Curtsies & Conspiracies (Finishing School)

Great series ....but I was really sad that the author felt inclined to add a part where the girls discuss seeing men without clothes & though the description is not one that would encourage interest, it was just on the edge of salaciousness & cheapened what otherwise was perfection. It seems that you can't have a book where the characters show growth towards adulthood without some sort of inappropriate "coming of age" discussion somewhere....always seems a bit lazy to me, as well as distracting from the plot. Aside from that, I must commend the author for having the character's actions result in real consequences with long lasting ramifications, the adventure is tremendous fun but each major (& some minor) character's personal plots evolve quite satisfyingly as well !

Such an interesting idea for a book. So steampunk in the 1860s but with such a corner on the culture of the times. Worth every page! Plus the heroine is a beyond clever and hard working girl with flaws but who does not climb into the pitfalls of the then-modern lady. A great book two!!

I've enjoyed the growth of the main character Sophronia, who felt a bit naive in the first book of this series. In this installment, she begins to understand the domino effects that her actions can have, even as she continues to be youthful in her outlook and occasionally oblivious (as befits both her nature and her age). The intrigues with the various players in this world - werewolves and vampires and the anti-supernatural set - got more complex this time, but did not, thankfully, become confusing.

Although I think the book is generally classified as YA, it's a perfectly enjoyable read for an adult looking for some steampunk urban fantasy fun. I found, as I have with all Carriger's books, that once I was done I wanted the next book in the series to be just one click or arm-stretch away. She is an incredibly witty writer. I'm especially intrigued by Sophronia's budding relationship situations, because there's a lot of subtle exploration of society as much as the vagaries of youth in there. Maybe the next book will come out sooner rather than later? *BIG HOPEFUL PUPPY EYES*

From the author of the Parasol Protectorate series, of course these are also good. Although they are more teen-focussed, they keep the same good writing and lovable characters that Gail Carriger is so good at creating.

The Finishing School books are fun. Combinations of Howl's Moving Castle and dotted with characters from the Parasol Protectorate series. Steampunk fantasy! Get on your floating suit and strap on your obstructer...

This story is another fun version of Sophronia and her friends and their shenanigans. There are kidnappings and clandestine spying and stealing parts for inventions and confrontations with vampires and werewolves, pickelmen and mechanimals. It is a fun read and I can't wait for the next one.