HEARTLESS by Gail Carriger

3 REASONS TO <3 THE SOULLESS SERIES

1.  Gail Carriger

2.  Gail Carriger

3.  Gail Carriger, Gail Carriger, Gail Carriger!!!

Man, I just love her writing.  This author is incredibly quirky/unique.  Whenever a new novel of hers comes out it's like I just know: It's going to be ridiculously good.

Heartless, the fourth book featuring Alexia and her parasol, was a great addition to the series.  These books are like little gems winking at me from the shelves.  The covers are exceptional, perfect font and coloring, Victorian in feel with a splash of edge that brings them into the 21^st Century.  (And the clothes are gorgeous!)

Beyond a great sense of Steampunk style, she has a knack for characters names.  I mean, seriously, Alexia Tarabotti, Ivy Hisselpenny, Lord Akeldama, Madame Lefoux, Channing Channing of the Chesterfield Channings???  I about died laughing when I heard that last one for the first time.  Channing is actually a favorite of mine, and I hope he'll appear more in future books J

Conall Maccon isn't the best name of the bunch, but what Lord Maccon lacks in name ingenuity, he more than makes up for in character.  He's smart.  He's hot.  He's a werewolf.  And he's got a Scottish brogue that only comes out when he's in a temper (and/or feeling frisky *winks*).  In Heartless, Conall shows his softer side, dealing with a new addition to the Woosley pack--who's having, shall we say, identity issues?--and assuming the role of doting husband, still retaining his passion for Alexia (even though the "infant-inconvenience" makes her as big as a dirigible.)

Who wouldn't love a guy/werewolf like that?

Conall Love Fest officially complete--now, back to Heartless.  It was a good setup:  A very pregnant Alexia gets a message from a ghost, a threat actually on Queen Victoria's life, and she decides, quite pragmatically, not to let the infant-inconvenience get in the way of her duties as mujah.  Her search for the killer lands her in some unexpected situations.  She gets attacked by zombie porcupines, spends a good deal of time in Lord Akeldama's back parlor, and causes an all-out rush on hairmuffs perfect for dirigible travel.

One of my favorite parts of the book was finding out what happened to my poor Biffy.  I've got a real soft spot for that dandy.  I was worried after the last book, and I'm glad Carriger didn't just hang him out to dry.  There are plenty of people to love in the Soulless series, but I've been pulling for Biffy since book one.

I had a few issues with characters' decisions, was a bit disappointed in a few of them, but I still loved it.  Waiting for the arrival of Timeless in March 2012 is gonna be torture L

Totally looking forward to it though J

Ninja Girl