Book Summery:
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?-goodreads.com
My Review:
I honestly didn't think I would like this one at first. It took me about 70 pages before I finally got in the groove of reading through (a) Carriger's voice and (b) the Victorian setting. However, once I got into the right mode, it was near impossible to set this book down. I honestly don't think I would have picked up Soulless had I not read the reviews written over at Book Love Affair and Jawas Read, Too! Though they did not enjoy Soulless quite as enthusiastically as I did, I can honestly say that I would not have even bothered to pick up the series had it not been for their reviews!
Onwards to the review. What makes this book are two exceptional components: The first being the characters. First off, is our narrator Alexia Tarabotti. Alexia is a strong, intelligent, and witty female lead. The supporting characters are superb as well, and counteract Alexia nicely. A few of my favorites are Lord Maccon and ProfessorLyall, the alpha and beta males of the local werewolf pack. The second component is the setting of the story. Now I am certainly no history buff, but it seems that Ms. Carriger has done some rather intensive research in regards to this book. Again, I can't honestly say if the historical components of the story are historically correct, but they sure do add some wonderful color to the story.
All in all, I absolutely adored this story. It has a touch of various elements: the paranormal, science, romance, steam punk with some Victorian flair thrown in. When combined these elements produce an enthralling and original story. I absolutely can not wait to get started on Carriger's next book in the series, Changeless. For more information, check out the author's website.
Cover Art Commentary:
Like the story, this cover is most original. I love how the gray background make the fore-colors pop off the page.
Overall Rating:
Sounds great! I have this one here at home. I just have to find the time to finally start it.
ReplyDeleteMy sister gave it to as a bday gift cuz she thought the cover was great.
Loved your review!
That was me by the way! I always forget to log out of the BLI account. LOL
ReplyDeleteI'm on the fence about this one. Thanks for the awesome review.
ReplyDeleteI knew you'd enjoy this one! Good thing you already have the second book ready to go! :)
ReplyDeleteI LOVED this one..and I hear #2 is even better :) Nice review
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you liked it so much! And you have book two ready to read. :D
ReplyDeleteI keep seeing this series everywhere! Methinks I may have to go out and buy the first one!
ReplyDelete@Susi
ReplyDeleteOoooh! Let me know when you start it! Then we can compare notes! :)
@Juju
I really think you'd like it! :)
@TJ
Really? I was a bit apprehensive! I've already started the second one! :)
@Mandi
I've already started #2 and so far, so good! I am going to look for your review of Soulless now! :)
@Erika
I've already begun Changeless and am loving it so far! :D
@Lindsey
You definitely should! Let me know what you think when you read it! :)
I read this one last week and absolutely loved it as well. Glad to hear you enjoyed it! :)
ReplyDeleteI am on hold for this book at the library. 1 can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteWonderful Review!
ReplyDeleteI loved this book! It was one of my top reads in February. I know what you mean about taking a bit to get into but then you do and your hooked. I highly recommend anyone sitting on the fence about this to go pick it up. I wasn't sure about either but after receiving it from a friend, I couldn't put it down.
ReplyDeleteI need to get to this book soon. My tbr is starting to intimidate me ::shivers::
ReplyDeleteLoved your review, liked how you described the characters. :)
@Natalie
ReplyDeleteIt is such a fun read, isn't it?! :)
@Sara
Can't wait to hear your thoughts on it! :)
@Liz
Thanks doll! :)
@Wonderbunny
I am glad to hear that someone had the same feelings as I did at the beginning. :)
@Donna
I definitely understand the intimidation of a lg tbr pile! :P Thanks for the compliments on my review! :)