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peytonm's review
4.0
Another enjoyable read although not as good as the previous two books.
Let's start with what I liked: Alexia as the main character, the intrigue surrounding her father, Floote and Genevieve being badasses, Lord Akeldama and Biffy, the ladybugs, & Randolph Lyall being exasperated yet endlessly competent.
What I didn't enjoy so much: the Templars' strange relationship with the soulless that didn't make sense to me, Conall's first reaction to the baby seeming more like a plot device than an actual realistic reaction, Queen Victoria's immediate disavowal, the lack of groveling on Conall's part, & the abrupt ending.
Personally, I wouldn't be quick to trust anyone again after their complete abandonment. It seemed like a huge emotional punch but without the satisfying resolution. I'm still looking forward to the next book because I adore Alexia, but I hope Conall's apologies aren't finished.
Let's start with what I liked: Alexia as the main character, the intrigue surrounding her father, Floote and Genevieve being badasses, Lord Akeldama and Biffy, the ladybugs, & Randolph Lyall being exasperated yet endlessly competent.
What I didn't enjoy so much: the Templars' strange relationship with the soulless that didn't make sense to me, Conall's first reaction to the baby seeming more like a plot device than an actual realistic reaction, Queen Victoria's immediate disavowal, the lack of groveling on Conall's part, & the abrupt ending.
Personally, I wouldn't be quick to trust anyone again after their complete abandonment. It seemed like a huge emotional punch but without the satisfying resolution. I'm still looking forward to the next book because I adore Alexia, but I hope Conall's apologies aren't finished.
aduda06's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
librarianinperiwinkle's review
5.0
I absolutely love this series! Book #3 continues with Alexia fleeing London to escape the vampires determined to kill her unborn child. However, it's not just the London hives that are out to get her--she must also deal with French and Italian vampires, as well as the fanatical Templars & a scientist who wants to study her...via dissection. Meanwhile, back in London, Lord Maccon comes to his senses and realizes that a great deal of grovelling will be required before his wife will let him out of the "wolfhouse," so to speak. But first he must put a halt to the machinations of the potentate and attempt to make it safe enough for her to return.
This book/series has it all: great characters, fast-paced action, humor, and great world-building. The violence isn't graphic--battles occur regularly but without gory details. Since Conall and Alexia are apart for nearly the entire book, sex scenes aren't an issue. Only a "damn" or two and a "merde," so I'll label it a "clean read" for everyone except the most sensitive.
This book/series has it all: great characters, fast-paced action, humor, and great world-building. The violence isn't graphic--battles occur regularly but without gory details. Since Conall and Alexia are apart for nearly the entire book, sex scenes aren't an issue. Only a "damn" or two and a "merde," so I'll label it a "clean read" for everyone except the most sensitive.
lwlowe_a's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
timinbc's review
4.0
Much better than book 2! Lots of action, lots of plot development, some humour, some good steampunky ideas.
Lord Maccon is offstage a lot, but I suspect it's because there isn't that much the author can do with his character. He's just the engine that keeps things moving. Lyall is developing nicely, and Ivy isn't annoying at all in this book.
Now we wait for book 4 (Carriger's website says it's 90% certain #5 will be the last). But this one ends in a way that leaves us eager to see #4 but doesn't leave us hanging.
Lord Maccon is offstage a lot, but I suspect it's because there isn't that much the author can do with his character. He's just the engine that keeps things moving. Lyall is developing nicely, and Ivy isn't annoying at all in this book.
Now we wait for book 4 (Carriger's website says it's 90% certain #5 will be the last). But this one ends in a way that leaves us eager to see #4 but doesn't leave us hanging.
veraann's review
2.0
It still has the quirkiness and humor from previous books but this one just dragged on so slow for me. Hoping the next will be better. Perhaps it was a case of middle of the series blues. Perhaps a lot of set up for what is to come next.
brisingr's review
5.0
There’s no such thing as fate—there’s just werewolves, and there’s no such thing as coincidence—there’s just vampires. Everything else is open to interpretation.
I seem to always forget just how much pure fun these books are. The Parasole Protectorate series is just so witty and smart and great, and the aventures on which Alexia Tarabotti goes through in this volume are not any less spectacular. While pretty slow at times, I feel like this third and middle book cemented a lot of relationships and characters' identity in the mind of the reader, and remained entertaining even if it did not have a quite as heavy or interesting plot as the former books.
It had all the elements to gain my love though: lots of puns, lovely characters and tea. And I'm so pumped to see where this story goes from now on, especially since this volume felt a lot as a turning point and propulsing force for an explosive ending!
The bottom line is: I never had more fun reading anything ever. Gail Carriger manages to deliver just great entertainment with each and every one of her books.
“Shouldn’t you be worrying about your own problems?” “What enjoyment is there in that? Other people’s are always far more entertaining.”
peyton_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.0
This was a fun little adventure. There was a lot going on, maybe more than was necessary. The constant and varied answers of Alexia’s condition was a little annoying after a while, but I get that it is something new and they were still figuring it out. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.