Timeless
Timeless (Parasol Protectorate, #5)by Gail Carriger
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? (goodreads.com)
I can't believe I forgot that this book came out in March! Back in July, I thought March felt like an eternity away and when it arrived, I'd completely forgotten about it. Such is my state of mind these days. Thankfully, I picked up Timeless before we headed off on our long weekend trip. I didn't read much, but I managed to finish (and start this post!) while on the train home. Go, me!Although, I have to say, this train ride home is awfully bumpy causing me to mis-type way more than I normally do. Bah.My love affair with the Parasol Protectorate series has lasted through five glorious books. I am sad to see the series end however happy that it ended on a high note rather than end when it lost its appeal.A few years have past since the last book and Alexia's infant-inconvenience is now just an Infant (and referred to as such throughout the book, which made me giggle. A lot. I now want to call my year-old nephew "Infant" all the time. heheheheh)I don't know how much to tell you about this book if you haven't read the series yet, but I do think it was a nice way to wrap up the series. I shall miss Lady and Lord Maccon and of course, the delightful Lord Akeldama and sweet dandy Biffy, but I think it was time to part with these characters lest they overstay their welcome.This series makes me laugh and it holds my ever-waning attention fairly well. It's a fun historical, steampunk, urban fantasy journey and the characters are just brimming with, well, character. I cannot pass by a store selling hats anymore without immediately thinking of this series and Alexia's dear bosom friend Mrs. Ivy Tunstall. I find I want to buy ALL OF THE HATS and the more outrageous the better. Alas, I wouldn't wear them anywhere so they'd just be a waste of money (much better spent on books, I dare say) and take up space in my home. I shall leave the hat buying to Ivy.If this book doesn't make you want to buy a parasol, outrageous hat and drink bucket loads of tea, I don't know what to tell you. Werewolves and vampires have never been so charming and interesting to me.The one thing I have found is that those who loved the first book because of it's focus on romance have not quite liked the books that followed. I suggest you try sticking to it and think of this less as historical romance (because it's not, though it does have it's moments) and just immerse yourself in a historical urban fantasy novel and have fun.These books should make you chuckle more that once. I promise!The Parasol Protectorate