Watch the book trailer:
Book Jacket:
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.
You can read an excerpt here.
Review:
This book is a breath of fresh air. Set in an alternate history Victorian London, Soulless manages to make fun of Urban Fantasy tropes, Victorian manners, and itself all at the same time. I chuckled out loud as I read it.
The plot probably won’t surprise you too much, but with the humor, the characters, and strong sense of whimsy you’ll hardly even notice. I also should mention that the steampunk elements are very, very light – I know the advertising leaned heavily in that direction, but as far as the story is concerned it’s really more window dressing. What this book does have is plenty of romantic tension, a decent mystery and a fun take on vampires and werewolves. This book is, quite simply, a delight. Definitely pick this one up.
Byrt Grade: A
As Levar Burton used to say – you don’t have to take my word for it…
While Soulless is written in the style of proper English literature, with Jane Austen and P.G. Wodehouse clearly influencing both story content and language, the book is a modern work with much stronger romance themes (okay, sexy bits) than you would ever find in the pages of Victorian literature. As a result the story is a hugely readable mixture of manners, romance and mystery…If you are bored with the same old urban fantasy or paranormal romance themes, or feel like you just can’t face another leather-pant-wearing, gun-toting urban fantasy heroine, then Soulless may be just the book you need to cleanse your jaded palate.
What does Ms. Carriger do right? She is spot on with her comedic timing. She knows how to write humorous dialog, that’s for sure. The banter between her characters is like the Victorian equivalent of Gilmore Girls…It is snappy, quick, and laugh-out-loud funny. In fact it is the dialog that completes this book and makes it so much fun. Yes the plot, pacing, and writing are all good (which are grounds enough to buy the book) but the dialog is the diamond on the ring. After reading this book you will find yourself talking in an English (or Scottish) accent with all your friends, and wishing you were half as funny as the characters Gail has created.
All Things Urban Fantasy says:
If you’re a fan of Elizabeth Peters’ Amelia Peabody Series and always thought the one thing they were missing was a healthy dose of werewolves and vampires, you will love Soulless….However you classify it (I’m calling it Victorian Paranormal), Soulless is a must read. The writing is packed full of wit and intelligent humor. The romantic tension completely satisfying, and the world building equal parts fresh and familiar. Bottom line, Soulless is an utter joy to read on every imaginable level.
