Friday, October 25, 2013

Curtsies and Conspiracies (Finishing School #2) by Gail Carriger with Giveaway!

Series: Finishing School #2
320p.
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published: Nov. 5th, 2013
Source: eARC from NetGalley and publisher for review
"Does one need four fully grown foxgloves for decorating a dinner table for six guests? Or is it six foxgloves to kill four fully grown guests?"
Sophronia's first year at Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality has certainly been rousing! For one thing, finishing school is training her to be a spy (won't Mumsy be surprised?). Furthermore, Sophronia got mixed up in an intrigue over a stolen device and had a cheese pie thrown at her in a most horrid display of poor manners. 
Now, as she sneaks around the dirigible school, eavesdropping on the teachers' quarters and making clandestine climbs to the ship's boiler room, she learns that there may be more to a school trip to London than is apparent at first. A conspiracy is afoot--one with dire implications for both supernaturals and humans. Sophronia must rely on her training to discover who is behind the dangerous plot-and survive the London Season with a full dance card. 
In this sequel to bestselling author Gail Carriger's YA debut Etiquette & Espionage, class is back in session with more petticoats and poison, tea trays and treason. Gail's distinctive voice, signature humor, and lush steampunk setting are sure to be the height of fashion this season.
My thoughts:
 If you didn't already read the first book, Etiquette and Espionage, then stop right now and read that book. You will need to read it first before diving into this one. It builds on the first and I think it is best read in order. Otherwise, you will be stuck wondering who and what is going on instead of dealing with this twisted mystery.

This book like the last one had the same wonderful tongue-in-cheek flavor of the first. The same wonderfully ridiculous names still abound and even Bumbersnoot! (see, you need to read the first book if you don't know who that is!!) Sophronia is loving her time at the school, but in this one she starts looking toward the future in espionage and what she must do to secure a good job. She also is gaining the interest of 2 boys in particular. Yes, possible love triangle. Still, it doesn't overtake the story, but looks like it will gain prominence as the series continues.

I give this twisty steampunk mystery 4 1/2 stars. It's a fun second novel in this series and the main character, Sophronia, is a great hero to cheer... in a lady like way (of course). I can't wait for the next.

Giveaway!
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers is letting me giveaway one finished copy of this book! All you have to do is fill out the rafflecopter form below! US only.
Good luck and don't forget to check your skirt!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

50 comments:

  1. I'm not thrilled about the love triangle but still, I have no doubt that this will be fun. My copy is on its way so I'm not entering the giveaway, but I'm relieved to see that you enjoyed this. Hopefully my mailman will hurry up. Run, Forest, run!

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    1. I'm not actually sure if I like it or not. I'm not a fan of them, but this one is interesting...

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  2. I haven't read the first book yet, but I'm not sure I will if a love triangle seems looming. I'm glad it doesn't overtake the plot, at least, and Carriger's novels are always so much fun, so I'm sure this lives up to that reputation as well. Wonderful review, Melissa!(:

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    1. It's an interesting take on the triangle, I admit. :) You might enjoy it.

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  3. I definitely agree that people need to read the first one first. I guess this could be read first but they'd miss out on the backstory and how Sophrona ended up in the floating school in the first place.

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    1. I think this should be read in order. It would be slightly confusing and would take away from the enjoyment of the characters.

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  4. Yeah, looking forward to reading this one. Carriger's books are always so much fun. I love her humor and I'm curious who love interest #2 is.

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  5. Bummersnoot? I love books with unusually named characters. And what a great cover, slightly spooky don't you think?

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    1. Oh then you will love the character names in this book. :)

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  6. I loved the first book and super excited to read this one! Thanks for the giveaway!

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    1. Yes, but it is interesting especially in the time period it is set.

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  8. Boo on the love triangle, but somehow with the way Gail writes, I just don't think it's going to be one of those super angst-y, irritating triangles, so I don't think it will bother me. Can't wait to get my hands on this one Melissa, I need something right now with some humor!

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  9. Love triangle love shmangle... I love the series and look forward to reading this second book.. I totally enjoyed the first one.

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  10. Oh I know... I really need to read book 1 and I have it, I'm so behind!

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  11. That's great you really liked this!! I've been wanting to check out the first book since before it was released. I really need to get on it. haha

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  12. I still need to read the first one (which I bought), but I've heard nothing but good about the series.

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  13. I'm about 80% done with the first one right now. It's so good! I love it all - the crazy marblemouth names, the spunky heroine, and tiny Bumbersnoot! Thanks for the giveaway - I'll definitely be reading book two.

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  14. I always love Carriger's tongue in cheek voice. She's so much fun!

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  15. I have book one on my wish-list and after reading your review of book two, I bumped it up. This sounds like a solid second book ..wahoo!

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  16. Ok i guess I have to stop right now and go read the first book! LOL

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  17. I was wanting to read this so badly, and I had to turn it down because I havent' had time to read the first. Sounds like I am totally missing out!

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  18. Oh poo! A love triangle. It sounds tolerable though (for now) so I'm going to go for it because the first book was a lot of fun. lol

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  19. I just adore Gail's writing style. I'm so eager to get my hands on this installment. Should be loads of fun. Even though there's going to be plenty of drama ;)

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  20. I still need to read the first book, Etiquette and Espionage, which is waiting for me on my Kindle. I'm looking forward to reading both books. I'm glad to hear you liked both books.

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  21. Never heard of this series(?) before. It sounds interesting and the girl on the cover looks like keira knightly.

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  22. I'm so, so, SO excited for this! I need to glance through the first though because I've forgotten a lot. I just love these books cause they are just plain FUN!

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  23. I did love the first book, and can't wait for this one! I do hope to receive it soon.

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  24. I loved E&E and I can't wait to read C&C!

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  25. Your review totally makes me want to start this series—I love that it doesn’t spoil anything thing. :D

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  26. Thanks for sharing your review. I will be getting the first book in the series as well as this one. Sounds like an awesome read.
    Lori

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  27. I very much like Gail's writing - loved the Parasol Protectorate series, and enjoyed Etiquette & Espionage. I'm looking forward to reading this one... :)

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  28. I loved book #1! I'm so excited for this one ;)
    -Scott Reads It!

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  29. Sounds like a great series....gotta go and get Bk1....
    Thanks for the review and for the chance to win a great prize!

    the jo
    johannasnodgrass(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  30. I loved the first book and the world she has created. I'm not sure yet about the love triangle. Usually I can't stand them but I love this series so I'll keep an open mind.
    Great review. Can't wait to read it.

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  31. My daughter would love this (and so would I) I am going to have to get a copy of the first book. It sounds like Jane Austen meets 007, very cool.

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  32. Yay! I love Sophronia and am looking forward to reading this one. But a love triangle? Oh no, say it isn't so! :-)

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  33. Beautifully written review. It seems you really enjoyed it. :) I am so looking forward to reading more of this series. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  34. I absolutely loved E&E, and I'm hoping to read this one as soon as I can! Great review. :)

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  35. Great review!! I'm glad you liked it! I've been dying to read this one ever since I finished the first book. Thanks for the awesome giveaway!

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  36. Really good review:) I loved the first book and cannot wait to read Curtsies and Conspiracies! Fingers crossed!
    -Jayne

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