Adult Minireviews: The Greyfriar (Vampire Empire #1), The Abandoned (Graveyard Queen), and Timeless (Parasol Protectorate #5)

  In the spirit of the Something Wicked blogging event, I wanted to share with you some adult mini-reviews that about things that go bump in the night and that may be featured during this month. Today I'll be reviewing The Greyfriar (Vampire Empire #1), The Abandoned (Graveyard Queen), and Timeless (Parasol Protectorate #5).

Description (from Goodreads): In 1870, monsters rise up and conquer the northern lands. As great cities are swallowed up by carnage and disease, landowners and other elite flee south to escape their blood-thirsty wrath. One hundred fifty years later, the great divide still exists; fangs on one side of the border, worried defenders on the other. This fragile equilibrium is threatened, then crumbles after a single young princess becomes almost hopelessly lost in the hostile territory. At first, she has only one defender—a mysterious Greyfriar who roams freely in dangerous vampire regions.

Review: I thought I'd try this book out after reading some great reviews from fellow bloggers. For the most part, I really did enjoy The Greyfriar, but I did have to find my rhythm in reading the story. There is a large cast of characters that I had trouble at first getting straight as they entered and excited very quickly. The plot had enough action to keep me occupied, but it is the slow burn relationship between the young, fiesty, and strong willed princess, Adele, and the mysterious Greyfriar that caught my attention. Readers looking for strong steampunk elements may be disappointed with this book as it's very lightly featured, but I'm guessing that these elements will become stronger in the next book of the series. By the end of the book, I wanted to know more about the world that the authors created and the characters. I'm looking forward to continuing this series.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Words of Caution: There is some strong violence, language, and disturbing images. Recommended for mature teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: The Rift Walker (Vampire Empire #2), Boneshaker by Cherie Priest


Description (from Goodreads): There are rules for dealing with ghosts. Too bad Ree Hutchins doesn't know them. When her favorite patient at a private mental hospital passes away, psychology student Ree Hutchins mourns the elderly woman's death. But more unsettling is her growing suspicion that something unnatural is shadowing her.
   Amateur ghost hunter Hayden Priest believes Ree is being haunted. Even Amelia Gray, known in Charleston as The Graveyard Queen, senses a gathering darkness. Driven by a force she doesn't understand, Ree is compelled to uncover an old secret and put abandoned souls to rest--before she is locked away forever....

Review: The Abandoned is a prequel novella to the Graveyard Queen series by Amanda Stevens. The novella can easily be read independently from the series. While it contains the similar style of her paranormal mysteries, this novella left something more to be desired. While only less than 100 pages, Stevens takes her time to plan out her plot but I couldn't connect with the characters introduced in this novella. I think part of the problem is that I liked Amelia right from the start, but I didn't really think that Ree had enough of a personality to make her a three dimensional character. The plot was decent but I thought the ending and resolution of the ending was just too quick. I would recommend picking up this novella to give you a sense of what things you could expect from the author, but you want to fully immerse in the awesome paranormal mystery storyline you can go straight to reading The Restorer, the first book in the Graveyward Queen series.

Rating: 3 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language, a small sex scene, and disturbing images. Recommended for mature teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: The Body Finder series by Kimberly Derting, Clarity by Kim Harrington, The Graveyard Queen series by Amanda Stevens.


Description: Alexia Tarabotti, Lady Maccon, must answer a mystifying summons to Egypt from the world's oldest vampire. Meanwhile back in London, beta werewolf Professor Lyall and Biffy find investigating nefarious goings-on. 

Review: Timeless may not be the best book in the Parasol Protectorate series, but I really enjoyed the conclusion of this series. Not high brow or serious by any means, Timeless reminded me why I loved this series. Full of witty and tongue-in cheek British humor, a great setting, and characters that are more like friends you would love to take out to lunch or dinner. While I didn't really care that much for the plot where Alexia was concerned, I was a bit more involved with the murder investigation that Professor Lyall and Biffy unexpectedly find themselves in. There were a few new surprises which I didn't see coming, but the highlight of this book for me is the introduction of Prudence, the little darling toddler who stole the show. While I'm sorry to see Alexia and the gang go, I can't wait to read the spin off series of the same world featuring Prudence as a young adult.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language, allusions to sex scenes, and some violence. Recommended for teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences by Philippa Ballantine, The Iron Wyrm Affair by Lilith Saintcrow, Steam and Sorcery by Cindy Spencer Pape.

Heartless (Parasol Protectorate #4)

  I am fairly new to the steampunk genre, but I enjoy learning about the alternative histories authors create in their books. If you are looking to diversify your paranormal or urban fantasy reads, I would highly suggest picking up Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series. The books are very fun, the dialogue is incredibly witty, and the alternative Victorian England is something you haven't seen. I just finished up the fourth book in the series called Heartless. As a side note, I would recommend reading the series in order since each book and the character developments build upon one another.

Description: Alexia has once again regained her position as muhjah in the Queen’s Shadow Council along with Lord Akeldama. She continues to be under attack by vampires under Queen Countess Nadasdy orders. The vampires have gone as far as sending undead porcupines after her, but that's not the most distressing news Alexia has heard. According to a ghost, someone is planning an assassination attempt on Queen Victoria. Can Alexia found who the assassin is while protecting her own life and the lives she holds dear?


Review:  The world of the Parasol Protectorate series is very different from the common setting of books featuring vampires and werewolves. Instead of being the cliched dark brooding creatures of the night, they are creatures that despite their differences have to deal with England's social standing and decorum in an alternative Jane Austen induced Victorian London. In fact I think the book would hold just as strong albeit a less entertaining book for some if vampires and werewolves are not included.
  Alexia is your stereotypical, silent Victorian female that you encounter in this historical setting. She does have emotions and vulnerability as seen primarily in the first two books, but she keeps them in check. She is strictly about being logical or as some call it being a bit too pragmatic, but that is exactly the reason why I love her. She is a force to be reckon with and if she's not happy with what you are doing, she will come right out and tell you. She keeps the central male and alpha figures on their toes and that is where the excitement of the series comes from.
  Heartless returns more to the book's mystery roots and social commentary rather than the focus of romance unlike the first book, Soulless, but that is not to say there aren't lovely exchanges between the romantic pairs in the book. I actually like the fact that these two characters can maintain their romance despite their rocky start. I found the plot for Heartless entertaining. It was filled with lots of plot twists and the dramatic build up to answering all of our questions that we've held throughout the first three books. We finally learn about Professor Lyall and his connection to Alexia's elusive father, which took me by surprise in a good way. The symbol of the octopus on the cover, which always baffled me, is finally explained. And, as always, Lord Akeledama steals the spotlight with his flamboyant and keen eye to fashion. His incessant endearing words never fail to bring a smile on my face regardless if it's a compliment or a disguised insult.
  The steampunk inventions remain ingenious and deliciously silly at the same time. Carriger doesn't bog down into details about the inventions, but gives you enough information to figure out what it is and how it is suppose to function. Every time I read this series I end up wanting a gadget that was created in the book. I would love to have Alexia's parasol.
 In addition to its slapstick humor, Heartless does have its dramatic moments. We get a glimpse at how the characters feel constrained living within the confines of their social classes and tradition. Though these issues aren't spelled out completely, you can tell they affect the characters by their tone and their mannerisms, which is a good reflection upon the Victorian period where ones feelings aren't openly expressed.
  All in all, I enjoy the Parasol Protectorate series. I would definitely recommend it to those who like a mixture of a paranormal romance/steampunk tale with lots of dry humor, fashion commentary, and awesome character interactions.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language and allusions to sex. Though there isn't anything graphic in the book, some teens may not enjoy the dry humor and somewhat slow pace. Recommended for mature teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: Timeless by Gail Carriger (Released in 2012), Phoneix Rising by Philippa Ballantine, Greyfriar by Clay Griffith

Blameless by Gail Carriger (Parasol Protectorate #3)

  I love the Parasol Protectorate series. It's incredibly witty and smart with the right amount of steampunk and paranormal to keep me entertained. When I finished Changeless, the second book in the series, I was taken aback by the cliff hanger and Lord Maccon's behavior. It came at me from left field and I knew I had to get my hands on book three, Blameless, as soon as it came out.

Description: Alexia is the central figure in the biggest scandal that Victorian England has ever seen. She's been kicked out of her house, removed as an adviser for the Queen, and a social pariah. Lord Akeldama, the only person who could make sense out of anything suddenly disappears. If that's not bad enough, Alexia is attacked by mechanical lady bugs, which could only mean that vampires what her dead. When she's left to no choice, Alexia goes to Italy in hopes of getting some answers. 

Review: Blameless picks up immediately where Changeless left off. Alexia is in her darkest days, but still continues to be feisty, snarky, witty, and fashionable. While this installment of the series is still full of humor, snappy dialogue, very cool steampunk elements and fantastic supernatural action, there was still something that I thought was missing and I think it has it do with the brief appearances of Lord Maccon, the hunky, Scottish alpha werewolf. Although we see that he is suffering, deservedly so, I think his realization of his mistake wasn't developed enough so the ending didn't do much for me.
 In this third book we are introduced to some new characters that didn't make any impression on me. Alexia is traveling (or more appropriately getting in trouble with) this time with Floote and Madame Lefoux, both characters that I was familiar with from the first two books, but they did not provide enough comedy relief. I missed seeing the clueless, ditzy, yet loveable Ms. Hisslepenny and even Alexia's annoying sisters, who usually have me rolling on the floor with laughter, but unfortunately they had very minor roles in this book.
  As you can see this volume really brings out the secondary characters. Professor Lyall (my second favorite werewolf) was pleasantly prominent, and I enjoyed the sub plots involving the vampire intrigue and the Professor's efforts to keep the pack together in the face of Lord Maccon's crisis.Although not as funny as the first two books, I still really enjoyed Blameless and I look forward to finding out what other troubles that Alexia finds herself in. In order to prevent yourself from being spoiled and to get a better handle on the numerous characters, I highly suggest that you read the first two books, Soulless and Changeless, first.


Rating: 4 stars


Words of Caution: There is some language and an allusion to sex. I would say it's appropriate for teens, but I think they would get frustrated by the slow pace and dry humor.


If you like this book try: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith

Hold on to your trusty parasols!

  I had the pleasure of devouring Changeless, the second installment of the Parasol Protectorate series. Changeless is just as witty, smart, and fun as its predecessor, Soulless, which I really enjoyed. Gail Carriger is clearly a talented writer. I love her unique and detailed world building coupled with clever dialogue and a great cast of characters. 

Description: Changeless focuses on the disappearance of Lord Maccon as well as getting background information regarding his past and the status of his pack in Scotland. There is a strange phenomenon that is going on Scotland: many paranormal creatures are unable to shift to their true forms and are stuck as humans. Alexia is determined to solve the mystery and find Lord Maccon if she feels like it.

Review: I thought Changeless was much more a mystery novel than a romance like Soulless. Although romance is present, but only amongst the secondary characters. The quest of locating Lord Maccon and the mystery surrounding why the supernaturals became human was an interesting plot for the novel.The main cast of characters in book one is also present in book two. They are just as funny and sharp. The dialogue and the characters are mainly the reasons why I love this series. Ivy, Alexia's best friend, had me in stitches and kept the novel light when things turned serious. An additional bonus is learning about all the cool gadgets that Alexia uses. I can't help but think, "Man, I wish I had that!"
    I know that some readers were turned off by the cliffhanger ending, but I had a hunch of how the book would end. I was more shocked on how Lord Maccon reacted and how things were left. Needless to say, I'm really looking forward to the third installment, Blameless, which comes out this September.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language. Sex is implied, but not graphic. Teens who are looking for angst ridden werewolves and vampires might get bored. I think this book is more suited for adults and those who enjoy dry humor.  

If you like this book, try: Blameless by Gail Carriger, #3 of the Parasol Protectorate series (available in Sept. 2010)

Vampire, Werewolves, British Humor, and a dash of Steampunk

  A fellow librarian recommended the Parasol Protectorate series to me. She and I have similar tastes, except when it comes to sparkly vampires then I'm on my own. ;) She described the first book, Soulless,  to me as a mixture of a paranormal romance/steampunk tale with lots of dry humor, fashion commentary and awesome character interactions. Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction that usually takes place during the industrialized 19th century, where our existing technology is used to imagine a more advanced and complex 19th century. Confused? Read a great article on Steampunk 101 from Tor.com. is Well, she had me at paranormal and dry humor and I knew it was a book that I needed to find. I just finished it and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Description: Meet saucy, sassy, stubborn, and assertive Alexia Tarabotti, a spinster who is soulless, has a large nose and tan skin due to her Italian patronage. She her lack of a soul is truly unique and a well kept secret even in a 19th-century London that mostly accepts and integrates werewolf packs, vampire hives and ghosts. The only man who notices and successfully enjoys her is the brash, mercurial,  Lord Conall Maccon, a Scottish Alpha werewolf and government official. After she is rudely attacked by a vampire at a party, Alexia must work with Lord Maccon to clear her name after she is suspected of the disappearances of other undead members of high society.

Review: Soulless is a fun, quick, and incredibly funny read. It is an excellent blend of Victorian romance,  screwball comedy of manners that Britain is known for, and alternate history. I absolutely loved Alexia. She is truly a force to be reckoned with and isn't afraid to stick her nose where it does not belong. Her interactions with Lord Maccon are funny, sweet, and the best parts of the book. Other secondary characters, such as the flamboyant Lord Akeldama is a hoot. At first I was worried that the steampunk aspect might over power the novel, but it does not at all. In fact, the gadgets are interesting and add an additional angle to the story. I look forward to reading Alexia's adventures in the next book in the series.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language. Sex is implied, but not graphic. Teens who are looking for angst ridden werewolves and vampires might get bored. I think this book is more suited for adults and those who enjoy dry humor.

If you like this book, try: Changeless by Gail Carriger, 2nd book in the Parasol Protectorate series