Publisher Description
Alexia Tarabotti, Lady Maccon, has settled into domestic bliss. Of course, being Alexia, such bliss involves integrating werewolves into London High society, living in a vampire's second best closet, and coping with a precocious toddler who is prone to turning supernatural willy-nilly.
Until, that is, she receives a summons that cannot be ignored. With husband, child, and Tunstells in tow, Alexia boards a steamer to cross the Mediterranean. But Egypt may hold more mysteries than even the indomitable Lady Maccon can handle. What does the vampire Queen of the Alexandria Hive really want from her? Why is the God-Breaker Plague suddenly expanding? And how has Ivy Tunstell suddenly become the most popular actress in all the British Empire?
Timeless is the final book of the Parasol Protectorate series: a comedy of manners set in Victorian London, full of werewolves, vampires, dirigibles, and tea-drinking.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series concludes with this uneven fifth installment (after Heartless). Two years after moving into vampire Lord Akeldama's third closet, the soulless Lady Alexia Maccon receives a summons from the world's oldest vampire, who requests an audience with Alexia's soul-stealing, scene-stealing two-year-old daughter, Prudence. Accompanying them to Egypt are Alexia's werewolf husband, Conall; the mysterious inventor Madame Lefoux; and Alexia's best friend, fluttery actress Ivy Tunstell, and her family and colorful theatrical troupe. Back in London, beta werewolf Professor Lyall and new pack member Biffy find love in unexpected places while investigating nefarious goings-on. Steampunk inventions take a backseat to the witty and affectionate depictions of the characters and their relationships. The language is somewhat forced and overstuffed, as if the complex plot overwhelmed Carriger's ability to string words together, but series readers will fall for Prudence and be happy with how it all wraps up.
Customer Reviews
Hate to say goodbye
I have absolutely loved the journey with the Parasol Protectorate. I was sad to finish the last page after so thoroughly enjoying all of Ms. Carriger's characters.
Fun & unique. Best Steampunk I've ever read.
If Elizabeth Peters & P. G. Wodehouse had a love child it would be Gail Carriger. So go ahead & buy the entire Soulless boxed series (or "The Parasol Protectorate") right this instant because once you've read the first Alexia Tarabotti book you'll have no choice but to read them all.
The Soulless books are a fabulous, fun, intelligent & funny series. Wonderful, charming (and, of course, creepy & villainous) characters, lots of twists & a truly unique look back at history.
And while I read hundreds of books of all genres I rarely write reviews - however the Soulless series brought me such joy that I had no choice but to pass on the word.
So to the supremely talented Ms. Carriger; thank you from the bottom of this dear reader's heart and here's to a long, happy, tea-filled, and above all else, prolific life. And now, stop lounging about reading reviews about how marvelous you are and get back to work and write, write, write!
Ruffled parasol victorious again
This is not your traditional vampire book. From the very first sentence in Soulless you're hooked. The books are funny with suspense building action with some romance included. Everyone will be satisfied. It's a vampire/werewolve story approached from a whole new direction. I can't believe someone didn't think of it sooner! Please Gail don't stop writing more books in this series. So much more excitement is yet to come.