Manners & Mutiny (Finishing School)
ByGail Carriger
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Readers` Reviews
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
avani
I really expected some intrigue and excitement in the final book, yet this feel flat. The author has a wonderful style, yet this book was uninspiring and, frankly, the most boring of the series. I actually put this one down for days on end and that is almost unheard of for me with a traditionally published book.
The writing wasn't bad. I am not sure what failed. It just seemed very uninspired to me. The plot was terribly expected, down to the twists and turns. The conclusion to the love story was passionless. Overall, it was vague and boring- Not at all what I have come to expect from this author. She can do better.
The writing wasn't bad. I am not sure what failed. It just seemed very uninspired to me. The plot was terribly expected, down to the twists and turns. The conclusion to the love story was passionless. Overall, it was vague and boring- Not at all what I have come to expect from this author. She can do better.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
goldmancafe
As with all of her books, Carriger does steampunk, old-world manners, and espionage up right. I love this author and can't get enough of her work. I was sad especially to see this heroine be "finished". Ria is one of my favorites, but I guess I say that every time with every one. How can you ask for more from an author than hedgehogs, chatelaines, dirigibles, vampires/werewolves, ladies and gentlemen, and hurlies! She packs the perfect punch every time. This was a fitting finish to our ladies' stories. I enjoyed it thoroughly and had to force myself to take breaks so it wouldn't be over a couple of hours after it was released. It was such a fun read and wonderful to hear more about some of our favorite characters from other series, too. Wonderful, fun, light-hearted romp through the air. Highly recommend this author!
The Sumage Solution: The San Andreas Shifters :: Serafina and the Splintered Heart (A Serafina Novel) :: The Moth in the Mirror (Splintered) :: Unhinged (Splintered Series #2) :: Nefertiti's Heart (The Artifact Hunters Book 1)
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
angeli
I have absolutely loved the "Finishing School" series from start to finish, and I am sorry to see it end. I have grown to love Sophronia and her friends, as well as Gail Carriger's world of steampunk science blended with vampires and werewolves and other supernaturals. I know there are other books set in this world (such as her "Parasol Protectorate" and "Custard Protocol" series), but it saddened me to come to the last book in this series and know that we were graduating from school, so to speak. Let's just say I haven't been this sorry to leave school since the final Harry Potter book...
"Manners and Mutiny" is a spectacular ending to a superb series, and perhaps even more exciting than the previous books, all while keeping up the powerful characterization and delightful humor that made this series stand out.
Sophronia believes she has uncovered a wicked plot by the Picklemen to take over the country by way of its mechanical servants... but no one, even her instructors at school, seems to believe her. With her friends more interested in an upcoming ball with the boys from Bunson's Academy and her beloved sootie Soap gone to learn the ways of his new kind, she finds herself without allies. But when the Picklemen strike at the floating finishing school while putting their dastardly plan into action, Sophronia and her flighty but faithful friend Dimity find themselves in a position to put all their training to the test and save London from a fate worse than last year's fashions. Can an untested intelligencer, armed with her wits, a few illicit machines, a mechanical dog, and a wicker chicken save England, its supernaturals, and all else she holds dear?
Like the rest of the books, "Manners and Mutiny" has great characterization and a wicked sense of humor. The books don't make weaklings of their female characters, but don't turn them into emancipated tomboys either. These girls prove that you can still be fashion-conscious and hopeful of catching a man's attentions, but still be a strong action woman and brilliant spy in the bargain. And while Sophronia does have a love interest (thankfully the love triangle from the previous book has been eliminated), she doesn't let it render her entirely silly, and still thinks logically about the implications of her romantic affair. It's a treat to see Dimity come back, and to see Agatha develop as a character, though I do miss Sidheag. Even minor characters show development -- or at the least have new secrets about themselves come to light -- in this book. Let's just say that even the school's airheaded, oblivious headmistress has a secret or two up her sleeve...
This world of steampunk gadgets and supernatural creatures woven into Victorian England, with tongue in cheek and merry insults couched in terms of endearment, has been a delight to read. Gail Carriger gives us a well-done steampunk world that feels fully believable and immersive, and the prose, while littered with Victorian-era terms that might require a trip to Google, is still delightful to read and sparkling with wit and humor. And while the other books still held my interest, "Manners and Mutiny" is by far the most exciting of the lot, with plenty of action as the Picklemen's plot goes into full swing.
I've loved this series, and am sad to see it come to an end. I'm by no means done with Carriger's work, however, and plan to start her "Parasol Protectorate" series soon. I do hope Sophronia and her friends return at some point... I love these girls too much to see them vanish into the night. We can but hope...
"Manners and Mutiny" is a spectacular ending to a superb series, and perhaps even more exciting than the previous books, all while keeping up the powerful characterization and delightful humor that made this series stand out.
Sophronia believes she has uncovered a wicked plot by the Picklemen to take over the country by way of its mechanical servants... but no one, even her instructors at school, seems to believe her. With her friends more interested in an upcoming ball with the boys from Bunson's Academy and her beloved sootie Soap gone to learn the ways of his new kind, she finds herself without allies. But when the Picklemen strike at the floating finishing school while putting their dastardly plan into action, Sophronia and her flighty but faithful friend Dimity find themselves in a position to put all their training to the test and save London from a fate worse than last year's fashions. Can an untested intelligencer, armed with her wits, a few illicit machines, a mechanical dog, and a wicker chicken save England, its supernaturals, and all else she holds dear?
Like the rest of the books, "Manners and Mutiny" has great characterization and a wicked sense of humor. The books don't make weaklings of their female characters, but don't turn them into emancipated tomboys either. These girls prove that you can still be fashion-conscious and hopeful of catching a man's attentions, but still be a strong action woman and brilliant spy in the bargain. And while Sophronia does have a love interest (thankfully the love triangle from the previous book has been eliminated), she doesn't let it render her entirely silly, and still thinks logically about the implications of her romantic affair. It's a treat to see Dimity come back, and to see Agatha develop as a character, though I do miss Sidheag. Even minor characters show development -- or at the least have new secrets about themselves come to light -- in this book. Let's just say that even the school's airheaded, oblivious headmistress has a secret or two up her sleeve...
This world of steampunk gadgets and supernatural creatures woven into Victorian England, with tongue in cheek and merry insults couched in terms of endearment, has been a delight to read. Gail Carriger gives us a well-done steampunk world that feels fully believable and immersive, and the prose, while littered with Victorian-era terms that might require a trip to Google, is still delightful to read and sparkling with wit and humor. And while the other books still held my interest, "Manners and Mutiny" is by far the most exciting of the lot, with plenty of action as the Picklemen's plot goes into full swing.
I've loved this series, and am sad to see it come to an end. I'm by no means done with Carriger's work, however, and plan to start her "Parasol Protectorate" series soon. I do hope Sophronia and her friends return at some point... I love these girls too much to see them vanish into the night. We can but hope...
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
tracy durcan
I ADORED this!
Honestly, this whole series is such a delight and I 100% recommend listening to them on audiobook instead of reading them, if you have the opportunity. The narrator is absolutely enchanting, and I think even the author has said that these books are meant to be heard.
Anyways, a really lovely conclusion that wraps things up quite nicely. The final caper was suitably grand and dangerous, and I did like that "finishing" finally came into play. Lots of wonderful twists and turns, and I really adored the Headmistress and what the author did with Monique.
As much as I do adore a good rake (and I did adore Felix/Sophronia) I do think that ending with Soap and Sophronia was the only option, and the way that came about was perfect and lovely. They do have a wonderful relationship! Though, honestly, I wish we'd at least had a little more Felix in the book overall, as I do so love his character. :D
There is a little bit of an epilogue at the end, that let's us know the futures of the professors and some others. I was a little disappointed that we didn't get any update on Dimity, Agatha, or Felix...I know the author writes extensively in this verse, so perhaps they'll show up in future works?
Definitely plan on reading more of Carriger's works when I have a chance!
Honestly, this whole series is such a delight and I 100% recommend listening to them on audiobook instead of reading them, if you have the opportunity. The narrator is absolutely enchanting, and I think even the author has said that these books are meant to be heard.
Anyways, a really lovely conclusion that wraps things up quite nicely. The final caper was suitably grand and dangerous, and I did like that "finishing" finally came into play. Lots of wonderful twists and turns, and I really adored the Headmistress and what the author did with Monique.
As much as I do adore a good rake (and I did adore Felix/Sophronia) I do think that ending with Soap and Sophronia was the only option, and the way that came about was perfect and lovely. They do have a wonderful relationship! Though, honestly, I wish we'd at least had a little more Felix in the book overall, as I do so love his character. :D
There is a little bit of an epilogue at the end, that let's us know the futures of the professors and some others. I was a little disappointed that we didn't get any update on Dimity, Agatha, or Felix...I know the author writes extensively in this verse, so perhaps they'll show up in future works?
Definitely plan on reading more of Carriger's works when I have a chance!
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
sean stevenson
As Sophronia and her friends get closer to the end of their time at Finishing School they have one last challenge to face before they can graduate - stopping the latest dastardly plot by the Picklemen. It's obvious that they have something major planned but the teachers aren't listening to them and Sophronia isn't sure who else to trust so she's just going to have to figure things out on her own.
As sad as I am to reach the end of this series I'm happy to say that it ended on a high note. Gail Carriger did a brilliant job of tying up all the loose ends and creating a fitting finale for Sophronia's story. She has her work cut out when the Picklemen invade her school, just what are they up to and why do they need the school dirigible to carry out their plan? Along with Agatha and Dimity she needs to get to the bottom of things quickly, especially if they want to graduate on time.
We also saw her bargain with her future to save Soap's life at the end of the last book and her actions have lasting consequences for both of them. Now that Soap is a werewolf he is more determined to pursue Sophronia than ever and she's finding him incredibly hard to resist but there is no way they would ever be accepted by society as a couple so they have to decide just how much they are willing to risk to be together.
Manners and Mutiny is an action packed finale to the series and I enjoyed every minute of it. These books have just been so much fun to read and I've really spotting links to characters in the Parasol Protectorate series. Gail Carriger has put so much effort into fully fleshing out the world and building a full history that it's brilliant to see how it all ties together, sometimes in unexpected ways. I really would like to see more of Sophronia and Soap so I hope that the author decides to revisit them in the future and share some of their adventures, I'm sure they'll have a lot of fun in their new roles, but in the meantime I'll happily be diving into her other spin off series and tie ins.
As sad as I am to reach the end of this series I'm happy to say that it ended on a high note. Gail Carriger did a brilliant job of tying up all the loose ends and creating a fitting finale for Sophronia's story. She has her work cut out when the Picklemen invade her school, just what are they up to and why do they need the school dirigible to carry out their plan? Along with Agatha and Dimity she needs to get to the bottom of things quickly, especially if they want to graduate on time.
We also saw her bargain with her future to save Soap's life at the end of the last book and her actions have lasting consequences for both of them. Now that Soap is a werewolf he is more determined to pursue Sophronia than ever and she's finding him incredibly hard to resist but there is no way they would ever be accepted by society as a couple so they have to decide just how much they are willing to risk to be together.
Manners and Mutiny is an action packed finale to the series and I enjoyed every minute of it. These books have just been so much fun to read and I've really spotting links to characters in the Parasol Protectorate series. Gail Carriger has put so much effort into fully fleshing out the world and building a full history that it's brilliant to see how it all ties together, sometimes in unexpected ways. I really would like to see more of Sophronia and Soap so I hope that the author decides to revisit them in the future and share some of their adventures, I'm sure they'll have a lot of fun in their new roles, but in the meantime I'll happily be diving into her other spin off series and tie ins.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
scott prutton
Oh, the final Finishing School book at last! It's such a bittersweet feeling. I adore Sophronia, and I want to keep reading about her, but I was also so excited to see how Carriger would wrap up the series.
With a very tremendous bang, that's how.
Life at Madame Geraldine's has been ever so dull since Soap, the sootie sweet on Sophronia, became a werewolf and took up residency on land. But that doesn't mean Sophronia hasn't been ever-vigilant...she suspects the Picklemen of a very large-scale plot to take over the school for its incredible technology. Unfortunately for her, no one believes it. But when the social event of the year goes terribly awry, Sophronia is ready to put all of her hard-learned skills to the test.
Like all of Gail Carriger's books, Manners & Mutiny is stuffed with hilarity, daring plots, ingenious twists, and proper manners. This final book moves quite quickly as Carriger wraps up all of the burning questions the series raises and Sophronia cleverly acts to save the flying airship. There are twists and turns and dangerous encounters, unlikely alliances, and a fair number of explosions. But also romance! Since the romantic elements have been light in the past three books, it was easy to forget how well Carriger can write sweet and sexy scenes between two characters with excellent chemistry, and she puts those skills to work in this final installment!
Carriger also gives Sophronia's mission emotional depth as she must grapple with whom to trust amidst an ever shifting landscape of politics and personal loyalties, and put her faith in precisely the right people in order to save the British Empire. It's the sort of high-stakes, action-packed ending where (almost) all is finally revealed and of course Sophronia saves the day is spectacular fashion. Carriger also cleverly sets up readers for the next adventures in her world--the Parasol Protectorate--with a few (more) delightful cameos from the Alexia novels.
A friend recently asked for recommendations for "brain candy" books, and I immediately thought of the Finishing School series. There's nothing quite as sweet and fun, but just as likely to pack a very large punch, as a good Gail Carriger novel, and this book finished off the series perfectly.
With a very tremendous bang, that's how.
Life at Madame Geraldine's has been ever so dull since Soap, the sootie sweet on Sophronia, became a werewolf and took up residency on land. But that doesn't mean Sophronia hasn't been ever-vigilant...she suspects the Picklemen of a very large-scale plot to take over the school for its incredible technology. Unfortunately for her, no one believes it. But when the social event of the year goes terribly awry, Sophronia is ready to put all of her hard-learned skills to the test.
Like all of Gail Carriger's books, Manners & Mutiny is stuffed with hilarity, daring plots, ingenious twists, and proper manners. This final book moves quite quickly as Carriger wraps up all of the burning questions the series raises and Sophronia cleverly acts to save the flying airship. There are twists and turns and dangerous encounters, unlikely alliances, and a fair number of explosions. But also romance! Since the romantic elements have been light in the past three books, it was easy to forget how well Carriger can write sweet and sexy scenes between two characters with excellent chemistry, and she puts those skills to work in this final installment!
Carriger also gives Sophronia's mission emotional depth as she must grapple with whom to trust amidst an ever shifting landscape of politics and personal loyalties, and put her faith in precisely the right people in order to save the British Empire. It's the sort of high-stakes, action-packed ending where (almost) all is finally revealed and of course Sophronia saves the day is spectacular fashion. Carriger also cleverly sets up readers for the next adventures in her world--the Parasol Protectorate--with a few (more) delightful cameos from the Alexia novels.
A friend recently asked for recommendations for "brain candy" books, and I immediately thought of the Finishing School series. There's nothing quite as sweet and fun, but just as likely to pack a very large punch, as a good Gail Carriger novel, and this book finished off the series perfectly.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
mohammed ait lahcen
This has been one of my favorite series in recent years - mostly due to the Audible narration, which is superb. Sadly, this completes the Finishing School, though of course there are many other books in this world to explore. I found the denouement here fun and consistent with the previous books and definitely smiled/chuckled as much throughout. This is by no means perfect - but great fun regardless. And the ending segues perfectly into the Parasol Protectorate series.
Sophronia is still frustrated - both by developments at her school and also to the nature of her relationship with Soot. But the picklemen have become daring and look to be one step away from hatching their plans to take over the world!
So yes, mustache twirling bad girls and their nefarious schemes! The whole series has been fun but it really is a very inspired Audible version narration that elevates this and the other books so immensely. If anyone had ever wondered how a narration can make a book better, they should definitely check out the Finishing School series. There were so many witticisms that I would have missed otherwise but the narrator was able to voice perfectly. As well, many subtleties and nuances from the writing that would have gone unnoticed otherwise.
As with so many steampunk-inspired stories, I found the romance cloying and getting in the way of a great story. Ironic, really, because I am a heavy romance reader and typically prefer them in my books. Sophronia's romance with Soot was well done and I appreciated the growth arc given to both characters. But it was the steamships and evil geniuses that made the story for me.
In all, a wonderful set of books that I thoroughly enjoyed. And one of the best narrations to be found in that category as well.
Sophronia is still frustrated - both by developments at her school and also to the nature of her relationship with Soot. But the picklemen have become daring and look to be one step away from hatching their plans to take over the world!
So yes, mustache twirling bad girls and their nefarious schemes! The whole series has been fun but it really is a very inspired Audible version narration that elevates this and the other books so immensely. If anyone had ever wondered how a narration can make a book better, they should definitely check out the Finishing School series. There were so many witticisms that I would have missed otherwise but the narrator was able to voice perfectly. As well, many subtleties and nuances from the writing that would have gone unnoticed otherwise.
As with so many steampunk-inspired stories, I found the romance cloying and getting in the way of a great story. Ironic, really, because I am a heavy romance reader and typically prefer them in my books. Sophronia's romance with Soot was well done and I appreciated the growth arc given to both characters. But it was the steamships and evil geniuses that made the story for me.
In all, a wonderful set of books that I thoroughly enjoyed. And one of the best narrations to be found in that category as well.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
arshsherin
Fourth and last in the Finishing School steampunk YA series and revolving around Sophronia Temminnick and her friends and set in the skies of 1854 England. Do read this series before you start The Parasol Protectorate, if only because the characters in this one lead into the next series.
My Take
Carriger so cracks me up. She has such fun blending finishing school requirements with espionage tactics for refined young ladies…! "Working on a language for crumb and currant communication" indeed! Then there are the names! Oh, lordy, Carriger is incredibly inventive with those silly names, lol. Nor does she limit her inventiveness to the names or lessons. The story itself is fun with all sorts of undercurrents and minor conflicts. You can't help but fall into the enjoyment.
Manners & Mutiny was great fun what with Sophronia infiltrating the dirigible, going against the odds to take down the hijackers using the "arts" she's learned, lol.
Dang! I wish I'd known much earlier that breast-pampering foodstuffs existed. Or that emotions affected the size and quality of one's endowments! Sigh…*as I laugh*
"Last time all they'd done was have [the mechanicals] sing 'Rule Britannia!'. What was next? A ruthless bout of ballet?"
There's a lovely minor conflict in Manners & Mutiny in the changing relationship between Sophronia and Soap. I do love Soap. Carriger does a lovely job of exploring social class and bigotry in the burgeoning relationship between the two. She certainly kept me on tenterhooks! And such a conclusion…!
There are quite a few surprising revelations in this, and what with Carriger so beautifully tying everything up and then leading me on to wanting, no, needing to re-read The Parasol Protectorate, and then I can finally read The Custard Protocol series! Characters from Finishing School carry on into both, and I do love following characters throughout their "lives".
The Story
Infiltration by Picklemen of the school sets off Sophronia's mental alarms. What could they possibly want? Why take this chance?
It will all lead to a series of derring-do worthy of James Bond!
The Characters
Sophronia "Ria" Temminnick is an excellent student in the finishing arts of espionage who has promised to enter the dewan's service. Bumbersnoot is her coal-eating mechanimal, her pet metal dog, with the ability to swallow in two different ways: storage or into his boiler. Petunia is the most-recently married sister. She's now Mrs. Hisselpenny, and her husband loves to indulge her.
Dimity Plumleigh-Teignmott (manipulation through proper dress is her forté — amazing the weapons that can be concealed in a hat!), the shy and retiring Agatha Woosmoss has an unexpected talent for Encrypting with Flower Arrangements with a special study on tussie mussies and airborne poisons; and, their fellow friend (and former student after events in Waistcoats & Weaponry ), Lady Kingair, who is now preparing to leave the country.
Miss Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality is…
…a cover for teaching those "young ladies of quality" how to spy using the weapons of their gender and status. The school "building" is a dirigible that floats in the skies with a cover of steam. Teachers include the clueless Mademoiselle Geraldine as headmistress; Lady Linette is the one truly in charge; Professor Braithwope is a rove vampire gone nutso who is tethered to the dirigible; Professor Lefoux is drone to Prof. Braithwope; Professor Shrimpdittle; and, Sister Mattie teaches botany and poisons.
Captain Niall is a werewolf who is no longer teaching self-defense after events in Waistcoats & Weaponry . Preshea Buss is the nasty student.
The sooties are…
…the boys who keep the boilers turning over and do all the repairs. Handle is the new unofficial head since Soap was saved in Waistcoats & Weaponry . Smokey Bones is the cat mascot.
Bunson and Lacroix's Boys' Polytechnique is actually…
…a boys' school for budding evil geniuses and a prime source of recruitment for the Picklemen. The punkish Lord Felix Mersey is one of its students with skills in machinations and evil machinery — and has been quite interested in Sophronia. And succeeding until events in Waistcoats & Weaponry . He's the son of the Duke of Golborne. Pillover is Dimity's younger brother who is engaged to Sophronia. Don't ask, *giggle*, read Waistcoats & Weaponry. Lord Dingleproops is a friend of Felix's and a fellow member of the Pistons. Gaspar Lefoux is actually Genevieve "Vieve" Lefoux. She's disguised herself as a boy as her interest lies in machinery and not lady's refinements. She's Professor Lefoux's niece, er, um, "nephew". Professor Faldetta is the oldest and most severe of the teachers.
The Pistons are…
…a Bunson's club known for churning out new Picklemen — usually the" most evil and least genius" of the boys.
The vampires include…
…Lord Akeldama, a rich rove in London with a love for colorful clothes, intelligence, intrigue, and the oddest endearments. He has a collection of lovely drones who dress well and have beautiful manners including Peanut, Bolo, Dingle, and Pilpo.
The Westminster Hive is…
…a group of vampires in London ruled by Countess Nadasdy as its queen. Monique de Pelouse is a rogue student from Miss Geraldine's Academy who is a drone for the Westminster Hive. She and Sophronia have quite the adversarial relationship.
The Picklemen are…
…men, obviously *grin*, who are against all supernaturals. There are different offices starting with the highest, the Chutney, followed by the Grand Gherkin who is the backstabbing Duke of Golborne, Felix's father, and Spice Administrator Spicer?? Bawkin who is compiling notes from the school's records.
Lord Slaughter, the Earl of Upper Slaughter, is the dewan, the queen's personal advisor and keeps the peace between Alphas through his position on the Shadow Council. Soap used to be the head sootie at Miss Geraldine's. Soap cleans up very well!
"'Friendship would be a start.'
'No, miss, friendship would be a finish.'"
Mr. Pilldorff sells accessories. Mr. Thermopopple is the official inventor to the queen. Lemuel Gengulphus is a newspaperman. The Ghost Wrangler is a crone draped in white and gray — Madame Septuna! She's one of the Academy's field agents — Lavish Vivita — and a Pickleman infiltrator.
To be tethered means a vampire cannot leave his home area. Drones are both servants and food to vampires. Mechanicals are machines that serve humans as servants, workmen, and more. A rove vampire is a loner. An obstructor shuts down mechanicals. A hurlie is a grappling hook. An intelligencer is an agent who operates independently in the field. Flywaymen are the steampunk equivalent of highwaymen.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a deep yellow brocade background with a quite adult-looking Sophronia in her black ballgown with elaborate lace edging, a huge pendant and earrings, and the all-important, quite beautiful crossbow — it's a lot bigger than I imagined!
The title is the ultimate accolade for Miss Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality, for Sophronia combines Manners & Mutiny to save the day.
My Take
Carriger so cracks me up. She has such fun blending finishing school requirements with espionage tactics for refined young ladies…! "Working on a language for crumb and currant communication" indeed! Then there are the names! Oh, lordy, Carriger is incredibly inventive with those silly names, lol. Nor does she limit her inventiveness to the names or lessons. The story itself is fun with all sorts of undercurrents and minor conflicts. You can't help but fall into the enjoyment.
Manners & Mutiny was great fun what with Sophronia infiltrating the dirigible, going against the odds to take down the hijackers using the "arts" she's learned, lol.
Dang! I wish I'd known much earlier that breast-pampering foodstuffs existed. Or that emotions affected the size and quality of one's endowments! Sigh…*as I laugh*
"Last time all they'd done was have [the mechanicals] sing 'Rule Britannia!'. What was next? A ruthless bout of ballet?"
There's a lovely minor conflict in Manners & Mutiny in the changing relationship between Sophronia and Soap. I do love Soap. Carriger does a lovely job of exploring social class and bigotry in the burgeoning relationship between the two. She certainly kept me on tenterhooks! And such a conclusion…!
There are quite a few surprising revelations in this, and what with Carriger so beautifully tying everything up and then leading me on to wanting, no, needing to re-read The Parasol Protectorate, and then I can finally read The Custard Protocol series! Characters from Finishing School carry on into both, and I do love following characters throughout their "lives".
The Story
Infiltration by Picklemen of the school sets off Sophronia's mental alarms. What could they possibly want? Why take this chance?
It will all lead to a series of derring-do worthy of James Bond!
The Characters
Sophronia "Ria" Temminnick is an excellent student in the finishing arts of espionage who has promised to enter the dewan's service. Bumbersnoot is her coal-eating mechanimal, her pet metal dog, with the ability to swallow in two different ways: storage or into his boiler. Petunia is the most-recently married sister. She's now Mrs. Hisselpenny, and her husband loves to indulge her.
Dimity Plumleigh-Teignmott (manipulation through proper dress is her forté — amazing the weapons that can be concealed in a hat!), the shy and retiring Agatha Woosmoss has an unexpected talent for Encrypting with Flower Arrangements with a special study on tussie mussies and airborne poisons; and, their fellow friend (and former student after events in Waistcoats & Weaponry ), Lady Kingair, who is now preparing to leave the country.
Miss Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality is…
…a cover for teaching those "young ladies of quality" how to spy using the weapons of their gender and status. The school "building" is a dirigible that floats in the skies with a cover of steam. Teachers include the clueless Mademoiselle Geraldine as headmistress; Lady Linette is the one truly in charge; Professor Braithwope is a rove vampire gone nutso who is tethered to the dirigible; Professor Lefoux is drone to Prof. Braithwope; Professor Shrimpdittle; and, Sister Mattie teaches botany and poisons.
Captain Niall is a werewolf who is no longer teaching self-defense after events in Waistcoats & Weaponry . Preshea Buss is the nasty student.
The sooties are…
…the boys who keep the boilers turning over and do all the repairs. Handle is the new unofficial head since Soap was saved in Waistcoats & Weaponry . Smokey Bones is the cat mascot.
Bunson and Lacroix's Boys' Polytechnique is actually…
…a boys' school for budding evil geniuses and a prime source of recruitment for the Picklemen. The punkish Lord Felix Mersey is one of its students with skills in machinations and evil machinery — and has been quite interested in Sophronia. And succeeding until events in Waistcoats & Weaponry . He's the son of the Duke of Golborne. Pillover is Dimity's younger brother who is engaged to Sophronia. Don't ask, *giggle*, read Waistcoats & Weaponry. Lord Dingleproops is a friend of Felix's and a fellow member of the Pistons. Gaspar Lefoux is actually Genevieve "Vieve" Lefoux. She's disguised herself as a boy as her interest lies in machinery and not lady's refinements. She's Professor Lefoux's niece, er, um, "nephew". Professor Faldetta is the oldest and most severe of the teachers.
The Pistons are…
…a Bunson's club known for churning out new Picklemen — usually the" most evil and least genius" of the boys.
The vampires include…
…Lord Akeldama, a rich rove in London with a love for colorful clothes, intelligence, intrigue, and the oddest endearments. He has a collection of lovely drones who dress well and have beautiful manners including Peanut, Bolo, Dingle, and Pilpo.
The Westminster Hive is…
…a group of vampires in London ruled by Countess Nadasdy as its queen. Monique de Pelouse is a rogue student from Miss Geraldine's Academy who is a drone for the Westminster Hive. She and Sophronia have quite the adversarial relationship.
The Picklemen are…
…men, obviously *grin*, who are against all supernaturals. There are different offices starting with the highest, the Chutney, followed by the Grand Gherkin who is the backstabbing Duke of Golborne, Felix's father, and Spice Administrator Spicer?? Bawkin who is compiling notes from the school's records.
Lord Slaughter, the Earl of Upper Slaughter, is the dewan, the queen's personal advisor and keeps the peace between Alphas through his position on the Shadow Council. Soap used to be the head sootie at Miss Geraldine's. Soap cleans up very well!
"'Friendship would be a start.'
'No, miss, friendship would be a finish.'"
Mr. Pilldorff sells accessories. Mr. Thermopopple is the official inventor to the queen. Lemuel Gengulphus is a newspaperman. The Ghost Wrangler is a crone draped in white and gray — Madame Septuna! She's one of the Academy's field agents — Lavish Vivita — and a Pickleman infiltrator.
To be tethered means a vampire cannot leave his home area. Drones are both servants and food to vampires. Mechanicals are machines that serve humans as servants, workmen, and more. A rove vampire is a loner. An obstructor shuts down mechanicals. A hurlie is a grappling hook. An intelligencer is an agent who operates independently in the field. Flywaymen are the steampunk equivalent of highwaymen.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a deep yellow brocade background with a quite adult-looking Sophronia in her black ballgown with elaborate lace edging, a huge pendant and earrings, and the all-important, quite beautiful crossbow — it's a lot bigger than I imagined!
The title is the ultimate accolade for Miss Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality, for Sophronia combines Manners & Mutiny to save the day.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
michelle t
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy
MANNERS & MUTINY is a wonderfully action packed and fun end to a very unique series. One thing I loved about this book was how it so neatly melds into the Parasol Protectorate series as a precursor to that series' story. I knew there would be a connection obviously with some of the same characters appearing in both series but the way it makes it so you could start with Finishing School and then pick up Parasol Protectorate right away was very cool. Finishing School has been a really fun series and I absolutely loved the setting of a finishing school for espionage. MANNERS & MUTINY neatly wraps up all of the lose ends and gives each beloved character a satisfying ending.
In this book we get to really see the girls use their skills they've learned to bring down the dastardly Picklemen once and for all. Seeing them become experts in the skill of espionage was really fun and I continue to marvel at just how much stuff they can fit into their dresses and other contraptions without looking suspicious. Sophroina really comes into her own throughout the series and becomes a rather competent spy. I wasn't a fan of the love triangle between her, Felix, and Soap. It felt unnecessary and I wouldn't have missed it if it were left completely out of the book.
All told this was a solid, action-packed ending to an at times wonderfully silly series. I am looking forward to what Gail Carriger has in store next. Until then I may re-read the Parasol Protectorate.
MANNERS & MUTINY is a wonderfully action packed and fun end to a very unique series. One thing I loved about this book was how it so neatly melds into the Parasol Protectorate series as a precursor to that series' story. I knew there would be a connection obviously with some of the same characters appearing in both series but the way it makes it so you could start with Finishing School and then pick up Parasol Protectorate right away was very cool. Finishing School has been a really fun series and I absolutely loved the setting of a finishing school for espionage. MANNERS & MUTINY neatly wraps up all of the lose ends and gives each beloved character a satisfying ending.
In this book we get to really see the girls use their skills they've learned to bring down the dastardly Picklemen once and for all. Seeing them become experts in the skill of espionage was really fun and I continue to marvel at just how much stuff they can fit into their dresses and other contraptions without looking suspicious. Sophroina really comes into her own throughout the series and becomes a rather competent spy. I wasn't a fan of the love triangle between her, Felix, and Soap. It felt unnecessary and I wouldn't have missed it if it were left completely out of the book.
All told this was a solid, action-packed ending to an at times wonderfully silly series. I am looking forward to what Gail Carriger has in store next. Until then I may re-read the Parasol Protectorate.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
dragos bogdan
Another awesome read from Gail Carriger! I am sad to see this series come to an end. But fortunately, there's the whole Parasol Protectorate series I haven't yet read, of which this is a spin off, so I won't have to bemoan the lack of reading material from such a wonderful author, one who has easily become one of my favorites.
In this final installment of the Finishing School series, Sophronia is determined to put a stop to the Picklemen's dastardly plans once and for all. With a little help from her dear friends, Sophronia hurlies and obstructs her way around the airship, discovering secrets, taking out the enemy, and proving she's a true mistress of espionage!
I fell in love all the characters in this series. Yes, even those we're not supposed to like so much *cough* Monique, Preshea *cough cough*. Sophronia—so smart, determined, and headstrong—finally confronts her true feelings for former sootie Soap, and it's everything you wish it to be! A heretofore unknown secret is discovered about Agatha, one that proves she's a much better intelligencer than her friends believed. Dimity's strengths are put to the test, Monique actually becomes an ally, and even Pillover bravely steps up.
If you love the steampunk genre, mixed in with some young adult fantasy, and appreciate good writing, then this is a series you should not miss. Love, love, loved it! <3
In this final installment of the Finishing School series, Sophronia is determined to put a stop to the Picklemen's dastardly plans once and for all. With a little help from her dear friends, Sophronia hurlies and obstructs her way around the airship, discovering secrets, taking out the enemy, and proving she's a true mistress of espionage!
I fell in love all the characters in this series. Yes, even those we're not supposed to like so much *cough* Monique, Preshea *cough cough*. Sophronia—so smart, determined, and headstrong—finally confronts her true feelings for former sootie Soap, and it's everything you wish it to be! A heretofore unknown secret is discovered about Agatha, one that proves she's a much better intelligencer than her friends believed. Dimity's strengths are put to the test, Monique actually becomes an ally, and even Pillover bravely steps up.
If you love the steampunk genre, mixed in with some young adult fantasy, and appreciate good writing, then this is a series you should not miss. Love, love, loved it! <3
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
andrew burden
This was a great conclusion to this humorous and fun young adult steampunk series. I really enjoyed it. I have read both Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate series and her Custard Protocol series. While I probably like this series the least out of those three, it is still a fun and entertaining read.
Sephronia is finishing up her final year on Mademoiselle Geraldine’s floating dirigible. She has pledged to work for the werewolf dewan and is sorely missing the sootie Soap. However more dastardly plots are afoot; the Picklemen have not given up and it seems they have another plot in the works. Sephronia and her friends must unravel the Pickleman’s plot while still completing their finishing.
For some reason I didn’t enjoy this book quite as much as previous books in the series; but it still did a good job of wrapping everything up. The dialogue was witty and well written and fun to read.
We don’t see quite as much of Sephronia’s friends in this story. This book also wasn’t quite as humorous as previous books; things are just more serious in this story. I think both of those things detracted a bit from the story for me.
However, there were a few things I loved about the story. I love how Soap develops as a character and how he really comes into his own in this book. I also loved the interactions with Lord Akeldama. Additionally Mademoiselle Geraldine has some fascinating secrets of her own.
Things are wrapped up nicely. I have enjoyed all the books set in this entertaining Victorian steampunk world full of vampires and werewolves.
Overall an entertaining and well done conclusion to the Finishing School series. I would recommend to those who enjoy humorous steampunk reads. While this is not my favorite Carriger series (the Custard Protocol holds that honor right now) it is still a very fun read and I enjoyed the series as a whole.
Sephronia is finishing up her final year on Mademoiselle Geraldine’s floating dirigible. She has pledged to work for the werewolf dewan and is sorely missing the sootie Soap. However more dastardly plots are afoot; the Picklemen have not given up and it seems they have another plot in the works. Sephronia and her friends must unravel the Pickleman’s plot while still completing their finishing.
For some reason I didn’t enjoy this book quite as much as previous books in the series; but it still did a good job of wrapping everything up. The dialogue was witty and well written and fun to read.
We don’t see quite as much of Sephronia’s friends in this story. This book also wasn’t quite as humorous as previous books; things are just more serious in this story. I think both of those things detracted a bit from the story for me.
However, there were a few things I loved about the story. I love how Soap develops as a character and how he really comes into his own in this book. I also loved the interactions with Lord Akeldama. Additionally Mademoiselle Geraldine has some fascinating secrets of her own.
Things are wrapped up nicely. I have enjoyed all the books set in this entertaining Victorian steampunk world full of vampires and werewolves.
Overall an entertaining and well done conclusion to the Finishing School series. I would recommend to those who enjoy humorous steampunk reads. While this is not my favorite Carriger series (the Custard Protocol holds that honor right now) it is still a very fun read and I enjoyed the series as a whole.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
satman
Overall Rating 5 Stars
-Book Description: 5
-Cover: 5
-Plot: 5
-Creativity: 5
-Grammar: 5
-Simile Use: 5 (minimal usage)
-Description: 5 (used perfectly)
-Show And Tell Balance: 5
The final novel in the Finishing School series is a topping one for sure. Not only are we served with a beautiful cover and intriguing description, but the entire novel is as fun as the rest. Keeping with the movement and maturing of the characters, the novel holds a more serious tone, but still has humor to balance it out. We're treated to a journey that starts with Ria seeing trouble and getting herself in trouble, per usual. This time the plot is thickened with Picklemen and we're not quite sure where things are going. Ria and her friends are joined by newly established werewolf, Soap, and Vieve as the evil genius boy girl as a new level of accomplice. The plot thickens as things start to spiral out of control and we get to see all of Ria and her team at their best. The novel ends with a satisfying conclusion and let's us know where all our favorite characters are. Plus, it ends with a kiss-- every good series should end with one of those. Overall, this series was a treat of espionage, humor and most of all the inspiring growth of all characters involved.
-Book Description: 5
-Cover: 5
-Plot: 5
-Creativity: 5
-Grammar: 5
-Simile Use: 5 (minimal usage)
-Description: 5 (used perfectly)
-Show And Tell Balance: 5
The final novel in the Finishing School series is a topping one for sure. Not only are we served with a beautiful cover and intriguing description, but the entire novel is as fun as the rest. Keeping with the movement and maturing of the characters, the novel holds a more serious tone, but still has humor to balance it out. We're treated to a journey that starts with Ria seeing trouble and getting herself in trouble, per usual. This time the plot is thickened with Picklemen and we're not quite sure where things are going. Ria and her friends are joined by newly established werewolf, Soap, and Vieve as the evil genius boy girl as a new level of accomplice. The plot thickens as things start to spiral out of control and we get to see all of Ria and her team at their best. The novel ends with a satisfying conclusion and let's us know where all our favorite characters are. Plus, it ends with a kiss-- every good series should end with one of those. Overall, this series was a treat of espionage, humor and most of all the inspiring growth of all characters involved.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
jasper meer
It all finally makes sense now. This book takes all the loose ends that were left dangling in the previous ones, all the unanswered questions, and all the unknown motives that left us all scratching our heads and ties them all together in a neat little package. I’m not sure if I agree with the way Sophronia’s romantic interests get sorted out, but I think I understand why the story wraps up this way. The whole series is worlds of fun and I enjoyed reading it tremendously. I just wish the middle two books had more point to them than just to provide background information for this one.
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
noony
This last book of the Finishing School Series makes me sad; not because it isn't good, but because it is over. I was leery when I started this series. The Parasol Protectorate series was a favorite, so this had high expectations to meet. And while it had moments that felt disjointed it soldiered on with aplomb, and finished wonderfully.
So many interweaving stories and characters some times my head would hurt trying to figure them all out. And now a new sequel series to this and the PPS has come called Prudence. I look forward to reading it and many more of this world and this author.
If you like steampunk, the Victorian/Edwardian era, urban fantasy, and supernatural elements mixed with wit and humor then try this author and her series.
So many interweaving stories and characters some times my head would hurt trying to figure them all out. And now a new sequel series to this and the PPS has come called Prudence. I look forward to reading it and many more of this world and this author.
If you like steampunk, the Victorian/Edwardian era, urban fantasy, and supernatural elements mixed with wit and humor then try this author and her series.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
twinkle
Sophronia finally finishes! I'm not entirely sure how I feel about the series-long plot about the Picklemen and the Flywaymen, as it still felt a bit ... random? But the general sense of adventure and camaraderie amongst Sophronia and her peers - and the headmistress! - were loads of fun as always. I was delighted to see Soap reappear, and was pleased with how that plotline resolved itself. It was fun to see hints of how this series and the Soulless series connected, as well. If you've been enjoying the Finishing School series so far, you definitely need to finish with this book. :-D
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
william myers
Overall Rating 5 Stars
-Book Description: 5
-Cover: 5
-Plot: 5
-Creativity: 5
-Grammar: 5
-Simile Use: 5 (minimal usage)
-Description: 5 (used perfectly)
-Show And Tell Balance: 5
The final novel in the Finishing School series is a topping one for sure. Not only are we served with a beautiful cover and intriguing description, but the entire novel is as fun as the rest. Keeping with the movement and maturing of the characters, the novel holds a more serious tone, but still has humor to balance it out. We're treated to a journey that starts with Ria seeing trouble and getting herself in trouble, per usual. This time the plot is thickened with Picklemen and we're not quite sure where things are going. Ria and her friends are joined by newly established werewolf, Soap, and Vieve as the evil genius boy girl as a new level of accomplice. The plot thickens as things start to spiral out of control and we get to see all of Ria and her team at their best. The novel ends with a satisfying conclusion and let's us know where all our favorite characters are. Plus, it ends with a kiss-- every good series should end with one of those. Overall, this series was a treat of espionage, humor and most of all the inspiring growth of all characters involved.
-Book Description: 5
-Cover: 5
-Plot: 5
-Creativity: 5
-Grammar: 5
-Simile Use: 5 (minimal usage)
-Description: 5 (used perfectly)
-Show And Tell Balance: 5
The final novel in the Finishing School series is a topping one for sure. Not only are we served with a beautiful cover and intriguing description, but the entire novel is as fun as the rest. Keeping with the movement and maturing of the characters, the novel holds a more serious tone, but still has humor to balance it out. We're treated to a journey that starts with Ria seeing trouble and getting herself in trouble, per usual. This time the plot is thickened with Picklemen and we're not quite sure where things are going. Ria and her friends are joined by newly established werewolf, Soap, and Vieve as the evil genius boy girl as a new level of accomplice. The plot thickens as things start to spiral out of control and we get to see all of Ria and her team at their best. The novel ends with a satisfying conclusion and let's us know where all our favorite characters are. Plus, it ends with a kiss-- every good series should end with one of those. Overall, this series was a treat of espionage, humor and most of all the inspiring growth of all characters involved.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
william
It all finally makes sense now. This book takes all the loose ends that were left dangling in the previous ones, all the unanswered questions, and all the unknown motives that left us all scratching our heads and ties them all together in a neat little package. I’m not sure if I agree with the way Sophronia’s romantic interests get sorted out, but I think I understand why the story wraps up this way. The whole series is worlds of fun and I enjoyed reading it tremendously. I just wish the middle two books had more point to them than just to provide background information for this one.
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
david ebben
This last book of the Finishing School Series makes me sad; not because it isn't good, but because it is over. I was leery when I started this series. The Parasol Protectorate series was a favorite, so this had high expectations to meet. And while it had moments that felt disjointed it soldiered on with aplomb, and finished wonderfully.
So many interweaving stories and characters some times my head would hurt trying to figure them all out. And now a new sequel series to this and the PPS has come called Prudence. I look forward to reading it and many more of this world and this author.
If you like steampunk, the Victorian/Edwardian era, urban fantasy, and supernatural elements mixed with wit and humor then try this author and her series.
So many interweaving stories and characters some times my head would hurt trying to figure them all out. And now a new sequel series to this and the PPS has come called Prudence. I look forward to reading it and many more of this world and this author.
If you like steampunk, the Victorian/Edwardian era, urban fantasy, and supernatural elements mixed with wit and humor then try this author and her series.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
andrew meyer
Sophronia finally finishes! I'm not entirely sure how I feel about the series-long plot about the Picklemen and the Flywaymen, as it still felt a bit ... random? But the general sense of adventure and camaraderie amongst Sophronia and her peers - and the headmistress! - were loads of fun as always. I was delighted to see Soap reappear, and was pleased with how that plotline resolved itself. It was fun to see hints of how this series and the Soulless series connected, as well. If you've been enjoying the Finishing School series so far, you definitely need to finish with this book. :-D
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
jill ramsower
They all finally finished...and lived happily every after, I hope. This series is such a strange blend of humour, romance and murder. It's hard to wrap my mind around it sometimes. Still, I love its characters, and hope that I will see more of Sophronia and Soap in the future. I haven't read the Parasol Protectorate series yet but I have it and will read it soon; it would be great if they show up in that series!
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
marwa majed
This was such a delightful read! The characters, the setting, the humor...all of it just worked so well. It didn't quite engage me enough to warrant 5 stars, though. But still one I'd definitely recommend to those looking for a nice, light-hearted Fantasy of Manners book.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
gayla forsyth
Carriger is one of my favorite authors, in part because she always takes care to let her readers know when a particular book is the last in its series. I’ll miss Sophronia’s adventures, but at least there’s closure instead of wondering when/if the next book will be released. Carriger does a particularly nice job in wrapping up loose ends and providing everyone with an epilogue.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
keith
Amazing!
I'm sooooooo happy that Soap and Sophronia got their happy ever after! It's really encouraging to read about an inter-racial couple in a book. It makes me so happy.
It sucks that this was the last book.
I WANT MORE!!!!
I want a spin off series with Vieve as the lead character. I wanna see her falling in love with a gentleman. I also want a Soap and Sophronia spin off. I NEED more Soap and Sophronia.
I'm sooooooo happy that Soap and Sophronia got their happy ever after! It's really encouraging to read about an inter-racial couple in a book. It makes me so happy.
It sucks that this was the last book.
I WANT MORE!!!!
I want a spin off series with Vieve as the lead character. I wanna see her falling in love with a gentleman. I also want a Soap and Sophronia spin off. I NEED more Soap and Sophronia.
Please RateManners & Mutiny (Finishing School)
-IIvy