readwithmekt 's review for:

Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger

4.25

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

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Sophronia has never been that interested in learning about the proper ways of a lady. She would rather be sneaking around and taking apart different things in her house. That all changes one afternoon when her mother has a visitor to the house. Sophronia is being sent to finishing school, and from what her sisters have told her, this is the absolute last place she wants to be. That is until she learns more about Mademoiselle Geraldine’s Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality, maybe finishing school isn’t that bad after all…

I saw this title on bookstagram and thought that it would be a fun read, I was correct. Sophronia reminds me so much of Elona Holmes (from the Netflix movie), she is curious and determined. She is a great main character who additionally has a strong sense of connection with those that she cares for. I am really enjoying reading through her experience at this new interpretation of a finishing school.

The world that Gail Carriger created is filled, not only with strong-willed females and males that support it, but also all types of mechanical inventions/aids and locations that do not adhere to the rules as we know them. It was such a fun world to discover, I loved the mechanimals and the mechanical support staff. The characters were extremely diverse, from young females to werewolves to vampires, there was a place for everyone.

I absolutely loved the finishing school, and wished that there was a place like that when I was in school. I love the idea of learning to be what is expected but also having the unexpected thrown in. The bond that was displayed between Sophronia and the other girls that she shared her rooms with was unlike most that you read in historical fiction books. They supported one another and were there when their nemesis became too much. 

With fast pacing and chapters a little on the longer side this was an incredibly fun summer read. I already have the rest of the series requested from the library and should be able to get them soon. I look forward to seeing what the finishing school has in store for Sophronia for the next couple of years. If you enjoy curious women and the unexpected this is definitely a series that you should check out.