Heartless is the third novel in Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series, following Soulless and Changeless. Published in 2011, it continues the adventures of Alexia Maccon, Lady Woolsey, as she navigates the intricacies of Victorian London's supernatural society.
The novel sees Alexia investigating a series of mysterious events involving soulless individuals and the disruption of supernatural powers within the British Empire. Her investigation takes her from London to Italy, where she encounters vampires, werewolves, and other intriguing characters, both old and new.
Key themes explored in Heartless include the complexities of family, the burdens of responsibility, and the ever-evolving relationships between humans and supernaturals. The novel also delves deeper into the origins and implications of Alexia's unique abilities.
The plot revolves around the disruption of the BUR (Bureau of Unnatural Registry), the organization responsible for overseeing supernatural affairs. This disruption, along with the aforementioned supernatural fluctuations, threatens the delicate balance between the human and supernatural worlds. Alexia, along with her husband Lord Conall Maccon and their quirky allies, must uncover the source of these problems and restore order. The novel features Carriger's signature blend of steampunk, humor, romance, and supernatural elements.