Narrated by Emily Gray
Publisher: Recorded Books
Publication date: June 6th 2010
Length: 10 hrs 52 minutes
My rating: 5 stars
Alexia Tarabotti is laboring under a great many social tribulations. First, she has no soul. Second, she's a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead. Third, she was rudely attacked by a vampire, breaking all standards of social etiquette.
Where to go from there? From bad to worse apparently, for Alexia accidentally kills the vampire—and then the appalling Lord Maccon (loud, messy, gorgeous, and werewolf) is sent by Queen Victoria to investigate.
With unexpected vampires appearing and expected vampires disappearing, everyone seems to believe Alexia responsible. Can she figure out what is actually happening to London's high society? Will her soulless ability to negate supernatural powers prove useful or just plain embarrassing? Finally, who is the real enemy, and do they have treacle tart?
Soulless is one
of the best audio books I have listened to.
The story is wickedly funny, filled with clever humor, brilliant
characters and a delicious romance! The story was just wonderful and I’m sure my enjoyment was enhanced by the excellent narration of Emily Gray.
Alexia Tarabotti is “soulless” or someone who can cancel out
the supernatural powers of another. A state she inherited from her Italian
father. With her unconventional (for
Victorian England) Italian looks, and her tendency to speak her mind, Alexia
finds herself a spinster at the ripe “old” age of twenty-six. Not that she actually cares in the least.
When a vampire attacks Alexia in the most rude way, not even
bothering to introduce himself before (the nerve!). Alexia has no other choice but to defend
herself, and ends up accidentally staking him with her parasol. This brings on quite a few headaches one of
which is Lord Maccon showing up annoyed that Alexia is again in the middle
of trouble. Lord Maccon, an Alpha werewolf, is the head of BUR, The Bureau of
Unnatural Registry, an organization in place to keep order to the supernatural
community. Lord Maccon has been a pain
in Alexia’s ass since an unfortunate incident involving a hedgehog that was
completely not her fault! Whether Lord Maccon likes it or not she is
getting down to the bottom of this attack and the recent disappearances of lone
vampires and werewolves.
Oh, this story was complete and utter fun! Sort of like injecting vampires, werewolves,
and the supernatural into Pride and Prejudice.
Picture Eliza Bennett battling it out with a werewolf Mr. Darcy (with a
little more naughtiness *wink, wink*), and you have Soulless. I loved their
relationship, and anyone could see they were crazy for each other with all the
verbal sparring! Of course, with Lord Maccon being a werewolf, control is not
always an option and their attraction is not something either can resist acting
on, making their behavior not always acceptable…
"Oh,
Herbert," she said pleadingly to her silent husband, "you must make
him marry her! Call for the parson immediately! Look at them...they
are...," she sputtered, "canoodling!"
Alexia was a strong heroine with intelligence, spunk, a gift
for speaking her mind, and ferreting out information. She’s not the standard of beauty of the times,
but she’s like a magnet to Lord Maccon and he could care less about conventional
opinion. Lord Maccon is handsome,
brutish, bossy and infuriating. What’s
not to love?
There were great secondary characters, my favorite being Ivy
Hisselpenny with her unfortunate taste in hats:
“Keep your voice
down, my dear. And please, for goodness’ sake, remove that bonnet. It’s
positively scorching my eyeballs.”
Lord Akeldama, Alexia’s
flamboyant vampire friend, and Professor Lyle were hilarious additions, also. Alexia’s family provided laughs even if I did
want to slap that horrid mother. Even
more entertaining is when she’s put into her place.
This is the beginning of a series, but Soulless wraps up
very satisfyingly. I highly recommend the audio version; the voices and accents
were spot on, in my opinion, enhancing this amazing story even more!
I loved this story so much I’m giving it away to one
reader. Your choice of Paberback or Hardcover. The giveaway is INTERNATIONAL as
long as The Book Depository ships to your country. Click here for a list of countries. Fill out
the rafflecopter for a chance to win. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
"When a vampire attacks Alexia in the most rude way, not even bothering to introduce himself before (the nerve!). Alexia has no other choice but to defend herself, and ends up accidentally staking him with her parasol." This made me smile!
ReplyDeleteI've been keeping up with your updates on Goodreads. I'm so glad you loved Soulless, Rachel!
Thanks, Andrea! I think you'd love this one as well! :)
DeleteI read quite a long time ago and loved it, though I never continued with the series as this felt like such a perfect stand-alone. I've heard mixed reviews about the following installments but I'll be curious to see what you think should you continue. Lovely review, Rachel - I'm so glad you enjoyed this one!
ReplyDeleteIt did feel like a perfect stand-alone, Keertana, which is why I'm still debating about picking up the next one. If I do, it will be the audio version again. And thanks! :)
DeleteI have heard of this series so much. Sounds its definitely worth reading. And yeah I would rather fall in love with a werewolf than a vampire. But then again you can't control who you fall in love with right ???
ReplyDeleteSo very true! :)
DeleteI've really enjoyed Gail Carriger's YA series- the two books that have been released so far are such fun! I haven't read this series, though…
ReplyDeleteI'm too queazy with blood and such- definitely more of a werewolf kind of gal. ^^
Thanks for the giveaway!
I LOVE this series!! Alexia is such a proper lady that it just cracks me up, especially when she beats someone up with her umbrella. I haven't done the audio of it but I love the books themselves and I'm sure the audio's a ton of fun, too.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear you loved the series, Mary. I was wondering if I should continue or just stop at this one. It ended so perfectly! And yes, the audio was fantastic! Give it a try if you like audio books. :)
DeleteI remember reading Soulless on a whim when I first started blogging, and I loved it! I haven't made it past the first book in the series yet, but I'm so glad to see you loved it, too, Rachel! Great review :)
ReplyDeleteAww! This is such a cute review, Rachel. I haven't heard much about this series, but I'm definitely going to be on the look-out for it after your lovely review. It sounds a bit like the Cursed series with the whole werewolf and vampires thing, but in the past. I'm already a huge fan of historical books, so this sounds perfect for me.
ReplyDeleteThe romance sounds great too.
Lovely review, Rachel.
I would definitely give this a go, Nick! I think you'd love it. I want to pick up the Cursed series soon. And thanks! :)
DeleteA werewolf. He would only change during a full moon and his lifespan is the same as a human's.
ReplyDeleteHm I am torn by this question, a werewolf I guess, more normalcy except on full moons :)
ReplyDeleteYou and I usually read NA books. Usually. So I'm so glad to see you reviewing other books from time to time as well. Spices things up ;) Heh. " Sort of like injecting vampires, werewolves, and the supernatural into Pride and Prejudice. " WAIT WAIT WAIT BUT BUT BUT BUT BUT BUT BUT me loves Pride and Prejudice. P&P and To Kill a Mockingbird are my favorite classics that I've re-read at least 7 times already. Also, the line about an intelligent and strong heroine has me hooked! I think Christina (Christina Reads YA) reviewed it last year and she got me intrigued so.. now with you, I definitely must give this a god someday ;)
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, yes, Siiri! If you loved P & P you should love this! :)
DeleteI have heard of this author and her books but I still haven't got around to read it. I'm so glad this book had humor and that it was easy to enjoy it. I mean the whole idea of putting supernatural into P&P makes me wanna grab this book. Great review and thanks for the giveaway :)
ReplyDeleteFor the giveaway question - that's hard girl!!! I don't know maybe werewolves.
I read the first book awhile back before the blog, but I still haven't continued the series. I think I am going to plunge into her YA series. I bet this was a fun listen! So happy to see you reviewing these older titles and enjoying them, Rachel.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Heidi. I got this on audible because it was offered as a daily deal, an amazing price, and when I looked it up the reviews and ratings were great. I couldn't resist then! So glad I didn't. :)
DeleteEveryone I know loved this book. I feel such an outsider for not having read it yet :S
ReplyDeleteAs for the question, I always had a thing for vampires so my answer is the thirsty vamps ;-)
Thank you for the giveaway ^_^
XX Ner
(http://nercupofcoffeeandbook.wordpress.com/)
*waves hello* I saw you via another blog and saw that you had read this one. I was lucky to win it when it came out and truly enjoyed it. I can imagine that the audio would be cool
ReplyDelete*waves back* The audio was fab! I totally recommend it. :)
DeleteI recently bought the last 3 books I needed to complete the series and I can't wait to finish it (need to read the last 2) It's so hilarious, with the awesome cast and fun plot :D
ReplyDeleteYay! I'm glad you loved it too, Mel. :)
DeleteThis sounds really fun and I like the sound of Alexia! :)
ReplyDeleteA werewolf, I'd be worried about the vampire 24/7, not just on a full moon.
ReplyDeleteI must try this series soon! Sounds great.
ReplyDeleteFab review, Rach! <33
Vampires. Werewolves just seem so....animalistic.
ReplyDeleteIt was amazing, Aman! I hope you love it as much as I did! *bites nails nervously*
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to read this series. I am reading curtsies and Conspiracies right now. I would chose Werewolves for sure. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDelete-Cali W.
I haven't read this series yet, but I am so excited! From the Finishing School series I would have to say I would fall in love with a vampire
ReplyDeleteVampire!
ReplyDeleteI prefer a vampire :)
ReplyDeleteI read this a while back and I loved the series though I think I still need to read the last one that's currently out. I thought the world building of Victorian England was one of my favourites that I've read in a long time. I hope to get back to this soon. I'm so glad you enjoyed the narrator of the audiobook as well. Great review, Rachel. :)
ReplyDeleteI've always had a thing for vampires, I just LOVE them!! But i'd make an exception for werewolf if they're from the Teen Wolf cast.. GGGGGRRRRR!!!
ReplyDeleteI've been interested in reading this series for a while now. Since her YA series started getting published, but even before then, I think. And I think I'd be more interested in reading her adult series. And I love the idea of a "soulless" being. Such a unique concept! I definitely need to get around to reading this series soon.
ReplyDeleteAlso: cliche, but vampire haha.
Oh my gosh, I've been wanting to read this for so long. It seems like so much fun! Alexia sounds spunky, Lord Maccon swoonworthy and all the characters (apparently barring her mother) completely delightful, not to mention the concept of her being soulless. As for who I'd rather fall in love with, perhaps a werewolf? Physically in some ways they're closer to humans, yet are still strong...and of course they turn into big furry animals. ;) Amazing review as always, Rachel, and thanks for the giveaway! :)
ReplyDeleteyou had me at Pride and Prejudice.
ReplyDeleteSounds awesome and I like the cover. Thanks for sharing, Rachel.
Hehe, like Jennifer, you had me at Pride and Prejudice too! Sounds really good, many thanks for the giveaway! As for the answer... neither, I think :P I much prefer Goblin Kings in tights to both vampires and werewolves ;P
ReplyDeletevampire. we will love each other eternally =)
ReplyDeleteOoh hard to decide... I think I'd prefer a vampire. ♥
ReplyDeleteVampire and blood no way! I had rather fall in love with a werewolf.
ReplyDeleteI want to say vampire because I've been Team Edward (haha) for 5 years but maybe I'll stick to werewolf. Then I can make him shift and then boom, automatic cuddle buddy.
ReplyDeleteIt depends on what your definition of each is, but overall I'd say werewolf. Though I may be biased from Teen Wolf returning lately (Isaac and Scott = H O T!)
ReplyDeleteA werewolf.
ReplyDeleteI AGREE AGAIN! Another fantastic book with a hot werewolf in it. I haven't read any more of this series, but I enjoyed this one so much. Alexia is a pretty fantastic heroine to follow, and I loved the paranormal world and historic London where she lives.
ReplyDeleteProbably a werewolf
ReplyDeleteA vampire. Thanks for the awesome giveaway! :D
ReplyDeleteA vampire but reading your review makes me reconsider.. :) Thank you for the giveaway, the book sounds amazing!
ReplyDeleteA vampire. Thank you for the giveaway! =)
ReplyDeleteWell, if Mr. Darcy is a werewolf, the answer is clear. I'll always choose Mr. Darcy!
ReplyDeleteDede
I think I'd choose a werewolf, for some reason a vampire seems scarier to me!
ReplyDelete