Creepycrawlie

This series was recommended to me well over a year ago and I know pretty much everyone has already read it but I finally decided to pick it up and give it a try. So far, I am very pleased with the writing, it is superb. I can understand why a few reviewers said the start was a bit too slow, but I don't mind that. I love the anticipation and getting lost in all the details, so I am still quite pleased even if I haven't even really gotten into the main story yet.

(My very first review! Please excuse the mess!)

Soulless (The Parasol Protectorate) - Gail Carriger

I am not a fan of romance, least of all, supernatural romance. I knew, prior to picking this book up, that romance would play a significant role in the story but I decided to overlook it because I was fascinated by the alternate history and steampunk elements. I will say that I am glad I still gave this book a chance, however, I do believe the romance ultimately dragged the plot down and did not really contribute to my enjoyment.

What I did enjoy most about this book, was exactly what drew me to it in the first place. I adore the setting, the clockwork and steam-powered technology, the high Victorian society, and the descriptions of fashion and food that really drew me in and helped me immerse myself in the setting.

I liked the characters, for the most part, I can relate a lot to Miss Alexia Tarabotti and some of the supporting characters, such as the foppish vampire, Lord Akeldama, and the studious werewolf, Professor Lyall. I really did not care for the main love interest, while supernatural romance in general is unappealing to me, a possessive, domineering love interest who must "claim" and "possess" the independent heroine, has always really annoyed me.

I am glad that the romance was somewhat subdued throughout much of the story and ultimately I was able to enjoy the plot and the climax, which kept me quite intrigued. Ultimately, it was a fun read, I enjoyed the writer's style and loved her sense of humor. I enjoyed her interpretation of historical events and how the supernatural could have played a role in many of the major historical events, contrasting vampires and werewolves, however cliche they might be, to Victorian era high society in London, was quite amusing.

I do not know for sure whether or not I will continue with the series, however, I will say that I did enjoy the book despite the romance and look forward to seeing more from the author in the future. As for whether or not I'd recommend this book? Absolutely, most of my friends adore romance and supernatural romance, I could see them really enjoying this series.

Sit & Read - very handy, all books by your side

Book Table - books instead of wood - to read not to eat

Book Stairs - pick a book while heading for bed

Books to on the ceiling - look it up

Book Window - always nice view

Book Wall - the wall with good basics

 Book Covers - make them yourself

What Kings Ate and Wizards Drank - Krista D. Ball is everything I love about non-fiction and it doesn't hurt that it combines three things that make me giddy food, fantasy, and humor. I can't wait to write a full review, but for now I'm quite pleased and would love any recommendations for similar non-fiction!

I know I am in the minority here, but I really dislike romance and romantic subplots. I believe this probably contributes to my preference at times for non-fiction, because sometimes I feel like I'm drowning in all the emotional ups and downs of romance regardless of which genre of fiction I'm reading. I know that romance is what sells, which makes it very difficult for me to find books I can finish, much less love because they almost all seem to focus so much on love, crushes, and sexual tension, I just don't get it.

With that said, I am just now getting into the point in Soulless where the romance really picks up and I find myself less interested. Up until now, I've really enjoyed reading it, so I hope that I can stick with it.

Raised by an educator and librarian, I have been reading for as long as I can remember. Reading was my first love and has always held a special place in my heart. I am also a shameless entertainment addict and major geek, with film, television, music, and gaming obsessions. I can spend hours on Wikipedia, Youtube, Netflix, and so forth. Over the years, my interest in reading has dwindled because of this and I am hoping to revive my love for literature once more. This blog will record my progress with one simple goal: to read daily.

I do not expect many will read my ramblings or find my reviews terribly interesting. I am fine with that, I am here to record my own progress and to keep myself motivated to continue reading. Regardless, I hope you do enjoy your stay here and if you have any comments, I'd love to hear them.

Thanks!