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pedanther's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
I found the prose style easy to read - aside from an irritating tendency to change its mind several times a scene about who the viewpoint character was - but for me the story never entirely came alive. The plot is serviceable, but unsurprising, the characters underdeveloped, and while the worldbuilding has some interesting elements, it also has a tendency to rely on unexamined tropes that often left me wishing that certain aspects had been thought through more. I suspect that someone who's already more into urban fantasy and/or regency romance than me would find it more enjoyable. (I don't know if someone who's more into regency romance than me would be more or less annoyed by the use of regency romance tropes in a story that's explicitly set in the late Victorian era.) I wasn't surprised to find PG Wodehouse listed as one of the author's inspirations; I'm going to say that she doesn't have Wodehouse's knack for funny character names and leave it at that.
It says something that I've gone on so long about the book: I don't usually have this much to say about books I really dislike (or books I really like). This one's in that middle ground where it was good enough that I want to be just to it, but not good enough that I really liked it. Not sorry I gave it a shot, not likely to read any of the sequels.
It says something that I've gone on so long about the book: I don't usually have this much to say about books I really dislike (or books I really like). This one's in that middle ground where it was good enough that I want to be just to it, but not good enough that I really liked it. Not sorry I gave it a shot, not likely to read any of the sequels.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Kidnapping, Classism, Torture, Medical trauma, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Sexism, Blood, Hate crime, Injury/Injury detail, Body horror, Racism, Stalking, Cultural appropriation, Alcohol, Body shaming, and Confinement
Minor: Death, Death of parent, Infertility, Mental illness, Murder, Self harm, Genocide, Gore, Police brutality, War, Emotional abuse, Religious bigotry, and Cursing
ramakn22's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I adore this author. I started with her finishing school series and followed the books chronologically. The dialogue reminds me of my favorite TV shows, witty and fast-paced, which serves to emphasize when there's a dark moment that needs to be focused on.
Funny and heartwarming in all the right places and an introduction to my absolute favorite Vampire of all time.
Funny and heartwarming in all the right places and an introduction to my absolute favorite Vampire of all time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Confinement, Death, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Torture, Violence, and Body shaming
Minor: Sexual content, Classism, and Dysphoria
pattyblom's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A bit of a slow start and the fancy English words didn't help. Bu it ended up as a funny and fantastical story. Didn't expect the romance, but enjoyed the relationship developing. Curious to read how the story continues in the next books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Fatphobia, Kidnapping, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Body shaming, and Cursing
Minor: Sexual content, Self harm, and Torture
noroomforghosts's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Blood, and Violence
Moderate: Xenophobia, Sexual content, and Racism
Minor: Body shaming
melodyseestrees's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore and Blood
Moderate: Body horror, Sexual content, Body shaming, and Classism
Minor: Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Genocide, and Kidnapping
flohbeutel's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Als sie auf Seite 7 ihren Haarstab als Pflock benutzt, wollte ich ihr einen Antrag machen.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Torture, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Fatphobia, Body horror, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Body shaming, Cursing, Classism, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Death of parent, Sexual content, and Misogyny
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
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
bluejayreads's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I thought this was more steampunk than paranormal romance going in, since I read Gail Carriger's Finishing School series set in the same world and it was very steampunk and very enjoyable. This book had very few steampunk elements and leaned much heavier on the paranormal aspects of the world and Alexia's romance with Lord Maccon.
But, surprisingly, I didn't hate it. I actually rather enjoyed it.
Despite a bunch of dark trigger warnings, the book overall was very lighthearted. Alexia is just a little too brown to be considered attractive and a little too outspoken to be considered marriageable, so she and her family have resigned her to spinsterhood. The only reason she keeps getting invited to society parties is because she's an absolute nerd and can keep the intellectual gentlemen engaged in intellectual conversation while the high society types busy themselves with gossip and fashion and being pretty, things which Alexia doesn't care about one bit. Personally, Alexia would rather join the supernatural police agency that Lord Maccon heads, but being a woman she isn't allowed. That doesn't stop her from doing her own investigative work. She is unflinchingly polite and proper even while doing far more poking around and getting into a fair bit more trouble than a proper lady should be in, and she was delightful.
And despite the skinny model on the cover of the book, it is stressed many times on page that Alexia is actually pretty chubby.
There is also a marvelous cast of supporting characters: Alexia's best friend, who has absolutely atrocious taste in hats; a flamingly gay vampire gentleman who prides himself on knowing everything; Lord Maccon's werewolf pack beta, who despite being a werewolf is also a professor and a huge nerd; and more. I especially enjoyed every minute the gay vampire gentleman was on the page.
The romance part is also quite enjoyable. There's a lot of sexual tension between Alexia and Lord Maccon (often resolving to very risky heavy petting), but it takes them both a while to realize they're into each other romantically too. There's miscommunication drama, mainly stemming from the fact that Lord Maccon has no idea how to romance a woman who isn't also a werewolf. And there's the delightful contrast of Lord Maccon, who is a passable gentleman but isn't always up on the finer details of politeness, and Alexia, who is perfectly aware of the finer details of politeness and decorum but simply does not care.
This book does fall into the common tropes of fashion of Victorian-set books written by modern writers - mainly, women's fashion of the times (especially corsets and voluminous skirts) being restrictive to common activities. Many historical sewing youtubers have also posted rants about this very thing, and at least regarding corsets I can say from experience, that if you put them on properly and know how to wear them they won't impede you a bit (and as a sufferer of back pain, I've found properly-fitted corsets to be actually helpful and supportive). That is, overall, a minor quibble, though.
Great characters both protagonist and supporting, a fascinating world, a solid plot, and an actually enjoyable romance combine to make this book a remarkably entertaining romp through a vaguely-steampunk supernatural-filled Victorian London. I'm definitely going to read book two, which I'm sure if nothing else will be entertaining.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Body horror, Kidnapping, and Confinement
Moderate: Medical content and Torture
Minor: Sexism, Body shaming, and Racism
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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