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1.03k reviews for:

Sin culpa

Gail Carriger

3.89 AVERAGE


I did not enjoy this one as much as the first two. I will keep reading them, though because I want to know how the story ends, and I like Carriger’s writing. Hopefully the last two will be better.

I finally got back to this title, and am I glad I did! The plot took a little while to pick up, but then was pretty much off and running with all sorts of intrigues and clues and red herrings. I figured out one large piece of the mystery almost immediately, but other than that I had a delightfully confused time trying to work out how all the other pieces fit in.

The character development was wonderful, especially in the later half of the book. We learn much more about Lord Akeldama, Lyall (one of my personal favorites) and others. Also, Alexia and Conall's romance continues to be realistically rocky and deliciously passionate in a loving way, especially considering Alexia's "condition." Which, incidentally, was handled with realism, quintessentially Alexian inner monologue (no end of amusing).

And then there's the hats, Lord A's delightful drones, the turbulent life of a werewolf pack in transition, Madame LeFoux, confused ghosts, and a web of clues, interpersonal connections, and other delightfulness.

I stayed up late to finish the book, reading the last one-third or so in a single sitting.

I'm eager to begin the final volume, though sad that it marks the end of this particular series.

What, didn't I review this the first time around? but it's one of the best books! Between Alexia's horrifying family, Biffy's dreadful misadventures, a stubborn insistence on referring to Templars as dressed in nightgowns, and murderous ladybugs, this installment has so much to offer. Also, excellent haranguing, and some insight into the ancient culture of preternaturals. Delightful. Excellent audiobook as well.
adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Loveable characters: Yes

Third in this series of easy-to-read, funny paranormal urban/steampunk fantasy. I think this is definitely the weakest of the series so far, as the plot was lackluster, but I think it will serve to move the series forward towards the next book. The parts following Alexia were dragged a bit, but the parts back in London following Lyall et al were much more riveting. The resolution seemed a bit rushed, and then left on a cliffhanger, without us learning much about what Alexia spent the whole book trying to figure out
(the nature of her and Conall’s child)
. I loved getting to see more of Madame Lefoux and some focus on Lyall and his impeccable work as Beta, holding the whole pack together. I look forward to more of the pack dynamics and seeing Biffy’s development. As usual, Carriger’s clever word-play and dry humor make this an entertaining and easy read.  

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

This book was exciting and added a lot more complexity to the series. So far, it's my favorite, and I can't wait to jump into book 4.

This is still a really good series. I thought it was only going to be a trilogy for some reason, but there is a fourth book. Hurray!

Hated this one! Hope number 4 brings me back into the fold.
adventurous funny mysterious sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Blameless offers the reader an expansion of the world Carriger began with Soulless and Changeless, as the disgraced Lady Maccon travels to France and Italy in her efforts to both avoid being murdered by homicidal ladybugs and discover the nature of the half-preternatural, half-werewolf child she is carrying. Meanwhile, back in London, Lord Maccon is on an impressive drunken rampage, leaving Professor Lyall to deal with the disappearance of Lord Akeldama, among other supernatural issues.

My big complaint about this book has to do with the fact that by this point in the series I feel as though I know the characters pretty well, so when I think they're acting like idiots, it makes me want to reach into the pages and shake them. And in this book there is plenty of idiocy to go around. For example, going to Italy to see the Templars about your demon-baby? Do you really think they're going to let you use their library and then go on your merry way? And the romance novel trope of, "We can't be together because somebody is irrationally angry about something stupid," always grates on my nerves. But barring those two things, the novel is fast-paced and takes enough twists and turns to hold the interest long enough for the game-changing climax of the drama in London, which is worth the wait, and for some exciting revelations about the forthcoming infant-inconvenience. While not quite the cliff-hanger ending of the second book, you are definitely left wanting to know more.

I thought this one was the weakest of the three books so far, but I still enjoyed it. A quick romp through France and Italy to learn more about the mysterious condition that has befallen Alexia! Eagerly awaiting the next installment...