Review: Timeless by Gail Carriger

Timeless by Gail Carriger (Parasol Protectorate #5)

library copy


Synopsis from Goodreads
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?

 Amazon  US/UK | Amazon kindle US/UK | The Book Depository US/UK | Fishpond (£4.72)

7.5/10

* * *

 I'm sad and at the same time relieved that this series came to an end. 



Timeless surprised me in a lot of ways. I didn't expect the gory details, the explosive violence and a few very serious scares Alexia experienced. Suddenly the flirtatious funny writing style we're so used to fell away, and everything became all too real.  I can't say I liked it, but I can also say that perhaps that turn to seriousness and sadness was what made us believe that Parasol Protectorate is no more.


This is a very short review, because I do not want to give you any spoilers. Timeless might not get high marks from me, but don't be mistaken, -  it's a good book in a good series for a steampunk beginner. Everything is light, flitty and amusing, there are not too many gadgets or details, but they are there among the peculiar Victorian mannerisms, rivers of tea and mountains of biscuits.


You'll get your dose of adventure, Ivy's hats and even a happy end for poor Biffy, but the book has its limits, and I think Gail with her writing style was as constrained by them as we were as a reader.


We are both ready for a bigger and better adventure and deeper, more complex story.. I hope Etiquette & Espionage will deliver that next year.

* * *

Честно говоря, видно что Гейл устала от этой серии также как и её читатели, и была очень рада её закончить.


От того концовка вышла грустной и довольно серьёзной, несмотря на попытки юмора. Даже блеск лорда Акельдамы потускнел, а его болтовня всегда была самой занимательной частью книг.


Хуже всех досталось бедной Айви, да и сама Алексия благодаря определённым обстоятельствам впала в депрессию. В общем, да... Я рада, что серия завершена, писатель рада, что серия завершена, и теперь о ней можно забыть. Но всё-равно книги эти хороши для новичка в жанре стимпанка, чтоб понять хочется ли копаться в этом жанре и дальше.