Review: Changeless by Gail Carriger

Title: Changeless
Author: Gail Carriger
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: 03/30/10
Summary:

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.

Plot: 3.5 Stars
The quest to not only locate the Earl of Woolsey, but also figure out why the supernaturals became human was a very nice plot for the novel. The conclusion to all of the problems within the journey was definitely not even a possibility in my speculation of what was to come. My biggest disappointment is that we're left with a slight cliffhanger. It could've easily been the beginning of the next novel instead of slapping me in the face right before the book ended.

Pace: 2.5 Stars
This was a very slow moving novel. After the quick pace and quick wit of the first book, Changeless just seemed that much slower. A big reason for this, is that a lot of the humor that was present in book one is lacking in the second installment. The humor was there, but the laughs were definitely fewer and further between. The fancy speech of the era was easier to understand this time around, but at times the Scottish characters were a bit hard to understand. There was a bit too much uncommon slang and odd spellings to get the accents across.

Characters: 3.5 Stars
I enjoyed getting to know new characters, as well as learning more about the characters introduced in Soulless. My biggest regret is that Miss Hisselpenny's hats weren't nearly as focused on as in book one, because I find them hilarious. It was great to meet Madame Lefoux and learn more about Lord Akeldama, but I didn't feel like I learned anything new about Alexia or Conall which I was really looking forward to.

Cover: 4.5 Stars
Another fantastic cover. Although the blue isn't as eye catching as the hot pink from the Soulless cover, it's still a very nice touch. I enjoyed the cover model's hat and goggles, although I wish she had a parasol since Alexia is known for her parasols. The dirigible in the background is a nice touch also. The cover, once again, does a great job of conveying the Victorian feel of the novel.

Overall: 3.5 Stars

Disclosure: I bought this book for my own enjoyment.