Thursday, November 18, 2010

Review. Tarrabotti's 1870 Britain


A Week of Parasol Protectorate
Our Heroine, Gail Carriger


By Gail Carriger
This is going to be a fun week of Steampunkery.

There will be Book Reviews of :
Soulless
Changeless
Blameless

And ode to a grand character.
Madame Lefoux

Lady Jen of In the Closet with a Bibliophile will be joining in the review fun!

Without farther ado:

Soulless

By: Gail Carriger
Series: The Parasol Protectorate #1
Publisher: Orbit
Paperback 357 Pages
Book Art: Incredibility Gothic, Steampunk, and Victorian!  We both adore it!
Tags: Steampunk, Paranormal Romance, Werewolves, Vampires, Adult

First Line: Miss Alexia Tarabotti was not enjoying her evening.

Concoction of a Review:

Mad Scientist:  This book had me hooked not only by the offer of vampires, werewolves, and parasols but from the first chapter I found the inky words to be utterly interesting. The writing style was a refreshing jump into a rippling cool spring. Soulless offers many different aspects from humor to steampunk to Victorian. What's not to like?

Jen: I'm in immense agreement! This was my first experience with a steampunk novel and ever since I've been hooked. Plus, the sexy werewolves had me in raptures and I loved every minute of the read.

Mad Scientist: With that being said I had a hard time putting the book down, my peaches and cream nose was literally stuck in this book. Unfortunately when I had to pull myself away *sigh*, I could not stop thinking about what was going to happen to Alexia next. Her forthright manner had me laughing out loud like a silly ninny, especially over a dreadfully tied cravat. Our Alexia is born without a soul, which happens to be a very rare happening. She is a sort of antithesis for the ones who have an overabundance of soul, like werewolves and vampires. I loved Alexia throughout the entirety of the book.

Jen: Oh my, I know exactly what you mean!  I started the book one morning at 11:00 a.m. and finished it that evening/ morning at 12:47 a.m.  I would have finishes it sooner if not for my 2 children and work that could not be put aside.  What a captivating thing Alexia Tarrabotti's 1870 Britain.  One of my favorite scenes is in the beginning where Alexia is trying to remain alive in the face of a dreadfully impolite vampire and is very worried about her treacle tart. After which she is joined by none other than Lord Maccon.

Mad Scientist: As a lady I do enjoy it when the fellow gets himself in a awkward position but I found myself feeling a tad sorry for the oh so lovely Lord Connoll Maccon. *Swoon* He is a piece of gruff Scottish man/werewolf flesh that makes even the most proper lady stumble. Their interactions were adorable, their chemistry impeccable. Poor Maccon *shakes head* how dare he assume to treat our beloved Alexia as a female werewolf mate. He had another thing coming.

Jen:  What else to expect from a 200 year old werewolf?!  Men can be so clueless at times.  Still, it was worth it to see him do some groveling.

Mad Scientist: Of course, my favorite part was when this spinster would be a ravishing hussy!

Jen:  That was definitely classic and one of my favorite scenes.  Although, I was with Maccon in the possibly beating of her mother (all you who've read it know what I mean!)

Mat Scientist: Steampunkery elements were to be had everywhere:

There was an abundance of gadgets, however, not to worry dearest readers. Lady Carriger provided the right amount of description to arm them with the knowledge needed without encroaching on the major technical elements that would bore even a vampire. The steam powered technology created a wonderful visual. You could just picture the cogs, gears, and springs working together.

Jen: Oh yes! I found those parts most interesting and that they also provided character development, oddly enough, for Alexia. I was glad she wasn't some ninny who must always be practical in her actions. That is to say, she almost enjoyed being a spinster because It gave her freedom to not be so seriously female. She could dabble in some more "manly" areas (manly for that period of time).

Mad Scientist: Fashion is all through the book. Including Alexia's dear friend, Miss Hisselpenny's outrageous hats.

Jen: The descriptions of those hats made me laugh out loud. More so, was Alexia's outright sayings to Ivy about the horrible concoctions Ivy liked to think of as stylish hats. Nothing like a lady who says what she thinks.

Still, I think the fashion of a Lord Akeldama that I found quite wonderful and amazing. There is nothing like a 1870's gay vampire to inspire a creative fashion sense. Plus, his use of italicized names was some of my favorite scenes.

*big sigh* What a wonderful novel of steampunkery!

Quotes:
"My dearest girl," said the vampire finally, examining Lord
Maccon with an exhausted but appreciative eye, "such a banquet. Never
been one to favor werewolves myself, but he is very well equipped, now, is he not?"
Miss Tarabotti gave him an arch look. "My goodies," she warned.
"Humans," chuckled the vampire, "so possessive."

"A vampire, like a lady, never reveals his true age."

"He is clearly bookish. I did not follow a single word of their
conversation at dinner last night, not one jot of it. He must be
bookish."

"Am I?"
"Are you what?," She peeked up at him through her tangled hair, pretending confusion.  There was no possible way she was going to make this easy for him.
"Your love?"
"Well, you are a werewolf, Scottish, naked, and covered in blood, and I am still holding your hand."
He sighed in obvious relief.  "Good.  That's settled then."




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18 comments:

  1. I loved loved loved this book! Fab review, ladies! :)

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  2. Well, what do we have here?

    I so loved this book!!

    *Whispers* I was the one who told Jen she must get her grubby little hands on this book! *shh* Don't tell her I outter her on not knowing about this beauty.

    Well done to both of you. Love how you compliment each other.

    Black Disaster Fairy
    http://literarydaydreams.blogspot.com/

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  3. What a fun way to do a book review, loved it! I really need to read this series, it sounds humorous and fun and I want to be a part of it:) Can't wait to get started on these now, well done ladies!

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  4. coming over from Candace's Book Blog where I'm entering contests.

    yourstrulee(at)sasktel(dot)net

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  5. This book is so great! I also read the second book and it's even better. :) Great review.

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  6. Sounds very interesting. I've heard good things about this. Vampires, werewolves, and steampunk is a unique combo.

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  7. I loved this book, as well as the entire series! Great post! :)

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  8. Mad Scientist! This series sounds absolutely delightful! It's going on my TBR list immediately!


    I'm currently reading The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook. It is a steampunk adventure novel and it is quite good! If you haven't already, you should check it out!

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  9. Sounds like a wonderful series - I need to get off my butt and get caught up. :)

    Sally

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  10. This book sounds amazing! I can't believe I haven't read it yet...:going to the store:

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  11. What a wonderful way to review this amazing book! My experience with the audio of Soulless was equally gratifying as well you know since you're the one who suggested I read it! I loved reading both of your lovely opinions of the written version. All of Gail Carriger's books are on my Christmas list this year!

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  12. I have this series on my TBR. It sounds like so much fun and I really like the blend of Victorian, paranormal, and romance.

    Cute way of doing a review!

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  13. Awesome review! I love this series and I have to confess, Lord Maccon is quickly becoming one of my favourite werewolves.

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  14. Awesome review - Love the sound of steampunk mixed with vamps and wolfish creatures :)


    Jessica @ Laugh Love Write

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  15. I so adore a good Scottish accent. Cannot wait to read this. Hope Santa is nice to me! Loved the review gentle woman.

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  16. Yep, Soulless has the right mix of steampunk, Victorian era-ness, urban fantasy and romance, pepped up by a headstrong heroine!
    Nice back and forth review :)

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  17. I loved this book and can't wait to get my hands on the next one! I'm glad I was a little late to the Parasol Protectorate party, because this way I can read them all in a row! I love it when that happens :)

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