Title: Changeless (Parasol Protectorate #2)

Author: Gail Carriger

Publisher: Orbit 2010

Genre: Steampunk

Pages: 386

Rating: 5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Steampunk

How I Got It: I own it!

Alexia Tarabotti, 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. 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.

Another great book to add to the series.  I love feisty Alexia, stubborn Conall, and the frivolous Miss Ivy.  Carriger's characters are her strength.  Sure the story is fun.  The mystery is intriguing.  The action is fast-paced.  Yet, through all this it's the characters that keep me reading.  It's the characters that keep me wanting for more.  She has the ability to develop well-rounded characters that are each three-dimensional and complicated.  Even the side characters are interesting.  I loved Tunstell.  Felicity keep Alexia on her witty toes.  Conall's great great great granddaughter embodies the famous Scottish charm.  All of the Kingair pack are components in the plan.  Madame Lefoux is a welcome addition, a mysterious and fashionable addition.  My only wish was for more Professor Lyall.  Hopefully next book.

Alexia Tarabotti

• #1 Soulless
• #2 Changeless
• #3 Blameless
• #4 Heartless
• #5 Timeless