Early Critique: "The Custodian of Marvels (Fall of the Gas-Lit Empire #3)" by Rod Duncan

Disclaimer: I was given a free advance ecopy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My opinion remains as forthright as ever.

To Be Released: February 2nd

If you haven't read the first book in The Fall of the Gas-Lit Empire series, there may be spoilers in this review for you. My review of The Bullet-Catcher's Daughter is here.

You know the weird sense of satisfaction that comes with putting the final piece in a puzzle? Or when you finally polish off a crossword, without once resorting to frantic Googling? That's the only way to describe the feeling I had when I finished this book- way too early, as it happens, but I was unable to put it down. Everything came into focus- not the way I had predicted, but in a flawless manner nonetheless.

I'm one of those people who only grudgingly give a book five stars. It's difficult for me to rate something so highly, likely due to my perfectionistic tendencies. But when I was finished with this book, I knew there was simply no other rating for it- The Custodian of Marvels was simply the perfect book for me. Between a heroine I've admired from the first book and daring exploits that may involve some former characters I thought had been left behind, this book had my recipe for bookish success.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'You’d have to be mad to steal from the feared International Patent Office. But that’s what Elizabeth Barnabus is about to try. A one-time enemy from the circus has persuaded her to attempt a heist that will be the ultimate conjuring trick.
'Hidden in the vaults of the Patent Court in London lie secrets that could shake the very pillars of the Gas-Lit Empire. All that stands in Elizabeth’s way are the agents of the Patent Office, a Duke’s private army and the mysterious Custodian of Marvels.
'Rod Duncan returns with the climactic volume of the Fall of the Gas-Lit Empire, the breathtaking alternate history series that began with the Philip K Dick Award-nominated The Bullet-Catcher’s Daughter.'

Elizabeth Barnabus has managed to evade or escape any sticky situations she's fallen into before- but this will prove to be her most audacious yet. She may be eminently resourceful, but she will need help to pull off the scheme. Tinker, her young friend, comes to her aid again in this story, helping to set her on the right path. I never truly thought having a younger boy as a sidekick would work out as well as it did, but he fits perfectly into the storyline.

I had thought on the role of the International Patent Office, but dismissed them as a quirk of nature in the first book of this series. As a fan of excessive worldbuilding, I assumed they had to do with the plot, but not in a paramount manner. Suffice it to say, the organization has a lot to do with the storyline in this book, bringing about the return of yet another key character.

The Custodian of Marvels surpassed my expectations, and not in a minor way. Whereas I had anticipated an exceptional book, I instead was gifted a rather extraordinary one, filled with action, suspense, and returning characters that left me cheering. If you find yourself in dire need of a steampunk or alternate history series, I sincerely endorse the Fall of the Gas-Lit Empire series for your next reads!

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars for an absolutely marvelous steampunk heist!

Content: Ages 16+ for violence, theft, and banned books.

Page Count: 368 pages

New Release Review: "The Conquering Dark (Crown & Key #3)" by Clay Griffith & Susan Griffith

Disclaimer: I was given a free advanced e-copy of this book from Del Rey Spectra via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My opinion remains as forthright as ever.

*There may be spoilers within for The Shadow Revolution and The Undying Legion. If you haven't read those books and hate spoilers, keep on scrolling (past this review).*

Our unlikely band of characters hit a major snag in their quest to abolish magical/god-like atrocities in the previous books: their fearless leader, Simon Archer, lost his magic, and with it their strongest chance at success against their most fearsome enemy to date. So it's safe to say I expected a lot to be crammed into this book plotwise.

What I hadn't anticipated was the continuing sense of unity between the characters. Sure, they have endured many trials together, but I had expected a greater level of friction between them, especially with the coming struggles. I also was anticipating a character's return, but I guess I'll have to wait for another book (I'm guessing there'll be more with my fingers crossed) before that mystery will be solved.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'The Crown and Key Society face their most terrifying villain yet: Gaios, a deranged demigod with the power to destroy Britain.
'To avenge a centuries-old betrayal, Gaios is hell-bent on summoning the elemental forces of the earth to level London and bury Britain. The Crown and Key Society, a secret league consisting of a magician, an alchemist, and a monster-hunter, is the realm’s only hope—and to stop Gaios, they must gather their full strength and come together as a team, or the world will fall apart.
'But Simon Archer, the Crown and Key’s leader and the last living magician-scribe, has lost his powers. As Gaios searches for the Stone of Scone, which will give him destructive dominion over the land, monster-hunter Malcolm MacFarlane, alchemist extraordinaire Kate Anstruther, gadget geek Penny Carter, and Charlotte the werewolf scramble to reconnect Simon to his magic before the world as they know it is left forever in ruins.'

It's difficult to discuss the plot without spoiling it, so since this is such a character-driven series anyway, I'll stick with discussing their dynamics and other such goodness. Malcolm has stepped up to the plate as the resident grizzle bear, protecting the young ladies in particular, even though sometimes I think Imogen and Charlotte are more there for his protection. Imogen also goes through a transformation in this book, her personality slowly bleeding past the veil she wears to hide her otherness.

Although this book has Malcolm on the cover, I can't help but feel like Kate is getting a lot of the spotlight (which is more than okay with me). Not only has her house become the Crown and Key 'bat cave', she insists they stick together in this alternate steampunk variation of England, even when it might be easier to disperse and forget about the heroics.

The Conquering Dark is as dark as its title and cover might suggest. Although there are twisted-version-of-a-Hallmark-card vignettes littered throughout the book, leading you to think it might end on a high note, this book doesn't leave you skipping under rainbows while frolicking with hedgehogs in the end, unless you've taken way too many antidepressants. Personally, I prefer my fantasies flavored liberally with reality, but to some this may be a little dark. In any case, if you're looking for your next character-driven steampunk series binge, I recommend Crown & Key, if you hadn't already noticed that from my last two '4 Stars' reviews of the series books.

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars for a dark, but excellently executed addition to the Crown & Key series!

Content: Ages 16+ for violence, mild sexual content, and ungodly powers.

Page Count: 352 pages

Early Critique: "Undying Legion (Crown & Key #2)" by Clay Griffith and Susan Griffith

Disclaimer: I was given a free advanced copy of this book from NetGalley/the publisher (Del Rey Spectra) in exchange for an honest review. My opinion remains as forthright as ever.

To Be Published: June 30th

My first impressions of this book were that it was notably heavier than its predecessor, The Shadow Revolution, but mostly because of the events of the ending of that novel. Malcolm gets more of the spotlight in this book, and although Simon and Kate do continue to have consistent scenes, the focus is on the characters as a group rather than individuals.

As the title would suggest, we do have some zombie action in this book, which then reveals the larger plot. I was unable to predict many of the twists this book took me on, which is always a plus for a plot-jaded reader such as myself. The storyline starts out on a small scale and never stops building, leading to a grand finale.

The Plot: (As Seen on Goodreads)
'With a flood of dark magic about to engulf Victorian London, can a handful of heroes vanquish a legion of the undead?
 'When monster-hunter Malcolm MacFarlane comes across the gruesome aftermath of a ritual murder in a London church, he enlists the help of magician-scribe Simon Archer and alchemist extraordinaire Kate Anstruther. Studying the macabre scene, they struggle to understand obscure clues in the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics carved into the victim’s heart—as well as bizarre mystical allusions to the romantic poetry of William Blake. One thing is clear: Some very potent black magic is at work.
 'But this human sacrifice is only the first in a series of ritualized slayings. Desperate to save lives while there is still time, Simon, Kate, and Malcolm—along with gadget geek Penny Carter and Charlotte, an adolescent werewolf—track down a necromancer who is reanimating the deceased. As the team battles an unrelenting army of undead, a powerful Egyptian mummy, and serpentine demons, the necromancer proves an elusive quarry. And when the true purpose of the ritual is revealed, the gifted allies must confront a destructive force that is positively apocalyptic.'

As was the case with the first book, the characters of Undying Legion are what keep you reading long into the night. While the characters were excellent in the first book, it was nice to get to know a few of them better and find out their true motivations for hunting paranormal phenomena. I was lukewarm about Malcolm in the previous book, but now that I've seen his inner workings his actions suddenly made a lot more sense. Imogen's character continues to evolve, even though you would assume she'd remain more static after the events of The Shadow Revolution. We also get to see more of Penny Carter, who is one of my favorites due to her mechanical inclinations- which I may or may not have myself.

The first half of this book wasn't really at the level I felt the first book had reached as far as interest... until the end came and changed my mind. It was a prolonged ending that connected so many dots I hadn't even noticed were there and made me wonder if I had been really (really) paying that close of attention to the first part of the book- usually I'm good at seeing things coming. Luckily the ending for this book tops The Shadow Revolution's, which makes me eager to dig into Conquering Dark as soon as possible.

Undying Legion starts out slow, but keeps building, and building, and even building some more when you think it's the final page. The characters continue to drive the pacing of the book, improving with every scene despite the fact that they were all wonderful in the first book. I recommend the Crown & Key series to anyone who enjoys quirky character-driven steampunk.

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars for a sequel with a kicker of an ending!

Content: Ages 16+ for violence, black arts, and the occasional abuse of a firearm.

Page Count: 384 pages

Early Critique: "The Shadow Revolution (Crown & Key #1)" by Clay Griffith and Susan Griffith

Disclaimer: I was given a free advanced copy of this book from NetGalley/the publisher (Del Rey Spectra) in exchange for an honest review. My opinion remains as forthright as ever.

To Be Published: June 3rd

The first thing I noticed about this book is it starts off very historical: apparel descriptions, rakish heroes, and social standing mentions are part of the magic of this book. The fun part is when the historical elements (which I happen to love) meet the paranormal/steampunk aspects, and things start happening at a formal Victorian party.

The magic system in this book relies on aether, and is by no means unlimited. There are side effects to using magic- euphoria, and the possibility of eventual exhaustion. One cannot be a magician forever in the world of The Shadow Revolution- something I appreciate in fantasy. Even fantastic elements shouldn't be too fantastic- I'm a fan of realism as much as I am of fantasy.

The Plot: (As Seen on Goodreads)
'They are the realm’s last, best defense against supernatural evil. But they’re going to need a lot more silver.
'As fog descends, obscuring the gas lamps of Victorian London, werewolves prowl the shadows of back alleys. But they have infiltrated the inner circles of upper-crust society as well. Only a handful of specially gifted practitioners are equipped to battle the beasts. Among them are the roguish Simon Archer, who conceals his powers as a spell-casting scribe behind the smooth veneer of a dashing playboy; his layabout mentor, Nick Barker, who prefers a good pub to thrilling heroics; and the self-possessed alchemist Kate Anstruther, who is equally at home in a ballroom as she is on a battlefield.
 'After a lycanthrope targets Kate’s vulnerable younger sister, the three join forces with fierce Scottish monster-hunter Malcolm MacFarlane—but quickly discover they’re dealing with a threat far greater than anything they ever imagined.'

An unusual thing about Kate is that although her 'magic' lies in preparation (alchemy), she isn't shown as less of a player in the events of the book because of it. Oftentimes you'll see 'healers' and other less-action-oriented characters not even be a part of the battle scene, but only the cleanup, but that isn't the case with this book. Kate is just as competent (if not at times more so) than Simon, who's basically the lead character. Simon Archer, bless his wastrel heart, is trying to step away from his playboy image and become a more notable scribe. His rare type of magic, as you might guess, relies on written phrases. Of course, it gets much cooler if I mention those written phrases might be, in fact, tattoos, as the cover depicts.

Beyond the leading characters, there's more personalities to be had, including a woman named Penny Carter who runs the gadget shop which Simon frequents, and the hunter himself, Malcolm MacFarlane. I could wax poetic about the characters some more, but I think most of you get the picture: they're a quirky and infinitely likable group.

I won't expand upon the plot too much, as I'd hate to spoil it, but I'll say this: although it has been done before, I wasn't able to predict the ending, or some of the twists, which I am usually exceptional at decoding before the 60% mark.

The Shadow Revolution is a fun, fast-paced steampunk that also has a grim and shady side. While some elements of the book felt familiar, the characters kept me engaged, and the plot kept me guessing. I recommend this book for those who like steampunk with a strong historical backbone, and aren't afraid of the odd horror-esque element.

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars for an excellently paced steampunk that kept me reading past my bedtime.

Content: Ages 16+ for violence and extreme medical endeavors.

Page Count: 320 pages

Early Critique: "Unseemly Science (The Fall of the Gas-Lit Empire #2)" by Rod Duncan

Disclaimer: I was given a free advanced e-copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My opinion remains as forthright as ever.

To Be Released: May 5th

If you haven't read the first book in The Fall of the Gas-Lit Empire series, there are spoilers in this review for you (even just from the Plot summary). My review of The Bullet-Catcher's Daughter is here.

Unseemly Science doesn't begin with the bullet-like plot trajectory seen in The Bullet-Catcher's Daughter. There's more complexity to the story because of some of the events of the first book. Although it wasn't a slow beginning, it lacked the instantaneous hook the previous book had, and adds more grim moments when you wonder how much of the first book's joie de vivre was due in part to Elizabeth's outlook.

The cover of this book should tell you a lot about it- I haven't encountered a more fitting cover for the second installment of a series. After reading this book for an hour or so, it gives you that slightly sinister feeling of hairs being raised on the back of your neck. Who's out to get Elizabeth this time? Or should the question be, who's not out to get Elizabeth this time?

The Plot: (As Seen on Goodreads)
'In the divided land of England, Elizabeth Barnabus has been living a double life - as both herself and as her brother, the private detective. Witnessing the hanging of Alice Carter, the false duchess, Elizabeth resolves to throw the Bullet Catcher’s Handbook into the fire, and forget her past. If only it were that easy!
'There is a new charitable organisation in town, run by some highly respectable women. But something doesn’t feel right to Elizabeth. Perhaps it is time for her fictional brother to come out of retirement for one last case…? Her unstoppable curiosity leads her to a dark world of body-snatching, unseemly experimentation, politics and scandal. Never was it harder for a woman in a man’s world…'

The political angles of this series continue to evolve. In the previous book, Elizabeth escapes what would amount to slavery by fleeing to the oh-so-sexist Anglo-Scottish Republic again. Because the influential person who was looking for her in the Kingdom has learned of her continued existence, tensions against immigrants in the Republic have risen. As a result, Elizabeth has to rely on more than her own finely honed instincts to survive in this book.

I had worried going in that this book might be too romantic compared with its only slightly romantic predecessor- and my fears were allayed when Elizabeth Barnabus continued to be her very independent self. Not that I don't like romance in a story, but certain stories have heroines who it would take a good deal of time to warm to the idea of 'loving' someone, and Elizabeth Barnabus is one of them. Although there are moments where you wonder if she screwed her head on right that morning, the only romance this book has to offer is epic slow-build, which I love.

One of my favorite parts of the book was one of the plot twists, which, as a science-fiction-minded junior high school student (and a fan of all things macabre) I had done a lot of research on. This element, which will not be named (because I hate spoilers and it happens late in the book) was well-executed and the perfect fit for a book that has a certain chill going on. It made me mentally tip my fedora to Mr. Duncan and declare, "Well played, sir".

I didn't predict the twists that Unseemly Science threw at me. Not only is this book much darker than its predecessor, it also keeps you in more suspense, which is a feat considering I compared The Bullet-Catcher's Daughter to a spy novel. All in all, this book met my expectations and left me wondering how long I have to wait before I get my hands on the next installment of the series. I recommend this to everyone who loves independent heroines and alternate history plots with some science fiction elements blended in.

Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars for a sequel that takes a macabre turn!

Content: Ages 18+ for horror-esque themes (which I can't explain without spoiling), violence, and hair-raising moments.

Page Count: 368 pages 

"Timeless (Parasol Protectorate #5)" by Gail Carriger

This review features a book that is the fifth (and final book) in the Parasol Protectorate series, and has (inevitable) spoilers for those who have not read the first four books in the series. My review of the first book can be found here.

This series has a lot of interesting subject matter going on- often in steampunk (and urban fantasy) the characters are either: single, in a relationship (usually monogamous), and in both cases they have relatively little responsibility (and absolutely no children that would play a part in the book's plot). Timeless proceeds in an entirely different direction by including Prudence, Alexia and Maccon's daughter, who also happens to be a problem child due to her bloodline. Although Prudence is technically Lord Akeldama's daughter via adoption, Alexia couldn't give up her rights entirely, and ended up living in one of Akeldama's closets, along with Maccon, to remain Prudence's mother. This arrangement comes to an abrupt pause when Prudence is summoned to meet Queen Matakara, who presides over a hive in Alexandria, Egypt. All of this is anathema to the usual adult paranormal book practices: where only the main character is exceedingly special.

The Plot: (As Seen on Goodreads)
'Alexia Tarabotti, Lady Maccon, has settled into domestic bliss. Of course, being Alexia, such bliss involves integrating werewolves into London High society, living in a vampire's second best closet, and coping with a precocious toddler who is prone to turning supernatural willy-nilly. Even Ivy Tunstell's acting troupe's latest play, disastrous to say the least, cannot put a dampener on Alexia's enjoyment of her new London lifestyle.
'Until, that is, she receives a summons from Alexandria that cannot be ignored. With husband, child and Tunstells in tow, Alexia boards a steamer to cross the Mediterranean. But Egypt may hold more mysteries than even the indomitable Lady Maccon can handle. What does the vampire Queen of the Alexandria Hive really want from her? Why is the God-Breaker Plague suddenly expanding? And how has Ivy Tunstell suddenly become the most popular actress in all the British Empire?'

As much as this series focuses on Alexia and Maccon, we get to know Ivy a little better in this book due to her traveling with them to Egypt. Ivy, known mostly for her obscure taste in hats, has children of her own to think of now, but doesn't back down from any adventure, especially one where her patroness requests her presence. She has changed little from the girl we first met in Soulless, but with her new responsibilities, will she be able to keep up with Alexia's scheming?

Some of the plot was easy to figure out, but I was nonetheless kept guessing as to how this book would end. Would there be any sudden character departures? What was up with Alexia's father? All those and more were answered, but not so summarily as to discourage spin-off series: the lastest, which features a grown up Prudence, is expected to be published March 17th, 2015.

A slightly cryptic spoiler that made me smile wider while reading this (Highlight to view):
As any good mystery fan knows, the butler did it.

Timeless is the ending I expected of this series, but was excellent all the same. There is something to be said of a series that keeps me reaching for the next book with a grin on my face, even if it doesn't breach the 4.5 Stars club. The Parasol Protectorate was a great way to start out my new year's reading, and I don't regret a moment of time I spent amongst the characters that populated its world.

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars for a most excellent ending for the Parasol Protectorate series!

Content: Ages 18+ for the usual Parasol Protectorate shenanigans.

Page Count: 341 pages

Release Day Review: "The Eterna Files" by Leanna Renee Hieber

Disclaimer:
I received this ebook for free via NetGalley, but in no way did it affect my literary taste buds. This critique is my honest opinion.

This book had everything this bookworm could want in a read: ghosts, ritual murders, Spiritualism, Victoriana, Americana, and the pursuit of immortality. Its blurb compared it to the Dresden Files, which is a potato-chip-like addiction for me. But then I began reading it, at the speed of a half-awake snail. That's unusual for me, especially with so much going on in the book that I habitually adore. Something in me couldn't connect with the story. Or was it the characters?

The characters: there were too many. Not that someone cannot cram that many characters in a book and have people recollect every last one, but I had difficulty remembering their names and their individuality. I can only recall six who I can remember the names and individual traits of. The rest, I can barely put a number to and can't recall their names, even though they had occasional pages written from their point of view. There was only one character I felt for, and she proceeded to prove I was wrong to feel for her by being the most strange protagonist I have read about. Although the characters weren't unlikable, I felt completely uninvested in their fates, to the point I just didn't care for them.

The Plot:
The Eterna Files is a collection of people in the search for a cure to mortality- the British think the Americans are close to finding a solution to bring about this end, therefore, they try to steal the information. But, the British have homegrown ritual murders going on, and Harold Spire is there to investigate. The Americans have problems of their own, as the Eterna Files team has up and vanished. What ill fates have they met?

As I mentioned before, with all that's going on in this book, you'd think the pacing would be rather fast- but it wasn't, at least not for me. I struggled with this one so much I ended up giving up on recalling every single characters name and their occupation (something that irks my OCD to no end). I also wanted out of the haphazard plotting: where are we going with this book? Is there an overall plot or are we just doing a rat race to the finish, British vs American style?

So yes, the first half of the book wasn't my favorite by any means, but the second half was easier to follow, at some points. I noticed a lot of similarities in horror-esque themes to another series I like, Odd Thomas. But Odd Thomas is supposed to be kind of "out there" horror, while this was supposed to be the Dresden Files's Steampunk cousin, and perhaps a little less abstract than anything Mr. Koontz would pen.

The Eterna Files held so much promise, but for me, the execution was way off. It isn't often that I can't connect with a book, yet for much of this one I could have cared less if all the main characters were executed via spontaneous combustion. For those reasons, I can't recommend this one, as it was only a tolerable read for me.

Rating: 2 of 5 Stars for a read that could have been much better.

Content: Ages 16+ for ritual murder, violence, and weird imagery.

Page Count: 320 pages

"Heartless (Parasol Protectorate #4)" by Gail Carriger

This review features a book that is the fourth in the Parasol Protectorate series, and has (inevitable) spoilers for those who have not read the first three books in the series. My review of the first book can be found here.

After their reunion in Blameless, you would expect everything would go smoothly for Alexia and Conall when they arrived back in England. Not so- it appears Alexia's pregnancy continues to make her a target, and something simply must be done about it. Beyond that, Alexia's sister appears to have had a rapid turn around personality-wise: she is now the alter ego of herself with her choice of shawls and company. What does this all add up to? Another excellent Parasol Protectorate series addition.

The Plot: (As Seen on Goodreads)
'Lady Alexia Maccon, soulless, is at it again, only this time the trouble is not her fault. 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 and 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?'

It isn't very often that you have a very pregnant heroine star in an action/adventure themed steampunk novel, but Alexia manages to pull the role off, with a minimum amount of embarrassment. Given her state, her husband tries to limit her stress and stymie her adventures, but his success is limited. Alexia simply won't have her 'infant-inconvenience' inconvenience her.

A quote that well-describes Alexia's predicament:

"Months of training had seen the entire werewolf household running attendance on an increasingly grumpy Alexia and learning, to a man, that if food was not provided promptly, fur might fly, or worse, Lady Maccon would start to weep. As a result, several of the pack now crinkled as they moved, having desperately stashed snacks all about their personage."

The overall plotline of this book is not hard to guess, but it didn't interfere with my enjoyment of it. Alexia and the gang are more than entertaining, as usual, and their antics are more than enough to spur the reader on despite the obviousness of the plot itself. I would advise anyone who doesn't like the characters from the first book to not read the series- I think the best part of my enjoyment of the Parasol Protectorate relies heavily on the characters.

Heartless is not completely without heart. Though there are tough decisions for Alexia and Conall to make and even tougher compromises, they must work together to ensure the queen is saved. This book was more than a tad predictable, but was saved by its fantastic characterization and humor. I encourage anyone who has enjoyed the first three books in the series to continue their adventures with Heartless.

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars for a fun fourth book to the Parasol Protectorate series!

Content: Ages 18+ for the 'expected' themes of the Parasol Protectorate.

Page Count: 374 pages

"Blameless (Parasol Protectorate #3)" by Gail Carriger

This review features a book that is the third in the Parasol Protectorate series, and has (inevitable) spoilers for those who have not read Soulless and Changeless. My review of the first book can be found here.

In this book, Alexia must learn to deal with her "infant-inconvenience", without the aid of her husband or Lord Akeldama. It appears she's been targeted for some reason, though exactly what no one is sure. What I like about this book is because Alexia is on her own, we get to see more of her independent streak and how she can manage well without help.

The Plot: (As Seen on Goodreads)
'Quitting her husband's house and moving back in with her horrible family, Lady Maccon becomes the scandal of the London season.
'Queen Victoria dismisses her from the Shadow Council, and the only person who can explain anything, Lord Akeldama, unexpectedly leaves town. To top it all off, Alexia is attacked by homicidal mechanical ladybugs, indicating, as only ladybugs can, the fact that all of London's vampires are now very much interested in seeing Alexia quite thoroughly dead.
'While Lord Maccon elects to get progressively more inebriated and Professor Lyall desperately tries to hold the Woolsey werewolf pack together, Alexia flees England for Italy in search of the mysterious Templars. Only they know enough about the preternatural to explain her increasingly inconvenient condition, but they may be worse than the vampires -- and they're armed with pesto.'

One of my other favorite parts about this book is that we get to see Lord Maccon at his lowest. Although he himself caused the inexcusable rift in the relationship, he doesn't exactly act like it, leaving poor Professor Lyall to pick up the pieces. While Alexia tries to move on, Conall is clearly unable to, at least in the beginning of the book.

There is another element to this book that stood out to me- there was a lot of playful coffee-bashing going on. With the characters of this book being pseudo-nineteenth-century English citizens, I'm hardly surprised they can't stand coffee, but I personally can't drink tea (stomach issues) so coffee is my go-to caffeine high. I am here to defend coffee's honor and say I love it more than tea, but it probably tastes better now than it did back in those days due to weighty additions of sugar and cream (also: the invention of Starbucks).

My favorite quote:

'"I have died and gone to the land of bad novels," was Squire Loontwill's response.'

    ~Blameless by Gail Carriger, Chapter One

Blameless is an improvement on the series, mainly because it tidies up Changeless's messy ending, which had left me with a sour taste in my mouth. Although this book was not significantly better than the first book, it did leave me smiling and reaching for the next book (as I am a known series devourer). I recommend Blameless to anyone who has read and enjoyed the first two of the Parasol Protectorate series, because you may as well see what happens next.

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars for an excellent third book in the Parasol Protectorate.

Content: Ages 18+ for violence (including mad scientists and crazier Templars), lovers' quarrels, and an infant-inconvenienced lady armed with a lethal parasol.

Page Count: 374 pages

"Changeless (Parasol Protectorate #2)" by Gail Carriger

This review features a book that is the second in the Parasol Protectorate series, and has (inevitable) spoilers for those who have not read Soulless. My review of the first book can be found here.

Today I had planned on reviewing a non-series book, but it appears this month will be mostly series books as most of my backlog of read books are from a series. The Parasol Protectorate sucked me into its web of steampunkery, and I've only glanced at a couple other books since.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'Alexia Maccon, the Lady Woolsey, awakens in the wee hours of the mid-afternoon to find her husband, who should be decently asleep like any normal werewolf, yelling at the top of his lungs. Then he disappears; leaving her to deal with a regiment of supernatural soldiers encamped on her doorstep, a plethora of exorcised ghosts, and an angry Queen Victoria.
'But Alexia is armed with her trusty parasol, the latest fashions, and an arsenal of biting civility. So even when her investigations take her to Scotland, the backwater of ugly waistcoats, she is prepared: upending werewolf pack dynamics as only the soulless can. She might even find time to track down her wayward husband, if she feels like it.
'CHANGELESS is the second book of the Parasol Protectorate series: a comedy of manners set in Victorian London, full of werewolves, vampires, dirigibles, and tea-drinking.'

In this book, we are treated to glimpses of Alexia's relationships with people other than her now-husband, Conall Maccon, due to his early disappearance in the book. Ivy (or as I refer to her- the female Mad Hatter) continues to shine as her eccentric best-friend-in-chief, despite their discrepancies in societal standing. There is also a new addition to the motley crew- Madame Lefoux, a woman who dresses every inch the gentleman, in spite of being obviously female. Lefoux also has a way with gadgetry, leading to a new addition in Alexia's outfits.

Did I mention I have an unfair bias to this series due to its parasols? In addition to collecting music boxes, handheld fans, and vintage clothing, I also have a taste for parasols of oriental flair:

So yes, I do have an undue bias to this series and its seriously amazing parasols. If only mine had secret buttons that emitted weaponry...

I must take a moment to discuss the ending, because I was a bit shocked and disappointed by it, despite having the next book on hand (I can barely imagine reading this series if the third book hadn't been published...). It brought out an unpleasant side to one of our motley band, and all I could think was Would x person really act that way?. Despite reading the next two books after it, I'm convinced that one of our characters was out of character simply to provide a dramatic ending. For that reason, despite this book's exceeding excellence, I marked it down to a 3.5 star rating.

Changeless is definitely a change in tone for the Parasol Protectorate series. Although Alexia had troubles previously, I had hoped this book would have a happier ending now that she was independent from her Cinderella-esque family members. If you've read Soulless, expect a different feel to this book of the Parasol Protectorate.

Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars for a great sequel with a shocker of an ending.

Content: Ages 18+ for extreme dirigible stunts, werewolf nudity, and an out of character character.

Page Count: 388 pages

"Soulless (Parasol Protectorate #1)" by Gail Carriger

Due to the bountiful nature of the book section of my Montana thrift shop, I was able to pick this up on my trip there at Christmas time for a very reasonable price. It was ironic, as I'd just set my mind on buying it (preferably for cheap) and had considered buying it for full price with my Barnes and Noble gift card. Needless to say my gift card money was spent on less easily attainable things.

Back to the book itself- Soulless attracted me with its multiple genres (mainly steampunk/paranormal) and claims of being "Wickedly funny". I did find it humorous, but perhaps not wickedly- most of the jokes were of the sly and situational comedic variety. My first impression was that this would end up on my three-star shelf, because some of the conversations irked me. However, by the end of the novel, my mind had changed- Miss Tarabotti and her parasol had grown on me.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'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?'

This book reminded me of a Cinderella-style story- Miss Tarabotti has some serious mama drama going on, and it's her actual mother that slights her, not a stepmother. While Alexia's sisters were born later with a much more Anglo-Saxon pedigree, Alexia's father was Italian and the very reason for her being soulless. Alexia's mother does not do right by her firstborn, and instead favors her daughters from her second marriage. This makes me sad...

From GifSoup

Fortunately for our heroine, not everyone is so mean to her. Lord Maccon, despite being furiously vexing to Alexia (and vice versa), remains a pillar of support for her and tries to defend her (even against herself). Alexia's best friend, Ivy Hisselpenny, seems to make up for the serious lack of strong familial ties in Alexia's life, in addition to giving her much needed advice. Lord Maccon's lieutenant, Professor Lyall, rounds out the unlikely bunch by being the voice of reason, as well as keeping sandwiches on his person for the improvement of Lord Maccon's mood.

Soulless is an action-packed, urban-fantasy-style steampunk read. Sure, it isn't set in an urban modern day world, but reminded me greatly of some of the other urban fantasy series I've read, namely the Kate Daniels series. Despite its similarities (or maybe because of them) I grew to love the rag-tag cast of characters and their zany adventures. I recommend this book for anyone who likes a mix of Victoriana, action-packed steampunk, and paranormal romance with their cup of tea.

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars for an excellent start to a steampunk series!

Content: Ages 18+ for moderate sexual references, ghoulish violence, and exsanguination.

Page Count: 357 pages in my pre-loved paperback edition.

"The Bullet-Catcher's Daughter (The Fall of the Gas-Lit Empire #1)" by Rod Duncan

The Bullet-Catcher's Daughter features the kind of crossdressing I heartily endorse. It's cleverly done to avoid the semi-dystopic authorities, and the heroine doesn't always look the perfect hero (I'm looking at you, The House of Four Winds). Also, there isn't much romance to speak of, sometimes making the book more focused on the story, a label which applies to this book.

Steampunk is not a new genre for me, but the steampunk books I've read (halfway through) before have generally turned me off the genre. Victorian soul I may be, but I've found a lot of steampunk is hard to follow, or so filled with useless gadgetry it irks me. I appreciate that The Bullet-Catcher's Daughter doesn't use steampunk apparatuses to excess.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'Elizabeth Barnabus lives a double life—as herself and as her brother, the private detective. She is trying to solve the mystery of a disappearing aristocrat and a hoard of arcane machines. In her way stand the rogues, freaks and self-proclaimed alchemists of a travelling circus. But when she comes up against an agent of the all-powerful Patent Office, her life and the course of history will begin to change. And not necessarily for the better…'

In some ways, this reads like a spy novel. Elizabeth is excellent with her disguise, and a lot of effort goes into keeping the illusion of her brother and herself alive without the anyone noticing. In the private detective brother persona, she also has to keep on her toes and be largely unremarkable, as well as quick on her feet if anyone suspects anything.

This is set in an alternate history type of world, where some countries are very sexist (there is a weight limit for the appropriate amount of undergarments and women can't own businesses), while others almost look like late 1800s England (and one of them kind of is- the Kingdom of England and Southern Wales). Because of the circumstances where she lives, Elizabeth risks much for the income of her double life.

Elizabeth reminded me a lot of Kate Daniels (of Magic Bites) because she is alone in the world and relies heavily on her instincts. The situations she gets herself into can be comical, especially when dealing with a certain man (her kind-of-sort-of love interest).

I think what kept this from being a five-star read was, despite my love of the heroine, I didn't connect with her emotionally- the best books for me make me laugh and cry, sometimes at the same time. Although The Bullet-Catcher's Daughter was positively delightful, there was a certain depth of the characters that was missing. If you like alternate history and espionage-themed books, I recommend this one to you.

Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars for my favorite steampunk book I've read so far!

Content: Ages 16+ for violence... but I noted no other vices. This is book is halfway between YA and NA in terms of age group interest.

Page Count: 384 pages

Kindle Ebook Format Errors: There are several instances of run on words with no spaces between them, but as far as I noticed, no spelling/grammar issues.