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kathydavie's review against another edition
5.0
Fourth in the Parasol Protectorate steampunk series set in a Victorian England.
The Story
The past rears its ugly head when Lady and Lord Maccon must investigate a ghost-stuttered tip regarding a looming assassination of the queen. Naturally, Alexia cannot resist leaping in to restore order. Despite the unending assassination attempts against her and the infant-inconvenience by the vampires. Despite being a humongous seven-months pregnant. Despite all of Conall's efforts to baby the mother-to-be. And the past five months of bodyguarding efforts by the entire Woolsey Pack.
The Pack is exhausted. Totally worn out and amongst themselves, they finally come up with a plan to protect her and the baby. Without Alexia's input. It's a wonder she concedes to it!
And it just gets better from here on out with Alexia trundling and toddling her way through one crisis after another being hefted to her feet every time she needs rise up. With Lord Akeldama gleefully anticipating the addition to his family. His drones dogging...oops, that's Maccon's wolves dogging Alexia. Akeldama's drones hover and primp with timely rescues freely delivered.
The ending is inevitable as the Pack advances into the new urban age while Alexia has secrets to keep and losses to organize and sort.
It should be a fascinating new age what with Lord Akeldama's background and the surprises the newly-arrived young Prudence evinces.
The Characters
Alexia Tarabotti Maccon, a Lady and the muhjah on the Shadow Council to the Queen is one of the few Soulless. A being with no soul who believes only in logic and order. Her existence a weapon against the supernatural.
Functioning as Lady Maccon's personal secretary and librarian, the inherited Floote returns to butling when the Pack moves to London to protect Alexia and her unborn child from vampire assassination attempts. After all, isn't one soulless enough in the world?
Ivy Tunstall of the outrageously horrid hats has been Alexia's best friend since childhood and is currently married to….shudders….an actor while Madame Genevieve Lefoux, a Frenchwoman, is the series inventor with a reputation for both incredibly inventive steam-powered devices, gadgets, and vehicles as well as utterly charming, stylish hats.
Conall Maccon, Earl of Woolsey, is the alpha for the Woolsey Pack based just outside of London and head of the Bureau of Unnatural Registry (BUR), which polices the supernatural community while Professor Lyall is the Woolsey Pack beta with a possibly deadly secret.
Lord Akeldama with whom Ivy got on "like plaid and brocade, utterly incompatible even in complementary colors" is an old, old vampire rogue who leads society in fashion and manners with his own bevy of drones. And is one of Alexia's best friends. Why, he's even willing to give up one of his closets for her and her husband! He has also been appointed to the position of potentate on the Shadow Council after the previous occupant's treachery and is positively renowned for the tidbits of information he acquires.
Biffy, a.k.a., Sandaio de Rabiffiano, is one of, or rather was, one of Lord Akeldama's drones until he was bitten in Blameless and turned into a werewolf. Not adjusting to his new station in life, Lord and Lady Maccon are worried about Biffy's transitioning and Lord Akeldama misses him. Although, he is making an excellent lady's maid to Alexia. Much better at choosing flattering hairstyles and gowns than her previous French maid, Angelique, the traitor. Boots, a.k.a., Emmet Wilberforce Bootbottle-Fipps, is another of Lord Akeldama's drones.
Felicity Loontwill, half-sister to Alexia, is a major pain and totally self-absorbed with a strong predilection for hurting others verbally. Quite uncharacteristically, Felicity begs Alexia to let her move into the Maccon's London townhouse as she is embracing...well, she's involved in...er, don'ch'a know, um, Womens' Suffrage. And it must be true as Felicity is dressing, well, common.
The Shadow Council is a secret group of three charged with maintaining civil relations amongst and between the supernatural groups and reporting to the Queen. It consists of the dewan, the muhjah, and the potentate or a werewolf, soulless, and vampire.
Countess Nadasdy, queen of the Westminster Hive of vampires, would dearly love to see the end of Alexia and Lord Ambrose, her praetorianus, would be extremely interested in facilitating Alexia's demise. Preferably before the Abomination is born.
OBO, Order of the Brass Octopus, is an organization of scientists not kindly disposed to supernaturals whom we first encountered in Soulless.
My Take
This was too lovely for words. All the original Carriger back and more! I so adore how Carriger uses the manners, mores, and language of the day to create her stories then turn them on their heads with her witty and comic portrayal of Victorian etiquette.
For example, Alexia and Felicity have just escaped from a collapsing building and the biggest concern for everyone is when they
I don't know if Heartless is such a treat because it is so well done or if the added frustration of pregnancy has made it so much more as we chuckle over the Victorians' horror of…shudder…limbs and bodily functions. Lady Maccon's pregnancy is absolutely fraught with snickers of disbelief and appreciation for the Victorian obsession against the so-very improper acknowledgement of one's body.
As far as I can recall, Heartless is the first story in which the Parasol Protectorate rises up. And so beautifully does it unfurl for Ivy! She's in seventh heaven over it with her Puff Bonnet and the Ruffled Parasol.
The Cover
The cover feels different from the earlier ones. Alexia is much more three-dimensional in her purple attire jauntily tipping her chapeau as she poses with her parasol before Woolsey Castle.
The Story
The past rears its ugly head when Lady and Lord Maccon must investigate a ghost-stuttered tip regarding a looming assassination of the queen. Naturally, Alexia cannot resist leaping in to restore order. Despite the unending assassination attempts against her and the infant-inconvenience by the vampires. Despite being a humongous seven-months pregnant. Despite all of Conall's efforts to baby the mother-to-be. And the past five months of bodyguarding efforts by the entire Woolsey Pack.
The Pack is exhausted. Totally worn out and amongst themselves, they finally come up with a plan to protect her and the baby. Without Alexia's input. It's a wonder she concedes to it!
And it just gets better from here on out with Alexia trundling and toddling her way through one crisis after another being hefted to her feet every time she needs rise up. With Lord Akeldama gleefully anticipating the addition to his family. His drones dogging...oops, that's Maccon's wolves dogging Alexia. Akeldama's drones hover and primp with timely rescues freely delivered.
The ending is inevitable as the Pack advances into the new urban age while Alexia has secrets to keep and losses to organize and sort.
It should be a fascinating new age what with Lord Akeldama's background and the surprises the newly-arrived young Prudence evinces.
The Characters
Alexia Tarabotti Maccon, a Lady and the muhjah on the Shadow Council to the Queen is one of the few Soulless. A being with no soul who believes only in logic and order. Her existence a weapon against the supernatural.
Functioning as Lady Maccon's personal secretary and librarian, the inherited Floote returns to butling when the Pack moves to London to protect Alexia and her unborn child from vampire assassination attempts. After all, isn't one soulless enough in the world?
Ivy Tunstall of the outrageously horrid hats has been Alexia's best friend since childhood and is currently married to….shudders….an actor while Madame Genevieve Lefoux, a Frenchwoman, is the series inventor with a reputation for both incredibly inventive steam-powered devices, gadgets, and vehicles as well as utterly charming, stylish hats.
Conall Maccon, Earl of Woolsey, is the alpha for the Woolsey Pack based just outside of London and head of the Bureau of Unnatural Registry (BUR), which polices the supernatural community while Professor Lyall is the Woolsey Pack beta with a possibly deadly secret.
Lord Akeldama with whom Ivy got on "like plaid and brocade, utterly incompatible even in complementary colors" is an old, old vampire rogue who leads society in fashion and manners with his own bevy of drones. And is one of Alexia's best friends. Why, he's even willing to give up one of his closets for her and her husband! He has also been appointed to the position of potentate on the Shadow Council after the previous occupant's treachery and is positively renowned for the tidbits of information he acquires.
Biffy, a.k.a., Sandaio de Rabiffiano, is one of, or rather was, one of Lord Akeldama's drones until he was bitten in Blameless and turned into a werewolf. Not adjusting to his new station in life, Lord and Lady Maccon are worried about Biffy's transitioning and Lord Akeldama misses him. Although, he is making an excellent lady's maid to Alexia. Much better at choosing flattering hairstyles and gowns than her previous French maid, Angelique, the traitor. Boots, a.k.a., Emmet Wilberforce Bootbottle-Fipps, is another of Lord Akeldama's drones.
Felicity Loontwill, half-sister to Alexia, is a major pain and totally self-absorbed with a strong predilection for hurting others verbally. Quite uncharacteristically, Felicity begs Alexia to let her move into the Maccon's London townhouse as she is embracing...well, she's involved in...er, don'ch'a know, um, Womens' Suffrage. And it must be true as Felicity is dressing, well, common.
The Shadow Council is a secret group of three charged with maintaining civil relations amongst and between the supernatural groups and reporting to the Queen. It consists of the dewan, the muhjah, and the potentate or a werewolf, soulless, and vampire.
Countess Nadasdy, queen of the Westminster Hive of vampires, would dearly love to see the end of Alexia and Lord Ambrose, her praetorianus, would be extremely interested in facilitating Alexia's demise. Preferably before the Abomination is born.
OBO, Order of the Brass Octopus, is an organization of scientists not kindly disposed to supernaturals whom we first encountered in Soulless.
My Take
This was too lovely for words. All the original Carriger back and more! I so adore how Carriger uses the manners, mores, and language of the day to create her stories then turn them on their heads with her witty and comic portrayal of Victorian etiquette.
For example, Alexia and Felicity have just escaped from a collapsing building and the biggest concern for everyone is when they
looked with deep concern at Alexia's sorry state of dress, her bustle flattened, her hem filthy, her lacy trim soot-covered and burned.
"Bond Street?" suggested Tizzy seriously.
Alexia arched a brow. "Oh no, this is a profound clothing emergency."
I don't know if Heartless is such a treat because it is so well done or if the added frustration of pregnancy has made it so much more as we chuckle over the Victorians' horror of…shudder…limbs and bodily functions. Lady Maccon's pregnancy is absolutely fraught with snickers of disbelief and appreciation for the Victorian obsession against the so-very improper acknowledgement of one's body.
As far as I can recall, Heartless is the first story in which the Parasol Protectorate rises up. And so beautifully does it unfurl for Ivy! She's in seventh heaven over it with her Puff Bonnet and the Ruffled Parasol.
The Cover
The cover feels different from the earlier ones. Alexia is much more three-dimensional in her purple attire jauntily tipping her chapeau as she poses with her parasol before Woolsey Castle.
kathydavie's review
5.0
First read July 12, 2011.
Fourth in the Parasol Protectorate steampunk series set in a Victorian England.
My Take
This was too lovely for words. All the original Carriger back and more! I so adore how Carriger uses the manners, mores, and language of the day to create her stories then turn them on their heads with her witty and comic portrayal of Victorian etiquette.
For example, Alexia and Felicity have just escaped from a collapsing building and the biggest concern for everyone is when they…
Alexia is definitely a control freak, and it is amazing that she concedes to the Packs' plan to protect her and the baby!
And it just gets better from here on out with Alexia trundling and toddling her way through one crisis after another being hefted to her feet every time she needs rise up. With Lord Akeldama gleefully anticipating the addition to his family. His drones dogging...oops, that's Maccon's wolves dogging Alexia. Akeldama's drones hover and primp with timely rescues freely delivered.
The ending is inevitable as the Pack advances into the new urban age while Alexia has secrets to keep and losses to organize and sort.
It should be a fascinating new age what with Lord Akeldama's background and the surprises the newly-arrived young Prudence evinces.
As far as I can recall, Heartless is the first story in which the Parasol Protectorate rises up. And so beautifully does it unfurl for Ivy! She's in seventh heaven over it with her Puff Bonnet and the Ruffled Parasol.
The Story
The past rears its ugly head when Lady and Lord Maccon must investigate a ghost-stuttered tip regarding a looming assassination of the queen. Naturally, Alexia cannot resist leaping in to restore order. Despite the unending assassination attempts against her and the infant-inconvenience by the vampires. Despite being a humongous seven-months pregnant. Despite all of Conall's efforts to baby the mother-to-be. And the past five months of bodyguarding efforts by the entire Woolsey Pack.
The Characters
Lady Alexia Tarabotti Maccon, a Lady and the muhjah on the Shadow Council to the Queen is one of the few Soulless. A being with no soul who believes only in logic and order. Her existence a weapon against the supernatural. She's married to Lord Conall Maccon, Earl of Woolsey, who is the alpha for the Pack and head of the Bureau of Unnatural Registry (BUR), which polices the supernatural community.
The Woolsey Pack is…
…based just outside of London with Professor Lyall as the Woolsey Pack beta with a possibly deadly secret. Functioning as Lady Maccon's personal secretary and librarian, the inherited Floote returns to butling when the Pack moves to London to protect Alexia and her unborn child from vampire assassination attempts. After all, isn't one soulless enough in the world?
Ivy Tunstall of the outrageously horrid hats has been Alexia's best friend since childhood and is currently married to…shudders…an actor while Madame Genevieve Lefoux, a Frenchwoman, is the series inventor with a reputation for both incredibly inventive steam-powered devices, gadgets, and vehicles as well as utterly charming, stylish hats.
The vampires include…
…Lord Akeldama with whom Ivy got on "like plaid and brocade, utterly incompatible even in complementary colors" is an old, old vampire rogue who leads society in fashion and manners with his own bevy of drones. And is one of Alexia's best friends. Why, he's even willing to give up one of his closets for her and her husband! He has also been appointed to the position of potentate on the Shadow Council after the previous occupant's treachery and is positively renowned for the tidbits of information he acquires.
Biffy, a.k.a., Sandaio de Rabiffiano, is one of, or rather was, one of Lord Akeldama's drones until he was bitten in Blameless, 3 and turned into a werewolf. Not adjusting to his new station in life, Lord and Lady Maccon are worried about Biffy's transitioning and Lord Akeldama misses him. Although, he is making an excellent lady's maid to Alexia. Much better at choosing flattering hairstyles and gowns than her previous French maid, Angelique, the traitor. Boots, a.k.a., Emmet Wilberforce Bootbottle-Fipps, is another of Lord Akeldama's drones.
Countess Nadasdy, queen of the Westminster Hive of vampires, would dearly love to see the end of Alexia, and Lord Ambrose, her praetorianus, would be extremely interested in facilitating Alexia's demise. Preferably before the Abomination is born.
The OBO, or Order of the Brass Octopus, is…
…an organization of scientists not kindly disposed to supernaturals whom we first encountered in Soulless, 1.
Felicity Loontwill, half-sister to Alexia, is a major pain and totally self-absorbed with a strong predilection for hurting others verbally. Quite uncharacteristically, Felicity begs Alexia to let her move into the Maccon's London townhouse as she is embracing…well, she's involved in…er, don'ch'a know, um, Womens' Suffrage. And it must be true as Felicity is dressing, well, common.
The Shadow Council is a secret group of three charged with maintaining civil relations amongst and between the supernatural groups and reporting to the Queen. It consists of the dewan, the muhjah, and the potentate or a werewolf, soulless, and vampire.
The Cover
The cover feels different from the earlier ones. Alexia is much more three-dimensional in her purple attire jauntily tipping her chapeau as she poses with her parasol before Woolsey Castle.
Fourth in the Parasol Protectorate steampunk series set in a Victorian England.
My Take
This was too lovely for words. All the original Carriger back and more! I so adore how Carriger uses the manners, mores, and language of the day to create her stories then turn them on their heads with her witty and comic portrayal of Victorian etiquette.
For example, Alexia and Felicity have just escaped from a collapsing building and the biggest concern for everyone is when they…
…looked with deep concern at Alexia's sorry state of dress, her bustle flattened, her hem filthy, her lacy trim soot-covered and burned.I don't know if Heartless is such a treat because it is so well done or if the added frustration of pregnancy has made it so much more as we chuckle over the Victorians' horror of…shudder…limbs and bodily functions. Lady Maccon's pregnancy is absolutely fraught with snickers of disbelief and appreciation for the Victorian obsession against the so-very improper acknowledgement of one's body.
"Bond Street?" suggested Tizzy seriously.
Alexia arched a brow. "Oh no, this is a profound clothing emergency."
Alexia is definitely a control freak, and it is amazing that she concedes to the Packs' plan to protect her and the baby!
And it just gets better from here on out with Alexia trundling and toddling her way through one crisis after another being hefted to her feet every time she needs rise up. With Lord Akeldama gleefully anticipating the addition to his family. His drones dogging...oops, that's Maccon's wolves dogging Alexia. Akeldama's drones hover and primp with timely rescues freely delivered.
The ending is inevitable as the Pack advances into the new urban age while Alexia has secrets to keep and losses to organize and sort.
It should be a fascinating new age what with Lord Akeldama's background and the surprises the newly-arrived young Prudence evinces.
As far as I can recall, Heartless is the first story in which the Parasol Protectorate rises up. And so beautifully does it unfurl for Ivy! She's in seventh heaven over it with her Puff Bonnet and the Ruffled Parasol.
The Story
The past rears its ugly head when Lady and Lord Maccon must investigate a ghost-stuttered tip regarding a looming assassination of the queen. Naturally, Alexia cannot resist leaping in to restore order. Despite the unending assassination attempts against her and the infant-inconvenience by the vampires. Despite being a humongous seven-months pregnant. Despite all of Conall's efforts to baby the mother-to-be. And the past five months of bodyguarding efforts by the entire Woolsey Pack.
The Characters
Lady Alexia Tarabotti Maccon, a Lady and the muhjah on the Shadow Council to the Queen is one of the few Soulless. A being with no soul who believes only in logic and order. Her existence a weapon against the supernatural. She's married to Lord Conall Maccon, Earl of Woolsey, who is the alpha for the Pack and head of the Bureau of Unnatural Registry (BUR), which polices the supernatural community.
The Woolsey Pack is…
…based just outside of London with Professor Lyall as the Woolsey Pack beta with a possibly deadly secret. Functioning as Lady Maccon's personal secretary and librarian, the inherited Floote returns to butling when the Pack moves to London to protect Alexia and her unborn child from vampire assassination attempts. After all, isn't one soulless enough in the world?
Ivy Tunstall of the outrageously horrid hats has been Alexia's best friend since childhood and is currently married to…shudders…an actor while Madame Genevieve Lefoux, a Frenchwoman, is the series inventor with a reputation for both incredibly inventive steam-powered devices, gadgets, and vehicles as well as utterly charming, stylish hats.
The vampires include…
…Lord Akeldama with whom Ivy got on "like plaid and brocade, utterly incompatible even in complementary colors" is an old, old vampire rogue who leads society in fashion and manners with his own bevy of drones. And is one of Alexia's best friends. Why, he's even willing to give up one of his closets for her and her husband! He has also been appointed to the position of potentate on the Shadow Council after the previous occupant's treachery and is positively renowned for the tidbits of information he acquires.
Biffy, a.k.a., Sandaio de Rabiffiano, is one of, or rather was, one of Lord Akeldama's drones until he was bitten in Blameless, 3 and turned into a werewolf. Not adjusting to his new station in life, Lord and Lady Maccon are worried about Biffy's transitioning and Lord Akeldama misses him. Although, he is making an excellent lady's maid to Alexia. Much better at choosing flattering hairstyles and gowns than her previous French maid, Angelique, the traitor. Boots, a.k.a., Emmet Wilberforce Bootbottle-Fipps, is another of Lord Akeldama's drones.
Countess Nadasdy, queen of the Westminster Hive of vampires, would dearly love to see the end of Alexia, and Lord Ambrose, her praetorianus, would be extremely interested in facilitating Alexia's demise. Preferably before the Abomination is born.
The OBO, or Order of the Brass Octopus, is…
…an organization of scientists not kindly disposed to supernaturals whom we first encountered in Soulless, 1.
Felicity Loontwill, half-sister to Alexia, is a major pain and totally self-absorbed with a strong predilection for hurting others verbally. Quite uncharacteristically, Felicity begs Alexia to let her move into the Maccon's London townhouse as she is embracing…well, she's involved in…er, don'ch'a know, um, Womens' Suffrage. And it must be true as Felicity is dressing, well, common.
The Shadow Council is a secret group of three charged with maintaining civil relations amongst and between the supernatural groups and reporting to the Queen. It consists of the dewan, the muhjah, and the potentate or a werewolf, soulless, and vampire.
The Cover
The cover feels different from the earlier ones. Alexia is much more three-dimensional in her purple attire jauntily tipping her chapeau as she poses with her parasol before Woolsey Castle.
karrama's review
4.0
One might believe that nearing confinement with an infant-inconvenience could get one down, but Lady Maccon makes the entire embarrassing situation look easy, at least compared to saving the supernatural world from mad scientists. Somehow the entire affair is managed with great aplomb.
jobustitch's review
3.0
I still love all the characters, although this time, it seemed like there were too many plot points and not all of them seemed to be resolved. A little annoying. Can't wait to read the next installment.
nekoi's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
mehsi's review
5.0
Read a bit of this book every day. I am hoping to finish this series this week. After that I am going to read her latest M/M book.:P
The 4th book, pregnancy (and waddling around London solving mysteries), werewolves, vampires, zombie porcupines (??), romance, and more!
Yes, a confession, I skipped the third book. I read snippets of it so I knew vaguely what was going on. Sorry, I just couldn't stand a whole book with possible silly/overdone drama because of what happened at the end in book 2 (which I still think was a shitty way to end a book).
Yep, in this book Alexia is fully pregnant, but of course she isn't going to be stopped. This lady is just keeps on going. Even 8 months pregnant and she goes out to solve mysteries, go in dirigibles, do a few chases here and there. Eh, it is nothing strange for Alexia. And I love her for it. She isn't going to let a baby stop her from doing what she wants to do. From doing her job. From nosing around. Many a pregnant lady would just sit down by this stage, take things calmly. And sure, Alexia takes some breaks, or glares at people for making the infant inconvenience move/kick/etc., but generally this girl is on the move.
Plus the pregnancy brought some hilarious scenes, like when Alexia is hungry and every vampire and werewolf near her can just whip out food out of pockets instantly. :P
Even though of course her hubbie Conall would rather see his wife sit still for once, and is in even higher must protect mode. For which I love him even more. Sure, I still want to smack him on the head for what he said and did during the ending of book 2, but I am a pretty forgiving gal, and he does show remorse for what he did and said. He is trying to make up for everything. Protecting his wife and child even more, making sure her every whims are handled, making sure his wife is happy. He is a great guy.
The solution to the baby (since Alexia is still being followed by murderous vampires)? I definitely loved it, I was at first worried that it would mean Alexia and Conall wouldn't be seeing the kid much, but then Alexia brought up that plan and I was squealing. It is sad that this plan had to be concocted though. I know the kid is a potential danger, but really, it is also still a kid and those do need a parents' love when that can be provided (in this case yes). It was quite generous of Lord Akeldama to do all that for Alexia and her baby. Then again, I didn't expect anything less for the vampire, he is so sweet and kind (though his endearing words are getting a bit cringy).
The mystery/the trouble in this book? It was quite an interesting one, as it also brought some more insight in Conall's past (with his old pack, the assassination attempt back then, what happened after). I was already curious when some stuff was mentioned in the previous books, so I am happy that Gail Carriger continued the story in this one.
I wasn't amused with the fact that Felicity was once again popping up a lot. I absolutely dislike that twit. She is so annoying. I definitely didn't see that development coming though when it happened. But thinking back... it does fit her. She is the kind of person for that. I just hope she won't pop up too much in the next book.
Ivy? I was happy to see her back, and I also loved what Alexia arranged for her (I was squealing in delight). I hope we will see more of Ivy in the next book and hopefully with some more arrangements for certain things. ;) I was also delighted by another event in Ivy's life. How happy I was for her and Tunstell, congrats you two!
The ending and all (really so much happened) there? Perfection. I won't spoil anything, you will just have to read the book, but be prepared for a ride. Fasten your seat belts, grab some tissues, some fresh tea, and enjoy.
I could go on and on about this book, but I think I have said most of what I wanted. So lastly, I would definitely recommend this book (and the series).
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
The 4th book, pregnancy (and waddling around London solving mysteries), werewolves, vampires, zombie porcupines (??), romance, and more!
Yes, a confession, I skipped the third book. I read snippets of it so I knew vaguely what was going on. Sorry, I just couldn't stand a whole book with possible silly/overdone drama because of what happened at the end in book 2 (which I still think was a shitty way to end a book).
Yep, in this book Alexia is fully pregnant, but of course she isn't going to be stopped. This lady is just keeps on going. Even 8 months pregnant and she goes out to solve mysteries, go in dirigibles, do a few chases here and there. Eh, it is nothing strange for Alexia. And I love her for it. She isn't going to let a baby stop her from doing what she wants to do. From doing her job. From nosing around. Many a pregnant lady would just sit down by this stage, take things calmly. And sure, Alexia takes some breaks, or glares at people for making the infant inconvenience move/kick/etc., but generally this girl is on the move.
Plus the pregnancy brought some hilarious scenes, like when Alexia is hungry and every vampire and werewolf near her can just whip out food out of pockets instantly. :P
Even though of course her hubbie Conall would rather see his wife sit still for once, and is in even higher must protect mode. For which I love him even more. Sure, I still want to smack him on the head for what he said and did during the ending of book 2, but I am a pretty forgiving gal, and he does show remorse for what he did and said. He is trying to make up for everything. Protecting his wife and child even more, making sure her every whims are handled, making sure his wife is happy. He is a great guy.
The solution to the baby (since Alexia is still being followed by murderous vampires)? I definitely loved it, I was at first worried that it would mean Alexia and Conall wouldn't be seeing the kid much, but then Alexia brought up that plan and I was squealing. It is sad that this plan had to be concocted though. I know the kid is a potential danger, but really, it is also still a kid and those do need a parents' love when that can be provided (in this case yes). It was quite generous of Lord Akeldama to do all that for Alexia and her baby. Then again, I didn't expect anything less for the vampire, he is so sweet and kind (though his endearing words are getting a bit cringy).
The mystery/the trouble in this book? It was quite an interesting one, as it also brought some more insight in Conall's past (with his old pack, the assassination attempt back then, what happened after). I was already curious when some stuff was mentioned in the previous books, so I am happy that Gail Carriger continued the story in this one.
I wasn't amused with the fact that Felicity was once again popping up a lot. I absolutely dislike that twit. She is so annoying. I definitely didn't see that development coming though when it happened. But thinking back... it does fit her. She is the kind of person for that. I just hope she won't pop up too much in the next book.
Ivy? I was happy to see her back, and I also loved what Alexia arranged for her (I was squealing in delight). I hope we will see more of Ivy in the next book and hopefully with some more arrangements for certain things. ;) I was also delighted by another event in Ivy's life. How happy I was for her and Tunstell, congrats you two!
The ending and all (really so much happened) there? Perfection. I won't spoil anything, you will just have to read the book, but be prepared for a ride. Fasten your seat belts, grab some tissues, some fresh tea, and enjoy.
I could go on and on about this book, but I think I have said most of what I wanted. So lastly, I would definitely recommend this book (and the series).
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
premium_huhn's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Uiuiui, ich hab die hinteren beiden Bände jetzt so schnell hintereinander und in einem solchen Tempo gelesen, dass sie in meinem Kopf zu einer kontinulierlichen Story vermengt sind. Ich hoffe, ich kriege die Reviews sauber getrennt.
In Heartless ermittelt die hochschwangere Alexia nach Warnung durch einen ziemlich aufgelösten Geist im Fall eines geplantes Anschlags auf die Queen. Sie manövriert sich durch London und durch die menschliche und übernatürliche Gesellschaft beim Versuch, neben diesem nicht ganz irrelevanten Problem außerdem die mit der anstehenden Geburt ihres Kindes in Verbindung stehenden Unannehmlichkeiten - mordlustige Vampire etwa - in den Griff zu bekommen.
Ehrlich ... so viel mehr muss man zum Plot gar nicht wissen. Er basiert im Wesentlichen darauf, dass mehr als eine Figur ihr Hirn am Einlass zur Geschichte in der Garderobe abgegeben zu haben scheint. Ist aber auch wurscht, denn es ist ja so: In irgendeiner anderen Review hier auf Goodreads steht sinngemäß drin, dass der Plot bloß eine Ausrede sei, um mit den Charakteren abzuhängen. Und genau so ist es. Möglicherweise habe ich genau deswegen diesen Band sehr gemocht. Also jedenfalls immer dann, wenn Alexias grauenhafte Schwester nicht im Bild war. Man, ist die so eine grässliche Person und es entzieht sich absolut meinem Verständnis, wieso Alexia immer noch mit ihr spricht und sie - obwohl sie ihr offenkundig nichts Gutes will - in ihrem Haus wohnen lässt.
Naja und UFF das Ende kam unerwartet.Akeldama, das verzeihe ich dir NIE!!!) Haha, aber im Ernst - nachdem ich die Vampire schon für einigermaßen bescheuert hielt, weil sie sich allgemein ganz schön rumschubsen lassen, werden sie hier ein wenig restituiert.
Mein erklärter Lieblingscharakter ist und bleibt Lyall, aber Biffy als tragischer Werwolf-der-lieber-Vampir-geworden-wäre, ist natürlich auch prima. :)
In Heartless ermittelt die hochschwangere Alexia nach Warnung durch einen ziemlich aufgelösten Geist im Fall eines geplantes Anschlags auf die Queen. Sie manövriert sich durch London und durch die menschliche und übernatürliche Gesellschaft beim Versuch, neben diesem nicht ganz irrelevanten Problem außerdem die mit der anstehenden Geburt ihres Kindes in Verbindung stehenden Unannehmlichkeiten - mordlustige Vampire etwa - in den Griff zu bekommen.
Ehrlich ... so viel mehr muss man zum Plot gar nicht wissen. Er basiert im Wesentlichen darauf, dass mehr als eine Figur ihr Hirn am Einlass zur Geschichte in der Garderobe abgegeben zu haben scheint. Ist aber auch wurscht, denn es ist ja so: In irgendeiner anderen Review hier auf Goodreads steht sinngemäß drin, dass der Plot bloß eine Ausrede sei, um mit den Charakteren abzuhängen. Und genau so ist es. Möglicherweise habe ich genau deswegen diesen Band sehr gemocht. Also jedenfalls immer dann, wenn Alexias grauenhafte Schwester nicht im Bild war. Man, ist die so eine grässliche Person und es entzieht sich absolut meinem Verständnis, wieso Alexia immer noch mit ihr spricht und sie - obwohl sie ihr offenkundig nichts Gutes will - in ihrem Haus wohnen lässt.
Naja und UFF das Ende kam unerwartet.
Mein erklärter Lieblingscharakter ist und bleibt Lyall, aber Biffy als tragischer Werwolf-der-lieber-Vampir-geworden-wäre, ist natürlich auch prima. :)
yenteb's review
3.0
Still like Alexia, but honestly there were times where I was yelling at her for not seeing the obvious things right in front of her. And the big decision in the beginning? No. Just no. I kept hoping for that to be changed later in the book, but no such luck. Victorian times or not, why would anyone think that was a good solution? Also as a mother who's been pregnant 4 times, really really amazing what Alexia can pull off 8 months into her pregnancy and with a still healing twisted ankle no less.
Good series but starting to get a bit predictable.
Good series but starting to get a bit predictable.
stepriot's review
1.0
I find myself disliking Alexia a little more with each book. By the end of this one I loathed her, which is impressive given how many despicable characters I enjoy.
magikspells's review against another edition
5.0
I expected to go into this book and feel halfhearted as a lot of middle books in a series sometimes come across as filler. But I was totally blindsided by a lot of revelations (in a good way). Normally I can see these coming, but I wasn't expecting these. It's a good thing I was in my car alone at some parts because surely my gasps would have garnered a bit more attention then I would have wanted to explain. What can I say, 4 books in, I get invested in characters.
Nevertheless, I have the next book, which the library tried to hide from me. I'll have to see if I can muster up the awesome voices Emily Gray has on the audiobook, but alas my English accent is nonexistent.
And on a side note I hope I get to see more Biffy and Lyall. I think I have a new ship. I regret nothing.
Nevertheless, I have the next book, which the library tried to hide from me. I'll have to see if I can muster up the awesome voices Emily Gray has on the audiobook, but alas my English accent is nonexistent.
And on a side note I hope I get to see more Biffy and Lyall. I think I have a new ship. I regret nothing.