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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.
CHANGLESS 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.
"Carriger debuts brilliantly with a blend of Victorian romance, screwball comedy of manners and alternate history. . . . This intoxicatingly witty parody will appeal to a wide cross-section of romance, fantasy and steampunk fans."—Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) on Soulless
"Carriger has created a wonderfully detailed world that is just one step to the side of our own."—sfrevu.com on Changeless
"The second episode in the 'Parasol Protectorate' should win it even more fans. I'm already hooked."—Locus on Changeless
"The dialogue is as smart and snappy as ever, full of intelligent humor and artful verbal sparring."—All Things Urban Fantasy on Changeless
"Changeless is the equal to Soulless: witty, sexy, graceful, and unpredictable. With a few more novels this delightful, Ms. Carriger will be challenging Laurell K. Hamilton and Charlaine Harris for the top of the New York Times bestseller lists."—Fantasy Magazine on Changeless
New York Times bestselling author Gail Carriger writes 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 resides in the Colonies, surrounded by fantastic shoes, where she insists on tea imported from London.
The Parasol Protectorate books are: Soulless, Changeless, Blameless, Heartless, and Timeless. Soulless won the ALA's Alex Award. A manga adaptation released in Spring 2012 and a young adult series set in the same universe — the Finishing School series — launched in Spring 2013. Gail is soon to begin writing a new adult series, The Parasol Protectorate Abroad (2015).
I am thoroughly in love with Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series. The first book, Soulless, is required reading; not just because it's incredibly fun and a very good tale in its own right, but also because Ms. Carriger's steampunk world is not one I'd recommend jumping into without your parasol, which means you need to begin with book 1 in the series to fully understand and appreciate the storyline in Changeless.
In Changeless, Carriger expands on her world mythology, bringing Alexia, and therefore the readers, further into the werewolve's world. She also introduces some intriguing new characters.
Ms. Carriger shows her flare for all things Victorian in this book. In fact, her world play and descriptions of the era, within the steampunk framework, are even more clever on this go-round. I would say that the only weakness, which I observed in the first book, as well, seems to be that the plotting is a bit light. In many books, that has annoyed (and sometimes downright infuriated) me; but the characters and world are so charming, that it's easy to forgive this lapse. If book 3 shows a tightening of the plotting, with a bit more depth and a few more layers, it will take the series to my personal "must read anything she writes" list.
So, to summarize, if you enjoy good steampunk; spunky heroines; and very original characters, I don't think you'll want to miss Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate.
14 out of 14 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Leah-books
Posted Fri May 11 00:00:00 EDT 2012
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Talented writer. Great story line. Enjoyed this book!
10 out of 10 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Wed May 05 00:00:00 EDT 2010
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The plot and characters are just as good as the first in the series, but what really makes this book is the author's writing style. The wit just never stops. The end (which I will not spoil by revealing) was a little disappointing, and clearly meant to set up the next book in the series. It's a pet pev of mine when authors set up the next story at the expense of the one they're telling. Overall a great book though, and I'll definitely be buying the next one.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Tue Sep 20 00:00:00 EDT 2011
Two months into her marriage Alexia Maccon (nee Tarabotti) finds herself alone. Her husband has disappeared into Scotland and a Humanity Plague is robbing all the supernatural beings in London of their powers. As the only preternatural member of the Shadow Council, she must find the source of this new threat to England and neutralize it. Even if it leads her directly into her husband's past.
Changeless is another excellent romp in steam powered Victorian England. I particularly enjoyed the unearthing of villains both suspected and unsuspected as Lord and Lady Woolsey work together to solve the humanity plague. The dialogue between the two sparkles. Even better is the bumps Alexia experiences as she begins to fully realize what it means to be married to a 200 year old werewolf. A word of caution for the reader: this book ends with setting up the next book in the series.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Sat Jul 16 00:00:00 EDT 2011
Alexia is at it again, some how trouble finds her with out any trouble. Alexia sets out to find out why everyone is changeless (her werewolf husband can not shift), this adventure takes her searching for her husband in Scotland.
Someone is trying to kill Alexia, but who, and what does it have to do with everyone in the Scotland wolf pack not being able to change. Alexia meant to go chasing after her husband alone but finds herself with a motley crew, with Mr. Tunstle, Ivy Hisslepenny, Felicia, Angelique and Madame Lefoux. (if I spelt the names wrong I am sorry but I didn't have the book for names since this was a audio)
I did like Changeless but probably not as much as I liked Soulless, and I think the reason why was there just was not enough of some of my favorite characters. I do like the introduction of Madame Lefoux, she is pretty cool. Although I dislike cliffhanger endings, I didn't find the ending to be upsetting just that it seem to take to long in getting there. I figured out whodunnit a long time before Alexia did. Also I love Lord Maccon and the ending left me very agitated at him and I didn't like that. (although I have read a lot of reviews on this book and you would like people have never read books with cliffhanger endings. I am starting to get use to them since it seems that is how authors these days think they have to keep readers interested, oh well)
Emily Gray is the narrator of the audio version and I must say she did a wonderful job. She has a pleasant voice to listen to and it was great fun listening to all the voices she was giving everybody. When it comes to audiobooks it really is all about the narrators voice and hers was lovely.
Overall I enjoyed listening to Changeless and I am very much glad that I have the next book because of the cliffhanger. If you enjoyed Soulless, I think you will enjoy Changeless but it is really a lot different than the first book. If you have never read Soulless, you must at once! :)
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Sun Jun 06 00:00:00 EDT 2010
Plot: 3.5 Stars
The quest to not only locate the Earl of Woolsey, but also figure out why the supernaturals became human was a very nice plot for the novel. The conclusion to all of the problems within the journey was definitely not even a possibility in my speculation of what was to come. My biggest disappointment is that we're left with a slight cliffhanger. It could've easily been the beginning of the next novel instead of slapping me in the face right before the book ended.
Pace: 2.5 Stars
This was a very slow moving novel. After the quick pace and quick wit of the first book, Changeless just seemed that much slower. A big reason for this, is that a lot of the humor that was present in book one is lacking in the second installment. The humor was there, but the laughs were definitely fewer and further between. The fancy speech of the era was easier to understand this time around, but at times the Scottish characters were a bit hard to understand. There was a bit too much uncommon slang and odd spellings to get the accents across.
Characters: 3.5 Stars
I enjoyed getting to know new characters, as well as learning more about the characters introduced in Soulless. My biggest regret is that Miss Hisselpenny's hats weren't nearly as focused on as in book one, because I find them hilarious. It was great to meet Madame Lefoux and learn more about Lord Akeldama, but I didn't feel like I learned anything new about Alexia or Conall which I was really looking forward to.
Cover: 4.5 Stars
Another fantastic cover. Although the blue isn't as eye catching as the hot pink from the Soulless cover, it's still a very nice touch. I enjoyed the cover model's hat and goggles, although I wish she had a parasol since Alexia is known for her parasols. The dirigible in the background is a nice touch also. The cover, once again, does a great job of conveying the Victorian feel of the novel.
Overall: 3.5 Stars
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Thu May 27 00:00:00 EDT 2010
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I absolutely LOVE Ms. Gail Carriger, this is the second book of the Parasol Protectorate Series and I had to pace myself so it wouldn't end soo soon. But atlas...I finish the book and it left me elated and stricken with a tab bit of sadness because I now have to wait until September for the third book :( But it has been a while since I was so enthralled by an author and a series that I count the days til her third book is release. So, if you couldn't guess. 'I love this book' and if you like witty, action pack fun, with a touch of romance and steam-punk, this is the book that beckons you.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Wed May 26 00:00:00 EDT 2010
I cannot express how much I love this series, and this book in particular! The writing style is impeccably period, while still being accesible to modern readers. If I were rating simply on literary style and flair, it would get five stars! But in the characters of this world lie Ms. Carriger's true genius! In that area, I would happily give Changeless ten stars, if such a rating existed! Each character, down to the merest cameo appearance, comes to life- and in many cases eccentric life- on the page!
The plot is funny, creative and fresh- I have rarely come across such originality in modern fantasy novels! The steampunk gadgetry element is definitely there, but not so much so that one feels as if one is reading a textbook for would be mechanics. The overall effect is charming, humerous and engaging, and I have been recomending the novel to anyone who will listen!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Mon May 17 00:00:00 EDT 2010
We left our favorite paranormals just after a lovely, if tad unusual wedding. But trouble comes calling on Alexia Maccon and her new husband Lord Connall Maccon, all too soon when returning troops bring a rather nasty artifact home with them. We learn a little more about Lord Maccon's pre-London days when he is called away to Scotland to deal with some long simmering family and pack business. Alexia, in her role as the Queen's muhjah, is at her imperious best as she boards a dirigible to trail him north. Along the way Miss Ivy Hisselpenny indulges in an impetuously inappropriate emotions, Alexia makes an interesting acquaintance in Mme. Lefoux the inventor of her ingenius new parasol, and a murderer makes multiple attempts on her life.
While part of the burgeoning paranormal fiction field, Ms. Carriger's heroine owes more of her success to intelligence combined with a tart tongue and feminine pigheadedness than any supernatural strength. Also missing are the dark angst of pending Armegeddon and horrific scenes of destruction common to so many novels in this genre. The curious combination of Queen Victoria's England with werewolf packs, vampire hives and emerging technologies works well as alternative Earth scenario. Sci-Fi/Fantasy meets Victorian Romance? Who knows, but it makes for an enjoyable read.
Be forwarned. The ending may leave you desperate for Ms. Carriger's forthcoming novel Blameless due out later this year.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Fri Sep 26 00:00:00 EDT 2014
I wish the author would reconsider ending the series. Love the characters.
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Posted Thu Sep 04 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Following shortly after Soulless ended, you can tell "the honeymoon is over" and it's time for life to move on. I'm a newlywed and completely understand this. However, when their work lives bring Alexia and Conall on the same path for different reasons you can see that the fire isn't out. Solving a mystery centuries old is nothing but a job well done for Alexia. Secrets are shared, floating is had, and espionage is afoot. The ending quite made me cry, every girl knows the feeling of rejection and it stings years later when reminded. Thankfully there is another book to keep the tale going.
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Posted Wed Jul 03 00:00:00 EDT 2013
I liked the way it integrated supernatural beings with history and the real world.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Mon Jul 08 00:00:00 EDT 2013
funny corky and a little out there, and who doesnot love a warewolf?
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Following her husband across the country, Alexia cannot seem to stay out of trouble. Add in her crazy traveling companions, and you have a trip with a twist in every turn.
There was a lot going on in this book, which helped keep the pace up; never a dull moment with Alexia. The only downfall to the book was all the technological speak that got quite dull. I found myself skimming to get past those sections.
I really liked learning more about Lord Maccon's past. And the ending! I saw the first part coming, but Lord Maccon's actions were quite the shocker! He had better be ready for some serious sucking up in the next book!
Anonymous
Posted Tue Dec 18 00:00:00 EST 2012
Whole seris very very goood
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi
Beware of spoilers!
Alexia is back in the second installment of Gail Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate series. And in this book she wakes from a blissful sleep to hear her husband, Lord Conall Maccon yelling at someone. He heads off to London to take care of the problem that has occurred. He travels in wolf form knowing the trip will be quicker that way, but when he arrives his body is forced back into human form. And this problem isn’t affecting just him. All vampires and werewolves are now mortal and even the ghosts have been exorcised. Once Macoon is back out of London though, he returns to his supernatural self.
Lord Maccon heads to Scotland to take care of some pack problems. But when Alexia discovers that the humanization has something to do with some soldiers that have returned from service and that the plague appears to be following Conall to Scotland she decides to follow him there to investigate.
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this novel as I did struggle through a great deal of the first book in the series, Soulless, understanding how people were talking (dialect and basic talk of the era) and what was going on especially when they were using first and last names for the same person. But I’m happy to report that I had no such problem with Changeless. I slipped right in and understood everything that was going on.
I felt this book had a good storyline and it was never boring. It was a wonderful rollick into a time long gone by. I enjoyed seeing more of Alexia’s relationship with the earl and how her life has changed since her marriage. I also enjoyed Ivy and her quirky ways. Seeing her and Tunstell’s forbidden relationship was fun and showed the dramatics of that time and what was expected of people, especially women.
<b>*Huge Spoiler* Look away now before it’s too late….</b>
I felt bad for Alexia when the book left off; her pregnant and Conall thinking she had been unfaithful to him. She is the curse-breaker after all is it really that hard to believe that she could also break his curse of infertility? Well hopefully Lord Maccon quits being so hard-headed and they get their issues resolved soon. This book definitely leaves me longing for more in this interesting series!! Enjoy this read, but be forewarned that it will make sure you read the next in the series, Blameless.
This review and more at openbooksociety dot com
Tried Souless as a free selection and was hooked. Witty well written and fun. I have not been into historicals for a long time but this series adds unique twists on an alternate past. I recommend each book in this series.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.JimmieB55
Posted Tue Nov 27 00:00:00 EST 2012
Very entertaining insite into Paranormal goings on. Amusing take on the treatment of females in the England of the time and the refuseal of Alexia to behave as a female of the time. Lovely reading.
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Posted Mon Aug 06 00:00:00 EDT 2012
My my my Alexia you are in a werewolf load of trouble this time.
Conall u need a chill pill . Lyall find Conall a @#$% chill pill!!! Someone shut felicity up and Conall listen to your wife
Sheens1
Posted Sun Jul 29 00:00:00 EDT 2012
You will not be disappointed if you loved the first one!
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Overview
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 ...