Throwback Thursday (Adult): Soulless (Parasol Protectorate #1)

So, it would seem that this week is shaping up to be "All Hail Gail Carriger Week!"  Today, our Throwback gives another nod to Carriger with her adult opener to the Parasol Protectorate series, Soulless (Parasol Protectorate #1).  Let me just start by saying that I am consistently enamored with Carriger's strong female leads that are often times slightly off (socially speaking) but utterly brilliant (intellectually) and strong (will and nature).  All in all this is an engaging read that will transport you to a different time (steampunk) and place (Vampire and Werewolf filled London).  

Summary courtesy of Goodreads:

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?

I am constantly amazed by Gail Carriger's voice that emerges through her brilliant words.  It's a style all her own and so rarely heard that it really is a burst of something fresh!  She writes with such a unique point of view that your imagination and sense of reality is forced to expand and the written reality becomes something nearly tangible...nearly!  The characters are beautifully written, the pace (although slow at times) is composed beautifully and masterfully paints the rhythm of the story and of course, this NOT being a YA novel, there are some HOT scenes.  Of course, these scenes are done in a "classy" sort of way without being crude or lewd but still remain steamy! 

All in all, a fun read for your next camping trip, beach bag or on a rainy day!  We love a good book that doesn't take itself too seriously, has a sense of humor mixed in with an engaging storyline and an impossibly star-crossed love story tossed in for good measure!