Review: Heartless by Gail Carriger

Review: Heartless by Gail Carriger

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Heartless by Gail Carriger

Heartless is the first novel I’m reviewing for the 2014 R.I.P. Challenge at Stainless Steel Droppings. Readers Imbibing Peril IX

image courtesy of Abigail Larson

I made the acquaintance of the Parasol Protectorate series with the first book, Soulless. Alexia Tarabotti, a misunderstood misfit preternatural resides in an alternate, steam punk Victorian England replete with foppish vampires and rustic werewolves. (The werewolves are, after all, from the wilds of Scotland.)

Soulless is a delight.

Despite the smart beginning to the series, I skipped the next two books because of unappealing (and disturbing) plot diversions. I picked up the third installment Heartless, a novel with ghosts, which, when it comes to the supernatural realm, is my focus area. But you knew that, right? Unfortunately, the ghost element was undeveloped as was the plot. Heartless features an amorphous threat to Queen Victoria with much running to and fro, a few costume changes, some vampiric empire saber…er, fang rattling, and several instances of flying dirigibles landing in the nick of time to whisk our heroine Alexia out of danger. The enigmatic husband/werewolf Lord Maccon was largely missing from the novel, and it was he who provided the delightful banter of Soulless.

Instead, a hugely pregnant Alexia races, or rather, waddles through dangerous streets and one claustrophobic hat shop gathering clues behind the threat to the queen. Granted, Alexia is in her eighth month of pregnancy. But still, every page was filled with tedious descriptions of the aforementioned waddling, not to mention toddling, swaying, limping, falling, and being hoisted. Let me just say, I have carried two babies to term, and based on Alexia’s indisposition, I would have expected her to become the Octomom of England. (There is a mechanical octo-creature later in the book reminiscent of Spider-man 2.)

If you’re looking for steam punk automatons and inventions, you’ll find those in Heartless. If you’re looking for a fun, light-hearted (and, at times, erotic) romp through Victorian steam punk environs, you can do no better than Soulless. However, at the risk of sounding heartless, I do not recommend Heartless.

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30 thoughts on “Review: Heartless by Gail Carriger

  1. Too bad this was a disappointment.
    I was considering trying some steam punk – a genre new to me so far, but while I love the Victorian era, not sure how that would mix with machines and such.
    I hope you enjoy your next book more.

    1. Yes, this one was a disappointment, Delia. The first in the series, Soulless, was really fun though and can be read as a stand alone.

  2. Awww thanks for the review, i was trying to look for a nice review for this book but it seems that everyone is disappointed.

    1. That’s a good question, Maria. I checked the Amazon rating, 4.4, which is quite good. I found very positive 4 and 5 star reviews from some VINE reviewers, so there were people who really did enjoy this book. I also found comments similar to mine, though. I’ve certainly read and enjoyed books that many others panned. Room by Emma Donaghue comes to mind. Reading is such an individual event.

  3. I love steampunk. This is the first time I’ve stumbled upon this series. I’m checking it out on Amazon. I could use a new book or two to dive into.

    1. That’s great, Miranda. I think you’ll have fun with Soulless, and there are plenty of people who enjoy the rest of the series. The author has started another series about a finishing school for girls, also steampunk, that looks interesting. I might check that one out.

    1. Hi Voidvamp,

      Victorian Gothic combines elements of horror and romanticism. Think dark mansions, hidden staircases, and villainous villains, often with supernatural overtones. Steampunk takes place in an alternate Victorian setting in which fantastic inventions and gadgets based on the era of the steam engine abound. Steampunk also features supernatural elements, but the creatures can be more animal based than human based in nature. Gothic creatures are usually ghosts, sometimes vampires whereas steampunk creatures might be combinations of animals and machines. Good question. I had to think about the differences. Thanks.

  4. I really like your answer as to what steam punk is… as i have been wanting to read some, I love paranormal and have been thinking of trying it, I have seen some good looking books so I may I like the looks of the overall genre thank you for explaning it so well. I never really understood what it was.

    1. Hi Cyndi,

      Thanks for your comment. One of my very favorite books has been called the father of steampunk–Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman. Another of his books, Stardust, is a fun rendition of steampunk, and the movie is even better! After reading your comment, I looked at a couple of best steampunk novels lists. Soulless was on several of them. Please let me know what you find…especially if any contain ghosts!

  5. wow, bummer. i was hoping fore something good! but, knowing it was a bust is good info too. hopefully youll find a great read soon

    1. I agree, Molli. I read every book hoping for something good. Soon I’ll be reviewing Wings of Fire by Charles Todd, and I’ll have good things to say about that one.

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