This is the fourth book in the Parasol Protectorate series by Carriger, the fifth book Timeless is due for release in March of 2012. I enjoyed this book, it was a good addition to the series, we get to learn more about Lord Maccon's past.

Alexia is eight months pregnant and not all that thrilled about it. She feels like a boat and her and her husband have to figure out some way to keep the vampires from hunting Alexia down to kill her and her child. To make matters even more complicated a ghost tells Alexia someone has a plot to kill the Queen, so Alexia is trying to figure that out. Then Alexia finds that Madame Lefoux is at work on some sort of diabolical device...but to what end?

All in all this was a fun and entertaining novel. While this book doesn't have the freshness of some of the previous books and Alexia seems a bit tired throughout (she is eight months pregnant) this was still a great read. As with the previous books, at times things get a bit outlandish and absurd (zombie porcupines anyone?), but it is all in all good fun.

It was great to learn more about Lord Maccon's past and how he came to be alpha of his werewolf group. You also learn a lot more about Lord Akeldama and the Vampire Queen.

Alexia remains witty and hilarious, Lord Maccon is sweetly in love with her and it was fun to read about their wonderful stable relationship (even if things do get a bit odd at times). Lord Akeldama remains outrageous and funny. All your favorite characters are here and then some.

The book is easy to read, fun, and very engaging. Fans of the series won't be disappointed. The book ends well but throws a little curve ball at the reader which involves Alexia's infant inconvenience; this will have readers dying to read more.

Overall a solid addition to this series. Fans of the series should be pleased. Alexia comes off as a bit tired at points, but is still witty and charming as she struggles to be eight months pregnant and is embroiled in all the other craziness that encompasses her life. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the fifth book, Timeless, when it releases next year.

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Sigh. I had such hopes for this series. But you're losing me.

Gone are the days of sexual chemistry between Alexa and her spouse. She's pregnant and he's been domesticated. Why Alexia has to live in Lord A's house prior to the birth of the child -- can't they make the move after the birth? Everything drags in this pleasant, but bland fourth addition to the series. Fans will still enjoy, but just not as much as previous entries.

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I have to say, this is probably my least favorite cover of all the books, but it is so nice to FINALLY see a series which does not change cover art halfway through. THANK YOU!! Love, love, love this series, and I am so very glad that the baby plot did not totally derail every other aspect of the plot. The pace was much better than book three, moving along at a nice clip. The action scenes were very well described, and I found myself unable to turn pages fast enough to find out what would happen next.

It was wonderful to get to know more about Lord Maccon, his pack, and his history. For those who have read Carriger's "Finishing School" series, you'll be slightly familiar with Sidheag's part in this story due to events that unfold in that series. It was nice to get the adult, "pack" side of it and fill in the blanks and give more insight. When reading about the plot in the "Finishing School" books, it was honestly a bit confusing for someone who had not read these "Parasol" books first and had a heads-up. Overall this aspect of the plot gave the pack members more dimension and layers, which is always a good thing.

I found myself liking Floote more and more while reading this book. The active but subtle role he has taken in the series is perfect. He's always in the right place at the right time, and his actions and commentary are priceless. Aside from the unexpected love of Floote, my favorite part of this fourth book was the way Carriger is able to take a trusted, "good" character, and turn them into a villain/enemy of sorts. This is done with a subtlety and skill that is impressive.

This is turning out to be one of the best series I have read in a very long time. I am so glad I gave it a chance, and I am excited to dive into the last book in the series, "Timeless".

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This book was the best of the series. Twists and turns abound,a fun and kooky read

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Overall, enjoyable, but a bit difficult to follow at times. I wasn't always sure why things were happening, as the various plot lines seemed to be disjointed. Mysterious utterances by an unknown ghost, vampire politics and behavior, mystery surrounding past events involving werewolves, and a teapot. Somehow it all comes together by the end, but by then, I didn't really care.

I'm happy to say that I enjoyed Alexia's usual witty banter, and Carriger's tongue-in-cheek writing style is as inventive as ever. That's really what keeps me coming back for more, but I do wish Carriger was a bit more forthcoming with the explanations of WHY something is happening.

Very reminiscent of classic Wodehouse. I'm sure Jeeves could have handled Octomatons and Vampire Porcupines with as much aplomb as Floote.

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