Reviews X2 - Soulless and Xombies

This is the first book in the Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger.

Book Blurb:

Alexia Tarabotti is laboring under a great many social tribulations.

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 is 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?

Soulless is a fun and quirky read. :)

I absolutely love Alexia: the manners, the fashion, the steel rod that is her spine. LOL

I don't read many period pieces anymore - but grabbed Soulless because of the paranormal elements and Urban Fantasy setting. I am so glad I did.

The blending of the Renaissance era with vamps and weres makes for a hilarious read. Everyone is trying to maintain that air of mannerism that the Renaissance era is known for - even the supernaturals. It was quite enjoyable when Lord Maccon was trying to regain his composure - a mannerly werewolf? :)

I love the butler - Floote. And the Beta were - Professor Lyall. And the vampire - Lord Akeldama is a hoot. :)

I give Soulless 5 out of 5 stars and applaud its originality. :) I'm looking forward to the next installment - Changeless - due out in May of 2010.

M

AND

This is the first book in the Xombies series by Walter Greatshell.

Book Blurb:

Warning: This is the Emergency Broadcast Network. The epidemic known as Agent X has contaminated all but the most isolated pockets of the country. A state of martial law has been declared. Stay inside. Barricade all windows. Lock all doors. The infected are considered to be psychotic and extremely dangerous. Trust no one. This is not a test.

Agent X is unlike anything modern science has seen before - a fast spreading virus that turns the infected into raving maniacs on the hunt for the planet's few remaining survivors.

One of those survivors is Lulu, a seventeen year old spared by a rare medical condition. Immune to Agent X and witness to her own mother's bestial degeneration, Lulu is on the run for the frozen North, the last place on Earth rumored to be safe. But what's awaiting her is as unexpected, and as frightening, as what's followed her there....

Xombies is listed as an ACE science fiction novel.

I really enjoyed this book.

Xombies moves from one terrible encounter to the next - with barely time to breath. I feel so bad for Lulu. She has lost her mother and been thrown into this unimaginable situation with no real adult supervision. It is every man for himself. And I do mean man - because as far as anyone knows...Lulu is the only female on the planet. That is a lot for one 17 year old girl to shoulder.


Greatshell's Xombies are different from the average zombie. For one thing, they are blue. For another, they are not flesh eaters. But they are very interested in increasing their numbers and to this end - they attack any and everyone in their path.

I give Xombies 4 out of 5 stars and look forward to the sequel - Xombies: Apocalypticon - due out in March of 2010.

M