#conall maccon

i haven’t read the books in a while but i’m pretty sure that there’s a plot point where werewolves’ hair stays the same as when they were transformed, unless they’re in a godbreaker zone. (i’m mostly sure that alexia had to hold conall’s hand while he shaved to make him human, at least.)

so basically my question is: does hair dye apply to the same rules? can werewolves dye their hair outside of being touched by a preternatural or being in a god-breaker zone?? this has been plaguing me for ages 

So I love Parasol Protector by Gail Carriger, and my favorite relationship starts with a hedgehog.

Buy Direct: https://gum.co/YEDtq

The Hedgehog Incident

From the comedic mind of New York Times bestseller Gail Carriger comes the much requested prequel short story to Soulless.

Alexia Tarabotti attends what appears to be a very dull London party, until the new werewolf Alpha turns up, is unconscionably rude to her, and sits on a hedgehog.

Don’t miss this charming novelette featuring the very first encounter between the Parasolverse’s most popular power couple, preternatural Alexia and supernatural Lord Conall Maccon.

Look out for cheeky appearances from other much beloved characters, not to mention the strategic application of a certain wicker chicken.

A Note On Chronology

Set in the spring of 1872 this story occurs just prior to events chronicled in The Parasol Protectorate series (featuring Alexia and Conall) and after those in Defy or Defend. Alexia also appears briefly in Romancing the Inventor, and Conall and England’s most scandalous wolf pack is referenced in The Finishing School series.

This is a quick read at 9000 words (about 15 printed pages) available in print only as part of Fan Service (collected Supernatural Society omnibus). It is best read if you are already familiar with Gail Carriger’s gaslight universe and comedy of manners style, as it was written specifically with her fans in mind.

Want more hot gruff werewolf gentlemen and practical tough ladies? Try How to Marry a Werewolf.

Meat Cute: The Hedgehog Incident special extras coming soon

Gail’s articles, thoughts & tidbits on Meat Cute

Gail has no plans to produce this as a solo printed edition, it’s too short.

Accolades & Praise

Amazon #1 bestseller in Steampunk Fiction!

PRAISE FOR MEAT CUTE

“Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate series beautifully blends together alternate history, steampunk and paranormal romance into stories that are witty, engaging and fun.”

Kirkus, starred review (Soulless)

“This intoxicatingly witty parody will appeal to a wide cross-section of romance, fantasy and steampunk fans. ”

Publishers Weekly, starred review (Soulless)

“Carriger’s leading lady is a strong, independent role model for female readers.”

School Library, starred review (Soulless)

“Behind the delightful whimsy and snarky observations, there is a great deal of heart and soul…”

Books of 2019: Heartless by Gail Carriger (Parasol Protectorate #4)

Heartless is the fourth book in Carriger’s series the Parasol Protectorate, therefore summarising the plot without spoilers is nearly impossible... Apologies. But the series itself follows the adventures of Alexia Tarabotti, soulless, as she deals with the supernatural community in London (largely). This series has vampires, werewolves, and ghosts, as well as an inordinate amount of tea, which is possibly the most accurate depiction of English society in this book.

This brings me onto my nitpicky-est  criticism of both this book and the series as a whole. Unfortunately, while this book is set in an steampunk alternate universe London Carriger is trying to emulate British society in the Victorian period. The misrepresentations of that period I can deal with (even when they are supposed to be accurate to the period) and usually where fantasy and reality collide the integration is well done. However, the inordinate amount of Americanisms in the language used by supposedly VERY British characters drives me up the wall. As an native British English speaker these mistakes stand out like a bull in a china shop! They’re incredibly distracting and by book 4 I would expect these to have been removed by Carriger or an editor through research and familiarity with British English colloquialisms and use of grammar. Particularly irritating is when  an article is dropped in a sentence (such as ‘a’ and ‘the’) and occasionally conjunctions when declaring a character is going to do a series of actions. This happens a lot in books and TV that depict British characters from American authors, yet when the premise of the main character is ‘very proper British gentlewoman’ these mistakes are glaring to a British reader. 

I’m also becoming more and more irritated by the behaviour of Conall Maccon, Alexia’s werewolf husband. I appreciate he is supposed to be a gruff, Scottish, and a little uncouth, however, the number of scenes where he deliberately uses sexual activity (usually kissing) to distract, shut up, or otherwise ignore Alexia’s concerns is alarming. Considering Maccon is supposed to be the romantic hero of the novels his behaviour is unacceptable and I’m growing increasingly uncomfortable with the continued romanticism of his actions. 

There are some genuinely likeable characters in these books; Lord Akeldama, Biffy, Ivy, and Professor Lyall to name a few. However, poor actions or decisions from these characters are not excused by Carriger. For instance, the subplot of this book was dedicated to the poor actions of Professor Lyall and Carriger makes a point of demonstrating the immorality of his choices regarding the previous Alpha of the Woolsey Pack. Unfortunately, I don’t think Carriger will address this aspect of Maccon’s character in the last book and this issue will continue to infuriate me when ever his character comes into the book. Carriger seems to want to continue romanticising his sexualised acts to ignore Alexia’s concerns and wishes. 

Bonus:

A laaate Valentine’s Day tribute~ lol. Well, rather late than never! (and Conall agrees!)