Status
Available
Call number
Publication
New York : Orbit, 2011.
Description
Fantasy. Fiction. Romance. Historical Fiction. HTML:Lady Alexia Maccon, soulless, is at it again, only this time the trouble is not her fault in the fourth book of the NYT bestselling Parasol Protectorate series. When a mad ghost threatens the queen, Alexia is on the case, following a trail that leads her deep into her husband's past. Top that off with a sister who has joined the suffragette movement (shocking!), Madame Lefoux's latest mechanical invention, and a plague of zombie porcupines, Alexia barely has time to remember she happens to be eight months pregnant. Will Alexia manage to determine who is trying to kill Queen Victoria before it is too late? Is it the vampires again or is there a traitor lurking about in wolf's clothing? And what, exactly, has taken up residence in Lord Akeldama's second best closet? Heartless is the fourth book of the Parasol Protectorate series: a comedy of manners set in Victorian London, full of werewolves, vampires, dirigibles, and tea-drinking.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member beserene
I may have mentioned, one or two times here on LT, that I thoroughly enjoy this series. My dear friend David also may have mentioned, just once or twice, that he enjoys this series -- which I take credit for, since I was the one who put the first book into his hands, many moons ago, and I am never
Mind you, a lack of purpose will never stop me from speaking.
This, the fourth volume in Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series, may not be the strongest installment, but this is not a series where strength is an object. Style and wit are much more significant in this steampunk-ish supernatural romance, and I must say that 'Heartless' contains more than sufficient of both. In this book, we all get more of what we've been wanting -- Lord Akeldama, of course -- as well as a good dose of the usual fun, with werewolves transforming and vampires plotting and octopus automatons shedding perfectly good gears all over the place, and naturally Lady Alexia Maccon, nee Tarabotti, bothering about everywhere in exceptionally awkward yet brilliant ways. This is not mention hats. Or tea. But there is also plenty of both.
(If you have not yet started the series at all -- and one does wonder what on earth could have stopped you -- you may wish to stop reading here, as the rest of this review does refer to things known only to readers who have already consumed the first few volumes.)
I was delighted to see that, though our favorite lord and lady are comfortably back together after the difficulties of the previous episode, their togetherness did not dampen the adventurous spirit as it sometimes did in #2, my least favorite of the series. The fact that Alexia is hugely pregnant during this particular book also grants us an additional dynamic to the witty interactions between the characters and it is particularly pleasant to watch how she uses that state to her advantage in various situations.
There were certain red herrings in the plot that I found a little over-utilized -- no, I shan't give anything away here -- but if you are looking for subtlety, you surely must have looked elsewhere by now. The whole package is a riotous romp, as we have come to expect, with not one but two especially intriguing twists to the road at the end of the book, sure to compel the reader into the next volume, when it arrives. One of those turns is a change unusual enough to make me wonder what direction the fifth book will take, and when a series can make a reader wonder such things this far in, that is a good sign.
Overall, this book was a delight, the kind of delight that rams into buildings when its clockwork legs won't work right but always does an impeccable job tying its cravat. If you need more of a recommendation than that, I simply cannot help you.
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one for unnecessary humility -- and others who have heard our collective evangelism for this series may also have indicated their respective enjoyment once they themselves witnessed the sheer joyful ridiculousness that is the Parasol Protectorate. If you are not convinced by now, what can I really say? Mind you, a lack of purpose will never stop me from speaking.
This, the fourth volume in Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series, may not be the strongest installment, but this is not a series where strength is an object. Style and wit are much more significant in this steampunk-ish supernatural romance, and I must say that 'Heartless' contains more than sufficient of both. In this book, we all get more of what we've been wanting -- Lord Akeldama, of course -- as well as a good dose of the usual fun, with werewolves transforming and vampires plotting and octopus automatons shedding perfectly good gears all over the place, and naturally Lady Alexia Maccon, nee Tarabotti, bothering about everywhere in exceptionally awkward yet brilliant ways. This is not mention hats. Or tea. But there is also plenty of both.
(If you have not yet started the series at all -- and one does wonder what on earth could have stopped you -- you may wish to stop reading here, as the rest of this review does refer to things known only to readers who have already consumed the first few volumes.)
I was delighted to see that, though our favorite lord and lady are comfortably back together after the difficulties of the previous episode, their togetherness did not dampen the adventurous spirit as it sometimes did in #2, my least favorite of the series. The fact that Alexia is hugely pregnant during this particular book also grants us an additional dynamic to the witty interactions between the characters and it is particularly pleasant to watch how she uses that state to her advantage in various situations.
There were certain red herrings in the plot that I found a little over-utilized -- no, I shan't give anything away here -- but if you are looking for subtlety, you surely must have looked elsewhere by now. The whole package is a riotous romp, as we have come to expect, with not one but two especially intriguing twists to the road at the end of the book, sure to compel the reader into the next volume, when it arrives. One of those turns is a change unusual enough to make me wonder what direction the fifth book will take, and when a series can make a reader wonder such things this far in, that is a good sign.
Overall, this book was a delight, the kind of delight that rams into buildings when its clockwork legs won't work right but always does an impeccable job tying its cravat. If you need more of a recommendation than that, I simply cannot help you.
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LibraryThing member London_StJ
The latest Alexia Tarabotti novel - Heartless - has arrived, in which the indefatigable preternatural finds herself balancing supernatural politics and very natural familial growth. In her brusque and logical way Alexia attempts to avoid the continuing assassination plots, moves house, and solve a
I do, however, have a few personal complaints about the most recent edition. First, the cover is perfectly awful; while I have enjoyed the previous juxtaposition of a glamorous steampunk model photoshopped on a slightly awkward black and white photograph, the current model, in her very drab attire and with a disturbingly large forehead, simply does not live up to the image previously established.
Secondly, at nine months pregnant with my third child, I found Carriger's descriptions of impending maternity rather skewed. Granted, no two pregnancies are really alike, and I apparently experience uncommonly comfortable pregnancies, but I found myself a little surprised that someone as determined and active as Alexia would find herself so ... overburdened.
However, these are personal quibbles that will not likely influence a general reading, and I think that fans of the series will enjoy experiencing further developments.
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number of mysteries, both personal and political. Strapped by her "infant inconvenience," Lady Maccon is not quite as maneuverable as in previous novels, but she is no less industrious, and her adventure is no less entertaining.I do, however, have a few personal complaints about the most recent edition. First, the cover is perfectly awful; while I have enjoyed the previous juxtaposition of a glamorous steampunk model photoshopped on a slightly awkward black and white photograph, the current model, in her very drab attire and with a disturbingly large forehead, simply does not live up to the image previously established.
Secondly, at nine months pregnant with my third child, I found Carriger's descriptions of impending maternity rather skewed. Granted, no two pregnancies are really alike, and I apparently experience uncommonly comfortable pregnancies, but I found myself a little surprised that someone as determined and active as Alexia would find herself so ... overburdened.
However, these are personal quibbles that will not likely influence a general reading, and I think that fans of the series will enjoy experiencing further developments.
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LibraryThing member bell7
Lady Alexia Maccon nee Tarabotti receives a rather strange, somewhat garbled, message from a ghost near poltergeist stage (ie., not very lucid): the queen is threatened. The last time the Queen of England was nearly assassinated implicated the former pack of her husband, Lord Maccon. Alexia is
This fourth book was as witty and clever and ridiculous as ever. If you've read the other books - and I do recommend you read them in order, as there is both plot and character development along the way - you know the sort of story to expect at this point. I enjoyed learning some of the back stories of the characters as Alexia delves into the past of her husband and his former and current werewolf packs. I'm a little ambivalent about how to rate the book, primarily because knowing what to expect was both its strength and weakness for me. I knew exactly what I was in for, and I still didn't entirely engage with the story, not being quite in the mood for this brand of silliness. I will, of course, still gobble up the sequel as soon as it comes out.
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eight months pregnant, but she won't let a little thing like waddling get in her way, so she dives headlong into an investigation. Meanwhile, her husband and a few co-conspirators have a rather unorthodox proposition regarding the unborn child, in a move to end the vampire assassination attempts on the baby - and, as an unfortunate side-effect, Alexia.This fourth book was as witty and clever and ridiculous as ever. If you've read the other books - and I do recommend you read them in order, as there is both plot and character development along the way - you know the sort of story to expect at this point. I enjoyed learning some of the back stories of the characters as Alexia delves into the past of her husband and his former and current werewolf packs. I'm a little ambivalent about how to rate the book, primarily because knowing what to expect was both its strength and weakness for me. I knew exactly what I was in for, and I still didn't entirely engage with the story, not being quite in the mood for this brand of silliness. I will, of course, still gobble up the sequel as soon as it comes out.
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LibraryThing member Rosa.Mill
Alexia is extremely pregnant and trying to figure out who is threatening the Queen and why. She refuses to let her pregnancy put her out of commission. She fears that this is related to her husbands old packs attempt on the Queen, so she begins to look into the past. She learns unexpected
I finally feel like Alexia is back to being the tough lady that I met in the first book, and because of that I no longer feel quite so frustrated. She wasn't willing to let anyone stop her from doing her job this time around. I was also super excited to learn more about Prof. Lyall, who has always been one of my favorite characters. He definitely has a lot of secrets and each one that gets revealed gives you a little bit more insight into him and the pack. I was super excited to learn that him and Alexia have a tie I wasn't expecting. I am also really beginning to like Biffy and I hope to see more of him.
I definitely didn't figure out the mystery ahead of time this time. To be honest I was so into watching everyone interact with each other that I forgot there was a mystery going on most of the time. But I liked the unexpected twists and I thought the solutions Alexia came up with will make for an interesting next book.
I definitely want to know more about the baby. Totally didn't understand why the Vampires are so afraid of her and I can't wait to what happens next.
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information not only about the pack about about her own history as well. I finally feel like Alexia is back to being the tough lady that I met in the first book, and because of that I no longer feel quite so frustrated. She wasn't willing to let anyone stop her from doing her job this time around. I was also super excited to learn more about Prof. Lyall, who has always been one of my favorite characters. He definitely has a lot of secrets and each one that gets revealed gives you a little bit more insight into him and the pack. I was super excited to learn that him and Alexia have a tie I wasn't expecting. I am also really beginning to like Biffy and I hope to see more of him.
I definitely didn't figure out the mystery ahead of time this time. To be honest I was so into watching everyone interact with each other that I forgot there was a mystery going on most of the time. But I liked the unexpected twists and I thought the solutions Alexia came up with will make for an interesting next book.
I definitely want to know more about the baby. Totally didn't understand why the Vampires are so afraid of her and I can't wait to what happens next.
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LibraryThing member dknippling
A romp.
The misunderstandings between Alexia and Maccon frustrated me in previous books...but I find I miss them here. The book is a bit middle-of-the-series-ish in a way the 2nd and 3rd books weren't, but was amusing enough that I read it in one sitting and didn't mind the lack of major plot
The misunderstandings between Alexia and Maccon frustrated me in previous books...but I find I miss them here. The book is a bit middle-of-the-series-ish in a way the 2nd and 3rd books weren't, but was amusing enough that I read it in one sitting and didn't mind the lack of major plot
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developments terribly. "While our heroine awaits the birth of her baby, complications ensue." Show Less
LibraryThing member Narilka
The Parasol Protectorate has become the series I read when I need some absurd silliness to lighten up a rough week. In that regards Heartless, book four of Alexia's adventures, hit the spot. Comically timed werewolf nakedness? Check. Foppish vampires? Check. A supernatural threat to be solved?
Did I mention this book is a lot of fun? I loved how much time we get to spend with Lord Alkedama, learning more about Professor Layll's history and working through poor Biffy's predicament. Connall's character is back to being supportive which is a nice change after two books of him being rather oafish. Having an 8 month pregnant heroine was unexpectedly wonderful. Alexia isn't one to let a little thing like being extra pregnant stop her from investigating the latest threat no matter how inconvenient the infant may be. My favorite scene is where Ivy is inducted into the "Parasol Protectorate." I was disappointed by Madam Lefeaux's story line as it seemed out of character and I could really do without any more of Alexia's horrible family.
I am looking forward to the final book in the series. I'm excited to meet Prudence and the sneak peek we're given of her powers.
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Check. An 8 month pregnant Alexia getting into trouble? Check. A giant mechanical octopus rampaging around London? Check.Did I mention this book is a lot of fun? I loved how much time we get to spend with Lord Alkedama, learning more about Professor Layll's history and working through poor Biffy's predicament. Connall's character is back to being supportive which is a nice change after two books of him being rather oafish. Having an 8 month pregnant heroine was unexpectedly wonderful. Alexia isn't one to let a little thing like being extra pregnant stop her from investigating the latest threat no matter how inconvenient the infant may be. My favorite scene is where Ivy is inducted into the "Parasol Protectorate." I was disappointed by Madam Lefeaux's story line as it seemed out of character and I could really do without any more of Alexia's horrible family.
I am looking forward to the final book in the series. I'm excited to meet Prudence and the sneak peek we're given of her powers.
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LibraryThing member AwesomeAud
I've been enjoying this series immensely, and I bought this as an e-book on the first day it was available. In this book Alexia is eight months pregnant and just as temperamental as always. She is in the middle of moving house when she gets a rather cryptic warning from a ghost that there is a plot
A fun book with a good mystery. There were a couple of odd loose ends that weren't treated with the seriousness I thought they deserved, such as when Alexia discovers the identity of the ghost, I thought there would have been some investigation into how the ghost got to be a ghost! But maybe the author is saving that for the next book. In this book, the term "The Parasol Protectorate" is first used, when Alexia decides to confide her position to her friend Ivy Tunstell in order to obtain her help. Deeming Ivy susceptible to the dramatic, Alexia creates the Parasol Protectorate on the spot, and inducts her friend as its first member. Though I had a hard time believing that Ivy was the only one Alexia could think of to do this favour.
Overall, though there were flaws, I enjoyed the read. Carriger couldn't write a dull sentence if she tried.
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to kill the queen. As Muhjah, it is her duty investigate, no matter what state she is in. With the help of her husband and his pack, as well as many other friends, Alexia noses down every lead to find the truth.A fun book with a good mystery. There were a couple of odd loose ends that weren't treated with the seriousness I thought they deserved, such as when Alexia discovers the identity of the ghost, I thought there would have been some investigation into how the ghost got to be a ghost! But maybe the author is saving that for the next book. In this book, the term "The Parasol Protectorate" is first used, when Alexia decides to confide her position to her friend Ivy Tunstell in order to obtain her help. Deeming Ivy susceptible to the dramatic, Alexia creates the Parasol Protectorate on the spot, and inducts her friend as its first member. Though I had a hard time believing that Ivy was the only one Alexia could think of to do this favour.
Overall, though there were flaws, I enjoyed the read. Carriger couldn't write a dull sentence if she tried.
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LibraryThing member riverwillow
The fourth book in the series and Alexia, now eight months pregnant, discovers that there is a plot to assassinate the Queen. As a result she's again plunged into investigating the dark period in her husband's life before he became the Alpha of the Woolsey Pack. The situation is further complicated
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because, once again, Alexia's life, and that of her unborn child, is under threat, this time from the vampires, equipped with zombie porcupines. Lord Akeldama, in collusion with Conall and Professor Lyle cook up a cunning plan. She may be eight months pregnant, with the 'infant-inconvenience' and with 'the distinct appearance of a stuffed goose with bunions' doesn't prevent her from foiling the attempts on her and Conall's lives; providing comfort to a young werewolf with issues; jumping in and out of carriages and personal dirigibles; causing the odd explosion, wield her parasol and drink copious amounts of tea. Fabulous. Show Less
LibraryThing member soliloquies
If the last book slowed the pace then this one ramped it up. It seemed to have so much going on. Alexia is heavily pregnant and yet is still determined to uncover a plot against the Queen, this leads to some rather unfortunate circumstances for the Woolsey Pack. Brilliant.
LibraryThing member archerygirl
Another excellent entry in the series. Carriger follows up nicely on plot threads from the previous book, including the destiny of the marvellous Biffy, and adds some new plot threads plus a few lovely red herrings. Alexia is determined not to let advanced pregnancy slow her down and her
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investigation into threats against the queen and proceeds quickly despite her tendency to waddle rather than stride. One of the strengths of these books is the characters and even Ivy gets her little moment of brilliance. Carriger is also not afraid to shake things up a bit and the final few chapters have me itching for the next book in the series to see how everything settles out. Highly recommended. Show Less
LibraryThing member krau0098
This is the fourth book in the Parasol Protectorate series by Carriger, the fifth book Timeless is due for release in March of 2012. I enjoyed this book, it was a good addition to the series, we get to learn more about Lord Maccon's past.
Alexia is eight months pregnant and not all that thrilled
All in all this was a fun and entertaining novel. While this book doesn't have the freshness of some of the previous books and Alexia seems a bit tired throughout (she is eight months pregnant) this was still a great read. As with the previous books, at times things get a bit outlandish and absurd (zombie porcupines anyone?), but it is all in all good fun.
It was great to learn more about Lord Maccon's past and how he came to be alpha of his werewolf group. You also learn a lot more about Lord Akeldama and the Vampire Queen.
Alexia remains witty and hilarious, Lord Maccon is sweetly in love with her and it was fun to read about their wonderful stable relationship (even if things do get a bit odd at times). Lord Akeldama remains outrageous and funny. All your favorite characters are here and then some.
The book is easy to read, fun, and very engaging. Fans of the series won't be disappointed. The book ends well but throws a little curve ball at the reader which involves Alexia's infant inconvenience; this will have readers dying to read more.
Overall a solid addition to this series. Fans of the series should be pleased. Alexia comes off as a bit tired at points, but is still witty and charming as she struggles to be eight months pregnant and is embroiled in all the other craziness that encompasses her life. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the fifth book, Timeless, when it releases next year.
Alexia is eight months pregnant and not all that thrilled
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about it. She feels like a boat and her and her husband have to figure out some way to keep the vampires from hunting Alexia down to kill her and her child. To make matters even more complicated a ghost tells Alexia someone has a plot to kill the Queen, so Alexia is trying to figure that out. Then Alexia finds that Madame Lefoux is at work on some sort of diabolical device...but to what end?All in all this was a fun and entertaining novel. While this book doesn't have the freshness of some of the previous books and Alexia seems a bit tired throughout (she is eight months pregnant) this was still a great read. As with the previous books, at times things get a bit outlandish and absurd (zombie porcupines anyone?), but it is all in all good fun.
It was great to learn more about Lord Maccon's past and how he came to be alpha of his werewolf group. You also learn a lot more about Lord Akeldama and the Vampire Queen.
Alexia remains witty and hilarious, Lord Maccon is sweetly in love with her and it was fun to read about their wonderful stable relationship (even if things do get a bit odd at times). Lord Akeldama remains outrageous and funny. All your favorite characters are here and then some.
The book is easy to read, fun, and very engaging. Fans of the series won't be disappointed. The book ends well but throws a little curve ball at the reader which involves Alexia's infant inconvenience; this will have readers dying to read more.
Overall a solid addition to this series. Fans of the series should be pleased. Alexia comes off as a bit tired at points, but is still witty and charming as she struggles to be eight months pregnant and is embroiled in all the other craziness that encompasses her life. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the fifth book, Timeless, when it releases next year.
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LibraryThing member kristennicole
Carriger's writing style is both treacle-sweet and acerbic. The action in her novels (and this one especially) make it difficult to put the book down! For those of you unfamiliar with the novels, you are missing out on one of the best series. The books feature steampunk elements, Victorian
If you enjoy novels with gruff werewolves, flamboyant vampires, ludicrous hats, or strong female characters, then these are the books for you!
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sensibilities and fashion, supernaturals, preternaturals, science, tea, accessories, and food--vast quantities of it!If you enjoy novels with gruff werewolves, flamboyant vampires, ludicrous hats, or strong female characters, then these are the books for you!
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LibraryThing member shadiphoenix
Oh La! Just finished another enjoyable romp through the world of Alexia, Conall and company. Always makes me want to start using Victorian turns of phrase. This book is lighthearted with just the right dose of seriousness when appropriate, but mostly it tries not to take itself too seriously.
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Alexia is very pregnant, which we are made aware of again and again, as she does things most heavily pregnant women would avoid or at least do with more caution. Perhaps the famous saying should be "where pregnant ladies fear to tread goes Alexia". On a case to protect the queen, Alexia discovers more about the history of the pack she has married into and a little more about her mysterious father Alessandro and how he died. There is a change of venue, more scenes with Lord Akeldama (understandable considering the change of venue) and the end welcomes the new baby, who looks to be making things even more interesting in books to come. All in all a great read for the beach or at home staying cool this summer. Show Less
LibraryThing member kmartin802
Alexia is very busy in this episode. Ghosts are saying that someone is trying to assassinate the queen. Alexia researches the previous attempt to kill Queen Victoria which involved a werewolf pack and resulted in Connall taking over the Woolsey Pack. Alexia learns secrets about that time that she
Also, the vampires are still determined to kill her before her baby is born. To pacify the vampires, Lord and Lady Maccon agree to let the baby be adopted by Lord Akeldama and they intend to move in next door. No matter what the distraction Alexia is still her practical self and manages everything while eight months pregnant and even when she is in labor.
Fun comedy of manners. Can't wait for Book 5 next Spring.
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would rather not know. Biffy isn't adjusting well to being a werewolf and Madame Lefoux is distracted and building a massive mechanical octopus. Her sister Felicity has joined the suffragettes and moved in with Alexia too. Also, the vampires are still determined to kill her before her baby is born. To pacify the vampires, Lord and Lady Maccon agree to let the baby be adopted by Lord Akeldama and they intend to move in next door. No matter what the distraction Alexia is still her practical self and manages everything while eight months pregnant and even when she is in labor.
Fun comedy of manners. Can't wait for Book 5 next Spring.
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LibraryThing member coz_6
Excellent series with distinctive covers. From GC's blog: "As you may already know, Gentle Reader, I tend to try to parody different types of Victorian literature with each Parasol Protectorate book. Soulless poked fun at the early romance novels, Changeless went back to the gothic roots of all my
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favorite genres, Blameless was intended to be an Alan-Quartermian-style Boy's Adventure novel, and now Heartless . . . Heartless is a cozy Sherlock-Holmes-style mystery." Can't wait for Timeless due March 2012. Show Less
LibraryThing member susiesharp
We again have some great scenes with Alexia & Lord Maccon but we also have some good ones with Biffy and Lord Akeldama not to mention zombie porcupines, and an octomaton (a big metal octopus) attack who else but Gail Carriger would think of this! And don’t forget Madame Lefoux and I have a
The birth of the baby was great! And the aftermath of the child being born and the big surprise/cliffhanger at the end man oh man I want the next book now; it’s going to be a good one!
If you are a fan of the paranormal or steampunk with a great dose of humor give this series a try you won’t be disappointed!
I listened to this on audio and as always Emily gray does a great job at the narration!
4 ½ Stars
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feeling we’ll be seeing more of Countess NadasdyThe birth of the baby was great! And the aftermath of the child being born and the big surprise/cliffhanger at the end man oh man I want the next book now; it’s going to be a good one!
If you are a fan of the paranormal or steampunk with a great dose of humor give this series a try you won’t be disappointed!
I listened to this on audio and as always Emily gray does a great job at the narration!
4 ½ Stars
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LibraryThing member MickyFine
The fourth book in the Parasol Protectorate series finds Alexia eight months pregnant but just prior to entering her confinement, she and her husband encounter a mad ghost who warns of an assassination attempt on the queen. Alexia quickly dives into an investigation, refusing to be impeded by the
Carriger is in fine form with this novel and it remains thoroughly entertaining throughout. The characters continue to develop and there are very interesting revelations about the histories of some of the supernatural set. Carriger resolves some loose ends from previous novels in the series but also creates some new plot points that remain open-ended at the end of the novel. Humour abounds, as would be expected, and the mystery is well-crafted as well. What I most appreciate, is that the characters do not become cut-outs and Carriger throws new situations at them in every book that reveals new aspects of their personalities and makes them grow. A very satisfying continuation of the series.
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infant inconvenience, and discovers far more than she had bargained for.Carriger is in fine form with this novel and it remains thoroughly entertaining throughout. The characters continue to develop and there are very interesting revelations about the histories of some of the supernatural set. Carriger resolves some loose ends from previous novels in the series but also creates some new plot points that remain open-ended at the end of the novel. Humour abounds, as would be expected, and the mystery is well-crafted as well. What I most appreciate, is that the characters do not become cut-outs and Carriger throws new situations at them in every book that reveals new aspects of their personalities and makes them grow. A very satisfying continuation of the series.
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LibraryThing member majkia
A lively fun romp with Alexia in top form. Witty repartee, surprising twists and turns, and of course the exquisite taste of Lord Akeldama combine to terrific effect.
LibraryThing member litaddictedbrit
This is the fourth of five books in the Parasol Protectorate series featuring Alexia (spinster-come-lady), Lord Maccon (deliciously rugged and handsome werewolf), Lord Akeldama (somewhat effeminate rove vampire) and Queen Victoria.
Set in an alternative Victorian England, these books positively ooze
The only real question is which werewolf you're going to fall in love with. I'm a Lord Maccon girl myself - his and Alexia's relationship is one of the best things about this series. Their sarcastic and barbed exchanges garnered many a chuckle from me and were balanced superbly with a heart-warming sense of genuine, old-fashioned romance. Lord Maccon, however, is an animalistic, barely-tamed Scottish Alpha werewolf. My mother, however, prefers his Beta - Professor Lyall. His more refined, under-stated elegance and subtle command is clearly more her style. (And no, I do not want this psycho-analysing...)
Heartless is a great addition to the series and I actually enjoyed it more than Blameless (the third of the series). There's a good 'mystery' for Alexia to interfere with and some excellent twists to keep you intrigued. It's also a great one for developing the histories of some of the main characters and spinning the relationships and personalities around a little to keep things fresh. Ivy, for one, gets an overdue bit of attention and flourishes for it.
All of this said, if you've read the beginning of the series, I doubt you'll need much convincing to carry on! You really don't need to worry - this is as good, if not better, than its predecessors.
Oh, and the 'Parasol Protectorate' is finally born! Hurrah!
Overall: If you haven't yet read Soulless, what on earth are you doing? Shoo! Go on, find yourself a copy, suspend reality and romp around Victorian England lamenting your bustle and rousing ghosts - you'll be glad you did!
Set in an alternative Victorian England, these books positively ooze
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charm and wit and are so much fun to read. The characters are wonderful and the tone just perfect. Kooky inventions, daring transportation, perfectly coiffed hair and battered bustles - what more could you want?! Vampires, werewolves, ghosts and a preternatural...? Why of course!The only real question is which werewolf you're going to fall in love with. I'm a Lord Maccon girl myself - his and Alexia's relationship is one of the best things about this series. Their sarcastic and barbed exchanges garnered many a chuckle from me and were balanced superbly with a heart-warming sense of genuine, old-fashioned romance. Lord Maccon, however, is an animalistic, barely-tamed Scottish Alpha werewolf. My mother, however, prefers his Beta - Professor Lyall. His more refined, under-stated elegance and subtle command is clearly more her style. (And no, I do not want this psycho-analysing...)
Heartless is a great addition to the series and I actually enjoyed it more than Blameless (the third of the series). There's a good 'mystery' for Alexia to interfere with and some excellent twists to keep you intrigued. It's also a great one for developing the histories of some of the main characters and spinning the relationships and personalities around a little to keep things fresh. Ivy, for one, gets an overdue bit of attention and flourishes for it.
All of this said, if you've read the beginning of the series, I doubt you'll need much convincing to carry on! You really don't need to worry - this is as good, if not better, than its predecessors.
Oh, and the 'Parasol Protectorate' is finally born! Hurrah!
Overall: If you haven't yet read Soulless, what on earth are you doing? Shoo! Go on, find yourself a copy, suspend reality and romp around Victorian England lamenting your bustle and rousing ghosts - you'll be glad you did!
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LibraryThing member ladycato
Alexia Maccon is eight months pregnant and weary of vampires trying to assassinate her. Her "infant-inconvenience" is bound to be particular as the production of a soulless and a werewolf. However, there are plenty of other things to keep Alexia engaged as she wobbles about London. A mad ghost
This series is such a joy. It's a steampunk romp in the purist sense, bordering on ridiculous at times yet never losing its sense of fun. I can't help but admire Alexia for enduring so much mischief while so very pregnant. The ending isn't a cliffhanger, yet creates a very peculiar dilemma to be confronted in the next and final book of the series.
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delivers news to her that the queen is in danger. Madame Lefoux is working on yet another dangerous and perplexing product. And the vampires--well, even the enigmatic Lord Akeldama is in for a surprise or two.This series is such a joy. It's a steampunk romp in the purist sense, bordering on ridiculous at times yet never losing its sense of fun. I can't help but admire Alexia for enduring so much mischief while so very pregnant. The ending isn't a cliffhanger, yet creates a very peculiar dilemma to be confronted in the next and final book of the series.
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LibraryThing member sithereandread
HEARTLESS, by Gail Carriger, is the wonderfully written fourth book in The Parasol Protectorate Series. Alexia is well into her pregnancy and the supernaturals in the area are all a twitter trying to figure out what the baby will be, soulless or not. But as always, Alexia finds herself in the midst
I am still so in love with this series! Alexia always seems to find herself in some sort of trouble and this book was no different. Well the main difference is that she is precariously waddling all over London with her infant-inconvenience. For as much as I cracked up reading about Alexia having a hard time moving around as she used to and how much more she needed to be eating, I was anxious for the baby to be born to find out its soul-status. And by the end I was completely shocked and upset that I didn't have Timeless in my hands at that moment!
There is so much more to this book but I'm afraid of spoiling it so with the inclusion of favorite characters, an annoying sister character, an octomaton, and plenty of action this book is sure to please fans of the series!
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of a mystery surrounding the Queen and heaps of trouble along with it.I am still so in love with this series! Alexia always seems to find herself in some sort of trouble and this book was no different. Well the main difference is that she is precariously waddling all over London with her infant-inconvenience. For as much as I cracked up reading about Alexia having a hard time moving around as she used to and how much more she needed to be eating, I was anxious for the baby to be born to find out its soul-status. And by the end I was completely shocked and upset that I didn't have Timeless in my hands at that moment!
There is so much more to this book but I'm afraid of spoiling it so with the inclusion of favorite characters, an annoying sister character, an octomaton, and plenty of action this book is sure to please fans of the series!
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LibraryThing member bgknighton
A very enjoyable installment to the series! Characters stay true, much happens, new developments are set up. Can't wait for the next one!
LibraryThing member jmaloney17
As expected, this was light, fun read. It starts off with some zombie porcupines and goes from there. Looking forward to the next installment.
LibraryThing member norabelle414
As usual, there's a conspiracy going on and the only person who has a mind logical enough to figure it out is Alexia. Also, someone is trying to kill her. This is my favorite Parasol Protectorate book besides the first one. The last book was weak but in this one Alexia is at her best. Everything
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(and I mean EVERYTHING) goes to hell in a handbasket but Alexia is there to calmly pick up the pieces. I love Alexia, and Lord Maccon. I love Lord Akeldama. I love Ivy. I love hating Felicity. All sorts of history comes to light during the course of this book. It would be an excellent ending to the series, if it wasn't for The Thing That Happens At The End. Which means the next book has the potential to be even better. Show Less
LibraryThing member Meggle
Another wonderful addition to The Parasol Protectorate. In Heartless, the fourth of the series, Lady Maccon must investigate a threat to the queen. We find out a little more about her father as well as some information about her husbands past. I particularly liked how everything came together at
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the end with the relocation of Woolsey Pack and the vampire hives and of course Alexia's signature wit was most entertaining throughout the whole story as well. I can't wait to see how the story progresses in Timeless. Show Less
Awards
Prix Julia Verlanger (2013)
Locus Recommended Reading (2011)
Language
Original publication date
2011-06-28
Physical description
385 p.; 18 cm
ISBN
9780316127196
Local notes
Parasol Protectorate, 4
DDC/MDS
| Fic SF Carriger |