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Heartless (Parasol Protectorate Series Book 4) Kindle Edition

by Gail Carriger (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

4.5 1,126 ratings

Book 4 of 5: Parasol Protectorate Series

Goodreads Choice Award nominee

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Lady Alexia Maccon, soulless, is at it again, only this time the trouble is not her fault in the fourth book of the NYT bestselling Parasol Protectorate series.

When a mad ghost threatens the queen, Alexia is on the case, following a trail that leads her deep into her husband's past. Top that off with a sister who has joined the suffragette movement (shocking!), Madame Lefoux's latest mechanical invention, and a plague of zombie porcupines, Alexia barely has time to remember she happens to be eight months pregnant.

Will Alexia manage to determine who is trying to kill Queen Victoria before it is too late? Is it the vampires again or is there a traitor lurking about in wolf's clothing? And what, exactly, has taken up residence in Lord Akeldama's second best closet?

Heartless is the fourth book of the Parasol Protectorate series: a comedy of manners set in Victorian London, full of werewolves, vampires, dirigibles, and tea-drinking.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Carriger's writing remains crisp and witty.

-- "Publishers Weekly"

Carriger delivers surprises with every book, and this one is no exception. With action, intrigue, and, above all, proper manners, this excellent series will have broad appeal to readers of steampunk, urban fantasy, and paranormal and historical romance.

-- "Library Journal"

About the Author

Emily Gray grew up in a military family and started audiobook narration in 2001. She has been heard bringing to life the adventures of Becky Bloomwood in Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic series. Emily and her husband started the Classics Acting Company in Dallas where she has appeared in The Cherry Orchard. She is the winner of three AudioFile Earphones Awards.

Gail Carriger is an award-winning New York Times bestselling author who writes to cope with being raised in obscurity by an expatriate Brit and an incurable curmudgeon. She escaped small-town California life and inadvertently acquired several degrees in higher learning. She then traveled the historic cities of Europe, subsisting entirely on biscuits secreted in her handbag. She resides in the United States, surrounded by fantastic shoes, where she insists on tea imported from London. Her books are published in over a dozen different languages.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0047Y0EZQ
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Orbit; 1st edition (July 1, 2011)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 1, 2011
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 1088 KB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
Print length ‏ : ‎ 434 pages

Best Sellers Rank: #244,273 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #239 in Steampunk Science Fiction (Kindle Store)
- #420 in Ghost Paranormal Romance
- #1,273 in Historical Fantasy (Kindle Store)

Customer Reviews:
4.5 1,126 ratings

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G. L. Carriger
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Gail Carriger writes comedies of manners mixed with paranormal romance (and sexy urban fantasy as G.L. Carriger). Her steampunk books include the Parasol Protectorate, Custard Protocol, Supernatural Society, and Delightfully Deadly series for adults, and the Finishing School series for young adults. She is published in many languages and has over a dozen NYT bestsellers. She was once an archaeologist and is overly fond of shoes, octopuses, and tea.
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Gail Carriger
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.
Gail Carriger writes comedies of manners mixed with paranormal romance (and sexy urban fantasy as G. L. Carriger). Her steampunk books include the Parasol Protectorate, Custard Protocol, Supernatural Society, and Delightfully Deadly series for adults, and the Finishing School series for young adults. She is published in many languages and has over a dozen NYT bestsellers. She was once an archaeologist and is overly fond of shoes, octopuses, and tea. gailcarriger.com
Subscribe to Gail's newsletter ~ The Chirrup! http://gailcarriger.com/chirrup
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4.5 out of 5

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Tina Williams

Sophisticated, Brilliant, and Quirky

Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2013

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Carriger is truly the most unique author... EVER. Her writing is sophisticated, fun, quirky, silly, beautiful, and just genius. Her story telling is unparalleled and she is truly one of the greats. It's a page turner and you truly fall in love with each character. None are flawless, none are typical - and they all bring something to the table. It's like she perfectly created each character and their past/present/future before bringing them into the story. I'm so in love with this series and it just gets better and better. She wraps up each book nicely but leaves you wanting more, thus taking you further into the story. I especially love her take on vampires, warewolves, and ghosts. They're traditional in a sense, but have that edge that fits right into steampunk.
two thumbs WAY WAY WAY up!
The only tiny little thing that bugged me is that Alexia on the cover is most definitely NOT 8 months pregnant, even though she's 8 months pregnant in the entire book.

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Ruth Anderson

My favorite novel in the series yet, 4.5 stars!

Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2012

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Roughly six months have passed since Alexia's "disagreement" with her husband, Conall, over their forthcoming child's paternity saw her decamp to the continent, encounter dangerous Templars hoping to control her preternatural ability, and comes ever-closer to understanding her past and what the future holds for the impossible child she carries within her. While the series' preceding volume, Blameless, faltered a bit due to Alexia's lengthy separation from Conall, with the Maccons reconciled Heartless is a fine return to form for Carriger's delightfully quirky realization of Victorian London and its supernatural (and soulless) denizens. With the birth of her child a month away and the impact of a human, albeit preternatural, mother and an immortal werewolf father still uncertain, Alexia learns that in order to guarantee her child's safety she must do the unthinkable and give them up for adoption before they are even born. It is commonly held that Alexia will give birth to a soul-stealer/skin-stalker -- one who can absorb and discard supernatural abilities at will. The Maccons and the lives of their pack are thrown into turmoil preparing for the birth, but an even more pressing matter intrudes -- a ghost, near-poltergeist state, who arrives with the news that there is a plot afoot to assassinate the queen. Ever-practical and never one to let a little thing like eight months' pregnancy stop her, Alexia sets out to uncover the threat and in the process is thrust into a web of conflicting loyalties and painful history. Some secrets are perhaps best kept hidden...

Heartless is perhaps my favorite novel in the Parasol Protectorate series to date, and that is saying something since I've essentially inhaled nothing but this series since I first discovered Soulless. This series is not without its share of issues (stylistically or content-wise), but those are overcome by the spirit of sheer fun Carriger infuses in every aspect of her world-building and her characters. Alexia's adventures are as over-the-top and decadent as Lord Akeldama's best waistcoat, but Carriger's irrepressible sense of humor and genuine affection for even the most light-weight dandy that peoples this world is hard to resist. As such, Heartless is one of the strongest novels in the series, balancing Carriger's trademark humor and sarcasm with just the right amount of peril and fascinating revelations about the history of beloved characters.

Now that all is right in Alexia and Conall's relationship (meaning they are back to their loveably quarrelsome, affectionate selves), Carriger explores the genuine affection the pair feels for each other, the warmth, humor, and -- dare I say it? -- maturity that has come to define their relationship as they've survived everything from constant death threats to trust issues. I loved seeing just how much Conall adores his wife (he has a lot to make up for, considering book #3!), and reciprocally just how much the pragmatic Alexia returns his affection. And when the long-awaited "infant inconvenience" finally debuts? The twist concerning her identity and how that promises to impact Alexia and Conall's lives is, quite simply TO DIE FOR. I have yet to read the fifth and final book in this series, but given that revelation I'm eagerly anticipating Carriger's next Parasol Protectorate series.

Secondary characters who were fun and charming in the first book become stars in their own right here. The enigmatic Woolsey Beta, Professor Lyall, has long been a favorite of mine, and while his buttoned-up exterior apparently masks some questionable predilections, I was blown away by the revelations into his past here. Simply put, he broke my heart, and the way in which his past ties into Alexia's was a thoroughly surprising twist that added layers angst to his character and unexpectedly threatens the future of the pack. I also love Biffy, Akeldama's erstwhile drone and one-time favorite, and the fallout from his shocking induction into the Woolsey Pack is wrenching to witness. But Biffy's turmoil unexpectedly brings out the best in Conall, and I loved how his marriage to Alexia has given him fresh empathy as an Alpha (ironic since, as a soulless, Alexia has issues emoting!).

With Heartless, Carriger is poised to conclude the Parasol Protectorate series (watch for the scene where Ivy is "inducted," it's priceless!) on an extraordinarily strong note. Replete from start to finish with her trademark wit and humor, fast-pacing, and outrageously compelling and likable characters, Alexia's fourth volume of adventures hits a series high. Thank goodness I don't have to wait for the release of book five! :)

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Brandon

Just Plain Fun!

Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2011

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Is Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series a great literary feat? Nah, I wouldn't say that. But I would say that it's a well-developed imaginative world filled with fascinating characters and wit that's quite cheeky and rather reminiscent of Douglas Adams. I am sometimes embarrassed to be reading these books in public because I find myself, quite literally, laughing out loud at some of the absurdities and wonderful dialogue. These are the perfect reads between that "heavy literature" when you just want to get lost in a fantastic world, visit some old friends, and don't want to think too hard. Don't get confused and think these books are dull-witted or overly-simple, because they're not. The writing is very smart and clever, just not...heavy. I can't think of a better word than "delightful" to describe this series, and highly recommend it to anyone who wants a little light-hearted and clever reading. This latest book in the series is certainly no exception, and am already anticipating the next in the series!

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Rywn

A Hilarious Addition to the Series

Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2011

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Heartless is the fourth book in the Parasol Protectorate and picks up 6-7 months after Blameless ends, with Alexia 8 months pregnant. Alexia and Conall have resolved their problems from the earlier books about her pregnancy and are back in fine form. Heartless begins with Alexia being confronted by a ghost in near poltergeist state warning her about a plot to kill the Queen. Based on the knowledge that Alexia can gather, she begins finding out more information about the last plot to kill the Queen by the Scottish werewolves. In typical form however for the series, nothing is ever that simple, and Alexia is on the trail of another mystery...

Heartless is an excellent addition to the series, and picks up on much more of the quirky humor that hasn't been found as much in the last two novels. Our Lady Maccon is waddling her from one hijink to another, and all the series best characters return in fine form as well. One of the more hilarious scenes in the book is at the beginning which involves 'zombie' porcupines attacking the Maccon's, and recalls the oft mentioned moment from before Souless involving Alexia and Conall sitting on one.

Heartless solves some of the lingering mysteries of the earlier books, including more details about the Scottish Clan's attempt to kill the Queen, Biffy's real name, and where exactly, Madam LeFoux is hiding her Aunt's body. Heartless finds further fleshing out of many of the supporting cast, with information about Professor Lyall finally being revealed. In typical form for the series however, Heartless ends on a cliffhanger that leaves fans of the series in anticipation for Timeless's release in 2012.

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arekusandora

Parasol protectorate

Reviewed in France on April 3, 2015

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Great book!
Fast shipping and reception.
I recommand this series for all bit-lit fans!
Great seller, I recommand.

+ +

Lady Cherish

A Steampunk World

Reviewed in Canada on September 23, 2012

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As usual, Gail Carriger delivers, in the 4th book of her Parasol Protectorate series. Our heroine continues to manage the paranormal world around her with aplomb, even despite her rather awkward encumbrances (which shall not be named *g*). How one manages to always stay proper, yet while dealing with such mayhem, is beyond me. Lady Maccon is most definitely a force to be reckoned with ;)

Amazon Customer

Steampunk and Sensibility

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 2, 2011

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Vampires and werewolves are not the dark brooding creatures of the night--(a cliché that has been jammed down our throats a lot lately), but are creatures that despite their differences have to deal with England's social standing and decorum (side-lined with a lot of steampunk) in an alternative Jane Austen induced Victorian London.

Heartless is probably my favourite of the Parasol books so far, possibly because of the plot twists and the dramatic build up behind Alexia's ever expanding I.I (an anocrym that you will understand when you read the books). And, as always, Lord Akeledama.

The steampunk inventions remain ingenious and deliciously silly at the same time, one particular scene at the end of the book was quite a memorable image that will not leave my head for a long time.

Heartless does have its dramatic moments, but the characters are all laced with a desire to always be classy and exceedingly British--thus, there is no shortage of funny dialogue--but this can sometimes take the edge off the more serious chapters. Whether that is a good or a bad thing is best left up to the reader. Some scenes had me laughing aloud at the sheer determination of the characters to always retain that stiff upper lip, no matter how trying the situation.

Needless to say, every witty retort will bring a smile to your face. I class the Parasol books as comedy supernatural fiction, a genre that is certainly welcome on my bookshelf!

I have noticed in some of the amazon reviews, people criticise Alexia as being a little `too' pragmatic and logical, particularly in Heartless. Yes, Alexia is most certainly not a damsel in distress, and not a stereotypical female of historical setting. But I feel these are characteristics that should be celebrated, not frowned upon. Alexia's grumpiness, her forthrightness and mostly importantly, her bluntness--are never--ever--boring.

Highly recommended!

4 people found this helpful

Sabine

"Oh godness, is it catching?"

Reviewed in Germany on August 13, 2011

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Lady Alexia Maccon ist im achten Monat schwanger und die Mordanschläge auf Alexia von den Vampiren, die das ungeborene Baby als extreme Bedrohung ansehen, reißen nicht ab. Daher haben ihr Mann Conell und sein Beta Werwolf Professor Lyell zusammen mit Lord Akeldama die perfekte Lösung gefunden: Das Kind soll von Lord Akeldama adoptiert werden und dadurch, dass es von einem Vampir großgezogen wird, weniger bedrohlich für diese sein.

Dieses Arrangement scheint alle friedlich zu stimmen und die Vorbereitungen dafür laufen auf Hochtouren, als ein Geist auftaucht der mit seiner Ankündigung eines Mordanschlags auf die Queen für Aufregung sorgt. Bereits vor 20 Jahren hatte ein Anschlag auf diese stattgefunden und damals war das alte Rudel von Lord Maccon verwickelt. Trotz Babybauch beginnt die hochschwangere Alexia zu ermitteln - sehr zum Verdruss ihrer überbesorgten Ehemannes.

So plant sie nicht nur den Umzug des Woolsey Rudels ins Nachbarhaus von Lord Akeldama - denn unter keinen Umständen gedenkt sie ihr Kind einfach so abzugeben und lässt daher entsprechende geheime Vorkehrungen treffen um ungesehen bei Lord Akeldama ein- und ausgehen zu können. Und kaum hat sie sich eingerichtet, sucht ihre nervige Schwester Felicity Zuflucht im Maccon Haushalt, da sie sich neuerdings den Frauenrechtlern angeschlossen hat und im Loontwill Haushalt unerwünscht ist. Und auch Madame Lefoux benimmt sich in letzter Zeit recht merkwürdig. So muss Alexia in der "unfortunate condition" ihrer fortgeschrittenen Schwangerschaft sich nicht nur den Mordanschlägen der Vampire erwehren, sondern sich auch noch auf die Suche nach dem Ursprung der seltsamen Geistererscheinungen machen, die ihr Mordanschläge ankündigen. Dabei kommen bemerkenswerte Dinge aus der Vergangenheit ans Tageslicht, die auch ihren verstorbenen Vater betreffen. Zum Glück kann sie dabei wie immer auf die tatkräftige Unterstützung von Floote, Ivy und Lord Akeldama und dessen Drohnen zählen..

Nachdem der dritte Band für meinen Geschmack sehr techniklastig und zäh war und ich mich doch sehr gequält habe, war ich doch neugierig, wie die Geschichte weitergeht. Dieser vierte Band war eine enorme Steigerung zum Vorgänger und war wieder so vergnüglich und spritzig wie Band 1. Viele kleine Rätsel werden wie ein großes Puzzle nach und nach zusammengefügt von Alexia und ergeben zum Ende hin ein großes Gesamtbild. Sehr vergnüglich zu sehen, wie Alexia ihrer Schwangerschaft zum Trotz immer wieder mutig loszieht und den Dingen auf den Grund geht. Während Ivy sonst zuletzt durch ihre nervige Art negativ auffiel, steht sie Alexia hier hilfreich zur Seite. Auch Lord Maccon, der es sich kräftig verscherzt hatte durch den Rauswurf seiner Frau im letzten Band, kann hier wieder punkten und kommt hier etwas gefühlvoller rüber. Mir hat sehr gut die Fürsorge gefallen, die er Biffy gegenüber hat walten lassen, dem die Umstellung zum Werwolf extrem schwerfällt und der die Trennung von Lord Akeldama nicht gut verkraftet hat.

Dieser Band hat mich durch Schlagfertigkeit und sprühenden Wortwitz wieder überzeugen können, diese Reihe doch nicht verloren zu geben. Band 4 setzt einen neuen Glanzpunkt und ich kann es nun kaum abwarten, bis ich in "Timeless" erfahre, wie das Abenteuer von Alexia und Conell weitergeht und wie die Sache mit der Adoption des Babys durch Lord Akeldama umgesetzt wird.

Alle Fans der Reihe kommen hier voll auf ihre Kosten und natürlich haben auch Biffy, Floote, Professor Lyell und Major Channing hier wieder ihre gewohnt unterhaltsamen Auftritte.

Fazit: Wer nach Band 3 aufgeben wollte dem sei gesagt, dass dieser vierte Band die Geschichte eindeutig wieder auf die Erfolgspur führt. Das Buch ist witzig, spannend und extrem unterhaltsam!

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Heartless (Parasol Protectorate Series Book 4) Kindle Edition

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G. L. Carriger

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