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Etiquette & Espionage (Finishing School, #1)

Gail Carriger

Start date: October 23, 2013

Finish date: October 31, 2013

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What Members Thought

May 30, 2013 Vicky rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: steampunk, paranormal, series-read, setting-england, own-audible-library, zz-cover-color-purple, z-author-american-usa

I loved the Parasol Protectorate series, so I was excited to start the Finishing School series.

The characters were equally outlandish and fun, the adventure was entertaining and I loved seeing Sidheag and Mme. Lefoux in their younger years.

On the down side, it's very clear that this is a book aimed for Young Adults. Carriger's quirkiness is still present in names like Mrs. Barnaclegoose and the general ridiculousness of the events throughout the book. But the wry wit and banter that I adore fr ...more

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Apr 07, 2015 Roseann rated it really liked it

Let me start by saying that I am not a Steampunk fan, but this tale was interesting and charming. I look forward to reading more in the series.

1 like · Like · see review

May 26, 2013 Paula Phillips rated it it was amazing

When I saw this book come through the Library, I wasn't sure whether or not I would enjoy it as some of them are great but Steampunk novels don't seem to be one of my favourite genres to read, this could be stemmed from as a friend pointed it out that I am not keen on historical programmes etc as I tend to find things from the past boring which I do- I'm more of a Cyberpunk girl rather than Steampunk. However what made Gail Carriger's book interesting and enjoyable is that it combined two of my ...more

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Jan 06, 2025 Dareth McKenna rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

For what seems to be a YA book I found this surprisingly enjoyable! I really like Sophronia and the girls and guys she befriends and I was caught up in the mystery of the prototype. I liked that the story showcased Sophronia growing into confidence and rethinking the value of skills she ignored before. The steampunk world is neat too! Can’t wait to read the next book!

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Feb 26, 2013 Shawna rated it really liked it

I think this one is closer to 3.5 stars. I love the setting and the concept of the finishing school. However some things could have been better explained. For example, it's mentioned multiple times that their luggage was lost on the way to the school. Yet it never really is explained how they got clothes once they got to the school. Some of the transitions weren't fully explained either, whereas a lot of time was put into explaining and setting up the school concept. I feel like this was mostly ...more

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Oct 18, 2013 Wendy Kalthoff rated it did not like it

I did not care for it. it felt like it was trying to be little women or alice in winderland. I am not a fan of vampire books and it was way too slow and tedious for me. I could not get back chapter 6.

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Feb 04, 2013 Morgan rated it it was amazing

Shelves: kindle-read, fiction, young-adult, paranormal, five-star-reads, vampires-and-immortals, werewolves-and-shifters, alternate-history

*Finally getting around to adding all the books I've been reading.*

*Kindle*

I really, really enjoyed this. If you liked the Parasol Protectorate books, you'll enjoy these. Sort of a prequel in a way--same 'verse, just earlier in time. Mostly different characters.

Excited for more. ...more

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