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daumari's review
4.0
Another library one due- I thought my local library didn't have the Finishing School books for some reason until I saw it on the shelf earlier this month. Took me a second to place this in the timeline compared to Parasol Protectorate (an earlier era, with Sidheag Maccon as a teenager at the school! Wee baby imp LeFoux!) Very fun (magic/boarding schools usually are), though decidedly younger than the PP audience. Alas, library doesn't seem to have the next one so I'll have to look...
teawithbree's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
mmmlysaght's review against another edition
5.0
There's something wonderfully charming about werewolves in top hats, baddies called The Great Chutney, and the scandalous nature of purple flannel night-clothing.
knihomila's review against another edition
4.0
Taká malá milá ružová dokonalosť :) :3 :D Nič mi tu nechýbalo, ničoho nebolo veľa, všetko dávkované presne tak, aby ste si rovno kúpili pokračovanie :D
schohayes's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was a book that I read for book club, and not something I would typically pick. I liked it though! It was a fun, adventurous story, very YA-feeling but a quick and easy read!
beltari's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
El steampunk me da mala espina, especialmente si el protagonista es una mujer. Me ha pasado de quemarme con romances JA pero con engranajes pegados encima. Cuando vi que este libro también tenía vampiros y hombres lobos pensé que iba a ser triángulo amoroso con engranajes pegados encima. Por suerte fui gratamente sorprendida.
En Etiqueta y Espionaje seguimos a Sophronia, una niña de 14 años (la primer pista de que no iba a ser un romance) de una familia de clase alta que es obligada a ir a una escuela para señoritas. Lo que ni ella ni la madre saben, es que en esa escuela no entrenan sólo en cuestiones de etiqueta sino también en espionaje (de ahí el nombre del libro) Los elementos de steampunk están muy bien emparejados en la construcción del mundo, los personajes tienen un buen desarrollo a lo largo del libro y la trama es autoconclusiva pero con suficientes enganches para seguir leyendo los siguientes. Le doy 3.5/5 porque estuvo bien, pero no me voló la cabeza.
En Etiqueta y Espionaje seguimos a Sophronia, una niña de 14 años (la primer pista de que no iba a ser un romance) de una familia de clase alta que es obligada a ir a una escuela para señoritas. Lo que ni ella ni la madre saben, es que en esa escuela no entrenan sólo en cuestiones de etiqueta sino también en espionaje (de ahí el nombre del libro) Los elementos de steampunk están muy bien emparejados en la construcción del mundo, los personajes tienen un buen desarrollo a lo largo del libro y la trama es autoconclusiva pero con suficientes enganches para seguir leyendo los siguientes. Le doy 3.5/5 porque estuvo bien, pero no me voló la cabeza.
latabernaderol's review
3.5
El steampunk me da mala espina, especialmente si el protagonista es una mujer. Me ha pasado de quemarme con romances JA pero con engranajes pegados encima. Cuando vi que este libro también tenía vampiros y hombres lobos pensé que iba a ser triángulo amoroso con engranajes pegados encima. Por suerte fui gratamente sorprendida. En Etiqueta y Espionaje seguimos a Sophronia, una niña de 14 años (la primer pista de que no iba a ser un romance) de una familia de clase alta que es obligada a ir a una escuela para señoritas. Lo que ni ella ni la madre saben, es que en esa escuela no entrenan sólo en cuestiones de etiqueta sino también en espionaje (de ahí el nombre del libro) Los elementos de steampunk están muy bien emparejados en la construcción del mundo, los personajes tienen un buen desarrollo a lo largo del libro y la trama es autoconclusiva pero con suficientes enganches para seguir leyendo los siguientes. Le doy 3.5/5 porque estuvo bien, pero no me voló la cabeza.
kathydavie's review
4.0
First in the Finishing School steampunk series for young adults set in 1851 England. The story revolves around the unconventional Sophronia, who simply does not fit as her mother would prefer.
My Take
It had a wobbly start, but it got going once Sophronia started her lessons. I do adore Carriger's twist on attacking a vampire, LOL. Then there's the abstemious breakfast...sigh...what a dream. And there are all the other twists on what we expect of a finishing school and proper young ladies. Too funny
Oh, man, I love it---the salacious purple flannel nightgown! I wonder, is it the purple that makes it so naughty??
Interesting use of "slur".
Sophronia [and we] learn very quickly to dissemble and snoop as well as learning such lifesaving techniques as the "fan and sprinkle" maneuver, useful fainting techniques, manipulating with clothing...
I love it! It's only one semester in and already Sophronia is quite pleased with their assortment of weapons when the young ladies are threatened yet again while traveling. After all, there is so much one can do with handkerchiefs, fans, hats, and gloves, etc.
It's an interesting cast with the usual schoolgirl cliques and infighting as well as the inappropriate friendships---which we'll probably discover is a requirement of graduation! However, Carriger's twists and turns make this too fascinating, and I can't wait until Curtsies & Conspiracies comes out in the fall!
I'm suspecting this series predates the Parasol Protectorate, and I'll be curious if the end of this series slides right into it.
The Story
It's on the way to finishing school that Sophronia's new life as a covert recruit quickly imposes with an attack by flywaymen.
Nor is it the last attack, for skullduggery is afoot aboard the finishing school, and Sophronia is eager to investigate.
The Characters
Fourteen-year-old Sophronia Temminnick is the very nosy, resourceful daughter being sent off to finishing school. Bumbersnoot is the mechanimal shot aboard the school by the threatening flywaymen. He certainly is a little sweetie! Petunia is her older, sixteen-year-old sister. Roger is the stable lad who has has taught Sophronia some very naughty things; Eliza is the long-suffering maid; and, Frowbitcher is the family butler.
The instructors at Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality include:
Mademoiselle Geraldine is the headmistress, who hasn't a clue, but does teach dance and dress. Captain Niall is the gorgeous werewolf who teaches self-defense. Professor Beatrice Lefoux teaches modern languages, modern weaponry, and technological advancements as well as being an honorary member of the Order of the Brass Octopus. Lady Linette de Limmone teaches music and the finer creative arts, you know, like intelligence gathering, principles of deceit, fundamental espionage, and rudimentary seduction. Sister Mattie Herschel-Teape teaches household management including medicinal cures and poisoning. Professor Braithwope is a vampire who teaches history, deportment, manners, etiquette, and genteel dress as well as vampire lore and defense.
Fellow students include:
Dimity Ann Plumbleigh-Teignmott is also a new student---she faints at the sight of blood. Miss Monique de Pelouse is a bad egg. Sidheag Maccon, Lady Kingair of a werewolf clan, hates being here. Preshea Buss is mean and smart, but her father dabbles in trade. Agatha Woosmoss is the shy daughter of a railroad baron.
Genevieve is Professor Lefoux's niece.
Sooties include:
Pips; Phineas B. Crow, a.k.a., Soap; and, Greaser are some of the boys who shovel coal into the boiler. Old Smalls is the Junior Sixth Assistant Engineer.
Vieve has the run of the entire dirigible school and is quite clever with the mechanics of things.
Bunson and Lacroix's Boys' Polytechnique, the boys' school
Pillover Plumbleigh-Teignmott is Dimity's little brother with a tremendous handicap. The Pistons are a group of students who think they're all that---there's a rumor that some of 'em are sons of Picklemen! Young Lord Dingleproops is one of them.
Mrs. Barnaclegoose is a friend of Sophronia's mother.
The Cover
I do love Sophronia's pose in profile on the cover! Against a fuchsia brocade background, casting a shadow, a black-gowned Sophronia holds fast with ornate scissors in her net-gloved hand, just waiting to strike!
The title introduces us to a most unusual finishing school which emphasizes Etiquette and Espionage.
My Take
It had a wobbly start, but it got going once Sophronia started her lessons. I do adore Carriger's twist on attacking a vampire, LOL. Then there's the abstemious breakfast...sigh...what a dream. And there are all the other twists on what we expect of a finishing school and proper young ladies. Too funny
Oh, man, I love it---the salacious purple flannel nightgown! I wonder, is it the purple that makes it so naughty??
Interesting use of "slur".
Sophronia [and we] learn very quickly to dissemble and snoop as well as learning such lifesaving techniques as the "fan and sprinkle" maneuver, useful fainting techniques, manipulating with clothing...
I love it! It's only one semester in and already Sophronia is quite pleased with their assortment of weapons when the young ladies are threatened yet again while traveling. After all, there is so much one can do with handkerchiefs, fans, hats, and gloves, etc.
It's an interesting cast with the usual schoolgirl cliques and infighting as well as the inappropriate friendships---which we'll probably discover is a requirement of graduation! However, Carriger's twists and turns make this too fascinating, and I can't wait until Curtsies & Conspiracies comes out in the fall!
I'm suspecting this series predates the Parasol Protectorate, and I'll be curious if the end of this series slides right into it.
The Story
It's on the way to finishing school that Sophronia's new life as a covert recruit quickly imposes with an attack by flywaymen.
Nor is it the last attack, for skullduggery is afoot aboard the finishing school, and Sophronia is eager to investigate.
The Characters
Fourteen-year-old Sophronia Temminnick is the very nosy, resourceful daughter being sent off to finishing school. Bumbersnoot is the mechanimal shot aboard the school by the threatening flywaymen. He certainly is a little sweetie! Petunia is her older, sixteen-year-old sister. Roger is the stable lad who has has taught Sophronia some very naughty things; Eliza is the long-suffering maid; and, Frowbitcher is the family butler.
The instructors at Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality include:
Mademoiselle Geraldine is the headmistress, who hasn't a clue, but does teach dance and dress. Captain Niall is the gorgeous werewolf who teaches self-defense. Professor Beatrice Lefoux teaches modern languages, modern weaponry, and technological advancements as well as being an honorary member of the Order of the Brass Octopus. Lady Linette de Limmone teaches music and the finer creative arts, you know, like intelligence gathering, principles of deceit, fundamental espionage, and rudimentary seduction. Sister Mattie Herschel-Teape teaches household management including medicinal cures and poisoning. Professor Braithwope is a vampire who teaches history, deportment, manners, etiquette, and genteel dress as well as vampire lore and defense.
Fellow students include:
Dimity Ann Plumbleigh-Teignmott is also a new student---she faints at the sight of blood. Miss Monique de Pelouse is a bad egg. Sidheag Maccon, Lady Kingair of a werewolf clan, hates being here. Preshea Buss is mean and smart, but her father dabbles in trade. Agatha Woosmoss is the shy daughter of a railroad baron.
Genevieve is Professor Lefoux's niece.
Sooties include:
Pips; Phineas B. Crow, a.k.a., Soap; and, Greaser are some of the boys who shovel coal into the boiler. Old Smalls is the Junior Sixth Assistant Engineer.
Vieve has the run of the entire dirigible school and is quite clever with the mechanics of things.
Bunson and Lacroix's Boys' Polytechnique, the boys' school
Pillover Plumbleigh-Teignmott is Dimity's little brother with a tremendous handicap. The Pistons are a group of students who think they're all that---there's a rumor that some of 'em are sons of Picklemen! Young Lord Dingleproops is one of them.
Mrs. Barnaclegoose is a friend of Sophronia's mother.
The Cover
I do love Sophronia's pose in profile on the cover! Against a fuchsia brocade background, casting a shadow, a black-gowned Sophronia holds fast with ornate scissors in her net-gloved hand, just waiting to strike!
The title introduces us to a most unusual finishing school which emphasizes Etiquette and Espionage.
sirensaria's review
5.0
I can't believe it took me 10 years to re-read this. I loved the book as much, maybe even more, than the first reading. Gail Carriger has such a way with writing. Her writing is both awe inspiring, and an absolute riot. She writes tongue-in-cheek without being too excessive, all while painting a thorough entertaining and gorgeous picture of steampunk England. I will say that I am a sucker for steampunk and sarcasm.
The story is about one Sophronia Temminnick and her foray into "Finishing" School. Within the first chapter it's clear that no ordinary Finishing School will be able to help Sophronia. Only a very special one of quali-tay would do. Good thing that she was recommended to and enrolled in Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality.
The main character, Sophronia, was so enjoyable. She was resourceful, intelligent, and respectable, but no Mary-Sue here. Sophronia's mistakes really taught her lessons that she took to heart and used. You could see her character grow throughout the book.
All of the main characters really made big growths. Personally, there really wasn't a character that didn't feel so real. Even the side characters had personality. I'm not going to lie, I love Pillover. He's so adorkable. I also loved Bumbersnoot. Soap and Vieve were also very charming and entertaining. I'm hoping we get to see more of all of the side characters.
The ending of the book was absolutely thrilling and frankly, hysterical. It was also rather fitting. Things were tied up nicely, but there was still enough loose ends that another book wouldn't seem too odd or forced. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
The story is about one Sophronia Temminnick and her foray into "Finishing" School. Within the first chapter it's clear that no ordinary Finishing School will be able to help Sophronia. Only a very special one of quali-tay would do. Good thing that she was recommended to and enrolled in Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality.
The main character, Sophronia, was so enjoyable. She was resourceful, intelligent, and respectable, but no Mary-Sue here. Sophronia's mistakes really taught her lessons that she took to heart and used. You could see her character grow throughout the book.
All of the main characters really made big growths. Personally, there really wasn't a character that didn't feel so real. Even the side characters had personality. I'm not going to lie, I love Pillover. He's so adorkable. I also loved Bumbersnoot. Soap and Vieve were also very charming and entertaining. I'm hoping we get to see more of all of the side characters.
The ending of the book was absolutely thrilling and frankly, hysterical. It was also rather fitting. Things were tied up nicely, but there was still enough loose ends that another book wouldn't seem too odd or forced. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!