Changeless

Written by Gail Carriger

Narrated by Emily Gray

Alexia Tarabotti, now Lady Maccon, awakens to find her werewolf husband yelling at the top of his lungs Then he disappears - leaving her to deal with a plethora of exorcised ghosts, and an angry Queen Victoria. But Alexia is armed with her trusty parasol, so even when her investigations take her into the backwaters of Scotland, she is prepared. She might even find time to track down her wayward husband, if she feels like it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: W. F. Howes Audio
• Release date: Jan 12, 2013
• ISBN: 9781471252402

Reviews for Changeless

[aeshamali · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

A light read. However, it took me a few months to finish because I got a bit bored of it. Sophomore slump? The “ravishing” all the time was kind of eye rolling. Alexia’s internal monologue about her “wifely duty” was especially vomit inducing (having sex with your husband is a “duty”? Um, no, that seriously stretches the bounds of comfort for me, and makes me worry about the girls who are reading this—that they aren’t romanticizing that dangerous notion). I also saw the “twist” or “surprise” coming from a mile away—of course she was going to be pregnant; that was foreshadowed within the first five chapters. I have to admit that was one of the two most disappointing parts of the book: That of course a strong female character, a spinster or blue stocking with her own thoughts, who to some extent bucks conventions, and is highly intelligent, must be rescued or at the very least made more conventional by having a baby. It would have been much, much less formulaic had the author chosen the alternative.

I’ll continue reading the series since I have it since I usually need to know how it all ends (not always, though—looking at you, series whose name I can’t recall at the moment that takes place in a future in what was once Chicago, with the various factions where the lead selects Dauntless and finds herself embroiled in a power struggle). I will be pleasantly surprised if the author chooses to act on the OTHER heavy-handed theme she included: That of Madame Lefoux’s lesbian character, who clearly has an interest in Alexia, the latter of whom seems to be experiencing her own burgeoning feelings of attraction).

[jlharmon · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

(Disclaimer: I knew what was going to happen at the end, so it didn't come as a shock and I wasn't really upset. Plus I know there are a bunch more books, so I'm not that worried.)

This book was good. It was somehow less engaging than the first one. Maybe it was the lack of Conall Maccon for over half the book. Maybe it was the strange character of Madame Lefoux who I just couldn't figure out (it seemed like there was more going on than there really was, maybe?). The motivations of the Kingair werewolves were a little shaky. The world building was still good, and the main conflict (something is turning the supernaturals mortal!) was interesting, I just wish it would have been resolved in a less forced way. It didn't quite make sense given what we know about the science of this world. There were also several character who I wish could have gotten more "airtime": Major Channing seems like a cool dude, I wish we could have seen more of him. And Professor Lyall. For all of us Remus Lupin lovers, he's the best!

Those are a lot of complaints. Overall, I enjoyed reading the book, and I'll read the next one when it's my turn at the library. These are good, fun books, and the world is quite interesting. I just wish the plot was a little more interesting and/or cohesive. There are quite a few loose threads and bits of story that are not totally explained. Hopefully the other books tie everything up in the end.

[chellebearss · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was just as great as the first in the series. Unfortunately it left off with a nasty cliffhanger and I immediately had to pick up the next book to find out what happens. I hate when I get played like this! :)

[kmajort · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Changed my mind - would rather wait & listen to the audio

[jdifelice-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really didn't like that ending.

Other than the ending I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was fun, intriguing and full of sass. I really enjoy Alexia's character and how she is written. It's so refreshing to read about a character in her time period who isn't a complete dolt.

I love the world that Carriger has created with werewolves, vampires, and soulless. The dynamic between the supernatural continues to become more interesting and complex.

Great book and I will definitely be picking up the next book asap.

[macthekat82 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Once it got going it was an enjoyable adventure story with a lot of hearth.

[mitabird · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

3.5 stars

This wasn't as good as the first one, though I did like it. I was totally dismayed by the ending and need to get my hands on the next book asap.

[samm4-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Faultless. Funny, engaging and entertaining. Loving this steampunk series.

[mickyfine · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Advanced warning, if you plan on reading Soulless and want to remain spoiler free for contents of that book, skip this paragraph. In the second book of the series, Alexia must investigate a sudden plague of humanity that is afflicting the supernatural set in London. In the course of the investigation she follows her husband to Scotland where matters escalate to a point that Alexia may not be able to solve, even with her parasol.As a second entry in the series, Carriger does a wonderful job of developing the characters and pushing them in new directions. Her humour is still delightful and I was often giggling to myself while reading. The overarching mystery is explored further here and the book does end with some major unresolved threads (I hesitate to call it a cliffhanger exactly, but it is decidedly lacking in a conclusion of a plot line) which has left me eager to pick up the next book as soon as I get my turn with the library's copy.

[cheme2005 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Alexia is back in this second thrilling novel by Gail Carriger. Every page is filled with fun, and thought provoking lines. Ms Carriger is truly a master of the writing craft. I love reading every page. If you haven't checked out the Parasol Protectorate Series then you are truly missing out. Put it on you summer reading list today

[monicalynn-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this one, the travel and the mystery about why the pack could not change was interesting and I was not quite able to figure it out right off the bat so the story was well told. I do miss some of the characters from the first one however they are in the background and I am sure they are coming back into play in the next one. However I am disappointed with Lord Maccon's reaction at the end. I am hoping all turns out well in the next book.

[soliloquies · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The second in the Parasol Protectorate series and this is just as entertaining as the first. Alexia is now married to Lord Maccon and working for Queen Victoria. A strange occurrence has rendered the supernaturals unable to change and Alexia, Ivy Hisselpenny, Felicity, Tunstall and Madame LaFoux take a dirigible to Scotland. This does not make for a pleasant journey! Great writing, lots to enjoy and we are discovering more about these characters.

[wiremonkey · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I reviewed the first one in this series in my March installment and gave it five out five G&Ts for Vacation reading. I am happy to say that my rating has not changed for the two sequels. In the second volume of the series, Alexia, now married to her husky, hirsute and handsome werewolf husband Lord Maccon, ends up following the pack to Scotland after an epidemic has caused the supernatural set in London to lose their supernaturalness. She ends up saving the day, much to her husband's annoyance, of course, but in the meantime, befriends a lovely, lesbian inventor genius who appreciates Alexia's curves and who knows before Alexia does the secret that will tear her husband and her apart at the end of the book. Can you guess what it is? Will I be able to write about the third without revealing the big secret? Le tme give it a whirl...

[traciolsen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Eek! Cliffhanger! Alexia is such a great character, and her relationship with her husband and best friend are so genuine and funny. I can't wait to read the next one!

[jjmcgaffey · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Well, that was nasty. I'm very glad I didn't read this series as it came out - that cliffhanger ending would have been extremely annoying. The story that actually completes in this book is quite good - Alexia and Conall both reveal a good deal about themselves, we learn more about the integrated-with-supernaturals society of this world, the danger is real and immediate and the many aspects of it unfold over the course of the book very nicely. Including an explanation of the octopus. But the final chapter does a good job of starting the next book, leaving the reader hanging. Fortunately I have the next book and can go right to it. If I'd been forced to wait, I'm not sure I would have bothered - that's a cheap trick. It reduces the value of the whole book, to me.

[yarmando_3 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Alexia travels to Scotland to investigate a phenomenon that strips vampires and werewolves of their supernatural states, rendering them human and mortal. Workmanlike sequel, delivering more of the witty language, joyful bawdiness, and supernatural intrigue seen in "Soulless."

[bookratmisty · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Original review: Need. Blameless. NOW. Full review: This book was one of my most eagerly awaited books of 2010, and with good reason. When I read Soulless, Alexia Tarabotti quickly climbed pretty damn near the top of the heap of my favorite characters. I was in love, a smitten kitten. But Gail Carriger didn't stop there, because she gave me Lord Akeldama and Lord Maccon, Professor Lyall and Ivy Hisselpenny. And Biffy! Spiffy Biffy, I adore you, too. Could it get any better? Yes, it could, because she added to the bunch Madame Lefoux, yet another character after my heart. Carriger excels at writing not only exceptional characters, but exceptionally, deliciously eccentric ones, and you know I love me some eccentric. For all of their forward, anachronistic tendencies, they still seem somehow at home in Carriger's Victorian steampunk world, and I appreciate that. I also appreciate that she had a character named Featherstonehaugh, which is very fun to say in my head. (Festenhew, if you were wondering. No joke.) But I really didn't mean to start this review on a tangent. So. In Changeless, Alexia Tarabotti is a Tarabotti no more; she has married Lord Maccon and stepped into her role as Lady Maccon and the Queen's muhjah , and seems to have everything under control. But when something goes wrong with her husband's former pack in Scotland, Alexia, with an impressive -- if univited -- entourage in tow follows him to Scotland where she finds herself perhaps a little more out of her depths than she's used to. It was fun to see Alexia sleuthing again, and making the most of her scientific mind (with a plethora of new toys at her disposal AND another forward-thinking though slightly suspect woman as her companion). The mystery was fun, but more fun, as always, was the interactions between the characters. Even though Ivy started getting on my nerves a little bit (gasp), she had some of the best lines, ever. Take: (Upon seeing men in kilts) Miss Hisselpenny did not seem to know where to look. Finally she settled on staring up at the candelabra in abject terror. "Alexia," she hissed to her friend, "there are knees positively everywhere! What do I do?"Or: "Oh dear. Has something untoward ensued? Everyone is gesticulating." She's just the perfect foil for any seriousness or...how to say this? intelligent conversation that may go on from time to time. She's the fanning upper-class version of slapstick. I can't stay mad at her, even when she is annoying. And she's on the bottom of the totem of favorite characters, so it just gets better from there. These are the types of "people" you want to invite into your brain [readthisreadthisreadthis:] and keep there [loveitloveitloveit:]. If you haven't picked up the first book in the Parasol Protectorate, kick yourself and then go get it. I feel, though, like I need to address the end of the book, and I'm really not sure how to do that, so I'm going to tiptoe and talk in circles here a bit. Excuse me. There's a part of me that is so damn frustrated with the way this book ended (I wanted to reach through the pages and shake a certain character. Hard. Teeth-rattlingly hard), but at the same time, I don't think it could have ended any other way, and I would have felt like it was a cop out not to have ended the way it did. So as much as I want to be frustrated and angry with Carriger, I can't, because I think she wrote the ending that was supposed to be there. I respect that; not enough authors do that. But it also means that I am tearing at my skin like a mental patient with the anxious need to get my hands on book three. Like you have no idea. I keep looking at Changeless like it's going to morph into the [stunning:] cover of Blameless. I neeeed it. It's like I'm turning into Gollum: I just want to hold it and stroke it and call it my preciousss. But first I want to read it. I need to read it. I don't think there's any better endorsement.

[sithereandread · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Changeless was an adventure that captivated me from the beginning. Starting with the sudden and unexplained disappearance of her new husband, Alexia is once again thrown into a mystery of supernatural proportions. Alexia and her dearest friend Ivy are introduced to a one Madame Lefoux who is an inventor and a sharp dresser with a taste for men's wear. They travel up to Scotland, following Lord Macoon, on a dirigible where it is quite obvious that Alexia's life is in danger. In Scotland, Lord Maccon's previous pack is without an Alpha and has lost the ability to change (title hint).I could not put this book down! Carriger starts her books off right in the middle of the action and I am hooked right from the start. My two favorite new characters were Madame Lefoux and Major Channing Channing of the Chesterfield Channings (what a mouth full!). Major Channing made a grave mistake in his first meeting of Lady Maccon and I literally laughed out loud wondering how he would dig himself out. I hoped his role would develop through the series because I was not ready to let go of the cocky Gamma of the Woolsey Pack just yet. Madame Lefoux was a mystery to me and I was anxious to see if she was really on Alexia's side or not. Her strange way of dressing and her questionable sexual preference lead to entertaining inner dialogue from Alexia in wondering the same thing.The revelation of what caused the changelessness of the Scottish pack was astonishing. It opened dangerous doors for Alexia to consider in her soulless status. And Carriger left this book wide open with another situation for Alexia that made me gasp when I read it. Thank goodness I had Blameless ready to read because I immediately started reading because I had to know what happened next!

[hobbitprincess · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is the second of the Alexia Tarabotti novels, a steampunk novel. As with the first, I thoroughly enjoyed the second. Alexia, now married to a werewolf, is confronted with a mysterious something that makes supernatural creatures human again. She follows her husband into the wilds of Scotland to find out what it is. There are more steampunk features in this novel, especially with an aetherographic communicator - fun!

[usagi_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Actually better than the first book. Brings greater depth to characters and fleshes out the world they inhabit. A solid, fun read.

[jmaloney17 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The second book is about a mysterious loss of supernatural powers. I thought I might stop reading the series after this one. I found them light and entertaining, but I thought I could live without immediately reading the next in the series. But, oh no, it ends on a cliff hanger! So on my way to work this morning when I finished the book, I had to buy the next one. Ergh! I am about 50 pages into Blameless!

[bookaddictdiary · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In her fabulously witty follow-up to Soulless, Gail Carriger returns to the world of steampunk, paranormal Victorian London to continue the adventures of preternatural Alexia Tarabotti, now known as the Lady Woolsey.After finally getting married, Alexia, long believed to be a spinster, starts to settle into her married life (complete with parasol and the latest fashions), but is suddenly woken up one afternoon (when all respectable werewolves should be asleep) by her husband's angry yelling. Soon after, he disappears and it's up to Alexia to deal with supernatural soldiers, ghosts, the Shadow Council and a pack of Scottish werewolves. Meanwhile, Alexia's friend Ivy is conflicted between a potential, well-matched marriage or a love-match that would be considered less than suitable. Alexia is more than happy to offer her thoughts, but can't forget her mission for Queen and country -and to find her husband, of course.Changeless is even better than its predecessor, with more in-depth character development, more polished writing and witty humor that kept me flipping pages. Having the ability to dispose with needless exposition, Changeless expands Carriger's Victorian steampunk world and gives readers another exciting trip into her witty, Jane Austen-esque universe.But readers beware -Changeless ends with a not-so-welcome cliffhanger that made me throw the book against the wall before rushing to my computer to see when Blameless, the next book in the series, hits shelves. While there is a sample chapter from Blameless, it left me with a dissatisfied feeling.

[theepicrat · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Is there anything I can say that hasn't already been said 100 times over? Read this series - and if you choose to, make sure you have Book 3 on the ready! Gail Carriger puts the steamy in steampunk, and she leads us through such a delightful romp of a mystery and scandal that all semblance of etiquette goes out the window as one tries to devour each book without properly chewing.

[wiring_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Basically if you liked Soulless you will probably like this as well. If you haven't read Soulless you should probably read that first. It's pretty much impossible to talk about this book in a way that won't spoil Soulless in some sense, so I ticked the spoiler box, though it's pretty mild.Changeless kept everything I loved from Soulless and saw me getting over wishing Alexia were more asexual, since I do definitely find her and Conall to be kind of perfect for each other. Plus, we had the addition of Madame Lefoux who is amazing, and I love her and her crossdressing ways.

[wyvernfriend · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Something is neutralising the abilities of Werewolves and vampires and exorcising ghosts. It has passed through London and now appears to be lodged with Alexia's husband's former werewolf pack. He goes to investigate, leaving her behind, she decides to follow and mayhem ensues.It's a funny series and this is no exception. I love Alexia, she comes across as a soul-sib of Amelia Peabody from Elizabeth Peters' series. There are moments where it doesn't flow as well as it might, but overall I enjoyed the read.

[abbylibrarian_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Funny and smart and sexy, I am really loving this series. The main character Alexia is totally kick-ass and I just really enjoyed reading this book. I'll definitely be picking up the entire series.

[celerydog_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

follows on perfectly from Soulless. A frivolous romp enjoyed between two more serious reads. will definitely read Blameless.

[jetangen4571 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

werewolves, vampire, snarky, humor, 18th-century, action-adventure, audiobook, british, e-book, family-dynamics, friendship, ghosts, gigglefest, mummies, mystery, parasol-protectorateReread in October, 2012First I read the paperback--it walked away. Then I got the e-book, but that wasn't the same. 20 y/o agreed and bought the whole set. Then I got the audio and hit the jackpot! Emily Gray is an absolutely fantastic audio performer, and her work with the Parasol Protectorate proves it! The storyline is somewhat complicated, and while it works fine as a stand alone, it does make the reader not only want the rest of the series, but also the earlier one. Enjoy!

[zjakkelien · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another light-hearted steampunk adventure. I like Alexia more and more, the further we get in this series. I think it is because she gets more autonomy and skills. An excellent heroine!

[jwryn · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Oh no, the ending of this book! What a smack in the face. Uh... I am loving this series, it's so much fun but, yes, am writing this review whilst feeling more than a little overwhelmed by the ending of this one.

The book was a solid read, as enjoyable as its predecessor. I was bemused/intrigued by some of the choices (let's just say: attention given to a certain French lady), not that I disliked them per se, just that I was somewhat perplexed by where they was planning on leading.

But I still adore Alexia and am very, very eager to read more of her adventures. Just. Must read next book asap!