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missbryden's review against another edition
4.0
Second read:
I think I like this better the second time around. I have more sympathy for Primrose and Percy as point of view characters, versus Rue in the first two books and Rue is more entertaining from others’ point of view. I love Prim and Percy’s sibling interactions.
Lady Maccon’s giving them a mission seems clearer this time round, yet I was still disappointed by how little time was taken up interacting with the “new” supernatural creatures, and still wished we could follow them on their further journey.
First read:
From memories of first two Custard Protocol books, I haven’t warmed to the new or newly grown up cast of this series as much as Parasol Protectorate or Finishing School. Except maybe to Percy. Having been fond of Ivy and Alexia in the first series, and used to them, I can’t get behind their children’s perspectives of them.
I enjoy how the characters are differently perceptive about things. Percy sees much that the others don’t and surprises them which surprises himself that they don’t see it, but then he can’t tell when he’s hurt someone’s feelings when in scientific pursuit of information. I like Prim’s practicality and want to fit with the time and place and its properness.
I was more interested in the characters towards the end, especially enjoying the sibling interaction.
From the previews I thought the time and events in Singapore would take up more space but after a quarter of the book they’re already on their way to South America, which is mentioned in the cover blurb but not in others. Also, a plot, a story-long problem is not especially clear. It’s been suggested by one of the crew's correspondents that they go help another different kind of vampires, not that Prim “uncovers rumors” as in the cover blurb. I don’t think I’m usually too bothered about seeing where a plot is going, but maybe I am more so in the absence of really attaching to the characters.
They don’t land in Peru until almost three quarters through the book, having followed the information for the vampires. More of the book is the journey. Admittedly in other stories I have sometimes felt there should be more about the getting there and not just skipping to the being there.
Spoilery ahead
There isn’t much time spent with the Pishtacos at the end, and I expect there’s a lot of history packed into what is said about them and by them, and I want to know it all, especially when it’s a culture less known to me!
On one hand I like how Percy’s explained and that it seems to be accepted that he doesn’t seem to need a companion/love, but at the same time I want to see the lady who would work just right with his personality. Or maybe see him settled more into the family of the Spotted Custard, as Primrose has recognized that she’s built, and not see him being without community in some way.
my Pinterest board of references
I think I like this better the second time around. I have more sympathy for Primrose and Percy as point of view characters, versus Rue in the first two books and Rue is more entertaining from others’ point of view. I love Prim and Percy’s sibling interactions.
Lady Maccon’s giving them a mission seems clearer this time round, yet I was still disappointed by how little time was taken up interacting with the “new” supernatural creatures, and still wished we could follow them on their further journey.
First read:
From memories of first two Custard Protocol books, I haven’t warmed to the new or newly grown up cast of this series as much as Parasol Protectorate or Finishing School. Except maybe to Percy. Having been fond of Ivy and Alexia in the first series, and used to them, I can’t get behind their children’s perspectives of them.
I enjoy how the characters are differently perceptive about things. Percy sees much that the others don’t and surprises them which surprises himself that they don’t see it, but then he can’t tell when he’s hurt someone’s feelings when in scientific pursuit of information. I like Prim’s practicality and want to fit with the time and place and its properness.
I was more interested in the characters towards the end, especially enjoying the sibling interaction.
From the previews I thought the time and events in Singapore would take up more space but after a quarter of the book they’re already on their way to South America, which is mentioned in the cover blurb but not in others. Also, a plot, a story-long problem is not especially clear. It’s been suggested by one of the crew's correspondents that they go help another different kind of vampires, not that Prim “uncovers rumors” as in the cover blurb. I don’t think I’m usually too bothered about seeing where a plot is going, but maybe I am more so in the absence of really attaching to the characters.
They don’t land in Peru until almost three quarters through the book, having followed the information for the vampires. More of the book is the journey. Admittedly in other stories I have sometimes felt there should be more about the getting there and not just skipping to the being there.
Spoilery ahead
Spoiler
I am intrigued over the discussions of reforming soulless Rodrigo with philosophy; it reminded me of how Alexia, as mentioned in Parasol Protectorate, (set herself) studies to form her ethics in place of soul, but disturbed by how they’re wondering how they can lead him to righteousness when all understandings of religion seem to be only where it's gone wrong, where Christianity has been badly carried out.There isn’t much time spent with the Pishtacos at the end, and I expect there’s a lot of history packed into what is said about them and by them, and I want to know it all, especially when it’s a culture less known to me!
On one hand I like how Percy’s explained and that it seems to be accepted that he doesn’t seem to need a companion/love, but at the same time I want to see the lady who would work just right with his personality. Or maybe see him settled more into the family of the Spotted Custard, as Primrose has recognized that she’s built, and not see him being without community in some way.
my Pinterest board of references
tinynavajo's review against another edition
5.0
So. Damn. GOOD!!! I love this latest installment of the Custard Protocol if because we get to see inside the head of a few other characters that have always been a bit off to the side.
In Competence, we follow the thought process of the twins, Primrose and Percival Tunstall. Mainly Primrose, as she struggles to come to terms with something that EVERYONE else can see; that Tasherit, our resident werelioness, is in love with her and wants her. Prim refuses to acknowledge this though, as she believes she wants to be married, have a family and kids. That is what she wants, a sense of stability, something normal that she didn't really have growing up the child of a vampire queen.
As Prim starts to work through things, including the fact that she is more accepting of Tasherit while she is in lion form than when in human form, all of Prim's family and friends help her realize there is more to it than that. All of her life, she has been seeking to uphold social expectations, get married to an upstanding man and raise a family. Prim has even been engaged several times and has had many beaus as well. She has felt nothing for these men and believes that is what is normal, that a loveless/romantic-less marriage is what is needed/normal. Yet, what Prim feels with she let's Tasherit near her is completely new and different. And that isn't normal, so she pushes Tasherit away as well as she can.
With all of this drama going on, there is also the mission given to the Spotted Custard to find this last hive of vampires in South America and possibly rescue/destroy them. Most likely rescue, but you never know with Alexia Maccon.
Overall, this book was great! I loved that it wasn't a lot about the action, but a lot about the character development. We know that Prim, in previous books, is extremely organized and she loves everything that would be considered proper for her place in society. She also wants everyone to be in their proper place as well, but as a member of the Spotted Custard, no one really fits into a neat little box in Prim's world.
With all of this though, we get to see Prim grow and change and accept that not everything will fit into neat little boxes, and sometimes you have to change your perspective if you want to find where you fit into the world. And if you have to change your perspective, the only person that will really notice is yourself. No one else really cares what you're doing in your life, as long as you're happy if they are your friends. And Prim's friends are truly her friends and her family and they love to see her finally accepting herself and allowing herself to love.
In Competence, we follow the thought process of the twins, Primrose and Percival Tunstall. Mainly Primrose, as she struggles to come to terms with something that EVERYONE else can see; that Tasherit, our resident werelioness, is in love with her and wants her. Prim refuses to acknowledge this though, as she believes she wants to be married, have a family and kids. That is what she wants, a sense of stability, something normal that she didn't really have growing up the child of a vampire queen.
As Prim starts to work through things, including the fact that she is more accepting of Tasherit while she is in lion form than when in human form, all of Prim's family and friends help her realize there is more to it than that. All of her life, she has been seeking to uphold social expectations, get married to an upstanding man and raise a family. Prim has even been engaged several times and has had many beaus as well. She has felt nothing for these men and believes that is what is normal, that a loveless/romantic-less marriage is what is needed/normal. Yet, what Prim feels with she let's Tasherit near her is completely new and different. And that isn't normal, so she pushes Tasherit away as well as she can.
With all of this drama going on, there is also the mission given to the Spotted Custard to find this last hive of vampires in South America and possibly rescue/destroy them. Most likely rescue, but you never know with Alexia Maccon.
Overall, this book was great! I loved that it wasn't a lot about the action, but a lot about the character development. We know that Prim, in previous books, is extremely organized and she loves everything that would be considered proper for her place in society. She also wants everyone to be in their proper place as well, but as a member of the Spotted Custard, no one really fits into a neat little box in Prim's world.
With all of this though, we get to see Prim grow and change and accept that not everything will fit into neat little boxes, and sometimes you have to change your perspective if you want to find where you fit into the world. And if you have to change your perspective, the only person that will really notice is yourself. No one else really cares what you're doing in your life, as long as you're happy if they are your friends. And Prim's friends are truly her friends and her family and they love to see her finally accepting herself and allowing herself to love.
toolizzforyou's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
jmitschke's review against another edition
4.0
Another delightful book in this fun series! I enjoyed the switch to Primrose as the POV-character because it upped the fussy, witty, British-comedy-of-manners factor.
ammiebelle's review against another edition
3.0
Three stars because of the Percy POV, which was a pleasant surprise. Otherwise, it was a fine/okay read. I'm looking forward to reading the final book in the series (which has more Percy).
adrierising's review against another edition
4.0
i forgot how much i hated prim for the first 60% of this
lisawreading's review against another edition
4.0
Picture yourself floating through the air, with a ladybug-spotted balloon overhead, surrounded by your best friends and some adoring crew members. Picture yourself floating above India, Africa, even the Pacific Ocean. Picture yourself with fancy hats, stylish traveling dresses, and oversized parasols.
Fun, right?
Did all that imagining make you feel light and bubbly, maybe even a little giddy? Well, that's a bit what reading the Custard Protocol books feels like, start to finish. The books in this delightful series are clearly fantasy, feel-good adventures, featuring exotic locales and extravagant fashion mixed with plenty of tea, camaraderie, and mid-air shenanigans.
Competence features Primrose Tunstell as lead character (although she occasionally cedes the POV spotlight to her brother Percy.) Through their eyes, we set out for adventure on board the Spotted Custard dirigible, floating from Singapore all the way across the ocean to Peru. Prim is a very proper young woman, a steadfast friend, and one heck of a ship's purser, responsible for keeping the dirigible stocked, fueled, and ready to float off at a moment's notice. Despite being determined to achieve a society-approved good marriage, Prim finds herself increasingly drawn to Tasherit, the exotically beautiful werelioness who is now a full member of the crew. Prim can't quite bring herself to venture so far outside the bounds of approved English standards as to enter into a relationship with a woman, but there's no denying the spark between the two, and as Prim acknowledges, cats can be very persistent about getting what they want.
Meanwhile, the Spotted Custard's adventures include the discovery of a strange and endangered breed of vampires, unusual weather patterns and weird pirate ships, and a spontaneous heist of helium from an unsuspecting tourist vehicle. Plus, the usual shipboard quibbles and romances, as well as philosophical discussion groups and scientific theorizing.
Competence is just as much fun as the first two books in the series. In this book, the romances in focus do not fit the mold of Victorian social acceptability -- but the author's depiction makes it clear that the characters are open-minded and refuse to be bound by meaningless judgment. On the Spotted Custard, love is love, period... and that's a very good thing, for the characters as well as for the readers. Prim takes a very long time to make up her mind, but the banter and flirtation between her and Tasherit light up the page, so you know it's just a matter of time...
I listenened to the audiobook version of Competence, and like the previous audiobooks in the series, it was amazing. Narrator Moira Quirk does an outstanding job with the characters, capturing their voices, their accents, and their personalities, and making each one distinct and instantly recognizable. She's also great with the action scenes, and really brings out the humor of Gail Carriger's fantastically quippy dialogue.
The Custard Protocol series is truly delectable, and Competence is a wonderful addition. And now, we wait... Book #4, Reticence, is due out in 2019.
For more, see my full review at Bookshelf Fantasies.
Fun, right?
Did all that imagining make you feel light and bubbly, maybe even a little giddy? Well, that's a bit what reading the Custard Protocol books feels like, start to finish. The books in this delightful series are clearly fantasy, feel-good adventures, featuring exotic locales and extravagant fashion mixed with plenty of tea, camaraderie, and mid-air shenanigans.
Competence features Primrose Tunstell as lead character (although she occasionally cedes the POV spotlight to her brother Percy.) Through their eyes, we set out for adventure on board the Spotted Custard dirigible, floating from Singapore all the way across the ocean to Peru. Prim is a very proper young woman, a steadfast friend, and one heck of a ship's purser, responsible for keeping the dirigible stocked, fueled, and ready to float off at a moment's notice. Despite being determined to achieve a society-approved good marriage, Prim finds herself increasingly drawn to Tasherit, the exotically beautiful werelioness who is now a full member of the crew. Prim can't quite bring herself to venture so far outside the bounds of approved English standards as to enter into a relationship with a woman, but there's no denying the spark between the two, and as Prim acknowledges, cats can be very persistent about getting what they want.
Meanwhile, the Spotted Custard's adventures include the discovery of a strange and endangered breed of vampires, unusual weather patterns and weird pirate ships, and a spontaneous heist of helium from an unsuspecting tourist vehicle. Plus, the usual shipboard quibbles and romances, as well as philosophical discussion groups and scientific theorizing.
Competence is just as much fun as the first two books in the series. In this book, the romances in focus do not fit the mold of Victorian social acceptability -- but the author's depiction makes it clear that the characters are open-minded and refuse to be bound by meaningless judgment. On the Spotted Custard, love is love, period... and that's a very good thing, for the characters as well as for the readers. Prim takes a very long time to make up her mind, but the banter and flirtation between her and Tasherit light up the page, so you know it's just a matter of time...
I listenened to the audiobook version of Competence, and like the previous audiobooks in the series, it was amazing. Narrator Moira Quirk does an outstanding job with the characters, capturing their voices, their accents, and their personalities, and making each one distinct and instantly recognizable. She's also great with the action scenes, and really brings out the humor of Gail Carriger's fantastically quippy dialogue.
The Custard Protocol series is truly delectable, and Competence is a wonderful addition. And now, we wait... Book #4, Reticence, is due out in 2019.
For more, see my full review at Bookshelf Fantasies.
tigerchica418's review against another edition
5.0
This was a fantastic book! Gail Carriger never disappoints! I was originally cautious about the change in point of view from Rue to the Twins, but felt that it worked very well.
This book had a lot of character development (with a few surprises) while still having plenty of fun action scenes. I love getting the chance to see how the Parasolverse looks on the other side of the world. This is the third book in the series, so I would recommend at least reading the other two first. While it’s not necessary to read any of Miss Gail’s other series to understand this one, it is a lot more fun that way since characters tie in from other books. I can’t recommend this book high enough!
This book had a lot of character development (with a few surprises) while still having plenty of fun action scenes. I love getting the chance to see how the Parasolverse looks on the other side of the world. This is the third book in the series, so I would recommend at least reading the other two first. While it’s not necessary to read any of Miss Gail’s other series to understand this one, it is a lot more fun that way since characters tie in from other books. I can’t recommend this book high enough!
misfitmoxie's review against another edition
5.0
I've been an enthusiast of Carriger's works since early on, and delighted in all of the adventures along the way, yet somehow, as occasionally happens, had missed this tome. Yet, it feels perfectly timed with who I am, and where the world is, just now.
I absolutely adore every aspect of this book. It tenderly covers topics of sexual identity and family and self-acceptance whilst providing the reader with a delightful, if sometimes bumbling, adventure filled with intriguing and humor, enthusiasm and aplomb.
I raise my teacup in admiration and salute. Thank you, Ms. Carriger. Thank you.
I absolutely adore every aspect of this book. It tenderly covers topics of sexual identity and family and self-acceptance whilst providing the reader with a delightful, if sometimes bumbling, adventure filled with intriguing and humor, enthusiasm and aplomb.
I raise my teacup in admiration and salute. Thank you, Ms. Carriger. Thank you.
hastings91's review against another edition
4.0
Probably one of my new favorite Gail Carriger books!
tw: internalized homophobia
tw: internalized homophobia