A few days ago I reviewed the first two books in the FINISHING SCHOOL series in anticipation of the third book's release tomorrow. #FinishingSchoolWAISTCOATS & WEAPONRY by Gail Carriger is the third book in the popular FINISHING SCHOOL series. Now in her second year, Sophronia is more confident and independent than ever in terms of her intelligence skills, however she’s still learning how to react to the advances of two very different suitors. Once again, Mademoiselle Geraldine’s students find themselves in the middle of another madcap adventure.
While CURTSIES & CONSPIRACIES focused on vampires, this story delves deeper into the world of flywaymen and werewolves. The familiar characters and nonstop action made this third installment just as exciting as the first two. The book concludes with a shocking choice that has intriguing implications for the next book in this entertaining series.
From wielding lethal fans to practicing the art of seduction, readers will enjoy another round of Carriger’s witty steampunk prose.
With the popularity of steampunk, consider developing a library display focusing on popular series. The FINISHING SCHOOL website at http://finishingschoolbooks.com/ contains lots of hilarious “lessons” that can be printed as part of the display. Get students involved in the fun. What’s the proper way to faint? How do you defeat a vampire? How do ladies ride a werewolf?
NetGalley ARC used for review
I hate jumping into the middle of a series? With the third book in the popular FINISHING SCHOOL series by Gail Carriger coming out November 4, I thought I’d go back and review the first two books to get you up to speed in case you missed it. Steampunk is a popular genre with teens and young women will immediately be attracted to Sophronia’s likable personality.
ETIQUETTE AND ESPIONAGE by Gail Carriger is the first book in this exciting new series. This whimsical adventure establishes an alternative Victorian-era world filled with quirky characters including robots, vampires, and werewolves.
Most fans of fantasy will immediately see connections between Mademoiselle Geraldine’s Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality and Hogwarts. Most teens (as well as adults) love the idea of going to a school where they learn skills in espionage, interact with interesting creatures, and go on daring adventures.
Carriger’s skillful narrative makes even the most ridiculous situations seem plausible. Like most “first books” in a new series, this one spends most of text establishing the setting and characters leaving the plot elements surface level. However, the author weaves an entertaining tale and leaves enough untold to entice readers to seek out the next book in the series.
CURTSIES & CONSPIRACIES by Gail Carriger is the second book in the FINISHING SCHOOL series. This book picks up six months after the first book with Sophronia completing her first formal exams. As her training continues, she’s forced to test her skills in the dangerous city of London and an unexpected love triangle adds to the adventure.
Gail’s crisp, humorous writing style will appeal to young adult readers. Like many sequels, the characters and setting seem less fresh and innovative than the first book. However this quick, quirky story will keep readers coming back for the rest of the series.
It’s time to start reading the first two because the third book in the series WAISTCOAT & WEAPONRY (Book 3) is coming out November 4, 2014.
Whether you’re new to steampunk or looking for a great way to get started with this exciting genre, ETIQUETTE AND ESPIONAGE by Gail Carriger is an excellent choice. Other books in the series include CURTSIES & CONSPIRACIES and WAISTCOATS & WEAPONRY. To learn more about the series, go to Finishing School at http://finishingschoolbooks.com/
For more light-hearted, steampunk fun, look for Gail Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate series.
To learn more about Gail Carriger and her books, go to http://www.gailcarriger.com/
NetGalley ARC used for review
