Book Review: Competence by Gail Carriger

Title: Competence Series: Custard Protocol #3 Written by: Gail Carriger Published: July 17, 2018 by Orbit (Amazon / Goodreads) Synopsis: From New York Times bestselling author Gail Carriger comes the delightful sequel to Imprudence.  Accidentally abandoned!  All alone in Singapore, proper Miss Primrose Tunstell must steal helium to save her airship, the Spotted Custard, in a scheme involving a lovesick werecat and a fake fish tail.  When she uncovers rumors of a new kind of vampire, Prim and the Custard crew embark on a mission to Peru. There, they encounter airship pirates and strange atmospheric phenomena, and are mistaken for representatives of the Spanish Inquisition. Forced into extreme subterfuge (and some rather ridiculous outfits) Prim must also answer three of life's most challenging questions:  Can the perfect book club give a man back his soul?  Will her brother ever stop wearing his idiotic velvet fez?  And can the amount of lard in Christmas pudding save an entire species?

I adore Gail Carriger and her books. They are always such a pleasure to read and I need a fast and fun book to read this summer. Of course a Gail Carriger book is a great choice for that. This book, like all her previous were full of adventure, humor, and amazing characters.

I absolutely love the characters in all of Carriger's series and in three books I have come to love these characters so much. In this book the focus shifts a little bit to be less about Prudence and more about some of the other characters in the series. Rue of course was as fabulous and fiesty as ever. But it was nice to get a little bit more of a focus on the other characters, especially Prim and Percy. I absolutely love the Tunstell twins so getting this book from their perspective was so fantastic. Prim is really the one who gets the cover and the majority of play though. She has really great development here. The characters are really the foundation of this series. Their quirky, complex, and incredibly likable.

One of the things that I have to say about the characters, because it is one of the things I love about this series and Carriger's books in general is the LGBTQIA representation. It's great to see a book, with a historical setting no less, not shy away from those kinds of characters and embrace them in a really great way. You really connect with these characters and their desire for love. And I really appreciated the fact that Carriger had Prim at the center of this dealing with how society would view her for the person that she loves. It added a good dimension to the relationship and made it all the more satisfying.

But this is not just a book with good character development, it is also a book with great plot development. Carriger's books are always full of action and adventure and Competence was no exception. There are daring escapes and thrilling fight scenes that keep a plot driven reader like me on their toes. One thing I will say however, is that the adventure story aspect really did feel like a bit of an afterthought. This was more a quieter and character-focused narrative. I'm not saying that is a bad thing, it's just different.

The other thing that I really loved about this book was the setting. This series is one that feels like a globe trotting adventure. It takes you all around the world and in this book it took the reader from Asia to South America. I loved being able to explore the two different places, especially Peru. Peru is one of those places that I have always wanted to visit and after reading this book I want to do that even more now. The country really came alive along with it's history and culture. I also really liked the way that Carriger incorporated a specific supernatural creature that is rooted in the culture of Peru into the story. The combination of history, supernatural fantasy, and steampunk has always been the hallmark of Carriger's books and I love the way she is further developing the world with this book.

It's no surprise that I just adored this book. After 13 books Gail Carriger continues to delight and entertain me. The characters are amazing and likable, the plot is character-driven and engaging, and the setting is fantastic.

I give Competence by Gail Carriger 9 out of 10 stars

Buy/Borrow/Bypass: BUY! If you are a fan of Carriger, I'm sure I don't need to tell you to read this book. The Custard Protocol is an amazing series and I definitely recommend it to fans of steam punk, supernatural fantasies, or anyone looking for a fun and entertaining read.

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

Audiobook Review: Imprudence by Gail Carriger

Title: Imprudence Series: The Custard Protocol #2 Written by: Gail Carriger Published: July 19, 2016 by Orbit (Amazon / Goodreads) Synopsis: London is in chaos. Rue and the crew of The Spotted Custard returned from India with revelations that shook the foundations of the scientific community. There is mass political upheaval, the vampires are tetchy, and something is seriously wrong with the local werewolf pack. To top it all off, Rue’s best friend Primrose keeps getting engaged to the most inappropriate military types. Rue has got personal problems as well. Her vampire father is angry, her werewolf father is crazy, and her obstreperous mother is both. Worst of all, Rue’s beginning to suspect what they all really are… is frightened. When the Custard is ordered to Egypt, transporting some highly unusual passengers, Rue’s problems go from personal to impossible. Can she get Percy to stop sulking? Will she find the true cause of Primrose’s lovesickness? And what is Quesnel hiding in the boiler room?

I absolutely love Gail Carriger and all her books. I've been wanting to get all caught up on her books and I finally took the time to listen to the audiobook to do just that. And I am so glad that I did because this book was totally fantastic.

My favorite thing about probably every Carriger book is the characters. They are always such amazing, quirky, and fun characters and this book wasn't any different. I fell for the characters here in Prudence and I was so happy to have them all back in my life. Rue is just as brash, sarcastic, and take charge in this book which was amazing. It was also fun seeing her get a little more complex and vulnerable here. All in all, Prudence is a fantastic main character and I loved being back in her head and along for more of her adventures.

But that is only the beginning because this book is full of amazing secondary characters. In this book we got to see more, and learn more, about Rue's parents. Lord and Lady Maccon play a big part in the overall plot which was amazing because I love Alexia and Conall so I was very much interested in getting some more of them. And Lord Akeldama is always a joy.  Then of course we have the crew of the Custard. The Tunstall twins were amazing and fun. Prim was super awkward and adorable while Percy is as insufferable as ever. Then of course the is Quesnel. Ugh, I really loved Quesnel in this book. He's so roguish and charming but the troublemaker that he was as a child. Him and Rue are amazing together too. I'm such a romancephobe but no one melts my cold heart like Gail Carriger. Because seriously I shipped it so hard. Because all in all Carriger knows how to write amazing and likeable characters.

She also knows how to write a thrilling plot. There was so much action and adventure in this book. Rue and The Custard are constantly finding them in some sort of scuffle, whether by their own doing or someone else's. It made for a fun and exciting plot for sure. However the plot in this book wasn't quite so self-contained. It built on some things from the first book as well as some things from the previous series which was interesting enough. And it did build to an exciting conclusion with plenty of excitement along the way. However, when it was all over it just felt like it lacked a little cohesion. It didn't have quite the impact that I expect from a Carriger book. It was still a good plot and I am confident the next books in the series will be great but I think maybe the plot here could have been a little but more.

The world however was just as fantastic as I expect in a Gail Carriger book. I have always loved the way that she balances steampunk and paranormal. It's the perfect balance of historical fiction, science fiction, fantasy, and horror. The world is complex and detailed. With every book we get to explore the world even more and learn more about it. Every thing we learn here was fantastic and so interesting. I don't want to give to much away but there are more were creatures that come into play here. With every passing series things develop even more and I love the way everything ties in with previous books and previous series. This is now my eleventh book from Gail Carriger and you would think by now I would be sick of this world but I'm not. I want more.

I totally loved this book. It's another fantastic example of the magic and fun that is Gail Carriger and the world that she has built. This book has amazing characters, a thrilling plot, and a unique and interesting world. It was a great audiobook and a good read.

I give Imprudence by Gail Carriger 9 out of 10 stars

Buy/Borrow/Bypass: Buy! I love this series, I love this world, I love this book. If you are a fan of Gail Carriger you need to read the Prudence series. And if you like steampunk and you haven't read Gail Carriger stop wasting time and read it. It's amazing!

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

Audiobook Review: Prudence by Gail Carriger

Title: Prudence Series: The Custard Protocol #1 Written by: Gail Carriger Published: March 17, 2015 by Orbit (Amazon / Goodreads / Audible) Synopsis: From New York Times bestselling author Gail Carriger comes a new novel in the world of the Parasol Protectorate starring Prudence, the daughter of Alexia Tarabotti.   When Prudence Alessandra Maccon Akeldama (Rue to her friends) is given an unexpected dirigible, she does what any sensible female would under similar circumstances - names it the Spotted Custard and floats to India in pursuit of the perfect cup of tea. But India has more than just tea on offer. Rue stumbles upon a plot involving local dissidents, a kidnapped brigadier's wife, and some awfully familiar Scottish werewolves. Faced with a dire crisis and an embarrassing lack of bloomers, what else is a young lady of good breeding to do but turn metanatural and find out everyone's secrets, even thousand-year-old fuzzy ones?

I have been reading my way through Gail Carriger's catalog these past few years and with every series I get more and more impressed with her and her work. I had picked up the audiobook for this one ages ago during an Audible sale but I never found the time to read it. Well I needed a new audio and this perfectly fits my theme this months so I took the time to read it. And I am so glad that I did because it was fantastic.

First things first, I love the world of this series. And here I am not just talking about The Custard Protocal. No, I am talking about the Parasol Protectorate and the Finishing School series. Gail Carriger is one of those rare authors who has taken the world she created and moved it through different era, first backwards and now forwards. In this book we are taken twenty years  after the events of the Parasol Protectorate to the end of the 19th Century. But everything I loved about the first two series are back in this book. It's the perfect combination of historical fiction, science fiction, and fantasy. It's a steampunk paranormal romp and I loved that. It's a world where steam machinery and dirigibles are everywhere but it's also a world where shapeshifters like vampires and werewolves control the government and society. You would think by now that would be old hat but Carriger manages to make it interesting by continuing to expand on all that. In this book we get to explore more of the British Empire and see more shapeshifters and see how the former has affected the latter. I loved the way this world continues to develop.

But my favorite thing about Gail Carriger's work is usually the characters and that was no exception here. Carriger really knows how to create fun and complex characters. First we have the titular character of Prudence aka Rue. Rue is the daughter of Alexia and Lord Maccon who was raised by Lord Akeldama. And honestly she was exactly what I expected with those three as parents. She's equal parts smart, resourceful, brash, flighty, and sarcastic. The last time we saw Rue she was an infant and she hasn't lost any of that trouble-making streak. I loved seeing her all grown up and using her metanatural talents sometimes for good and sometimes for not so good reasons. But honestly it's a serious shame that Rue could not have gone to Mademoiselle Geraldine's because she would have fit right in with those training to be spies.

But as usually this book was full of fantastic secondary characters as well. The crew of the Spotted Custard was all really fantastic. First of all we have the Tunstall twins, Primrose (Prim) and Percival (Percy). And Prim is so much like Ivy that I can't help but like her. Although she is a bit more practical with is nice. Percy however is totally different which didn't make him any less likable. In fact his love of books and knowledge made him one of my favorites along with inability to pick up on social cues. Then there is Quesnel. It was so much fun seeing him all grown up. He's quite rackish which as the child of Genevieve LeFoux I totally appreciate. Speaking of Mme LeFoux, she makes a brief appearance as do many of the other characters from previous series. Alexia, Lord Maccon, and Lord Akeldama are of course there being their usually amazing selfs, then there are members of the London pack like Biffy, members of the Kingair pack like Sidheag and Professor Lyall. It was great learning what had become of them all.

The plot too was really interesting. Like all the other books in the series it is full of action and adventure. Rue takes after her mother in that she is constantly finding herself in some kind of trouble and has to get herself out of it with a combination of quick-thinking and her supernatural ability. She's a little less aggressive then her mother though and more like Lord Akeldama in that she uses her intellect over weaponry. But either way, super engaging and interesting. The book also involved a covert mission which I thoroughly enjoyed. It's got a little bit of a spy novel feel to it but it also has a lot of mystery to it. It had me interested from beginning to end.

And because I listened to the audiobook I wanted to take a quick second to talk about that. I feel like the narrator did a fantastic job with this series. Moira quick also narrates the Finishing School series so perhaps that is why I found myself reminded so much of characters like Sophronia and a adolescent Vieve. But regardless, I thought she did a great job with each of the characters. They all felt unique and different and the accents were pretty good. Plus she set the tone and atmosphere for the book, which is what I like about audiobooks. She made the serious equal parts lighthearted and action-packed. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

But like all Gail Carriger's work I really liked this series. It's a brilliant addition to the world of these series. I don't even know what to call it. Is there a name for this universe? I don't know. WHo cares. It's great. It has a brilliant world, great characters, and a thrilling plot. It's everything I wanted in a historical fantasy and more.

I give Prudence by Gail Carriger 9 out of 10 stars

Buy.Borrow/Bypass: Buy. If you liked either the Parasol Protectorate or the Finishing School series I would absolutely recommend you read Prudence. It's Gail Carriger at her finest. If you haven't read any of these series and you like steampunk or are looking for a fun historical novel then check them out. But don't start here. Start with either of the other series.

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

Book Review: Timeless by Gail Carriger

*** This is the fifth book in a series, so if you haven't read these books, proceed with caution. But seriously, has my marathoning of the series not convinced you to read it if you haven't yet? No? Then I have failed you.***

Title: Timeless Parasol Protectorate #5 Written by: Gail Carriger Published: March 1, 2012 by Orbit (Amazon / Goodreads) Synopsis: 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. Even Ivy Tunstell's acting troupe's latest play, disastrous to say the least, cannot put a dampener on Alexia's enjoyment of her new London lifestyle.   Until, that is, she receives a summons from Alexandria 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?

This series is over and I'm sad. My marathoning of it has taken a little over a month and I'm not ready to let it go. I may need to start reading Prudence right away! Because I really did love reading it. It's such a fun and thrilling series and the last book did not disappoint.

For one thing I love these characters so much. I was already attached to a few of them after reading the Finishing School books and I got quickly attached to the rest in these five books. Carriger definitely knows how to develop a quirky cast of characters and make them likable and complex. Every last one of the characters in this book is amazing in their own way. I loved learning more about them in the course of this book but there are still so many questions I need answers to.

As far as the characters go, no one makes a bigger impression that Alexia, the main character in this series. I loved her immediately and enjoyed her just as much five books later. She's the perfect strong female protagonist, tough, resourceful, and mouthy. But at the same time she's caring and reckless. I appreciated more than I thought I would seeing her as a mother. It was a different dimension for her. And on that note, Prudence? Baby Prudence was so fun. I am anticipating all the sass from her in the Custard Protocol, which I could not be happier about.

But while the characters are amazing, that's just the tip of he iceberg for this series. I continue to be incredibly impressed by the depth of this world. In every book we explore one more facet of the supernatural and steampunk Victorian era. It's such a perfect combination of Urban Fantasy and Historical Fiction. And the corner of the world we got to experience her was fascinating. I loved going to Egypt and learning more about the God-Breaker Plague, among other things. It combines history, mythology, and fantasy in such a brilliant way which I really enjoyed. Although I do still have a ton of questions about stuff.

And the plot too here was really compelling. It may not have been as thrilling as some of the other books but it was definitely engaging. As always there was an interesting mystery element that kept me guessing and a good amount of action scenes that had me on the edge of my seat. I also think it did a really good way of wrapping up the series by bringing back up and resolving elements that were introduced much earlier in the series. It didn't totally have an overarching plot point but it was complex enough that I enjoyed the callbacks and ultimate resolution.

All in all this was a really great read and a good ending to a series that I loved. It's been such a fun and exciting series to read. I wish I had read it years ago when I was first introduced to it but I'm glad that I took the time to read it now.

To be honest, I loved t so much that I'm not ready to let it go. I kind of want to now terra the Finishing School series and then read Prudence. Or maybe I'll read all the short stories! Oh Gail Carriger, I wish I knew how to quit you. No I don't. I never want to quit you!

I give Timeless by Gail Carriger 9 out of 10 stars

Buy/Borrow/Bypass: Buy. If you haven't read this series you absolutely need to. I totally loved it. It is the perfect comnbination of humorous and thrilling, history and fantasy. I absolutely loved it and cannot recommend it enough.

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

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!

Book Review: Blameless by Gail Carriger

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

Title: Blameless Parasol Protectorate #2 Written by: Gail Carriger Published: September 1, 2010 by Orbit (Amazon / Goodreads) Synopsis: Quitting her husband's house and moving back in with her horrible family, Lady Maccon becomes the scandal of the London season.   Queen Victoria dismisses her from the Shadow Council, and the only person who can explain anything, Lord Akeldama, unexpectedly leaves town. To top it all off, Alexia is attacked by homicidal mechanical ladybugs, indicating, as only ladybugs can, the fact that all of London's vampires are now very much interested in seeing Alexia quite thoroughly dead.  While Lord Maccon elects to get progressively more inebriated and Professor Lyall desperately tries to hold the Woolsey werewolf pack together, Alexia flees England for Italy in search of the mysterious Templars. Only they know enough about the preternatural to explain her increasingly inconvenient condition, but they may be worse than the vampires -- and they're armed with pesto.  BLAMELESS is the third book of the Parasol Protectorate series: a comedy of manners set in Victorian London, full of werewolves, vampires, dirigibles, and tea-drinking.

Another fantastic book in the Paradol Protectorate series. I am absolutely spying through these book. They are so fun and the perfect combination of action, adventure, mystery, and silliness.

For one thing, I just adore these characters. I have become so attached to them in the last three books (7 books for some of you count the Finishing School series). First and foremost I love Alexia. She really is such a spitfire. She's sassy, intelligent, and resourceful. I love seeing her in action and she continues to make me smile. Lord Maccon too is fantastic despite the fact that he was very frustrating in this book. I still love him and love their relationship. I can't wait to see them develop, especially as parents.

I also really enjoy the secondary characters here. Some of my favorite from the Finishing School series are still favorites here like Madame LeFoux, who will always be Vieve to me. I feel like there is still more to learn about her and I like learning it. Same thing with Lord Akeldama who was only minimally involved but affected the book in a big way. In this book too we got a lot more of Professor Lyall which was really interesting as well.

But the characters are not the only interesting thing about this book. This is a book full of action and adventure. By now I should expect the hijinx and shenanigans that this series is capable of and yet it still manages to surprise me. This is a plot where you have to expect the unexpected. There was a lot of different perspective and storylines here but in the end they came together in a complex and interesting way that was full of thrilling moments that had me surprised and enthralled.

But I will say, this felt like a middle book. As far as the pacing of the larger story it did feel a little bit basic. There was a lot of attention spent on something that I'm sure will come into play later but it didn't feel like it was enough to fell a whole book. It felt a little bit like filler or the kind of book that serves as a bridge between books. These kind of books are needed for the series as a whole, but when you're reading them it can seem a little stunted. I'm ready to continue on with it though.

And I'm also ready to explore more of the world. I continue to be blown away by how well Gail Carriger is able to create a world and a setting that brilliantly combines elements of historical fiction, steampunk, and supernatural fantasy. It shouldn't all work together but it does. It works to make a fascinating backdrop for the story. There was a lot of focus on preternaturals here and this kind of scientific approach to them that the book has been touching on and was explored even further. I'm also so curious to learn more about what their child will be and what they will be capable of as they only are just starting to explore that and why the other supernatural set, particularly the vampires, are not happy about this. I know there is more to learn and I am really excited to learn it as the series develops.

I am really loved this book and I'm definitely enjoying this series. I'm so glad that I'm finally taking the time to read it and I can't wait to see what happens next. I'm so invested in these characters and it's a series that is full of action, humor, and mystery.

I give Blameless by Gail Carriger 9 out of 10 stars

Buy/Borrow/Bypass: Buy. If you are following along with my marathoning of this series you will know that I am loving these books. If you are late to the party like me and you like steampunk or supernatural fantasies then get your hands on these books.

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

November Wrap Up and December TBR

Read in November: Sci-Fi and Steampunk

Well this might be a new low for me. I did not have a very good reading month. Things just keep getting lower and lower. I was really busy and didn't have a lot of time to read and my FM transmitter in my car broke so I couldn't listen to my audiobook on the way to work. This is my busy time for work and honestly things will not be slowing down until the holidays. But I'm no longer concerned about. It is what it is. So this month I read 9 new books and no rereads which brings things to a total of 9 books for the month. But I did also read two comics so I guess that brings me 11 for the month

For challenges, I'm still doing okay thanks to some really good months early this year. I don't think I'm going to meet my reach goals for many of the individual challenges but I'm still doing okay. I have officially completed my Goodreads goal of reading 150 books this year, so YAY! I was hoping I could to do it without rereads but that would mean reading 18 books next and the way things are going, I doubt that will happen. Still, I met my goal! I exceeded it. I'm also on track of my secondary goal for the Debut Author Challenge of 30 debuts,  having read two this month which brings my total to 29. I just need one more in December. I'm also slowing down for the Netgalley/Edelweiss Challenge. It was a slow month for that, having only read 1 books for that challenge. I don't think I can reach my goal of 50 for the year, I'm currently at 39 but we shall see. But I'm picking things up for the Rock My TBR Challenge. I read 3 book for that this month getting a total of 23 towards my goal of 25 for the year. I think I will actually be able to complete it. And finally, the Audiobook Challenge. I listened to 2 audiobooks this month, giving me a total of 38 for the year which is behind my goal of 50.

The Books

1.) Iron Cast by Destiny Soria Rating: 8.5 out of 10 [My Review]

2.) Heartless by Marissa Meyer Rating: 9 out of 10 [My Review]
3.) Timekeeper by Tara Sim Rating: 8 out of 10 [My Review]

4.) The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid Rating: 10 out of 10 [My Review]
5.) Soulless by Gail Carriger Rating: 9.5 out of 10 [My Review]

5.) Changeless by Gail Carriger Rating: 9 out of 10 [My Review]

7.) A Million Worlds With You by Claudia Gray
 Rating: 8 out of 10 [My Review]
8.) Hidden Bodies by Caroline Kepnas
Rating: 9.5 out of 10 [My Review]
9.) Blameless by Gail Carriger Rating: 9 out of 10 [Review to Come]

Comics [Reviews to Come]:
10.) Bombshells by Marguerite Bennett
11.) Princeless by Jeremy Whitley

Other Posts

Crossing Over - Steampunk Supernatural Adventures
Blogoversary Reflection!
Waiting on Wednesday: The Last Harvest by Kim Liggett, Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones 

To Be Read in December: Contemporary

I was originally not going to have a theme for this month but then I looked at the books I had planned and realized there was kind of a theme to them so I'm going to go ahead and call it, this will be a contemporary month. Most of these, however, are books I planned to read or wanted to read earlier in the year but didn't get the chance.

Books for Review

Replica by Lauren Oliver - Add to Goodreads

I was originally going to read this last month and the month before when it came out but I didn't get to it. So let's see if I get to it this month. But honestly, I'm not super hopeful.

The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon - Add to Goodreads
I was planning to read this last month but didn't. Because I didn't read much and also it wasn't steampunk. But it's contemporary so... this month!

The Blazing Star by Imani Josey - Add to Goodreads
I got a copy of this from Netgalley and I'm really excited to read it. It sounds really cool and I like the fact that it involves Ancient Egypt.
 

Spindle by E.K. Johnston- Add to Goodreads

This is a spinoff of A Thousand Nights which I didn't love but I'm still really interested to read this retelling of Sleeping Beauty.

The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis - Add to Goodreads
I have been wanting to read this for awhile, ever since Michelle read and loved it. I think I might have time this month.

Metaltown by Kristen Simmons- Add to Goodreads

I was saving this book to read during my steampunk month and I didn't end up reading it. I got caught up in reading the books in the Parasol Protectorate series and so I am hoping to read it this month.

New Releases

Ever the Hunted by Erin Summerhill - Add to Goodreads

This book sounds really interesting and I have definitely heard good things about it from people so I preordered the e-book and I can't wait to read it.

Take the Key and Lock Her Up by Claudia Gray - Add to Goodreads
I love this series and I cannot wait for the conclusion. If you read the rest of the books in this series you know why I am excited for that gamechanger ending.

The Reader by Traci Chee - Add to Goodreads
I was considering reading this last month but I didn't get the chance.I'm hoping to get to it this month instead. I think it's a fantasy but it does have dystopian and sci-fi vibes.

Backlist Books

Heartless and Timeless by Gail Carriger - Add to Goodreads
I read the first three books in this series and loved them. I'm going to finish marathoning this series in December and I'm really excited. They are seriously so good. And then maybe Custard Protocol?

There you have it. All the books I hope to read in November. We'll see. As always, these are subject to change. I may read all of these or I may only read a few and then read a bunch of different one. But honestly I think this list I can stick to. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!

Book Review: Changeless by Gail Carriger

Title: Changeless Parasol Protectorate #2 Written by: Gail Carriger Published: April 1, 2010 by Orbit (Amazon / Goodreads) Synopsis: Alexia Maccon, the Lady Woolsey, awakens in the wee hours of the mid-afternoon to find her husband, who should be decently asleep like any normal werewolf, yelling at the top of his lungs. Then he disappears; leaving her to deal with a regiment of supernatural soldiers encamped on her doorstep, a plethora of exorcised ghosts, and an angry Queen Victoria.  But Alexia is armed with her trusty parasol, the latest fashions, and an arsenal of biting civility. So even when her investigations take her to Scotland, the backwater of ugly waistcoats, she is prepared: upending werewolf pack dynamics as only the soulless can. She might even find time to track down her wayward husband, if she feels like it.  CHANGELESS is the second book of the Parasol Protectorate series: a comedy of manners set in Victorian London, full of werewolves, vampires, dirigibles, and tea-drinking.

I am totally loving this series. I mean that really is no surprise, I loved this author's YA series and it's set in the same world (which is fantastic). Changeless is a great sequel that expands on the world and plot of the series in an interesting way.

My favorite thing about this series is the characters. Every time I marvel at how amazing the characterizations are in these books and Changeless was no exception. We got to spend more time with some of the fantastic secondary characters from the first book like Ivy, who is so ridiculous and silly in the best possible way. I can't help but laugh at her. We also got to see more of the characters who I know very well from the Finishing School series. Some of my favorites had appearances, some in a big way. I was so excited to see Vieve again. I loved her in the Finishing School books and seeing her as an adult is so amazing.

But the real star here is of course Alexia. I totally adore her. She's totally my kind of woman, sassy and tough with a mouth like a sailor. She's up for any adventure and will attempt to solve any mystery but is far from perfect with those sorts of things. I'm loving getting to know her in this series and seeing her in action. Same goes for Lord Maccon. In Changeless we get to see Lord Maccon in a bit of a vulnerable state as he has to return to Scotland and his former pack (shout out to Sidheag and Captain Niall). I love the two of them separately but together they perfect. The banter, the flirting, the kissing scenes. I'm not usually one for those sorts of things but here I like. But I think a lot of that stems from the fact that I really love both these main characters and want to see them succeed.

The other fantastic thing about this book is the plot development. Once again this was a book that is full of action and adventure. It really is never a dull moment for Alexia. Even something so normal as travelling to Scotland because a fight for her life and it made for a thrilling read. But this is also a book that was full of mystery but a subtle kind of mystery. There are clues to hunt for and a truth to be revealed but it wasn't a totally shocking reveal but little things from earlier in the book impacted things in a big way later, which I enjoy. And I will say that it kind of felt like a totally new series. Many of the plot points and threads from the first book were not really revisited and instead new things that I am assuming will impact later books were brought up. It felt a little like a restart rather than a sequel. But on the whole it was a really great story.

But the thing that did get readdressed and expanded on here was the world of this series. I love the way this series effortlessly combines steampunk and supernatural elements into a historical setting and that's exactly how I felt here. In particular, the steampunk elements were turned way up. There was much more talk about technology and inventions here (hello, Vieve was there) which was really cool. There was also much more to learn about preternaturals and their effects on the supernatural set. I loved learning about what Alexia can do and am excited to learn more as the series develops. There was also even some political elements as Alexia takes on the role of muhjah for Queen Victoria's Shadow Cabinet and some werewolf pack dynamics as she is now alpha female. It all shouldn't work together but it does.

All in all I am absolutely loving this series. It is honestly just solidifying how much I adore Gail Carriger's work. She writes amazing characters, thrilling plots, and fascinating worlds and does it all with charm, wit, and humor. These books are simultaneously lighthearted and complex and I am totally pumped to keep reading.

I give Changeless by Gail Carriger 9 out of 10 stars

Buy/Borrow/Bypass: BUY! If for some reason you have not finished this series and have only read the first book, let me assure you the second one is amazing. If you are looking for something fun and interesting and you are a fan of either steampunk of supernatural mysteries, check this series out. I'm loving it.

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