Science Fiction and Fantasy Association of New Zealand

Blameless Blameless: Parasol Protectorate Book 3
by Gail Carriger
Orbit

Supplied for review by Hachette New Zealand

Reviewed By: Stephen Litten

This is the third in Gail Carriger’s Steampunk/urban fantasy series. Alexia has been thrown out by her husband, Conall Maccon for becoming pregnant. His reasoning, despite her protestations of constant marital fidelity, is that she must have had an affair, else how would she have become pregnant. For Conall, being a werewolf, is incapable of fathering children. Thus Alexia must take shelter amongst her own kin, a situation none find to their liking. Her mother decides that the scandal is too great and throws Alexia out too. On the way to new lodgings, Alexia must fend off a further attempt on her life, armed only with her new parasol and trapped inside her stepfather’s carriage.

The story moves apace, with the action moving across the Channel to Paris and more despicable vampires and then to southern France and Italy, wherein Lord Akeldama’s warning is explained. Unfortunately for Alexia, it seems to be a case of out of the frying pan and into the fire. She arrived in Italy intent on getting answers as to how she became pregnant (although Alexia is pretty certain as to the true cause of that), and what her unborn child will become. On the Home Front, Professor Lyall creates more problems for the pack by obliging Conall to sire Binky, Lord Akeldama’s favourite. The vampire is decidedly not amused.

Blameless is another rollicking yarn, with much light humour and several absolutely charming hats. Although over 350 pages long, it was quick to read, and more importantly, explains The Parasol Protectorate, which is the title of this series. Naturally, there is another instalment, Heartless, due out July 2011, which will continue the adventures of Alexia Tarabotti.

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