Timeless

The Parasol Protectorate, the Fifth

By: Gail Carriger

Narrated by: Emily Gray

Length: 11 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

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?

©2012 Gail Carriger (P)2012 Hachette

Critic reviews

2010, Alex Award, Winner

2009, Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year, Winner

"The world of Timeless is a unique recipe of steampunk and fantasy spiced with light sprinkling of romance. Its setting is rich for characters to romp about in, but the unbridled playfulness of the language and dialogue shines brightest."—Miami Herald

So long but not goodbye?

Carriger has done it again. The final installment of the Alexia Tarabotti series is just as engaging as the first 4 books. BUT in many ways, this book is more satisfying because we see happiness and closure for most of the main characters with just enough tantalizing loose ends to keep hope alive. Thank you Gail for bringing such a vividly entertaining world to light. I have enjoyed Alexia???s story and hope to read more about this steampunk world in the future. As always, Emily Gray is brilliant.

Delightfully Unique

The entire series has been delightfully unique and original, thoroughly enjoyable. The entire series is a must read: Souless, Heartless, Blameless, and Timeless; but start at the beginning.

The Parasol Protectorate

Any additional comments?

These books, I blush to report, feature Werewolves and Vampires in Victorian London, with a generous serving of steam punk on the side. Our heroine, Alexia Terrabotti, in addition to her abiding interest in proper dress and behavior, has a passion for tea (Assam) and treacle tarts. Shamefully, I have downloaded ALL of these silly books, and am now listening to the 5th one. Comic book stories, silly affected language (on purpose), extravagant Victorian costumes and foods, and a certain amount of bodice ripping. What???s not to like, as they say.

house cleaning happiness!

I just love this series! Its fun but still has enough story to make it worth listening to and look forward to the next book. Emily Gray is doing a lovely job of narrating and her Lord A is perfect. I like my steampunk done witty and light and Gail nails it. Perfect to listen to while cleaning the house, it will make you laugh and keep you scrubbing dishes even when its your least favorite chore!

Satisfying way to end Alexia's story

What a wonderful way to end Alexia's story and give the beginnings of another. The author takes us on a whirlwind journey where one never knows what exactly is going to happen next. Elements from previous books all come together in this final one while at the same time, still giving us some mysteries to ponder over.

I am going to miss Alexia terribly.

The Parasol Rules!

I don't usually go for the "steam-punk" genre but this series is really great. I waited until I had finished the series before writing my review just in case I didn't like it but I do. I thought this series was very well written and all of the characters are well rounded and engaging. Alexia, Conal and crew are wonderful. I truly enjoyed how all of the characters grew as the series progressed. I'm not going to give anything away but I really wanted Ms. Carriger to know she is doing a great job!

Emily Gray's narration is pure perfection!

This series has become one of my favorites and it will be a go to book when I need a lift, especially in audio narrated by, the wonderful Emily Gray who embodies every character so perfectly.

Oh my how do I review this book without spoilers! In which I am sad this is the end of this series… Please reconsider Miss Carriger!!! This book was great and as hilarious as to be expected from this author! It was also bittersweet knowing that this is the last book in this series I guess the only consolation is that we do get new books with Prudence, and a YA series set in this same world, which I’m sure will be great!

Speaking of Prudence her parts in this book made me laugh out loud Dama Dama No wet! However for being the end of a series it really didn’t wrap up in fact some people’s stories just began (no spoilers). So in some ways the ending was bit unsatisfactory only because of the knowing that it is the end, I will so miss Alexia & Conall!

I look forward to anything else Miss Carriger writes because I’m sure they will hook me just as much as this series has!

4 ½ stars

A Perfect Ending

Any additional comments?

Timeless wrapped up the Parasol Protectorate Series perfectly. Mysteries were solved, additional twists continued, all my favorite characters survived, and a two year old (who spoke in sounds, one word answers, and occasionally simple sentences) was introduced. Prudence was played as well as any of the other characters. With little material to work with, the author/narrator brought her to life with a very definite personality. Timeless not only wrapped up the series, but was a well thought out lead in to the next series. Start with Souless, read the series in order, and enjoy. I look forward to further audiobooks by Gail Carriger, and hope that Emily Gray narrates them as well.

Cute Series

I love this entire series. This author just has a way of making each book different and unique. The story line is a different take on the vampires and werewolf themes and has nice twists. The dry humor is a fun treat and you end up liking all the different personalities. I would rate the whole series as a good listen.

Fantastic end to series, but I'm .....

This was quite a whirl wind adventure, and I enjoyed every moment of this book. Every book in this series was true enjoyment. I can only hope that Gail Carriger will create a spin off series from this. Gail has a wonderful sence of humor and not afraid of gender bending. However it's done, I hope that Emily Gray will get to narrate the next series, she did a beautiful job with voices and accents. I don't want to write any spoilers for anyone who has followed the series so far but be prepared for a roller coaster ride.

ever

my favourite set of books ever and i have read at least 4000 books in the last 2 years

A total delight

I love this series. I read the first 3 in paper version, and then started again with the audiobooks. They make great audiobooks. I have revisited this series because you just don’t want to leave Carriger’s parasol world. I think I have now read or listened to every book and story in the world, and keep my eye out for more, but this original series remains my absolute favourite. I love Alexia.

An excellent series finale, can't wait to read more Carriger books!

An excellent final instalment in this series. Full of action and adventure as Alexia and co travel to Egypt, in the company of Ivy Tunstell and her players, to visit the Alexandra Hive. And back at home the Woolsey Pack have their own fun, including the exposition of the role of Lyle in the plot that broke Lord Maccon from his Scottish pack many years ago (as mentioned in the Finishing School books) and its repercussions, and his new romance with Biffy.
This excellently written book is full of characters, events and locations that spring to life in your mind, aided by the narrators excellent skills. I'm sad the series has finished, and can't wait to read/listen to more Gail Carriger books!

sublime

fabulous, intelligent and witty. Well rounded characters an emotional rollercoaster. a must read or listen.

Great Ending To A Fun Series

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

Humorous, Witty and Satisfying

Who was your favorite character and why?

I enjoyed all the returning characters - Alexia, Conall, Ivy, Lord Akeldama as well as the now two year old Prudence. However my favorite character in this particular book was Biffy, the vampire drone turned werewolf. I enjoyed his developing relationship with Lyall and the leadership position his character was headed towards by the end of the story.

What about Emily Gray’s performance did you like?

She really brought the Victorian Era to life with all its proper British propriety. Well done.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Very light-hearted and entertaining. While there were some tense and violent moments, overall it was humorous and fun.

Out of the mouths of babes?

Alexis daughter Prudence has inherited her mothers self will and enjoys charging about bringing mayham to every situation.

Fun & Games the Egyptian way!

As always thoroughly enjoyed Gail Carrigers immaginative writing & Emily Grays changeable & wonderful narrative !
Everytime I listen to one of these Parosol Protectorate novels I can immediately see each character in my minds eye & this furthers my enjoyment even more so. ..
I do not like to give away plotlines but cannot stress enough the witty dialogue, the assortment of players, the background description & always a true sign of how much you love a book the fact that you do not wish for it to come to an end....