Another book review blog?!?

Yes because people ask "Have you read anything good lately?" And I have. From a class ...

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Blameless (The Parasol Protectorate) - Steampunk


Author: Gail Carriger
Title: Blameless: an Alexia Tarabotti Novel
Publication Date: 2010   
Number of Pages: 355 
Part of a Series:  Yes, book 3 of the Parasol Protectorate, 1st is Soulless
Subject Heading(s):  
  • Comedy of manners
  • London (England) - History - 1800-1950 - Fiction
  • Tarabotti, Alexia (Fictitious character) - Fiction
  • Italy - Fiction
  • Steampunk
  • Vampires –Fiction
  • Knights Templar- Fiction
  • Supernatural romance- Fiction
  • Werewolves - Fiction
Geographical Setting/ Time Period:   Victorian era: England, France and Italy  

Main Character(s):
  • Lady Alexia Tarabotti Maccon- Pregnant preternatural, strong, witty and always hungry.
  • Lord Conall Maccon- Alpha of Woolsey werewolf pack, husband of Alexia, ruggedly handsome, bold and currently acting like a fool
  • Madame Lefoux- French milliner/inventor who dresses like a man
  • Professor Lyall- Beta werewolf of Woolsey pack and voice of reason
 Plot Summary: Everyone knows that supernaturals can’t reproduce, so Lady Maccon finds herself disgraced and kicked out when Lord Maccon learns she is pregnant.  Suddenly without the protection of the pack and with a bite order on her neck, she heads off to Italy, accompanied by Madame Lefoux, seeking vindication of her honor and proof that Lord Maccon is the father.  Shunned by the pack and society, hunted by the vampire hives, and held as guest/specimen by the Knights Templar, Alexia must rely on her wits, her friends, and her parasol.

Appeal: Witty dialog; clever inventions; London society and fashion; outrageous and engaging characters; action and danger.

Brief quote:  “Alexia thought this was dreadfully boorish.  The least they could do was answer with a, ‘No, killing is all we are interested in at the moment, but thank you kindly for the offer all the same.’ Alexia had, in part, compensated for a lack of soul through the liberal application of manners.” Pg 121-122

Prizes or Awards: Starred review Publishers Weekly, two weeks on NY Times Bestsellers, 1st book in series received Alex Award (adult book with YA appeal)

Similar Works: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith- comedy of manners with supernatural twist, pacing

Reviewer’s Name: Jessica Conley

Blameless (The Parasol Protectorate) 

Form adapted from Saricks, Joyce G. and Nancy Brown. Readers= Advisory Service in the Public Library 2nd.  Chicago: ALA, 1997.

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