As reviewed by Richard Bilkey in the December Sci Fi and Fantasy Buzz. Click here to see all
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Gail Carriger describes her first novel as "urbane fantasy" - an apt description for this paranormal Victorian comedy of manners.
In Alexia Tarabotti's London vampires enjoy positions of influence and prestige in the upper echelons of society and werewolves, while considered by some as barely civilised, play crucial roles in the military and policing. Alexia herself is something altogether different - a preternatural, born without a soul, her touch can nullify a supernatural's power.
So when an unexpected vampire tries to bite her at a dinner party Alexia is almost as shocked by his woeful awareness of her soulless condition as she is by his inexcusable lack of etiquette. In the frightfully vulgar scuffle that results, Alexia accidentally kills the vampire with her parasol, bringing her once more to the attention of the bothersome werewolf and chief investigator Lord Maccon.
Alexia - spinster and insufferable blue stocking - is a terrific creation and Carriger has succeeded in mixing some of the best elements of paranormal romance, steam punk, mystery and Victorian comedy of manners to create a new series that stands out from the pack in today's oversaturated urban fantasy market.
Book description
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.
About the Author
Ms. Carriger began writing in order to cope with being raised in obscurity by an expatriate Brit and an incurable curmudgeon. She escaped small town life and inadvertently acquired several degrees in Higher Learning. Ms. Carriger then traveled the historic cities of Europe, subsisting entirely on biscuits secreted in her handbag. She now resides in the Colonies, surrounded by a harem of Armenian lovers, where she insists on tea imported directly from London and cats that pee into toilets. She is fond of teeny tiny hats and tropical fruit.
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