Timeless makes a fantastic ending to the really enjoyable, if occasionally silly, Parasol Protectorate series.

For those that picked up the first book in the series, Soulless, and were instantly carried away to the incredibly fun and original world of the Parasol Protectorate, and have been following the series along dutifully, having this series come to an end now won’t be the tragedy you might imagine. Although the series was great fun, after the spectacular start of the first book, the spark of originality faded in future books. In Timeless I did start to question whether Gail Carriger was just a little over the novelty of the story concept, as it did start to seem a little forced; Ivy’s hat obsession seemed just a little too obvious, Lord Akeldamma’s pet endearments just a little forced.

The ending of Heartless left us pondering what type of creature this daughter of Alexia’s was to be, and Timeless picks up two years from all the drama that was unfolding when we left. Biffy has settled into life as a werewolf, Prudence’s favourite word is “no!”, Alexia and Connell are so settled they’re bored, and Ivy has an ever growing collection of horrid hats. Of course, we can’t leave things in such a settled state, or we just wouldn’t have a story!

One of the great things about this series is Ms Carriger’s clever explorations of couples, the way Alexia and Connell met and fell in love, the bizarre blossoming between Ivy and Tunstell even Madame Lefoux’s heartbreak. The series isn’t just about gadgets and solving crimes, and nor does the romance limit itself to the main characters, and it is this padding out of the secondary characters and the exploration of their lives and loves that bring it home for me. Besides, there’s really only so many times you can have Connell be a twit and storm off in a rage while Alexia soldiers on until he comes to his, sometimes dim, senses.  In Timeless we see a Biffy in a new light, with tenderness as he falls in love, and with strength has his character develops, and it was quite unexpected to see him take on these new roles within the series.

Although I will be sad to see the series come to an end, I am glad that it didn’t grow to the point of stagnation, and with the way this is written, the ends are all neatly tied up, but the future is left to the imagination of the reader.

I am delighted that there will be a forthcoming new series based in the world Ms Carriger has created, and I am certainly looking forward to hearing Prudence’s exploits, but this series will always hold a special place in my heart, and is going to be bringing a smile to may face on many re-reads in the future.