Soulless by Gail Carriger

Soulless (Orbit) (Parasol Protectorate, #1)

by Gail Carriger

Alexia Tarabotti is labouring 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? Or 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.

Reviewed by mitabird on

5 of 5 stars

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This was an excellent story. I was quickly engrossed in the world building and I did not find it complicated. Alexia was a smart woman with a backbone. I liked the fact that she was loyal to the few people she entrusted with her friendship. Conall was a bit gruff and Alexia constantly exasperated him, but his feelings for her were clear to me, though it took him a while to realize them. I thought they were great couple. I really enjoyed reading about the mysterious appearances and disappearances of the supernatural. I cannot wait to read the next one.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 2 January, 2011: Finished reading
  • 2 January, 2011: Reviewed