100 Pages A Day...Stephanie's Book Reviews

"Of course, she always went and spoiled the appeal by opening her mouth.  In his humble experience, the world had yet to produce a more vexingly verbose female."

A fun, light-hearted adventure into an alternate Victorian England where supernatural beings: vampires, werewolves and ghosts are integrated into polite society and follow the rules of BUR, the Bureau of Unnatural Registry.  Outside of the supernatural are the preternatural.

Preternatural (definition): very unusual in a way that does not seem natural; existing outside of nature (Merriam-Webster).

Alexia Tarabotti is soulless, registered as a preternatural under BUR.  As a preternatural, her touch renders supernatural beings ineffective; leaving vampires unable to bite her and preventing werewolves from transforming.  Alexia Tarabotti is also well-spoken, well-mannered, intelligent, witty, very well dressed, knows how to use her silver-tipped parasol, and has been deemed a 'spinster.'  This has not stopped the Alpha Werewolf and head of BUR, Lord Maccoon from taking a romantic interest in her and using Alexia's unique traits to assist in an investigation into why lone werewolves and rove vampires are disappearing while newly created supernaturals are appearing and creating trouble.

This book was a wonderfully fun read.  Written with abundant alliteration, grandiose grammar and plenty of humor, Gail Carriger flawlessly inserts supernatural beings into polite Victorian Society.  With a strong and well-developed heroine, Alexia is a character that women will be able to relate to and will want to emulate.  Every character we meet is given a distinctive, often humorous personality and was easily distinguishable.   There are many different elements to the story, but I was never confused; we are taken through a wonderfully woven mystery that incorporates adventure, romance, supernatural beings, history and a touch of steampunk in a way that flows together smoothly.  I usually have something to say about the romance, but this one is ok.  Alexia is comfortable with her spinster status and not pining for romance or the touch of a man.  While the romance part of Soulless is fairly predictable, I wanted it to happen nevertheless. 

A great book for fans of vampires, werewolves, steampunk, historical romance, supernatural, paranormal or someone looking for a light-hearted, fun read.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

One more down for Spring Bookish Bingo, this can be my romance!