Elitist Book Reviews

As much as it pains us, because we love Gail Carriger, we were a bit disappointed when we finished CHANGELESS, book two in The Parasol Protectorate. It's possible most of what we didn't like about CHANGELESS comes from a comparison to SOULLESS. It just didn't match our expectations following her excellent first effort.

You see, all the cute things that worked FOR Gail in Book 1 (SOULLESS), started to work against her here in CHANGELESS. We thought the plot basis in Book 2 was much more interesting than the first book, but it was slowed waaaaay down by the dialog and interchange between characters. This led to the great idea for the story feeling unfocused.

We did love the return to the awesome Alexia-verse. We really do love the world Gail has created. The expansion on the setting--in the form of the Werewolf politics--was intriguing and entertaining. With less attention on the world however, our attention was pushed to the characters and plot. Like we said earlier the plot (less of a romance, more of a mystery) was more fun than the first book, if slowed down by all the forced silliness.

The majority of the book is pretty much setup. Standard middle book fare.

First off, we feel we need to get this off our chests:

Please. No more about Ivy's hats. We just can't bear it anymore. Ivy's over-the-top silliness and fashion faux pas were OK in SOULLESS, but this book's focus was different. It didn't work, and this nonsense was...uh...nonsense. All it did was slow the book down, and didn't add any laughs. There were points in the novel where we literally laughed out loud, but not one of them ever included Ivy or her hats.

As for the characters:

A lot of their actions or speech felt somewhat uncharacteristic from what we learned about them in the first book. Akeldama is more reserved. Ivy is dumber. Alexia is tougher and lost a lot of interest (for us) when she became less vulnerable. We felt something was off while reading the book, and the reasons why became very apparent in light of the ending, which we will get to. It seems that Gail made Alexia strong during this book so she could be broken down at the end of it. Madame Lefoux is a fun addition to the story despite the awkward scenes she was involved in.

Speaking of the ending, it just didn't work. At all. That may seem harsh, but we are beyond annoyed that Gail decided to follow the ridiculous trend of splitting one book into two. The ending was a 100% unnecessary cliffhanger. We don't hate cliffhangers in general, but this ending felt beyond the scope of the story Gail was telling in CHANGELESS, and seemed put there simply to string readers into her third book. In fact the main plot of the book was resolved, and then the extra was thrown in. It would have made a good beginning to a book, but made an absolutely horrid ending. Again, unfocused. The content of the ending is also contrary to the overall tone of the series up until now. It was a jarring transition from light, fluffy, and fun to somber and serious. A move, if you follow our blog, you know that we can appreciate. Darker is better (mostly)! Yet the way this ending and transition was presented was completely lacking in feelings of awesomeness.

Now, we realize that was a lot of things irritating us, and we focused on that for a good reason. Those elements could very well be deal breakers for readers, and we wouldn't blame those readers at all. There is, however, good news for fans of Gail. Her writing is really, really good. In fact there is a marked improvement here from her first book. There is one thing that no sane individual could say about Gail; that she doesn't do her research. She very obviously does, and uses it very well. The parts of the book that focused on the Shadow Council were by far our favorites. We loved the glimpse into the Queen's management of the supernatural. Spiffy stuff indeed.

Bottom line, CHANGELESS is a decent book with flaws that is not nearly as entertaining or charming as SOULLESS. We had a good time reading it (Except for any part that included Ivy. We wished we had Alexia's parasol to beat Ivy to a pulp with) despite the significant amount of things we didn't like about the book. We should also throw in a disclaimer here that we probably aren't the intended audience of this novel (series). While we loved SOULLESS, the problems with its sequel, CHANGELESS, drop the book very securely into the "Books that are Mediocre" section. Here is hoping BLAMELESS is a redemption of sorts.


Recommended Age: 16 and up.
Language: Who could bloody tell whether there was any swearing going on in this book with all the random vocabulary.
Violence: Do beatings with a parasol count?
Sex: Par for course for Gail. There are some references but it is handled with over the top humor.

We have a special treat in addition to our Monday review today. It is our honor to have Gail Carriger, the author of the newly released SOULLESS, answer a few questions for us to lead into our review.

We first met Gail at WorldCon 2008, where she properly chastised Nick for not wearing a suit while speaking to agents and editors about his book. She soon realized just how awesome Nick was (Right Gail?)and the two quickly became friends.

Gail's sense of humor is a treat for all, so when SOULLESS was released we new that we HAD to have her as an interview guest for the review. We know you will love her as much as we do. So without further introduction, here is the interview.


In continuing our habit of asking authors to throw humility to the wayside, we would like to invite you to cast off the shackles of humility and tell us why you're fantastic.

Um. Oh kaaay... I don't take myself too seriously, I can speak in public, I'm a real live archaeologist, I know a lot about tea, and I can cook a mean breakfast.

Was being an author always a goal for you?

You betcha. Along with sleeping in Pompeii, owning a motorcycle, traveling to Egypt, and eating guinea pig. Four out of five ain't bad.

What were you trying to accomplish with SOULLESS, other than to cause worldwide, laughter-induced, soiling of pants of course, and now that it has been released do you feel like it succeeded in that respect?

I wanted to cheer people up and give them a good fun read. No real agenda. I also really wanted to be at least one person's favorite book, maybe even favorite author. Most of the time I feel like I succeeded, it may be too soon to tell. There is, perhaps, a secret hidden agenda incorporating little things like acceptance, tolerance, friendship, and communal effort, but that is kind of like the apple hiding under all the caramel and nuts.

Getting published is an incredibly daunting task. What specific challenges did you face getting SOULLESS published?

Ooo, good question. I was in the enviable position of first having to choose between two agents, and then having to choose between two houses. Outside of giving up on my PhD these were the two hardest decisions of my life. Then there was the whole hurry up and wait aspect of publishing closely followed by, oh no, it must be turned around in three days. But, believe me, I do know I could have _much_ worse problems.

Did you ever find yourself writing a bit of dialog and reading it back to yourself thinking "Wow. That's just TOO over the top..."?

Wait, have you read my book? Uh. No. That said, I did get the reign-in from my editor on a certain bit of dialogue in the second book. I neatly avoided the issue through judicious application of laudanum. (To my character, mind you, not my editor.)

We had a hard time nailing down a genre for SOULLESS and think comedic fantasy is the closest. How would you describe the Parasol Protectorate?

I like "urbane fantasy with a comedic twist." But the series really is a mix of various genres and I explore a few new directions in the following books. So long as they let me, I'm going to not just play in the sandbox but see how many sandboxes I can combine together.

What sparked the idea for the Parasol Protectorate?

I knew I wanted to write something with an urban fantasy feel but which challenged all the tropes of that genre: so I went with a light-hearted tone, steampunk elements, and a historical setting. Basically, I wrote the book that had everything I liked to read all in one place. I never thought it would sell, because I figured something with so many different elements wasn't marketable. Luckily, Orbit didn't agree with me.

What character are you most similar to and did you ever, in writing, find your own personality leaking through into your writing of that character?
I refuse to answer that question on the grounds that I might incriminate myself. Actually, bits of my personality come out in three of my characters, one of whom doesn't appear until the second book. I'll leave my readers to guess which three.

How much fun did you have writing the naughty bits of SOULLESS?

None at all. I embarrassed myself horribly. I still get embarrassed reading them over. It's all so, well, intimate. I feel like I'm intruding on my characters' privacy.

What, other than being published, is your favorite experience with The Parasol Protectorate so far?

The first email I got from a librarian saying she loved the book. I know, I'm a sap.

Be honest. How often do you wear your Victorian and Steampunk clothes around the house, just for yourself?

Dahling, who says I wear _anything_ around the house when I'm by myself? Honestly though, I only wear full on Victorian costumes for appropriate events. I wear steampunk jewelry and little touches of steampunk garb most of the time when I'm going out or teaching (jodhpurs, brass deconstructed necklaces, vests, old-fashioned style blouses, button boots).

Do you name each of your parasols?

Nope. I name my machines, but not my clothing or accessories, duh. The car is Chanterelle, the bike is Carmen, the computer is Pippin, and the iPod is Gherkin.

Before getting published you were part of the SF&F literary community for a while. What changes have you noticed in these broad genres, and are these good or bad changes?

Everything is shifting. I need hardly say, the publishing industry is struggling to cope with both digital media and social media. Something's going to give soon and it sure as heck isn't either of those medias. The subject matter is changing too. Everything is turning YA. Teens have always read sci-fi, we just didn't tailor it to them before Harry Potter conquered all. Steampunk's struggling to be born. Hard core sci-fi is dieing. Urban fantasy is the sub-genre no one wants to acknowledge is there to stay, but it is. And I don't mean to be the first one to wade in, but I'd bet good money on epic fantasy shrinking into something more snack-sized and less falooting. As to forms? Hardback will become a luxury good. In fact, it already has. Are these good or bad? For most authors and wanna-be authors, by in large, bad.

Fill in the blank's here: If you like ______, you should read SOULLESS because _______. Be as serious or witty as you like...or just seriously witty.

Tea, there's so much tea in this book I had to change one instance to cordial instead because it was becoming a main character.

Do you have any teasers for us about your next book, CHANGELESS?

Three little words: Werewolves in kilts.

How far do you see yourself taking this series?

I have a three book contract. Bad boy, you know I can't say any more than that.

Nick wants to be a monster in your next book. What does he have to do make it happen?

Change his name to something more ridiculous? If he plays his cards right I could make him a mad scientist. Of course, I must say at this juncture, any resemblance between any character in my book and anyone living or dead is purely coincidental.

Gail, as always it's fantastic to chat with you. Do you have any parting words for our readers?

Beware the brass octopus.

Thanks Gail, love your face.

You're welcome, dahling, love your attitude.


Now! On to our review of SOULLESS. Let it be said, that since we met Gail, we have been anticipating the release of this book. We have been excited to see what she had to offer and how she would pull it off.

Honestly we were totally pleased with our experience reading the book. It is just pure and simple fun. It is a book that pokes fun at itself and it's subject matter liberally, and has a jolly good time doing it. (Ah crap. Gail has us talking like that now...) This is one of the most refreshing and downright entertaining novels we have read in a long time. Even though all of you, our readers, know its not OUR kind of book.

Gail takes the supernatural tropes we are used to and gives them all an interesting and unique spin, that is both familiar and approachable and yet different enough that we wanted to learn more about them. Actually, that's a good spot to take a step back and do what we should have already done (For shame EBR. For shame....), and intro the book.

The plot centers around a half-italian, food-loving, spinster, half-italian named Alexia and her encounters of the fanged and furry kind. That is to say, Vampires and Werewolves. Done to death you say? Well Ms. Tarabotti (Alexia) would like a word with you. And when she has something to say, you better brace yourself. Not only is she an outspoken, lively woman, but she has no soul. (We will refrain from making any sexist jokes here.) This titular ability gives Alexia quite an edge when dealing with the supernatural. She negates it. Sucks to be a Vampire. (Get it? Sucks to be a....yeah.) Its a hairy situation to be a Werewolf around Alexia... OK. We will stop.

What does Ms. Carriger do right? She is spot on with her comedic timing. She knows how to write humorous dialog, that's for sure. The banter between her characters is like the Victorian equivalent of Gilmore Girls (Crap again. Just revealed a bit too much...) It is snappy, quick, and laugh-out-loud (Don't you dare say LOL) funny. In fact it is the dialog that completes this book and makes it so much fun. Yes the plot, pacing, and writing are all good (which are grounds enough to buy the book) but the dialog is the diamond on the ring. After reading this book you will find yourself talking in an English (or Scottish) accent with all your friends, and wishing you were half as funny as the characters Gail has created.
The characters are certainly distinctive. Gail does an excellent job of giving each of them voice and personality in her writing. Its a treat to watch them interact. The interaction between Lord Maccon and Alexia is fun to read. It is obvious from the get go, that there is chemistry, sparks, and perhaps furballs between them. However we did think that the progression of their relationship, and how it unfolded, was kind of a let down. Hey. We are suckers for a bit of girly romance, just like the next guy. The other characters are all fun to get to know as well. Lord Akeldama is a fun, unique, albeit somewhat irritating, at times, character, and really stands out in the book.

Carriger describes the setting well so we get a real feel for her Victorian Semi-Steampunk environment. Though sometimes the description of dialog becomes a little much. Words like "particularly" in describing something crop up very frequently. In fact that leads to what is, probably, our biggest complaint about SOULLESS.

The repetition of certain elements. Yes, we get it. It is a comedic tool, used to create a laugh and it really works. Calling back previous jokes etc. However it does start to wear on us. For those who have read Robert Jordan's books, and are irritated by Nynaeve constantly pulling her braid, prepare yourself for something similar here. We are told multiple times how embarrassing Alexia's spinster status, and racial heritage are. It starts to lose its fluff and fun after a while.
Our only other concern was the decision making process of some of the characters. Since we at EBR assidiously avoid spoilers, we will leave you guessing, but some of the things the characters do, at bizarre times, gave us pause.
We felt like we were reading, primarily, a romance with a urban fantasy, steampunk, supernatural twist to it. We were hoping for a much heavier steampunk setting, but were given a paranormal romance. Keeping that in mind, we would like to remind our readers that we have been searching for more "Books for Chicks" and books by female authors. While this book certainly meets both qualities, we are going to put in Books We Like. Because we do. We don't need your permission. As Nick would say, 'You're not the boss of my body, I do what I want."

Seriously though, do yourself a favor and pick this book up. We aren't just saying that because Gail is a friend. We really, thoroughly enjoyed the book and were impressed by what Gail had to offer as an author. This is a book to read anywhere, in any setting or mood. A valuable addition to your library.
We are looking forward to Gail's second book in this series, CHANGELESS. Also, remember to have something handy to eat while reading SOULLESS. You will get hungry.

Recommended Age: 16 and up
Violence:Well there is a bit, and none of it is a big deal.
Language: Nothing we can remember.
Sex:A few naughty scenes, but nothing too graphic.