The Parasol Protectorate #2: Changeless Review

Title: The Parasol Protectorate #2: Changeless

Author: Gail Carriger

Date of Publication: April 1, 2010

Formats Available: Mass Market Paperback, E-Book

Synopsis: Alexia Maccon wakes up one morning to find her husband gone and a camp of werewolves on her front lawn. Troops from India and Egypt have returned and with them they seem to bring a disease that makes all supernatural beings human. When Alexia hears news that the disease is heading up north to Scotland, where her wayward husband seems to have disappeared to, there is no choice but to investigate. Along with her catty sister Felicity, her husband's valet Tunstell, a french hat maker who dresses like a man, and the collector of horrid hats, Ivy Hisslepenny, Alexia arrives in Scotland where she must learn the truth of the disease before she, or her friends, are killed.

My Review:

Once again Carriger manages to seamlessly merge several genres and create a fantastic novel along the way. This installment in the Parasol Protectorate series places emphasis on the characters, focusing more on their interactions than the plot itself. The characters are as enjoyable as ever and the plot, while not as strong as the previous book, still makes for an entertaining read.

One of the major focuses of Changeless seemed to be the interaction between characters, which was highly entertaining. From Felicity's cutting remarks to Ivy's horrible hats and plenty of parasol whacking each of the characters had their time to shine. One aspect I found myself disappointed with though was the romance. The romance between Alexia and Lord Maccon seemed a little forced and empty, despite the implications that their marriage was a love match there is little evidence to back it up.

More information on Alexia's status as a preternatural was also revealed in Changeless. The majority of the plot centered on the powers of preternaturals and their true effects on supernatural beings. The ending leaves me clamoring for the sequel, the person trying to kill Alexia still on the loose and tensions still unsolved. The ending leaves me frustrated with all the characters yet excited for the sequel because I must know how this all plays out!

While not as good as Souless, Changeless is a fantastic novel. I love this series and would recommend it to fans of steampunk and paranormal romance, just make sure you have the sequel handy before you start! The horrible cliffhanger will leave you wanting more!

4/5