A review by proudtobeabookaholic
Manners & Mutiny by Gail Carriger

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Sophronia and her friends are near their final exam in espionage at Mademoiselle Geraldine's floating dirigible. When Sophronia learns that the Picklemen are planning something big the teachers won't listen and she doesn't know who she can trust. But that's never stopped her before...

It's sad that this is the last book in the series - I will miss the characters! It's been a bit too long between reading the books (my own fault), so I don't remember everything that's happened, but I get reminders once in a while, thankfully. With that said, and if my memory serves me correctly, I think this book has the most serious plot - and the most violent. Even so, the tone remains lighthearted, almost humorous, and although it might sound cold, I appriciate that. 

Besides the characters I really enjoy the steampunk elements. Since this series take place in the 1850's there's a cool contrast between beautiful ball gowns and technology. Hard to describe the feeling it ewokes, it has to be experienced, I think. 

I did enjoy "The Parasol Protectorate" series a bit more, but "Finishing School" has grown with each book. I'm looking forward to reading "The Custard Protocol" series later on!
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