Reviews with content warning for Misogyny - Soulless

Alexia Tarabotti is a spinster in her mid-twenties, mostly content to spend her time at home, in libraries, or with her friend Ivy who has unfortunate taste in hats. She’s also soulless, a preternatural whose touch can temporarily revert any supernatural persons to their formerly mortal state.

Alexia and the London werewolf Alpha, Conall, have chemistry built on mutual annoyance. He enjoys someone who will surprise and stand up to him (a limited commodity when one is the Alpha of a pack of werewolves), and she seems surprised when annoying him for fun turns into something more. Professor Lyall is his Beta, a competent and unassuming older werewolf who is a quiet, steady presence. Ivy, Alexia’s hat-obsessed friend, is one of my favorite characters but this isn’t yet the book where she shines. Lord Akeldama is a flamboyant and well-informed vampire who is utterly delightful.

The worldbuilding is cohesive and worked naturally into the story. Alexia and Conall both have to think in order to stay in step with social expectations (or notice whenever they flout them), which provides opportunities for many details about the setting without distracting from the story. I read this series so many times in high school that I’m having trouble distilling my thoughts about the series generally into what just applies to this book. It sets up the cephalopod-obsessed organization which will continue to have a presence in the series, as well as establishing (at least by mention) many of the characters who will matter as the series continues.

I love this series and it’s so nice to dive into it again.

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flohbeutel's review against another edition

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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.

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the_disreputable_dog's review against another edition

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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.

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saffire_sky's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

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irenei's review against another edition

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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!!

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stormywolf's review against another edition

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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.

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