Heartless

The Parasol Protectorate, the Fourth

By: Gail Carriger

Narrated by: Emily Gray

Length: 11 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

Lady Alexia Maccon, soulless, is at it again, only this time the trouble is not her fault. When a mad ghost threatens the queen, Alexia is on the case, following a trail that leads her deep into her husband's past. Top that off with a sister who has joined the suffragette movement (shocking!), Madame Lefoux's latest mechanical invention, and a plague of zombie porcupines and Alexia barely has time to remember she happens to be eight months pregnant.

Will Alexia manage to determine who is trying to kill Queen Victoria before it is too late? Is it the vampires again or is there a traitor lurking about in wolf's clothing? And what, exactly, has taken up residence in Lord Akeldama's second best closet?

©2011 Hachette Audio (P)2011 Gail Carriger

Critic reviews

2010, Alex Award, Winner

2009, Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year, Winner

2013, Julia Verlanger Award, Winner

"Carriger delivers surprises with every book, and this one is no exception. With action, intrigue, and above all, proper manners, this excellent series will have broad appeal to readers of steampunk, urban fantasy, and paranormal and historical romance."—Library Journal on Heartless

LOVED This book!

As a woman who has been pregnant twice, I absolutely loved how badass she was throughout this book. It made me smile and laugh out loud in glee more than once. I highly recommend this whole series, but this is my favorite.

If You Love Steampunk and Laughing Out Loud

OMG, maybe it’s been too long, but this one cracked me up. Alexia Tarabotti/Lade MaCann's (sp?) pregnancy is brought to vivid and hilarious life by Emily Gray (narrator). I wouldn’t categorize this as a Romance (though the publisher did), since the main couple have been married since the first book. That said, they’re still a romantic couple, and there other other romantic leanings with some of the characters. What this book really is is: Paranormal Steampunk with a good dose of mystery. I LOLed many, many times. Witty banter abounds between Alexia and various immortals (Lord Ackeldama sp? a favorite). Alexia’s pregnancy alone afforded much humor. And so many great characters, well-known and loved, with new developments. Some surprising twists and turns, including a mystery from the second book (or possibly the third) finally solved. This was an exceptional listen for me. Absolutely loved it. So glad I stuck with this series after not loving the third one as much. But I don’t think they would stand well alone.

Why isn’t Gail Carriger more popular?

I really think it’s an indictment against our times that neither Ms. Carriger nor her work aren’t more widely known or remarked upon. Also, I have yet to hear a performance by Ms. Gray which is wanting in quality - she is an ideal match for the book. Well played, publishers and talent agents; well played.

love this series

love the series & Emily Gray brings the characters to life. perfect voice for it!

Clever and delightful

Thoroughly enjoyed the story and the narrator’s performance. The sequels are as enjoyable as the first book in the series.

Very Descriptive

I liked the mystery of it and the story telling. Also the morally grey characters

I can't wait for the next book!

The parasol protectorate is back and formalized. In Heartless, Alexia spoils a regicide scheme and gestates while dodging vampire conspiracies. This installment of Gail Carriger???s brilliant series also illuminates Mr. Tarabotti???s past. All of the loved and favorite characters are back. Specifically, Professor Lyall, Biffy, and the infant inconvenience take center stage, but Felicity, Ivy, and Major Channing also divulge their own special brands of insight, and the Macon passion shines through the narrative. All in all, this is an excellent addition to the series and is a ???must listen???. I cannot wait for Timeless! Emily Grey is also back and competent as ever.

A Blindside and a Baby

I've already said in other reviews how entertaining and consistent this series is. I *love* it and will listen to these books over and over. Heartless had some impressive twists, an absolute blindside, and an adorable addition to the family. Time to download the last book!

Fun and perfect for lovers of the series

If you could sum up Heartless in three words, what would they be?

Humorous, light-hearted, well-read

What was one of the most memorable moments of Heartless?

The octomaton storming London, and the loss of the parasol!

Which scene was your favorite?

Alexia's drawn out and chaotic labor.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Alexia's devotion to the pack, and especially Biffy.

Any additional comments?

I would suggest you read the first three books before listening. (Hopefully they are recorded soon!) The characters, plot and world of the novel might not be very clear without this fore knowledge.

Exciting World to explore..

Loved this book, always something interesting the work of the Souless. can't wait to read the next. Always witty and just enough romance to satisfy.