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Soulless - Parasol Protectorate by Gail Carriger
Soulless
Book 1 in the series:Parasol Protectorate
Zany, charming, and bursting with wit - "Soulless" is a genre-blending, escapist joyride perfect for those wanting laughs, banter, and a unique Victorian fantasy spin. Not heavy on steampunk, but heavy on fun!

If you liked Soulless, here are the top 100 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1
    Prudence
    Book 1 in the series:The Custard Protocol

    Prudence - The Custard Protocol by Gail Carriger
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    A whimsical, high-spirited steampunk caper that doesn’t take itself too seriously - perfect for readers after laughs and lighthearted adventure rather than emotional depth.

    Prudence is the daughter of Alexia and Lord Maccon, embarking on her own adventure in a steampunk alternate history world. Gifted a dirigible by her adoptive father, a vampire, she heads to India on a mission involving tea, encountering supernatural intrigue along the way. Rue's metanatural abilities, combined with her crew of friends, lead her into a complex plot that challenges her skills and wit, all while maintaining a humorous and whimsical narrative style.

    Lady Prudence Alessandra Maccon Akeldama was enjoying her evening exceedingly. The evening, unfortunately, did not feel the same about Lady Prudence. She inspired, at even the best balls, a sensation...
    2015
    389 pages

  2. #2

    Etiquette & Espionage - Finishing School by Gail Carriger
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    A charming, witty, and fast-paced steampunk romp - ideal for fans of whimsical adventure and clever heroines, but may not click if you want serious or dark fare. Worth a read for its sheer fun and creative flair!

    In "Etiquette & Espionage" by Gail Carriger, readers are transported to a steampunk-style Victorian England where young Sophronia Temminnick finds herself at Madame Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality, which is actually a school for espionage on a giant airborn dirigible. As Sophronia navigates through her training, she faces sticky situations, solves mysteries, and thwarts evil geniuses' plans, all while showcasing her precociousness and curiosity. The book is filled with wit, humor, and an engaging plot that keeps readers entertained from start to finish, making it a delightful read for fans of Harry Potter and Series of Unfortunate Events.

    The book introduces a cast of interesting characters, a quirky setting, and a light-hearted tone that makes it a fun and engaging read. Carriger's writing style shines through, offering a blend of humor, sophistication, and social progressiveness that appeals to both young adult and adult readers. The story unfolds in a world where espionage meets Victorian manners, creating a unique and imaginative setting that sets the stage for a promising series filled with mystery and adventure.

    Sophronia intended to pull the dumbwaiter up from the kitchen to outside the front parlor on the ground floor, where Mrs. Barnaclegoose was taking tea. Mrs. Barnaclegoose had arrived with a stranger i...
    February 2013
    321 pages

  3. #3
    Cry Wolf
    Book 1 in the series:Alpha & Omega

    Cry Wolf - Alpha & Omega by Patricia Briggs
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    A must-read for fans of character-focused urban fantasy and werewolf lore, but newcomers should grab the prequel novella first for the best experience. Healing, heart, and wolves galore!

    "Cry Wolf" in the series "Alpha & Omega" by Patricia Briggs follows the story of Anna, an Omega werewolf who was abused in her previous pack and Charles, an Alpha werewolf who rescues her. delves into their evolving relationship as they navigate the dynamics of the werewolf world. Set in the same universe as the Mercy Thompson series, the book explores themes of strength, vulnerability, and pack politics, providing a fresh perspective on werewolf lore. The writing style offers a mix of character development, intriguing plotlines, and a touch of romance, creating a captivating urban fantasy tale.

    She hadn’t realized how much of her confidence had been tied to having Charles beside her. She’d only known him a day and a half, and he’d changed her world . . . at least while he was still next to h...
    2007
    331 pages

  4. #4
    Moon Called
    Book 1 in the series:Mercy Thompson

    Moon Called - Mercy Thompson by Patricia Briggs
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    A fast, fun start to a beloved urban fantasy series - great for fans of kick-butt heroines and supernatural mystery, but if you’re looking for something groundbreaking, you may find it a bit tropey.

    "Moon Called" by Patricia Briggs follows the story of Mercy Thompson, a Volkswagen mechanic who is also a shapeshifter able to transform into a coyote. Living in a small town in Washington state, Mercy navigates her life while trying to maintain peaceful relations with neighboring groups of werewolves and vampires. When a newly turned werewolf seeks her help, Mercy gets entangled in a complex intrigue involving the politics of various supernatural creatures in the area. Despite some clumsy exposition at times, readers are drawn into an alternate world with a captivating mix of characters and engaging storytelling.

    Mercy's character is portrayed as a strong, relatable, and likable protagonist who faces challenges and mysteries within a world populated by werewolves, vampires, and faeries. offers a unique blend of paranormal elements, fast-paced action, and intriguing relationships, setting the stage for a series filled with supernatural adventures and unexpected twists.

    I didn’t realize he was a werewolf at first. My nose isn’t at its best when surrounded by axle grease and burnt oil—and it’s not like there are a lot of stray werewolves running around. So when someon...
    2005
    308 pages

  5. #5

    The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels - Dangerous Damsels by India Holton
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    Utterly unique, madcap, and hilarious - a cozy, anti-patriarchy Victorian satire with pirates, magic, and romance. If you’re craving an offbeat, high-spirited adventure, just dive in!

    'The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels' by India Holton is a delightful and quirky Victorian romance featuring Cecilia Bassingthwaite and the Wisteria Society, a group of genteel Victorian ladies who engage in piracy, proper tea, and polite assassination while adhering to the rules of etiquette. The story follows Cecilia and Ned Lightbourne as they navigate through over-the-top capers of manners and immorality, with a mix of serious intrigue, flirty wordplay, and outrageous situations. The book is described as a humorous alternative Victorian fantasy romance with elements of satire, societal commentary, and a lovely romance between two complementary individuals.

    Cecilia was quiet a moment as she recollected the man. He had been handsome in a rather dangerous way, despite the ridiculous coat. A light in his eyes had suggested he’d known his brochure would not...
    June 2021
    336 pages

  6. #6

    A Curious Beginning - Veronica Speedwell by Deanna Raybourn
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    A lively, clever Victorian mystery with a boldly unconventional heroine - delightful for fans of snark and slow-burn partnerships, but might feel over-the-top to historical purists. Worth a try if you like your sleuths smart, sassy, and a little bit wild.

    In 'A Curious Beginning', we follow Veronica Speedwell, an independent and bold Victorian adventuress with a passion for collecting butterflies. After the death of her guardians, Veronica finds herself entangled in a mystery surrounding her parentage. With the help of a cast of unique characters like the enigmatic Stoker, Veronica navigates through danger, murder, and intrigue in Victorian England while unraveling the secrets of her past. The book is a mix of historical fiction, mystery, and adventure, with a fast-paced plot that keeps readers engaged and entertained.

    The writing style in 'A Curious Beginning' is described as witty, humorous, and engaging, drawing readers into Veronica's world of scientific quests, daring escapades, and unexpected twists. The characters, especially Veronica and Stoker, are well-developed and dynamic, with their evolving relationship adding depth to the narrative. The book offers a fresh take on the Victorian mystery genre, blending elements of romance, suspense, and humor to create an enjoyable and captivating story for readers.

    I stared down into the open grave and wished that I could summon a tear. Violent weeping would have been in exceedingly poor taste, but Miss Nell Harbottle had been my guardian for the whole of my lif...
    September 2015
    377 pages

  7. #7

    Bitten - Women of the Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong
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    A smart, gritty, and original take on werewolves with a complex heroine. If you crave urban fantasy that’s more than just romance, definitely pick this up - but buckle up for some messy relationships and real emotional depth!

    'Bitten' by Kelley Armstrong follows the story of Elena Michaels, the only female werewolf known to the American Pack. Elena struggles to balance her desire for a normal life with the challenges of being a werewolf. As she navigates complex relationships and faces dangerous threats, the plot unfolds with a mix of supernatural elements, romance, and action. The writing style is engaging, with strong character development and a focus on revealing the characters' histories and motivations gradually, creating a world that is both intriguing and grounded.

    I stood at the door before ringing the bell. It was Mother’s Day and I was standing at a door holding a present, which would have been quite normal if it was a present for my mother. But my mother was...
    2001
    477 pages

  8. #8
    Kiss of Steel
    Book 1 in the series:London Steampunk

    Kiss of Steel - London Steampunk by Bec McMaster
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    A sultry, genre-mashing paranormal romance that brings new life to vampires in gothic steampunk London - great for romance lovers, less so for hardcore steampunk fans.

    Set in an alternative Victorian London, "Kiss of Steel" follows Honoria Todd, a young woman fleeing into the rookeries of Whitechapel to escape evil aristocratic vampires. There, she encounters Blade, a fearsome yet alluring outcast vampire who rules over the area. As their paths intertwine, a complex tale of survival, loyalty, and forbidden romance unfolds. The book seamlessly blends steampunk, paranormal, and romance elements, creating a dark and captivating world where danger and passion collide. The writing style gradually reveals the intricate world-building, unraveling mysteries and character motivations with each turn of the page.

    If only she’d been born a man…A man in Whitechapel had choices. He could take up a trade, or theft, or even join some of the rookery gangs. A woman had opportunities too, but they were far more limite...
    September 2012
    448 pages

  9. #9
    Magic Bites
    Book 1 in the series:Kate Daniels

    Magic Bites - Kate Daniels by Ilona Andrews
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    Magic Bites is a punchy, clever urban fantasy starter that gets better as you go - expect gritty action, smart-mouthed characters, and a wild magical world, but be ready for a learning curve and a slow-burn story. Worth sticking with if you like tough heroines and urban fantasy with bite!

    In "Magic Bites" by Ilona Andrews, readers are introduced to Kate Daniels, a strong and tough mercenary living in a post-apocalyptic Atlanta where magic and technology alternate in dominance. Kate's investigations lead her to battle psychotic creatures, navigate complex power dynamics between different supernatural factions, and uncover dark mysteries that threaten the fragile balance of her world. The writing style is described as dark and intense, with detailed world-building that seamlessly blends elements of magic and technology, creating a unique and captivating urban fantasy setting.

    The plot follows Kate as she delves into a series of gruesome killings, facing necromancers, werewolves, vampires, and other mystical beings along the way. The story moves at a fast pace, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with thrilling action scenes and unexpected twists. Kate's character is praised for her strength, wit, and relatability, adding depth to the narrative as she navigates the challenges of her dangerous and unpredictable environment.

    I SAT AT A TABLE IN MY SHADOWY KITCHEN, STARING down a bottle of Boone’s Farm Hard Lemonade, when a magic fluctuation hit. My wards shivered and died, leaving my home stripped of its defenses. The TV...
    2007
    317 pages

  10. #10
    The Iron Duke
    Book 1 in the series:The Iron Seas

    The Iron Duke - The Iron Seas by Meljean Brook
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    A bold, inventive steampunk adventure with a fierce heroine and a gritty world, but it’s not afraid to go dark or make you uncomfortable. If you love immersive action and don’t mind problematic heroes or heavy themes, it’s a must-try. If you need your romances gentle or hate info dumps, proceed with caution.

    "The Iron Duke" by Meljean Brook is a steampunk romance novel set in an alternate history where England has just liberated itself from the conquering Horde. The story follows the Iron Duke, Rhys Trahearn, a former pirate turned hero, and Detective Inspector Mina Wentworth, a strong and sassy protagonist with a complex background. As they investigate a murder that unveils a vast conspiracy, the plot unfolds with elements of romance, adventure, zombies, nanobots, and airships. The writing style is praised for its world-building, intricate dystopian setting, and adult-themed exploration of dark human elements.

    Mina hadn’t predicted that sugar would wreck the Marchioness of Hartington’s ball; she’d thought the dancing would. Their hostess’s good humor had weathered them through the discovery that fewer than...
    2010
    399 pages

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