Number of pages: 400
Publisher: Orbit Books
Format: paperback
Rating: older adults
Genre: steampunk, supernatural, mystery, fantasy
Notes: book 2 of the Parasol Protectorate series
Summary:
Alexia Maccon, the Lady Woolsey, lives with her husband, Lord Maccon in Woolsey Castle. Until unexpectedly he disappears without leaving a note or any mention of his whereabouts. Alexia is left to deal with his pack and the regiment on her own, until she decides to undergo an investigation in Scotland. With her state-of-the-art parasol, and the latest French fashions, Alexia is prepared to deal with werewolf dynamics of any kind, even if it means withstanding the ugly sight of plaited kilts and waistcoats. And perhaps she may find her husband in the highlands-if she feels like it…
My thoughts:
I loved the prequel Soulless, but this sequel was a bit of a bore for me. Changeless follows exactly where it left off in book one of the Parasol Protectorate series. Lord and Lady Maccon are happily married, (and I use the term loosely), but an unexpected turn of events occur between them as Lord Maccon suddenly disappears. The most comic parts of the story are when Alexia decides to follow him by traveling on dirigible, along with a surprising group of traveling companions. I can’t decide what’s more funny, Alexia travelling with her bumbling and unfashionable friend for days, or the more I read about Ivy Hisselpenny’s hysterical moments, the more I see myself in her.
Apart from that, the storyline had a few slow moments. There are new characters but the story became interesting when Alexia and her company travel to Scotland. After escaping a few pivotal moments on board the dirigible, Alexia begins to learn the real reason as to why her husband left in a hurry. Readers are enlightened with Lord Maccon’s family and his surprising relatives. As the story progresses, we also learn more about preternaturals and the mystery behind the purging of the vampires and werewolves. Alexia never leaves her trusty brass parasol with hidden compartments by her side. The more she investigates, the more she comes to rely on her state-of-the-art Victorian fashion accessory/weapon of destruction.
We discover the cause of the bizarre events occurring within the werewolves and vampire community. Unfortunately, there is always someone or something that is purging the supernaturals, but not with Alexia Tarrabotti in the way; which is why she is regrettably involved in these incidents.
Changeless is still a pretty good read, but I wouldn’t expect more from it, as Soulless is still the best book in the series so far. Although it took time for me to get into the story, there were some amusing and surprising moments that made it deliciously entertaining. Oh, and speaking of surprises, the ending will leave readers flabbergasted.
I give this book 3 hoots of out 5 hoots.
Hoot Reads Books 