Soulless (Parasol Protectorate, #1) by Gail Carriger
Series: Parasol Protectorate #1
Published by Orbit on October 1st 2009
Genres: Paranormal
Pages: 357
Goodreads

FINAL DECISION:  This was a fun read.  The combination of traditional paranormal characters (werewolves, vampires, etc.) in a new a different way kept me interested in the world building and I loved the fun main characters who have an interesting relationship.

THE STORY: Miss Alexi Tarabotti is a preternatural (which means she doesn’t have a soul) who accidentally kills a vampire.  Her killing brings her into contact with Lord Conall Maccon, Earl of Woolsey, Alpha of the werewolves who comes to investigate.  There is something sinister going on and Alexi and Conall end up investigating to save Alexi and figure out what is happening with the Victorian high society (filled with paranormal creatures).

OPINION:  This was a fun book (which means it wasn’t particularly deep or thought provoking) and I enjoyed the ride. This combination of Victorian and paranormal was intriguing in it world building. I enjoyed Alexi who has a snarky and matter of fact personality. She is a hero in her own right and her relationship with Conall is prickly and funny.

And there is so much humor in this book.  As Alexi navigates the society and discovers herself, there are mysteries and romance and just plain fun.  I ended this book on a rush and would have given it 5 stars immediately, but it was like a sugar high.  Fun but the impact of the book didn’t stay with me.  I also didn’t have a great desire to continue reading the series although that this available for anyone who would like to go further into this world and story.

WORTH MENTIONING:  This book resolves the story raised in this book, but future books feature the same couple so there is more to the story.

CONNECTED BOOKS:  SOULLESS is the first book in the Parasol Protectorate series.

STAR RATING:  I give this book 4 stars.