Book Challenge Update: Blameless!

I have finished another book challenge book, yay!  I've finished Blameless by Gail Carriger (at least that is the one that counts).  This one is for the Series Challenge.  I read the first book in this series Soulless, for a different challenge and was hooked.  To get to reading Blameless and catching up with the series, I also read Changeless.

I can't say to much about the actual story without giving to much away.  But, I can say I thoroughly enjoyed both books.  They both were not quite the delight of the first (how can they be the element of surprise was lost).  However, the writing is still delightful.  I love the characters and the whole ton of the novels.  As a scientifically minded and curvy woman I can definitely identify with Alexia or Soulless protagonist.  I dare say I have been accused of being eccentric . . . imagine at my age!  Where can I go from here?

Book Challenge Update: Whats in a name challenge (Evil) - Soulless

I've read my first book for the whats in a name challenge (Evil): Soulless by Gail Carriger.  This Carriger's first book ever and the first in the Parasol Protectorate series.  If you want to buy it you can get it at amazon for a reasonable price.  I believe a book called Soulless qualifies fully in the evil category particularly as the main character is, in fact, lacking a soul . . . and consorts with vampires and werewolves.  The author also appears a bit eccentric, which I can relate too.

Gail Carriger

I wasn't really sure what to expect.  I got the book as my librarything.com recommendation thing said I would like it.  I read the description and agreed, so here we are.  I must say it was more of a romance than i was expecting (nor due I normal read romances), but the fantasy/steam punk elements were suitable well done that it didn't bother me.  Also, I found I cared quite a bit about Alexia (our soulless heroine) right off the bat, which made me invested in all aspects of the plot even the romance.  So, lets break down why you should read the book (and you should . . . if you like supernatural stuff that isn't horror).

Style - the book was exceptionally well written.  It did not scream first book!  Like many do.  The book holds a humorous Victorian with a modern edged tone throughout.  I've read many a book set in this era and not written in it and Carriger pulls it off better than most.  The humor is refreshingly honest in its delivery and in fitting with the characters.  The style really makes the book with its stiffly delivered Victorian quips.

Fashionable Parasol (to buy go to Designs by Victoria at Artfire.com)

Plot - the plot is not overly complex.  It is mostly a good adventure story with a nice bit of romance in it.  Nothing deep, but absolutely fun.  The plot does, however, completely fit the characters.

Look at all that neat stuff! (visit the Museum of Victorian Science)

Characters - all the characters are finely written.  They have personality and substance, which is great.  They also have interesting dialogue, which is a must for me.  The mix of flashy alphas and scientific reasoning really made for an interesting read.  I loved the main characters, but I am quite taken with Professor Lyall.  The characters really stand out as exceptionally well written in this book.

Overall - I would definitely recommend this book.  Its silly and fun and just an all around good read.  Imagine many who like Jane Austen will also like this (if they aren't too stuffy).  Like I mentioned it is the style that really pulled me in.  It is just interesting to read.  And the characters will make sure I don't get bored and find something else to do with my time.

Book Challenge Update!

I've picked out some books for the What's in a Name challenge.  I'll review them once I actually read them, but I really wanted to share some of my picks.

For the Evil category I'm going to read the book Soulless by Gail Carriger.

I'm very excited about it.  It mixes some of my favorite fairy creatures with Victorian romance.  I don't normally read steampunk, but it seems like it will have the sensibilities of an Austen novel (a bit darker of course . . . I'm afraid to hope for Jane Eyre sensibilities as its my favorite book of all time).  It also seems like it will indulge in the humor inherent in a Victorian romance and jazz it up to modern standards.  If this is done even a fraction as well as it is in Sorcery and Cecelia or the Enchanted Chocolate Pot I should be very happy with this book.

For the life stage category I've picked out Shade's Children by Garth Nix.

Shade's Children is about a brutal future where 14 year olds are killed to make genetically engineered monsters.  Gold-Eye escapes to fight his fate.  This is pretty straight up sci-fi for me.  I usually stick to fantasy or military sci-fi (no I don't know why).  But, I've been looking for something different and I do like teen fiction.  I also love Garth Nix from his Abhorsen series.  Its a great series I would highly recommend it.

I also have the first book in my Series Challenge, I Shall Wear Midnight by Terry Pratchett.

This will catch me up on the Tiffany Aching series within the Discworld series.  I'm very excited.  I enjoy the adult discworld books, but the teen series about Tiffany Aching is really fantastic.  It starts with Wee Free Men and I would really recommend giving it a try if you like fantasy and you like laughing. 

Sometime, in the hopefully kind of near future, you will get reviews about these books as I make my way through my challenges.