon, Alexia must defend herself after she
becomes accused of killing off several vampire’s of London’s high society. A
handsome Scottish werewolf and detective, Lord Conall Maccon, Earl of Woolsey,
a member of B.U.R. (The Bureau of Unnatural Registry), is sent by Queen
Victoria herself to investigate these vampiric disappearances – and Alexia.
This steampunk adventure is a humorous romp through an alternate 19th
century London that will leave readers wanting more.
Appeal
Pacing: Fast pacing
Story: Character-driven
Characters: Quirky, Colorful
Setting: Detailed, Sense of Place, Vivid
Language: Narrative
Tone: Funny; Romantic
Graphic Meter: Graphic violence, sex
Writing Style: Witty
Read-Alikes
Fiction
Phoenix Rising by Philippa Balllantine
Although Phoenix Rising is less overtly romantic,
both action-packed, character-driven Fantasy novels, set in a Steampunk-inflected
Victorian England, feature odd-couple pairings of government operatives whose
verbal jousting gives way to trust as they race against time to solve
improbable cases. – (Gillian Speace)
City of Lost Dreams by Magnus Flyte
These lively and romantic fantasies, City of Lost
Dreams including science, magic, and alchemy and Soulless being steampunk with
vampires and werewolves, are fast-paced and feature suspenseful mysteries and
interesting characters. They are witty, sometimes laugh-out-loud funny,
sensual, and steamy. – (Melissa Gray)
A Certain
Wolfish Charm by Lydia Dare
hese witty, romantic novels take place in a
Victorian England inhabited by werewolves and other supernatural beings.
Steamier than Soulless, A Certain Wolfish Charm will nevertheless appeal to
readers who enjoy Romantic Fantasy. – (Gillian Speace)
Read a Preview Here:
http://www.amazon.com/Soulless-Parasol-Protectorate-Gail-Carriger/dp/0316056634
Reader User Reviews from GoodReads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6381205-soulless
It's funny that when I read your annotation that I think that it sounds like a great movie but I don't really want to read the book. I love stories about vampires and werewolves but usually in a movie or television show. Although, recently I just picked up another science fiction book called "Storm Front" by Jim Butcher. I have wanted to read the Dresden Files series and finally decided it was time I picked the first book up. I am enjoying it....a lot. I might have found a new genre that I like. I have also read "Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Card.....so that's two science fiction in two different sub-genres. Nice job.
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