Curious about Steampunk and Paranormal Romances, my friend recommended Gail Carriger. So I grabbed the first book of her Parasol Protectorate set.

I had not realized this was a rather steamy book! What with werewolves turning back to human form, obviously naked, and an open-minded female main character. Things would in no doubt get quite scandalous in the Victorian era.

You’ll expect the usual ingredients of steampunk: 19th century setting, Victorian London fashion, gadgetry, and automatons. Then add in the paranormal: vampires, werewolves, and other unnatural sorts.

What is refreshing is the idea of beings with no soul; which the main character, Alexia, belong in. Preternatural, as the coined term, apparently can negate the effects of the supernatural rendering them human.

Although the elements may be the usual, the storytelling of Gail Carriger is exquisite and her characters full though flawed. Alexia is quite interesting with her strong personality, especially for this era. Her love interest is a werewolf, the Alpha of his pack. And one of her fast friends is a flamboyant vampire.