Soulless

This is a thoroughly delightful and at times hilariously funny story about vampires and werewolves in Victorian England. The main characters include Alexia, who is a woman who has no soul; Lord Maccon, who is the alpha werewolf of the area; and Lord Akeldama, who is a foppish rove vampire (think an over-the-top Liberace vampire). Alexia's mother and sisters are also fascinating characters, as is Lord Maccon's assistant, Professor Lyall.

Although many stories have been done about vampires and werewolves, I don't know of any others that put them in Victorian England as creatures that are out, accepted, at least somewhat, by general society, and who thus have to adhere to the rules of proper behavior and etiquette which, itself, makes for a number of laughs.

Alexia is a wonderful character, very strong-willed, intelligent, and a perfectly proper spinster, already considered 'on the shelf' as far as romances go.

The problems start with the disappearance of some vampires and werewolves, and the appearance of new vampires that none of the established vampire 'hives' claim to have created. This is upsetting things quite badly. There's also some kind of being that can move, but doesn't really seem to be alive.

There's also a romance between Lord Maccon and Alexia and that, also, is really fascinating and, at times, also hilariously funny.

Of, yes, Queen Victoria herself is in the story.

This is an altogether wonderful novel and I'm looking forward to the sequel.

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