Soulless

Reach for this book when your teenager feels like an oddity in a world of rigid social expectations or is struggling to find where they fit in. Alexia Tarabotti is a sharp-witted woman in Victorian London who is literally soulless, a condition that makes her a social pariah but also gives her the power to neutralize supernatural abilities. While the story is a playful romp featuring vampires and werewolves, it deeply explores the emotional need to be seen for who one truly is rather than what society demands. It is a sophisticated comedy of manners that rewards readers who appreciate dry humor, intellectual independence, and a protagonist who refuses to be dampened by the judgment of others. Note that while it is written for young adults, it contains some mature romantic tension and stylized action.