YA Mini-reviews: Curtsies and Conspiracies (Finishing School #2) + Waistcoats and Weaponry (Finishing School #3)
The Finishing School series by Gail Carriger is a fun, fast-paced thrilled ride with a mash-up of paranormal along with light steampunk series. Many thanks to Little, Brown for advanced copies of these books.
Description: Sophronia's first year at Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality has certainly been rousing! For one thing, finishing school is training her to be a spy--won't Mumsy be surprised? Furthermore, Sophronia got mixed up in an intrigue over a stolen device and had a cheese pie thrown at her in a most horrid display of poor manners.
Now, as she sneaks around the dirigible school, eavesdropping on the teachers' quarters and making clandestine climbs to the ship's boiler room, she learns that there may be more to a field trip to London than is apparent at first. A conspiracy is afoot--one with dire implications for both supernaturals and humans. Sophronia must rely on her training to discover who is behind the dangerous plot-and survive the London Season with a full dance card.
Review: Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality is not your typical boarding school. While girls learn the rules of etiquette and how to behave like a 'proper lady', they also learn how to be a stealthy spy. Sophronia is now in her second year at the school and has established herself as one of the top recruits, at least in terms of espionage. Her suspicious nature and incurable curiosity continues to drive her as she uses her skills and training to uncover the true reason behind the school trip to London. Carriger does not reintroduce characters or give any backstory; instead she jumps right into the thick of the action, developing a fast-paced plot that is sure to keep readers' attention as Sophronia discovers a conspiracy involving a technology that will affect vampires, werewolves, and humans alike. New characters are introduced, some of which are interesting and instantly likable while others are just okay. The highlight for me has always been Carriger's humor and the various shenanigans that Sophronia gets into.
Rating: 4 stars
Words of Caution: There is mild flirtation and some insults but nothing serious. Recommended for Grades 7 and up.
Description: Sophronia continues second year finishing school in style -- with a steel-bladed fan secreted in the folds of her ball gown. She, best friend Dimity, sweet sootie Soap, and charming Lord Felix Mersey stow away on train to return classmate Sidheag to her werewolf pack in Scotland. No one suspects what or who would be aboard the suspiciously empty train.
Review: Sophronia Temminick and her friends once again face adventure and mystery. Sophronia is going home for a ball in honor of her brother's wedding. Her biggest concern should be practicing her etiquette and the use of her fan as a weapon, but instead she is worried about her friend Sidheagh, whose family of werewolves are facing exile or perhaps worse. Sidheagh is determined to return home to help her family and Sophronia is just as determined to help her. Soon she and her friends, including Dimity, Soap, and Lord Felix Mersey, are on their way via hot air balloon and train. The political factions and social class are brought to the forefront in this book, causing Sophronia to stop and think about her own view of politics as well as challenging herself to see what lengths she is willing to go to in order to help her friends. Along the way a Pickleman plot is unveiled and a love triangle between Sophronia, Lord Felix, and Soap seem to be forming; however, I think our heroine seems to be leading in one direction (which I certainly hope is the case because I do love Soap!). There were a few surprises that were a nice addition in the end and I'm looking forward to see how everything plays out in the next book. Carriger's trademark wit and humor are the reasons why I keep coming back to this series.
Rating: 4 stars
Words of Caution: There is minor violence as two people are shot by gunfire, and there's hand to hand combat. Recommended for Grades 7 and up.
If you like these books try: Gallagher series by Ally Carter, Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger
Now, as she sneaks around the dirigible school, eavesdropping on the teachers' quarters and making clandestine climbs to the ship's boiler room, she learns that there may be more to a field trip to London than is apparent at first. A conspiracy is afoot--one with dire implications for both supernaturals and humans. Sophronia must rely on her training to discover who is behind the dangerous plot-and survive the London Season with a full dance card.
Review: Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality is not your typical boarding school. While girls learn the rules of etiquette and how to behave like a 'proper lady', they also learn how to be a stealthy spy. Sophronia is now in her second year at the school and has established herself as one of the top recruits, at least in terms of espionage. Her suspicious nature and incurable curiosity continues to drive her as she uses her skills and training to uncover the true reason behind the school trip to London. Carriger does not reintroduce characters or give any backstory; instead she jumps right into the thick of the action, developing a fast-paced plot that is sure to keep readers' attention as Sophronia discovers a conspiracy involving a technology that will affect vampires, werewolves, and humans alike. New characters are introduced, some of which are interesting and instantly likable while others are just okay. The highlight for me has always been Carriger's humor and the various shenanigans that Sophronia gets into.
Rating: 4 stars
Words of Caution: There is mild flirtation and some insults but nothing serious. Recommended for Grades 7 and up.
Review: Sophronia Temminick and her friends once again face adventure and mystery. Sophronia is going home for a ball in honor of her brother's wedding. Her biggest concern should be practicing her etiquette and the use of her fan as a weapon, but instead she is worried about her friend Sidheagh, whose family of werewolves are facing exile or perhaps worse. Sidheagh is determined to return home to help her family and Sophronia is just as determined to help her. Soon she and her friends, including Dimity, Soap, and Lord Felix Mersey, are on their way via hot air balloon and train. The political factions and social class are brought to the forefront in this book, causing Sophronia to stop and think about her own view of politics as well as challenging herself to see what lengths she is willing to go to in order to help her friends. Along the way a Pickleman plot is unveiled and a love triangle between Sophronia, Lord Felix, and Soap seem to be forming; however, I think our heroine seems to be leading in one direction (which I certainly hope is the case because I do love Soap!). There were a few surprises that were a nice addition in the end and I'm looking forward to see how everything plays out in the next book. Carriger's trademark wit and humor are the reasons why I keep coming back to this series.
Rating: 4 stars
Words of Caution: There is minor violence as two people are shot by gunfire, and there's hand to hand combat. Recommended for Grades 7 and up.
If you like these books try: Gallagher series by Ally Carter, Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger
Labels:
2015 YRHMB Reading Challenge,
4 stars,
Finishing School series,
Humor,
Mystery,
Paranormal,
Romance,
Steampunk,
YA
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I really need to get caught up on this series Rummanah! I so enjoyed the first book, it was pure fun all the way through. I'm curious about the love triangle in book three, but I'm glad Sophronia definitely seems to have a preference. She doesn't seem like the type to waffle:)
I agree, Carriger's wit and humor is amazing, and it's what I look forward to about these books. I'm rooting for Soap, and I think Sophronia is on the same page, thank goodness. :-) Lovely review!
Yes, definitely, Gail humour is EVERYTHING!! She is just so clever and it's definitely the main element that draws me to her books time and time again, as well. Really curious what the next instalment to this series will bring!
I agree with you! I have been having fun with these books. I really enjoy this series.
I really enjoyed the first book but really need to continue the series! I'm really glad to hear you enjoyed this!
I can't believe three books in this series have already been released when I still haven't read the first book! You're not the only one though, Rummanah, who's mentioned how much fun Carriger's books are so hopefully I'll be able to give this series a try sometime soon.