You know, I stumbled upon 'Soulless' a few years back when I was digging through paranormal romance recommendations, and it completely sucked me in! It's actually the first book in Gail Carriger's 'Parasol Protectorate' series—a delightful blend of steampunk, vampires, werewolves, and Victorian-era snark. The protagonist, Alexia Tarabotti, is this no-nonsense, tea-loving spinster who accidentally stumbles into supernatural politics (and a very charming werewolf). The series spans five books, each packed with witty dialogue, intricate world-building, and a slow-burn romance that feels earned. Carriger’s writing has this playful tone that makes even the absurd moments feel grounded. If you’re into genre mashups with a side of humor, this is gold.
What’s fun is how the series expands beyond the main books—there’s a spin-off series ('Finishing School') and a sequel series ('Custard Protocol'), all set in the same universe. The lore deepens with each installment, but 'Soulless' stands strong as a self-contained story if you just want a taste. I adore how Carriger balances satire with genuine heart; it’s like
jane austen decided to write urban fantasy. The audiobooks are also fantastic—the narrator nails Alexia’s dry humor. Honestly, I’ve reread this series more times than I can count, and it never gets old.