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the_disreputable_dog's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I was told there was a lot of spice in this book, and while the spice was missing in action save for two instances of making out, a single, incomplete handy, and then sex - once - at the end (that was only partially included!), I did very much like this story over all. It was funny, and I felt the flirtation was suitably Victorian in its reserved nature. After all, as Ms. Tarabotti indicates, it's quite scandalous in Victorian England to be caught showing ankles in public, so it makes sense for a young spinster to keep mostly to herself, except for her penchant for winning arguments all the time. This one is a funny, soft enemies to lovers romance, with a fun mystery to solve as well.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism, Racism, Sexual content, Murder, Kidnapping, and Blood
Minor: Body shaming, Violence, Misogyny, and Homophobia
directorpurry's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
This book is just fun.
With as much emphasis on the plot as the romance, Soulless is a well-designed and solidly built steampunk, paranormal universe. Whenever I want to read a romance novel, I reread this book.
With as much emphasis on the plot as the romance, Soulless is a well-designed and solidly built steampunk, paranormal universe. Whenever I want to read a romance novel, I reread this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Medical content, Violence, Kidnapping, and Medical trauma
directorpurry's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Injury/Injury detail, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Sexual content
irenei's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I like this book. I really like her relationship. And it's interesting to learn ab the supernatural world. But the colorism, fatphobia and self hate was too much. Constantly saying shit like she was too dark and curvy was unnecessary especially when Alexia was Italian omg she barely has any melanin (she spicy white). And she wasn't fat just bc she had big boobs and hips!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body shaming, Death, Fatphobia, Kidnapping, Misogyny, and Racism
nakutski's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was just the tonic for me. The right balance of fun, silly, action, romance and mystery, and even a bit of kink that's right up my alley too. Crucially, it featured a strong and complex female protagonist, a Darcy-like love interest, queer dandy vampires, werewolves and all in a heady mix of urban fantasy set in a steam punk Victorian London. I found the plot a touch predictable, but this predictability was quite comforting and the author handled most of the crucial scenes very well. It is definitely a cosy read and I look forward to dipping back into it one day.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Blood, Death, and Sexual content
stormywolf's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I've had this one on my To-Read shelf since forever. Being a sucker for werewolves and vampires, the premise hooked me from the get-go, plus that cover image was perfection. I bought a used copy of it ages ago, but never quite got around to diving in until this month the Maven of the Eventide's (aka Elisa Hansen's) Vampire Book Club chose it as their next read (the club's review/discussion will be held March 15th at 5:30 PDT on her channel for any interested). Though I'm more on Team Werewolf than Team Vamp, this excuse was as good as any to finally take the plunge and start my first ever Steampunk series. And boy was it steamy.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, this was a fun and funny foray into a combination urban fantasy, historical romance, cozy mystery. Whether you've picked a side in the age-old supernatural debate, or are keeping both avenues open, there's plenty of fang-filled lore to sink your teeth into, and characters of both persuasions to fall for. Having been published over a decade ago, along with being set more than a century ago, there are undoubtedly some uncomfortable references and ideologies that come up, but I still have faith that more positive messages will come forth as the series progresses. So if you're up for some Victorian-age snark with a side of steampunk and a lot of bite, I'd recommend checking out Soulless tonight.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, this was a fun and funny foray into a combination urban fantasy, historical romance, cozy mystery. Whether you've picked a side in the age-old supernatural debate, or are keeping both avenues open, there's plenty of fang-filled lore to sink your teeth into, and characters of both persuasions to fall for. Having been published over a decade ago, along with being set more than a century ago, there are undoubtedly some uncomfortable references and ideologies that come up, but I still have faith that more positive messages will come forth as the series progresses. So if you're up for some Victorian-age snark with a side of steampunk and a lot of bite, I'd recommend checking out Soulless tonight.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Xenophobia, and Confinement
Moderate: Sexual content, Torture, Death, Kidnapping, Medical content, and Body shaming
Minor: Misogyny and Racism
Hate crimes/experimentation & racism are committed against supernatural beings. The main character is taught by her mother (& society?) to believe she is unattractive because of her tan skin and large nose, owing to her Italian father, and she curses her skin/nose/attitude and her Italian blood throughout the book.
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