Helpful Score: 4
The second book of the Parasol Protectorate, continues the story of Alexis as she assumes her new duties as both wife, and agent of the Crown. While this book does much to advance the storyline, the pacing is slower than the first book, and there are few surprises, save at the end of the book. The last chapter sets up the next book and does so remarkably well. A well-written, interesting saga that is a breath of fresh air to the genre, without being bogged down by the banality of today's supernatural/romance fiction.
Helpful Score: 4
One reason I love this series...the author compares the physical pain shifting from human to wolf form and back to "rearranging ones parlor furniture for a party, [because it:] involved a transition from tidy to very messy to tidy once more." HAHAHA!
********
Holy crap!! I just finished the book and I am...am...flabbergasted! Thats how it ends?? Holy crap! Now I know why the next book is called Blameless.
Good grief, well the ending aside this book was incredible. The science behind the electronic transmitters were sometimes over my head but the plot, the spies, the twists and turns...all awesome. Carriger is amazing and so is this world she has created. I positively cannot wait for the 3rd book come September!
The only things that annoyed me this book were the secondary characters. Ivy, Felicity, Tunstell and their nonsense did nothing to help the plot. All they managed was to annoy me and make me skim onto the real plot and action. In the first book Ivy was funny, adorable, and sweet, and in this book she comes off as almost stupid, annoying, self centered, and dramatic. Hopefully in the 3rd book we see more of Lyall and Akledama instead!
********
Holy crap!! I just finished the book and I am...am...flabbergasted! Thats how it ends?? Holy crap! Now I know why the next book is called Blameless.
Good grief, well the ending aside this book was incredible. The science behind the electronic transmitters were sometimes over my head but the plot, the spies, the twists and turns...all awesome. Carriger is amazing and so is this world she has created. I positively cannot wait for the 3rd book come September!
The only things that annoyed me this book were the secondary characters. Ivy, Felicity, Tunstell and their nonsense did nothing to help the plot. All they managed was to annoy me and make me skim onto the real plot and action. In the first book Ivy was funny, adorable, and sweet, and in this book she comes off as almost stupid, annoying, self centered, and dramatic. Hopefully in the 3rd book we see more of Lyall and Akledama instead!
Stephanie S. (skywriter319) -
Helpful Score: 3
Holy cow, I certainly didnt remember the first book being so entertaining! But I suppose my memory is just a tad off, because CHANGELESS was a wonderfully entertaining romp that had me laughing throughoutin the moments that I could tear my eyes away from the page, that is.
Overly pragmatic Lady Maccon and the lovably gruff and domineering Conall Maccon make for an utterly charming couple. From their bedroom antics (dont worry: its all PG-13!) to their sleuthing, its difficult to find a more unlikelyand thus all the more endearingparanormal couple.
Gail Carrigers writing, of course, is on Austenian levels. Like, if Jane Austen were to write steampunk/paranormal fare, it would probably sound exactly like this, with all the ridiculous characters and outrageous societal twists. Carriger has a way of writing scenes so that she doesnt come right out and say what the characters meant, but gives us ever-so-obvious hints that combine charactorial humor with narrative humor for double the entertainment!
Overly pragmatic Lady Maccon and the lovably gruff and domineering Conall Maccon make for an utterly charming couple. From their bedroom antics (dont worry: its all PG-13!) to their sleuthing, its difficult to find a more unlikelyand thus all the more endearingparanormal couple.
Gail Carrigers writing, of course, is on Austenian levels. Like, if Jane Austen were to write steampunk/paranormal fare, it would probably sound exactly like this, with all the ridiculous characters and outrageous societal twists. Carriger has a way of writing scenes so that she doesnt come right out and say what the characters meant, but gives us ever-so-obvious hints that combine charactorial humor with narrative humor for double the entertainment!
Helpful Score: 2
I was really excited to read this book because I loved the first book "Soulless" so much. This was a wonderful addition to the series; great humor, some romance, lots of adventure. I really enjoyed it; except for the ending.
Alexia is awakened when her husband is summoned away for an emergency in the middle of the afternoon (nighttime for those of us non-paranormal beings). Something has turned all of the supernatural creatures mortal and Queen Victoria is not happy. It is up to Alexia to figure out what happened and what secrets her husband is keeping from her.
There were a lot of things I loved about this book. The action scenes are well done, the plot moves along quickly, and there is a dry cutting sense of humor throughout the book. The writing style is easy to read and engaging. Carriger introduces some wonderful new characters: mainly Madame Lefoux. I loved that so many steampunk elements were attached to this story. The descriptions of Madame Lefoux's inventions and how they worked was fascinating. I also enjoyed the dirigible journey the characters went on. Alexia's upgraded parasol was wonderful too and made for some fun elements to the story.
There were some things I did not like about this book. Ivy Hisselpenny was so ridiculous at times that it went past humor and into just plain annoying. Alexia and Conall sneak around behind each other a lot, sure there are some steamy scenes between this husband and wife pair, but mostly they are just sneaking around plotting behind each other's backs..which is not the great relationship I had hoped for. Then there is the ending. The ending was abrupt and an absolute cliffhanger. I abhor cliffhanger endings. Carriger is a skilled enough author that I like reading her books, I don't need to be forced into reading the next one by a cliffhanger ending. Conall's reaction at the ending is absolutely uncalled for as well and kind of came out of nowhere.
Overall I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to reading the third book "Blameless". I was disappointed in some aspects of Conall's and Alexia's relationship and I was extremely disappointed in the ending. Other than that, this was an excellent read. Those who love Jane Austen style humor, steampunk, or just loved the first book "Soulless" should definitely check this book out.
Alexia is awakened when her husband is summoned away for an emergency in the middle of the afternoon (nighttime for those of us non-paranormal beings). Something has turned all of the supernatural creatures mortal and Queen Victoria is not happy. It is up to Alexia to figure out what happened and what secrets her husband is keeping from her.
There were a lot of things I loved about this book. The action scenes are well done, the plot moves along quickly, and there is a dry cutting sense of humor throughout the book. The writing style is easy to read and engaging. Carriger introduces some wonderful new characters: mainly Madame Lefoux. I loved that so many steampunk elements were attached to this story. The descriptions of Madame Lefoux's inventions and how they worked was fascinating. I also enjoyed the dirigible journey the characters went on. Alexia's upgraded parasol was wonderful too and made for some fun elements to the story.
There were some things I did not like about this book. Ivy Hisselpenny was so ridiculous at times that it went past humor and into just plain annoying. Alexia and Conall sneak around behind each other a lot, sure there are some steamy scenes between this husband and wife pair, but mostly they are just sneaking around plotting behind each other's backs..which is not the great relationship I had hoped for. Then there is the ending. The ending was abrupt and an absolute cliffhanger. I abhor cliffhanger endings. Carriger is a skilled enough author that I like reading her books, I don't need to be forced into reading the next one by a cliffhanger ending. Conall's reaction at the ending is absolutely uncalled for as well and kind of came out of nowhere.
Overall I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to reading the third book "Blameless". I was disappointed in some aspects of Conall's and Alexia's relationship and I was extremely disappointed in the ending. Other than that, this was an excellent read. Those who love Jane Austen style humor, steampunk, or just loved the first book "Soulless" should definitely check this book out.
Wendy H. (donkeycheese) -
Helpful Score: 1
Alexia Maccoon, the Lady Woolsey, is a newlywed and soulless. Born without a soul, but not all the other emotions that make one human, Alexia is a preternatural. When she touches one of the supernatural, they become mortal until she removes her touch. Alexia is married to the Alpha of the local werewolf pack, and she also holds rank in the Shadow Council, a council of supernatural beings who monitor the comings and goings of the paranormal beings in the area.
When a rare occurrence takes place, Alexia is the first person under scrutiny. For some reason, in a local area, whenever a supernatural being or ghost made an appearance, they were exorcized or made mortal. This happened for hours, and after such time had passed, the supernatural beings regained their immortality, but the ghosts never reappeared.
Not long after Alexia has this conversation with her husband, he disappears for Scotland without letting her know. He also doesn't explain to her about the camp of werewolf soldiers on her front lawn. Alexia is determined to get to the bottom of it and clear her name, so she and an assortment of friends and family make haste to Scotland.
Set in the Victorian age, CHANGELESS is witty, suspenseful, and phenomenal. Alexia is a superb character who is charming, yet firm in her beliefs and her parasol will knock anyone out of her way. Clearly, a new genre has been born; part steampunk, romance, mystery, fantasy, and paranormal - CHANGELESS is sure to please many.
When a rare occurrence takes place, Alexia is the first person under scrutiny. For some reason, in a local area, whenever a supernatural being or ghost made an appearance, they were exorcized or made mortal. This happened for hours, and after such time had passed, the supernatural beings regained their immortality, but the ghosts never reappeared.
Not long after Alexia has this conversation with her husband, he disappears for Scotland without letting her know. He also doesn't explain to her about the camp of werewolf soldiers on her front lawn. Alexia is determined to get to the bottom of it and clear her name, so she and an assortment of friends and family make haste to Scotland.
Set in the Victorian age, CHANGELESS is witty, suspenseful, and phenomenal. Alexia is a superb character who is charming, yet firm in her beliefs and her parasol will knock anyone out of her way. Clearly, a new genre has been born; part steampunk, romance, mystery, fantasy, and paranormal - CHANGELESS is sure to please many.
Helpful Score: 1
*Caution: Changeless is part of a series and even though I try my best to not give spoilers, some are unavoidable.
In this second installment of the Parasol Protectorate series, Alexia Maccon (formally Tarabotti) is adjusting to her new as wife to the local Alpha, Lord Conall Maccon, and muhjah to the queen. Conall is just informed of a great malady that has made all the supernaturals in the area mortal and his investigation takes him back to his pack that he abandoned in Scotland. Now he must confront his only living descendant who he knows will ask to be changed.
Alexia, not to be abandoned, travels after her husband and discovers many things that she never knew about him before. Because she cant travel alone, Ivy Hisselpeny, her best friend insists on traveling with her. On top of that, Alexias mother has dropped off her sister, Felicity and now she is going along too!! If you know anything about these three you know it makes for a mighty entertaining ride. Also along for the ride is Madame Lefoux, the new shop owner/inventor in London. She has designed a very exceptional parasol for Alexia by request of Conall. Of course, not man or beast are safe when Alexia carries a parasol.
Once again Gail has written an intriguing read! I love the uniqueness of her character and the commentary between them. She really left me hanging with the ending of this one and I am so glad that I own the next book in this series, Blameless! I will be moving this one up on TBR list..:D
In this second installment of the Parasol Protectorate series, Alexia Maccon (formally Tarabotti) is adjusting to her new as wife to the local Alpha, Lord Conall Maccon, and muhjah to the queen. Conall is just informed of a great malady that has made all the supernaturals in the area mortal and his investigation takes him back to his pack that he abandoned in Scotland. Now he must confront his only living descendant who he knows will ask to be changed.
Alexia, not to be abandoned, travels after her husband and discovers many things that she never knew about him before. Because she cant travel alone, Ivy Hisselpeny, her best friend insists on traveling with her. On top of that, Alexias mother has dropped off her sister, Felicity and now she is going along too!! If you know anything about these three you know it makes for a mighty entertaining ride. Also along for the ride is Madame Lefoux, the new shop owner/inventor in London. She has designed a very exceptional parasol for Alexia by request of Conall. Of course, not man or beast are safe when Alexia carries a parasol.
Once again Gail has written an intriguing read! I love the uniqueness of her character and the commentary between them. She really left me hanging with the ending of this one and I am so glad that I own the next book in this series, Blameless! I will be moving this one up on TBR list..:D
Second in the series.
I have to admit, I was very disoriented by the first chapter - Alexia just didn't seem to be acting in character, based on "Soulless." But after that, it all began to come back to me...
If you're interested in a light mystery-romance with vampires and werewolves in 19th-century England, this book delivers. It's not groundbreaking or life-changing, but it's fun entertainment.
I loved new character Madame Lefoux, and I continued to enjoy Ivy's hats.
I have to admit, I was very disoriented by the first chapter - Alexia just didn't seem to be acting in character, based on "Soulless." But after that, it all began to come back to me...
If you're interested in a light mystery-romance with vampires and werewolves in 19th-century England, this book delivers. It's not groundbreaking or life-changing, but it's fun entertainment.
I loved new character Madame Lefoux, and I continued to enjoy Ivy's hats.
Christine H. (solarawynn) reviewed Changeless (Parasol Protectorate, Bk 2) on + 724 more book reviews
Oh my this book was amazing. Twists,turns,and the ending was a huge suprise. I will start Blameless in a few hours.
I enjoyed this book so much more than the first in the series, Soulless. I liked Soulless, it just had a little too much of the romance novel to it for my personal taste. There's much less of that here, so if that's what you mainly enjoyed about Soulless, you might not like this one as much. But honestly I can't see that happening. There's still everything that made me enjoy Soulless: the wit, humor, lovable characters, adventure, mystery, Victorian steampunk, etc., etc., etc.... And I so love Alexia and Conall and their relationship. From the description, I was afraid Conall might be absent for much of the book and I would miss their entertaining interactions, but there was plenty to keep me satisfied, but not enough to overshadow Alexia's relationships with all her other friends and new acquaintances. I have a feeling that this series is just going to get better and better and I can't wait for the next installment.
OK, it has many of the charms of the first book but it has a cliff hanger ending which just shut down my appreciation of the book as a whole. And Lord Maccon? Where's a baseball bat when you need one - I really wanted to knock him upside of the head...
Alexia Tarabotti
1. Soulless (2009)
2. Changeless (2010)
3. Blameless (2010)
4. Heartless (2011)
Alexia Tarabotti
1. Soulless (2009)
2. Changeless (2010)
3. Blameless (2010)
4. Heartless (2011)
Historical/ Paranormal romance, sequel to "Soulless." Lord and Lady Woolsey are happy in their marriage, even with a Military unit camped on thier lawn, when London's Supernaturals experience the nullifying of thier abilities. As the Queen's agent, Alexia is charged to investigate. Alexia's investigation takes her to Scotland, with her french maid, best friend, and sister. I love this series! Alexia is determined, and intelligent. The lead-in for the next book is terrific. I cannot wait to get my hands on "Blameless." If you are looking for something different, try these books! They are smart, funny, and have a great story-line!
Jolene O. (esmestohelit) -
To be honest, I was disappointed for the first 100 pages of this book. It just seemed to drag on and I didn't like how snotty Alexia was. She was always a little overbearing in the first book, she had a quirky and witty charm to her that balanced out her snark. She seemed to have none of this charm at the beginning of this book. However, after page 112 the book became great. The story finally picked up and the characters got their charm back. In the end I liked this book better the Soulless.
This paranormal historical book features a heroine with the unusual power to render werewolves and vampires "mortal." 2nd in the series, it is virtually essential to read book 1 to have an understanding of the characters and milieu in which action is taking place. At the end of the book, the heroine is left pregnant and rejected by her werewolf husband, and readers must wait until the next book is published for resolutions to this dilemma. The authoress clearly knows how to build series loyalty!
This is the 2nd book in the Parasol Protectorate series. This book is not as good as the first book.
The good: The werewolves, vampires and other assorted creatures are very interesting. I love how the Victorians have protocols on dealing with all of them. The steam punk aspect of the book is well done. I still love Carriger's writing style. The story was decent.
The bad: The author seems to have looked at everything that people liked about the first book (the writing style, Alexia's analytical style, the clashes between Alexia and her vapid sisters and her friend with the horrible hats) and decided that since that's what made the first book work, that's what this book needed as well. However, it doesn't quite work out as well in this book. Especially when getting some of those aspects into place (like having the sister in Scotland) were a bit of a stretch in the story. Everything felt a bit more forced in this book.
I was quite upset about the ending. I can understand, and enjoy, cliffhangers and even unhappy endings. However, such a thoroughly unhappy and life changing event doesn't belong at the end of a book, but at the beginning of one.
The good: The werewolves, vampires and other assorted creatures are very interesting. I love how the Victorians have protocols on dealing with all of them. The steam punk aspect of the book is well done. I still love Carriger's writing style. The story was decent.
The bad: The author seems to have looked at everything that people liked about the first book (the writing style, Alexia's analytical style, the clashes between Alexia and her vapid sisters and her friend with the horrible hats) and decided that since that's what made the first book work, that's what this book needed as well. However, it doesn't quite work out as well in this book. Especially when getting some of those aspects into place (like having the sister in Scotland) were a bit of a stretch in the story. Everything felt a bit more forced in this book.
I was quite upset about the ending. I can understand, and enjoy, cliffhangers and even unhappy endings. However, such a thoroughly unhappy and life changing event doesn't belong at the end of a book, but at the beginning of one.
This book's story will surprise you. The author herself is just surprisingly good. She is like no one else and I guess therefor her books are not predictable. I laugh out loud to her jokes. She is just a great new author.
This was a wonderful second installment in the Parasol Protectorate series. Carriger continues to impress with her wonderfully well-developed cast of characters and fantastic world building.
Since I read Carrigers companion series, Finishing School previously, I was so excited to see cameos of some of those characters in this series as well. Genevieve is one of my favorite characters from Finishing School, and she is equally lovable in Parasol Protectorate. The diversity she brings to the cast is wonderful, without being overly emphasized as oftentimes happens with diverse characters, making her feel like a token.
One of my other absolute favorite characters from Finishing School makes her mark on this book as well. Sidheag kicks ass and takes names, and to see her as an adult holding her own as Alpha of a werewolf pack was just awesome. There are so many strong women in Carrigers books, and each has their own unique flair.
In addition to some wonderful cameos, this second book in the series continues to build more upon the world in which Alexia lives, giving greater insight into supernatural/preternatural powers and history. The plot moved at a much quicker pace in this book than in the previous, which I appreciated. Some of the conclusions and villains revealed at the end were rather predictable, but the huge surprise at the end came out of nowhere, and I loved that many questions are left totally unanswered, leaving the reader to wonder.
Really enjoying this series, and I can only hope the third book continues the trend. I would recommend this series to fans of paranormal, werewolves, vampires, historical fiction, and steampunk.
Since I read Carrigers companion series, Finishing School previously, I was so excited to see cameos of some of those characters in this series as well. Genevieve is one of my favorite characters from Finishing School, and she is equally lovable in Parasol Protectorate. The diversity she brings to the cast is wonderful, without being overly emphasized as oftentimes happens with diverse characters, making her feel like a token.
One of my other absolute favorite characters from Finishing School makes her mark on this book as well. Sidheag kicks ass and takes names, and to see her as an adult holding her own as Alpha of a werewolf pack was just awesome. There are so many strong women in Carrigers books, and each has their own unique flair.
In addition to some wonderful cameos, this second book in the series continues to build more upon the world in which Alexia lives, giving greater insight into supernatural/preternatural powers and history. The plot moved at a much quicker pace in this book than in the previous, which I appreciated. Some of the conclusions and villains revealed at the end were rather predictable, but the huge surprise at the end came out of nowhere, and I loved that many questions are left totally unanswered, leaving the reader to wonder.
Really enjoying this series, and I can only hope the third book continues the trend. I would recommend this series to fans of paranormal, werewolves, vampires, historical fiction, and steampunk.
