Timeless (Parasol Protectorate #5)
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Gail Carriger
Publisher: Orbit
Alexia Tarabotti, Lady Maccon, has settled into domestic bliss. Of course, being Alexia, such bliss involves integrating werewolves into London High society, living in a vampire's second best closet, and coping with a precocious toddler who is prone to turning supernatural willy-nilly. Even Ivy Tunstell's acting troupe's latest play, disastrous to say the least, cannot put a damper on Alexia's enjoyment of her new London lifestyle. Until, that is, she receives a summons from Alexandria that cannot be ignored. With husband, child, and Tunstells in tow, Alexia boards a steamer to cross the Mediterranean. But Egypt may hold more mysteries than even the indomitable Lady Maccon can handle. What does the vampire Queen of the Alexandria Hive really want from her? Why is the God-Breaker Plague suddenly expanding? And how has Ivy Tunstell suddenly become the most popular actress in all the British Empire?
This
is the final book in the Parasol Protectorate series following the adventures
of Alexia, in the Victorian era when one can easily have tea with a vampire and
a carriage ride with a werewolf...as long as you mind your manners. Two years
have passed since Alexia and her husband Lord Maccon, had their daughter Prudence
and it’s been two years of relative calm (with the exception of bath time of
course). Now though, the death of the Scottish Pack’s Beta means that Alexia,
her husband and daughter are set to head to Egypt and the source of the
Godbreaker’s curse.
One
of the elements that I love about this series is the comedy of manners that has
evolves. The idea of going out in public without a hat – scandalous! Tea and
cake are essential for British mentality, and Alexia ensures that this is never
missed. The first half of Timeless is set in London and is quite slow going as
we catch up with all our favourite characters – Biffy, Lord Akeldama, Ivy
Tunstall and of course we meet Prudence, Alexia’s daughter for the first time.
While this re-introduces us to all the players and provides plenty of comedy
moments, not much of interest actually happens – that is all saved for Egypt.
Once
Alexia and family hit Egypt a lot happens in a short space of time. The pace
speeds up and there is little time to think as events – both heartbreaking and
inevitable seem to happen quickly. The ending is sweet and pretty inevitable,
but feels like it’s missing that spark that would make it completely
satisfying. I’m not sure what it is, but while I did enjoy this visit to
Victorian steampunk London, it felt very much like Gail was setting up the
scene for a sequel series – perhaps focussing on Prudence when she’s older..?
Surprisingly though the next series will actually be a prequel series!
In
the end though this is a good finish to a consistently entertaining series and
I will miss having tea and cake with Alexia in the future.
Recommended
for fans of George Mann and Patricia Briggs. 8 out of 10
I agree, Mel! I did feel like the spark wasn't there.It was like Gail got tired of the series and can't wait to get onto the new one :)
ReplyDeleteTHE FINAL BOOK? Gah! I feel so behind. I haven't even started the first. I've been told to do so and I have it somewhere buried in my overstuffed bookcase. Need to dig it out and catch up to you. Would be great though if she does more like you feel she might. That way I'd have a lot more to read when I do! :)
ReplyDeleteSad, but still it was good that it ended. So it did not wear me down that some books tend to do in the end
ReplyDeleteOooooh. I'm so bad. I really do need to get this series. I've not even got the first book yet. Dang. Thanks for the awesome review.
ReplyDeleteOh so sad I didn't even know it was the last one... I loved the three first books and I need to read the others but well I don't have a lot now to read if there is only 5 books. thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteYay, you finally got around to finishing the series :) There are going to be books about Prudence next year: http://gailcarriger.livejournal.com/183514.html She has a crack dirigible team. Sounds awesome.
ReplyDelete