Heartless (Carriger novel)
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | June 28, 2011 |
| Founder | Gail Carriger |
| Products | Steampunk paranormal romance novel |
| Parent | Orbit Books |
Heartless is a steampunk paranormal romance work authored by Gail Carriger, published on June 28, 2011, through Orbit Books. This book represents the fourth entry in the The Parasol Protectorate series, which has achieved placement on the New York Times best-seller list, and centers on Alexia Tarabotti, a protagonist distinguished by her soulless nature.[1]
Plot
The narrative unfolds in an alternate version of Victorian-era Britain, where vampires and werewolfs coexist within elite social circles. The story follows Alexia Tarabotti, Lady Maccon, whose immunity to supernatural abilities stems from her absence of a soul. Unlike the closely connected second and third installments, this fourth novel stands more independently, resembling the approach taken in the series’ initial volume.
Although she is eight months into pregnancy, Alexia continues to fulfill her responsibilities to both the nation and her werewolf pack. When an unhinged ghost poses a threat to Queen Victoria, Alexia must identify the would-be assassin before tragedy ensues. Supported by her husband as she navigates his enigmatic history, she also witnesses her sister Felicity's involvement in suffragette activism. Concurrently, odd events disrupt Lord Akeldama’s household, and London contends with an unusual outbreak of zombie porcupines.
Publication history
- 2011, USA, Orbit Books, June 28, Paperback
- 2011, UK, Orbit Books, July 7, Paperback
By September 2010, the manuscript was nearly finalized, with a completed draft scheduled for November 1. Orbit Books revealed the cover art in February 2011 and presented an updated version in March. The design was created by Lauren Panepinto and features model Donna Ricci, photographed by Pixie Vision Productions; it maintains the visual continuity established by earlier series covers.[2]
While translations of previous novels into German, Italian, Spanish, and other languages are planned, no official release dates have been provided for foreign-language editions of Heartless.[3]
Reception
In May 2011, Publishers Weekly commended Heartless for its "crisp and witty" prose and highlighted the lively exchanges between Lord and Lady Maccon, which appealed to readers following their separation in 2010’s Blameless.
The novel entered the New York Times best-seller list at position #11 for the week ending July 2, 2011, and reached #12 on the Publishers Weekly mass market paperback best-seller chart.