Changeless

Changeless (2010) Gail Carriger

Well, that was disappointing.

As I have mentioned repeatedly before, I really dislike cliffhanger endings. When I read a book, I like the story arc to end at the end of the book.

This doesn’t mean I dislike threads that carry from story to story–that’s fine. But what I do NOT like is when a book ends with the start to the next book. Oh yes, we’ve solved the mystery, however, here’s a HUGE NEW PROBLEM that is not going to be resolved until the next book.

Baloney. If you want me to read the next book in your series, then write so well that I want to spend more time with your characters. If you have a story that is too large for a single book, then you’d better have the sequel coming out much faster than your usual publishing cycle.

Essentially, I’m telling you to read to page 367, about 3/4 of the way down, and then read ABSOLUTELY NO FURTHER. The remainder of the book resolves NOTHING and only opens the story arc for the next book.

So. Aside from THAT how did I like the story? I quite enjoyed it! I like Alexia, and I love steampunk. I also love the way that vampires and werewolves are explained scientifically in this alternative history of the Victorian era. And although Alexia is not a proper Victorian woman, most of the other female characters around her are relatively properly Victorian (with the exception of Madame Lefoux, who is an inventor). And there is an explanation as to why Alexia is different, which is also important. (If you are going to have a character acting out of their class or time, you’d best have a good reason why. Of course the fact this is a steampunk alt history helps.)
Rating: 7/10

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