Heartless

Lady Alexia Maccon navigates Victorian London's supernatural high society while eight months pregnant in this fourth installment of The Parasol Protectorate series. As a preternatural being without a soul, she possesses the rare ability to neutralize supernatural powers through touch - a skill that proves essential when a ghost warns of a plot against Queen Victoria. The story combines elements of steampunk technology, paranormal romance, and alternate history in a Victorian England where vampires and werewolves hold positions of power. Alexia must balance her duties as muhjah to Queen Victoria, wife to a powerful Alpha werewolf, and expectant mother while investigating threats to the crown. London faces multiple challenges: zombie porcupines plague the streets, a mysterious presence occupies Lord Akeldama's closet, and suffragette movements gain momentum. Alexia's investigation leads her through aristocratic drawing rooms and supernatural territories while uncovering secrets from her husband's past. The novel explores themes of duty versus personal desire, the nature of family bonds, and the role of women in both human and supernatural society. Its blend of Victorian manners with supernatural intrigue creates commentary on social power structures and identity.

Readers call this the weakest book in the Parasol Protectorate series, citing a slower pace and less engaging plot compared to previous installments. Fans enjoyed: - The continued witty banter and humor - Development of Lord Akeldama's character - Victorian steampunk world-building details - The pregnancy storyline's unique take on supernatural elements Common criticisms: - Too much focus on pregnancy symptoms and complaints - Less action than other books in the series - Plot feels stretched thin - Side characters overshadow the main storyline Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (40,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (450+ reviews) Barnes & Noble: 4.3/5 (200+ reviews) One reader noted: "The charm is still there but the plot meanders." Another commented: "Feels more like a bridge book setting up the finale." Several reviews mentioned skimming through detailed pregnancy sections to get back to the supernatural elements and character interactions.

Soulless by Sarah MacLean A Victorian London setting blends supernatural creatures, romance, and manners as a preternatural woman navigates high society while solving mysteries.

The Parasol Protectorate by Gail Carriger This series features steampunk elements, werewolves, vampires, and a strong-willed protagonist in an alternate Victorian era.

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness A witch and vampire navigate forbidden romance while uncovering ancient secrets in a world where supernatural creatures hide among humans.

The Paper Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg A young magician learns to animate paper while uncovering dark forces in an alternate Victorian London.

These Vicious Masks by Tarun Shanker, Kelly Zekas A Victorian lady with healing powers searches for her missing sister while dealing with supernatural abilities and romantic entanglements.

🎩 The Victorian era saw a significant rise in etiquette books and conduct manuals, with over 100 different titles published between 1870-1900. 🧟‍♂️ Gail Carriger holds a master's degree in archaeological materials, specializing in tea-drinking vessels and death practices - themes that frequently appear in her novels. ⚙️ The term "steampunk" was coined in 1987 by author K.W. Jeter as a playful variation on "cyberpunk" to describe Victorian-era fantasy and speculative fiction. 👗 Parasols in Victorian England were more than fashion accessories - they were complex social tools used to communicate various messages through specific positioning and movements. 🐺 Victorian penny dreadfuls frequently featured supernatural creatures, particularly vampires and werewolves, helping establish many of the genre conventions still used in modern urban fantasy.