Book Review: Heartless by Gail Carriger

*** This is the fourth book in a series so if you have not read Soulless, Changeless, and Blameless proceed with caution. But seriously, read them because I am obsessed with this series and I'm only marathoning it now.***

Title: Heartless Parasol Protectorate #4 Written by: Gail Carriger Published: July 1, 2011 by Orbit (Amazon / Goodreads) Synopsis: Lady Alexia Maccon, soulless, is at it again, only this time the trouble is not her fault. 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 and 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?

So good! This book was oh so good! This may have just outpaced Soulless as my favorite book in this series. It was really phenomenal. I have been marathoning this series for the past few months and I am absolutely loving it and this book is the perfect example as to why.

I have always absolutely loved Gail Carriger's books for the characters and that was totally the case in Heartless. You will often find me complaining about books with large casts of characters being confusing and it hard to keep the characters straight and that is not the case here at all. There's a massive cast of characters here and they are all memorable, unique, and amazing. I honestly get excited when someone comes back into the story because they are so fun and quirky. And of course I loved this one because two of my favorite secondary characters, Lord Akeldama and Madame Lefoux, had a bigger part in the book and the eventual plot development (more on that later). We also got to learn a lot more about some of the characters which made them all the more engaging and interesting.

However the focus of the book is of course Alexia. I am absolutely in love with her as an MC. Her voice is specific and in the course of four books I have become so enamored with it I think I'm adopting some of her speech patterns. But honestly, a person could do worse for a role model than Alexia Maccon. She is brash, tough, and intelligent. She gets up to all kinds of adventures and even being nine months pregnant she didn't let that stop stop. I just love how tough, resourceful, and kickass she is. I'm a fan, big fan.

Speaking of adventures, this book is so full of them. There are some serious shenanigans in this book. Like all the rest of the books in this series, the main plot is full of mystery and adventure. But I think my favorite thing was that it slowly developed into a really thrilling conclusion. I mean it really all some together during the last couple of chapters in the most interconnected and inopportune way. I was actually stressed out by how it was all going to be resolved, that's how exciting it was. And the even better thing about this plot was how it is self-contained and so subtly connected to the larger plot of the series. There were so many unexpected callbacks to previous books and I could not have been more excited about that.

A lot of why I think it all connected and that those callbacks were so interesting because this is a series with a truly amazing world. This is a series with tremendously complex world. I keep saying this but it keeps being true, it shouldn't all work together but it does. The steampunk, the historical elements, and the supernatural elements all combine to make something complex and interesting. But there is also a real history to this world. It's honestly no surprise to me that there are two separate spinoff a from this series, one prequel and one sequel, because the world is so well-formed. In this one we learn so much about the past, including more than one surprise and twist. It's a little strange to me because I have read the Finishing School series before and the fore have knowledge that readers who read the series in release order don't have but it still had me intrigued and surprised. But then again, I love this world so much that the more I learn the better.

I'm really loving this series and am so glad I decided to take the time to finish it after years of wanting to read it. It a seriously thrilling and hilarious read with amazing characters, a plot full of adventure, and an intriguing world. This book was amazing and I can't wait to read the last book to find out how it all ends!

I give Heartless by Gail Carriger 9.5 out of 10 stars

Buy/Borrow/Bypass: Buy! I have been marathoning this series and every book I tell you to buy it so this one should come as no surprise. But in the rare case that you have not completed or started this series yet, do that now. It is such a fun and action-packed series with amazing characters. I am loving it.

Have you read Heartless? What did you think? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

ARC Review: Heartless by Marissa Meyer

Title: Heartless Written by: Marissa Meyer Published: November 8, 2016 by Feiwel & Friends (Macmillan) (Amazon / Goodreads) Synopsis: Long before she was the terror of Wonderland—the infamous Queen of Hearts—she was just a girl who wanted to fall in love.  Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland, and a favorite of the unmarried King of Hearts, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, all she wants is to open a shop with her best friend. But according to her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for the young woman who could be the next queen.  Then Cath meets Jest, the handsome and mysterious court joker. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the king and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into an intense, secret courtship. Cath is determined to define her own destiny and fall in love on her terms. But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans.   In her first stand-alone teen novel, the New York Times-bestselling author dazzles us with a prequel to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

*** I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher at BEA in exchange for an honest review. This fact has not changed my opinion. ***

I'm a huge fan of Marissa Meyer. I loved The Lunar Chronicles, and I know many of you did as well. So seriously anything she wrote I would be on board for. But I couldn't have been more excited to find out that she would be writing an Alice in Wonderland prequel from the perspective of the Queen of Hearts. I was expecting a complex villain origin story which wasn't quite what I got. But what I did get was an interesting retelling.

I think what surprised me most about this book is how it felt much more like historical fantasy than I was expecting. I went into this book thinking we were getting a world that was full of fantasy. I mean how can you make Wonderland not fantastical. And yet that's kind of what happened here. Well, that's not entirely true, there was a good amount of fantasy. But to me, this book read more like historical fiction. It read like a book that took place in the Victorian Era. It put more elements on things like society and how the characters interact with that society. It was more about the characters desire for independence in a society that dictates so much of who they should be. I really liked that aspect of the story even though it wasn't what I was expecting.

But Marissa Meyer has proved once again that she is the master of the retelling. Like all her previous books she did an amazing job taking the source material and putting her own spin on it. Here she used it to create an origin story for the Wonderland that we know and love. There were so many characters and elements from the Lewis Carroll books that she pulled from. Fans of the original books will love just how much of the original is referenced. Locations and objects from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass are not only references but established in this book. Not to mention that your favorite characters like the Mad Hatter, the Chesire Cat, the Catepillar, and even the Jabberwock are included in the story. And for many of them we see them before they got to be the way they are so we get to see their origin and evolution.

But of course this is a book all about the Queen of Hearts. I did like Cath as a main character. What Marissa has managed to do here is very interesting. In some respects she has made me forget that we are dealing with an infamous villain here because she made her so likable and engaging. Cath honestly felt like every other YA historical fiction heroine. That sounds like a bad thing but it's not really. I really like reading about young women who are torn between what society expects of them and what they want for themselves and that's what Cath was. I enjoyed her struggle to take control of her life. But that being said, yeah, I would have liked to see more villainy.

I would have also liked to see less romance. You guys know me and my romancephobia. It's well-documented. And seriously, this book was heavy with the romance. But strangely not because there was a lot of kissing scenes and overt flirting. It was just that so much of Cath's motivation was tied to the romance. And I get that, I get that you want to marry for love in a society that wants you to marry for wealth or prestige. But I just didn't feel the romance. I didn't get why she liked Jest. And that to me was the biggest shock. I usually find Marissa's books to be a shipper's paradise that can melt even my cold heart. But this one just didn't do it for me. I was not invested in their relationship.

But I did like the way the plot developed. There was a good amount of mystery and action to this book. It had some slow parts where things felt almost too complex but in the end it all came together in a really interesting and compelling way. This is one of those books where I spent a considerable amount of time trying to figure out what it all meant and why. It kept me reading because I needed to find out how it was going to end. And then when it finally did get to that climax, I was on the edge of my seat. It really built to an amazing ending. And what I loved is that it felt like a standalone. It had a clear resolution and ending.

On the whole this was really good book. I wasn't totally blown away like have with a lot of Marissa's other books but it was a really fantastic retelling with a great plot that I think fans of historical fiction will really enjoy.

I give Heartless by Marissa Meyer 9 out of 10 stars

Buy/Borrow/Bypass: Buy/Borrow. I think this is the kind of book that fans of historical fiction or retellings should definitely pick up, especially if you are a big fan of Alice in Wonderland. But if you are looking for a fast-paced and plot-driven fantasy story you will not find that here.

Waiting on Wednesday: Lines You'll Find Me in at BEA

A weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine

IT'S THE FIRST DAY OF BEA! If you were not aware, I am currently off in Chicago attending all the crazy, hectic, exhausting event known as Book Expo America. I f you have been following me for the past few years you know I like to do a top five books I'll be waiting for at BEA. It's just a way to highlight some books that are there and to inform anyone going what lines you can maybe find me in. So if you're there and you see me, say hi.

1.) Heartless by Marissa Meyer
(Amazon / Goodreads)
Published: November 8, 2016 by Macmillan

Synopsis: Long before she was the terror of Wonderland — the infamous Queen of Hearts — she was just a girl who wanted to fall in love.

Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland, and a favorite of the yet-unmarried King of Hearts, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, all she wants is to open a shop with her best friend and supply the Kingdom of Hearts with delectable pastries and confections. But according to her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for the young woman who could be the next Queen.

At a royal ball where Cath is expected to receive the king's marriage proposal, she meets Jest, the handsome and mysterious court joker. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the King and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into an intense, secret courtship.

Cath is determined to define her own destiny and fall in love on her terms. But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans.

Why I'm Waiting: This should be pretty obvious, I loved The Lunar Chronicles so I would basically read whatever Marissa Meyer wrote next. But this is a villain origin story, something I love, about the Queen of Hearts. Seriously, sign me up.

2.) Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Black
(Amazon / Goodreads)
Published: October 6, 2016 by Harper Teen

Synopsis: Every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born: three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions.

But becoming the Queen Crowned isn’t solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it’s not just a game of win or lose…it’s life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins. The last queen standing gets the crown.

If only it was that simple. Katharine is unable to tolerate the weakest poison, and Arsinoe, no matter how hard she tries, can’t make even a weed grow. The two queens have been shamefully faking their powers, taking care to keep each other, the island, and their powerful sister Mirabella none the wiser. But with alliances being formed, betrayals taking shape, and ruthless revenge haunting the queens’ every move, one thing is certain: the last queen standing might not be the strongest…but she may be the darkest

Why I'm Waiting: I have not read any Kendare Black despite her stuff seeming like something I would love. But this is very much up my alley. Dark fantasy with political intrigue and three slightly villainous ruler. Total me book.

3.) Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulhurst

(Amazon / Goodreads)
Published: November 22, 2016 by Balthazar + Bray (HarperCollins)

Synopsis: Betrothed since childhood to the prince of Mynaria, Princess Dennaleia has always known what her future holds. Her marriage will seal the alliance between Mynaria and her homeland, protecting her people from other hostile lands. But Denna has a secret. She possesses an Affinity for fire—a dangerous gift for the future queen of a kingdom where magic is forbidden.

Now, Denna must learn the ways of her new home while trying to hide her growing magic. To make matters worse, she must learn to ride Mynaria’s formidable warhorses before her coronation—and her teacher is the person who intimidates her most, the prickly and unconventional Princess Amaranthine (called Mare), sister of her betrothed.

When a shocking assassination leaves the kingdom reeling, Mare and Denna reluctantly join forces to search for the culprit. As the two work together, each discovers there’s more to the other than she thought. Mare is surprised by Denna’s intelligence and bravery, while Denna is drawn to Mare’s independent streak. Soon their friendship is threatening to blossom into something more.

But with dangerous conflict brewing that makes the alliance more important than ever, acting on their feelings could be deadly. Forced to choose between their duty and their hearts, Mare and Denna must find a way to save their kingdoms—and each other.

Why I'm Waiting: The world, and especially my life, needs more f/f Sci-Fi/Fantasy. SO obviously when I learned about this book months ago I knew I needed to read it. I was so excited to see that it was at BEA so it's one of my must haves.

4.) Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco
(Amazon / Goodreads)
Published: September 20, 2016 by Jimmy Patterson (Little Brown Books)

Synopsis: Presented by James Patterson's new children's imprint, this deliciously creepy horror novel has a storyline inspired by the Ripper murders and an unexpected, blood-chilling conclusion... 

Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth was born a lord's daughter, with a life of wealth and privilege stretched out before her. But between the social teas and silk dress fittings, she leads a forbidden secret life.

Against her stern father's wishes and society's expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle's laboratory to study the gruesome practice of forensic medicine. When her work on a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her close to her own sheltered world.

The story's shocking twists and turns, augmented with real, sinister period photos, will make this dazzling debut from author Kerri Maniscalco impossible to forget.

Why I'm Waiting: I love historical fiction and honestly the darker and more mysterious the better. Not only is this book just that but it takes place during one of my favorite periods to read about and it has a strong female protagonist that subverts gender norms. I've been following this book since before it had a name change and I'm so pumped for a copy.

5.) Gemina by Aime Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
(Amazon / Goodreads)
Published: October 18, 2016 by Knopf (Random House)

Synopsis:The highly anticipated sequel to the instant New York Times bestseller that critics are calling “out-of-this-world awesome.”

Moving to a space station at the edge of the galaxy was always going to be the death of Hanna’s social life. Nobody said it might actually get her killed.

The sci-fi saga that began with the breakout bestseller Illuminae continues on board the Jump Station Heimdall, where two new characters will confront the next wave of the BeiTech assault.

Hanna is the station captain’s pampered daughter; Nik the reluctant member of a notorious crime family. But while the pair are struggling with the realities of life aboard the galaxy’s most boring space station, little do they know that Kady Grant and the Hypatia are headed right toward Heimdall, carrying news of the Kerenza invasion.

When an elite BeiTech strike team invades the station, Hanna and Nik are thrown together to defend their home. But alien predators are picking off the station residents one by one, and a malfunction in the station’s wormhole means the space-time continuum might be ripped in two before dinner. Soon Hanna and Nik aren’t just fighting for their own survival; the fate of everyone on the Hypatia—and possibly the known universe—is in their hands.

But relax. They’ve totally got this. They hope.

Once again told through a compelling dossier of emails, IMs, classified files, transcripts, and schematics, Gemina raises the stakes of the Illuminae Files, hurling readers into an enthralling new story that will leave them breathless.

Why I'm Waiting: I only just got confirmation this would be at BEA but I could not be more excited. I absolutely loved Illuminae. It was so creative and engrossing and I can't wait to see what happens next. I'm slightly nervous because I don't read books about aliens but come on, I have to read this one.

What are you waiting on this Wednesday? Are you at BEA with me? Will I see you in any of these line? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!