Timeless (Parasol Protectorate, #5)

by Gail Carriger

[Amanda]

Although it took me a long time finish this book (I picked it up in 2012 and never got into it until I picked it up now) -- one must be in the right frame of mind for Alexia, Lady Maccon -- I do have to admit that this is one of the better series enders that I've read.

I definitely did not remember all events of previous books -- I did, after all, start this series in 2010, and took a three year break before picking up Timeless -- but I found that what I needed to remember was woven neatly into the story and if there was something I missed, well, it did not affect my comprehension or enjoyment of the book.

One aspect I don't think I realized, though, or I'd forgotten, is that Timeless is told from a sort of an omniscient POV. It's not my favorite, but Gail Carriger's writing style carries it well, given the ridiculousness of it all at times and the vast number of characters. It works.

The shining stars of Timeless, for me, were Prudence and Biffy rather than Alexia and Conall, though I liked the lack of drama between them for the majority of the book. It's nice when your favorite fictional couples seem to be enjoying their HEA in the book. Biffy I adored for his dandy ways and his developing romance with the Beta. It was sweet. Prudence. Well, let's just say that I finished this book and immediately had to look up information about the books Gail Carriger has written featuring her.

And if the end of a series has you seeking out spin-off books upon finishing, then you know it's good. Timeless closes out the series, ties up the threads neatly, and gives us a glimpse of Lord and Lady Maccon's future together, as well as what's in store for the supernatural set.