fantasy book reviews science fiction book reviewsChangeless by Gail Carriger

fantasy book reviews Gail Carriger The Parasol Protectorate 2. ChangelessIn this charming sequel to Soulless, Gail Carriger brings us back to the world of Alexia Tarabotti, who now happens to be Lady Maccon. When a mysterious occurrence in London leaves vampires without fangs and werewolves incapable of shifting forms, Alexia springs into action, determined to find the source of this dangerous power. Whether or not her husband approves, she gathers her allies, rides a dirigible, is the target of assassins, and has to confront the (possibly eternal) side effects of her soullessness.

Changeless is a much more tightly focused story than the first book in The Parasol Protectorate was. The supporting cast of characters has already been established, which means less time is spent creating the setting and more time is spent on the action — and this story has a surplus of action. There is so much action that it keeps the characters from communicating with each other, which leads to a few misunderstandings. Alexia is still a wonderfully headstrong woman, and watching her morph from eccentric bluestocking into alpha female (in multiple ways) is an interesting development.

Not quite a comedy of manners, this story does flirt with farce at times, though the comedic notes that so richly dominated the first story are more of an accessory in this tale. The plot of Changeless is not quite as innovative as Soulless, though it does serve to flesh out the world — especially the role of werewolves in spreading the British Empire (which is an original take on the success of the British military and regimental order). Additionally, the exploration of contemporary technology provides a special depth to the setting. And, we learn a smidgen more about the mysterious octopus symbol from book one…

Just like Soulless, Changeless is a light entertaining read that would be right at home in many a beach bag or airplane carryon. Changeless falls more towards the paranormal side of the paranormal romance genre than Soulless did, but the last chapter of the book sets up a cliffhanger for the Alexia-Connall relationship that will leave the reader breathlessly waiting for the next book in The Parasol Protectorate. I would recommend Changeless to readers of paranormal romance, steampunk, or lighthearted fantasy.

~Ruth Arnell


fantasy and science fiction book reviewsAnother silly romp in Carriger’s paranormal Victorian world. These aren’t working for me quite as well as they did for Ruth (above) — enough of the plot and dialogue is unlikely enough that it feels manufactured for laughs and quirkiness. I’m having trouble getting beyond that, but readers who are more willing to go along with the premise will surely enjoy it more. I think Carriger gets all these elements just right in herFINISHING SCHOOL series (below).

~ Kat Hooper

The Parasol Protectorate — (2009-2014) Publisher: Alexia Tarabotti is laboring 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? 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.

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Authors

  • Ruth Arnell

    RUTH ARNELL (on FanLit's staff January 2009 — August 2013) earned a Ph.D. in political science and is a college professor in Idaho. From a young age she has maxed out her library card the way some people do credit cards. Ruth started reading fantasy with A Wrinkle in Time and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe — books that still occupy an honored spot on her bookshelf today. Ruth and her husband have a young son, but their house is actually presided over by a flame-point Siamese who answers, sometimes, to the name of Griffon.

  • Kat Hooper

    KAT HOOPER, who started this site in June 2007, earned a Ph.D. in neuroscience and psychology at Indiana University (Bloomington) and now teaches and conducts brain research at the University of North Florida. When she reads fiction, she wants to encounter new ideas and lots of imagination. She wants to view the world in a different way. She wants to have her mind blown. She loves beautiful language and has no patience for dull prose, vapid romance, or cheesy dialogue. She prefers complex characterization, intriguing plots, and plenty of action. Favorite authors are Jack Vance, Robin Hobb, Kage Baker, William Gibson, Gene Wolfe, Richard Matheson, and C.S. Lewis.