Friday, February 8, 2013

Review: Etiquette and Espionage

ETIQUETTE AND ESPIONAGE
Finishing School #1
Gail Carriger
Young Adult/Steampunk
320 pages
Little, Brown
Available Now
Received from publisher for review

THE STORY (from Goodreads)
It's one thing to learn to curtsy properly. It's quite another to learn to curtsy and throw a knife at the same time. Welcome to Finishing School.

Sophronia Temminnick at 14 is a great trial more interested in dismantling clocks and climbing trees than proper manners -- and the family can only hope that company never sees her atrocious curtsy. Her poor mother, desperate for her daughter to become a proper lady, enrolls the lively tomboy in Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality.

But young ladies learn to finish...everything. Certainly, they learn the fine arts of dance, dress, and etiquette, but they also learn to deal out death, diversion, and espionage -- in the politest possible ways, of course. Sophronia and her friends are in for a rousing first year's education.


MY THOUGHTS
A fun and quirky young adult debut from Ms. Carriger, Etiquette and Espionage is packed full of engaging characters all equipped with the sense of humor fans of her Parasol Protectorate series love so dearly, ensuring that upon finishing this first installment we immediately begin counting the days until the next book releases. While this story is a bit slower in nature, it’s never dull, instead we find ourselves so charmed with the outlandish antics of young Sophronia and those attending Mademoiselle Geraldine’s Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality that it’s hard to miss the suspense or action. There is certainly a mystery that unfolds as Sophronia’s first semester progresses, but it feels almost secondary to the sheer entertainment we find in wondering what the characters will say or do next.

Though Sophronia is fourteen years-old and therefore may not appeal to older readers of young adult fiction, it’s important to know she comes across far more maturely than her young years (though not so much so that her age is rendered completely unbelievable) might suggest. She’s full of sass and fire, possessing a quick mind that serves to assist her in getting out of the trouble her innate curiosity so often gets her into. Her need to stick her nose into everything never once comes across as a character flaw or irritation for us as readers, instead she manages to approach all her ridiculous situations with an infectious humor, forcing a laugh out of us before that first twinge of frustration even has the chance to form.

While there are several boys of note in this tale (despite the fact that the finishing school is an all girls academy), there is no romance to be had, something that might cause a beat of hesitation for lovers of romance (like myself), but ultimately this story is all the more refreshing for its absence. In the place of romantic tension and angst we have the formation of strong friendships full of teasing and laughter, complete with rather silly and absurd names like Lord Dingleproops to keep a lighthearted smile plastered to our faces the entire time we read. A sootie named Soap does make his way onto our romance radar rather quickly and easily, but given Sophronia’s young age we don’t have much expectation for romance going in, and instead welcome their innocent friendship and mild flirting with open arms as we bask in our reprieve from relationship drama.

Overall Etiquette and Espionage is a highly amusing introduction to this series; a quieter read that gives our hearts a bit of buoyancy rather than weighing it down with pain and conflict, leaving us light, happy and thoroughly entertained.

Rating: 4/5
 

Gail stopped by to answer a few questions yesterday as part of the promotional tour for Etiquette & Espionage, so be sure and check it out and enter for a chance to win a finished copy!

58 comments:

  1. Okay, you've sold me. (Not that it really took much.) I want to read this. Though I also need to finish the last Parasol Protectorate book. (So many books!)

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    1. It's just such a fun little book Amanda - unusual and light and entertaining:)

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  2. ahhh!! !I'm really slow in my reading!!! here's another series from Gail Carriger and I haven't started her Parasol Protectorate series yet. Oh my god! And I thought, this one is part of the Parasol Protectorate too because of the cover. They got the same feel for me.

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    1. They're set in the same world:) One of the girls that goes to the school I believe is related to the characters from the PP series.

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    2. thus it mean I can read this new series even if I haven't read PP series? Or is it better to check fist Gail Carriger writing from PP series? ahhh... I don't know what to pick anymore. so many books to read!!!

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  3. I'm in love - like desperately in love- with the MC's name. And that's enough for me to be desperate to read the book :) Ooohhh MC's name aside, THIS SOUNDS SO AMAZING. I'm not a huge fan of 14 year old MCs but I have a feeling I'll enjoy her story :) Can't wait for this!!

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    1. She comes across a bit older than 14, but not so mature that she seems like she's an adult, and I just really liked her:) Hope you get a chance to read this Shirley!

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  4. I JUST finished this one last night and adored it. I think I loved everything about it (haven't had time to analyze yet...just basking in that post-fab-book glow). Sophronia was fantastic and I love that it was so very British.

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    1. YAY! So glad you enjoyed it too:) It just hit the spot for me, I was in the mood for something fun and different:)

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  5. YEAH! I am so glad this worked for you, Melissa, and evidently Mary too :) I think GC fans are in for a treat if you lovely ladies all loved it!

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    1. Can't wait for the next book Felicia! Sophronia is awesome:)

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  6. I love her other series and there's no way that I could be disappointed with this one. Cab't wait to read it. I just love her sense of humor!

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    1. She does have such a great sense of humor:) And the names! Some of the names just killed me. I could never marry a man with the last name Dingleproops:)

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  7. I'm glad you addressed the part about her age. I think a lot of readers worry about reading about such a young protagonist. They can often come across as immature, but I'm happy Sophronia isn't like that. I like that she's a younger MC because then I can pass it off into the hands of my 12 year old cousin after reading. ;)

    Thanks for the review, Jenny! I was on the fence about this one, but now I know I need to give it a shot.

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    1. Yes, it's definitely appropriate for younger readers, there's no violence or romance or anything:)

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  8. I completely agree with you about the lack of romance. I felt that E&E was actually more middle grade than YA, so an intense romance would have been completely out of place. It's the lack of a real plot that bothered me, and I ended up giving it only 3 stars. I did like seeing some characters from Parasol Protectorate, especially Genevieve Lefoux, but at the same time, it seemed like a cheap move. I don't know, I guess I'm still undecided.
    I'm so glad you liked it, though! Fantastic review, Jenny!

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    1. I agree, there wasn't much in the way of the mystery, it was kind of secondary to Sophronia just being Sophronia, but I kind of liked that about it. I haven't read all the PP books so aside from the young werewolf student, I didn't realize there were any other crossover characters!

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  9. I've got this ebook and I can't wait to start it! :) I'm so happy that you like it. From your review it sounds like a pleasant read, even though it's slower. I don't think I'd mind that. Great review Jenny :)

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  10. I had a feeling that this would be an awesome read, so I'm glad that you enjoyed it Jenny, I don't think that I would mind the lack of romance in this book, I think the humour in this book would keep me thoroughly entertained. I didn't realise that the mc Sophronia was quite so young, but I don't think I'll have an issue with that either! Brilliant review Jenny, I will be looking forward to getting my hands on a copy soon! :)

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    1. As much as I kept wanting a romance to happen, it was actually really nice to read a book that was romance free - one that focused more on friendships than flirting:)

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  11. Even though this one doesn't have much romance, I am pretty interested in it. I've heard great things about Gail Carriger and have one of her adult books on my shelf. I like that it's light and entertaining--definitely something I need from time to time. I'll have to check it out. Great review as always, Jenny!

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    1. It's just a fun light read Christina! Perfect to pick up if you need a break from emotionally jarring stories:)

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  12. I so agree! I also loved those names. I think I was also happy there was no romance. You are right, she was too young, but you can tell there were inklings that the future will probably hold at least one romance. Brilly review as always!

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    1. I'm hoping for a future romance at some point! Still, I liked what we got and her friendship with Soap just made me smile:)

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  13. I'm so excited for this one, Jenny! I'm not sure how well I'll enjoy it since the characters are so young, but I love the premises and am thrilled you enjoyed it so much!(: Wonderful review, dear!

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  14. I am happy to hear that the 14 year old comes across as mature that is always a concern for me not wanting an immature character and heck I am always up for light, funny and happy so I am board with this one, not to mention your post yesterday was hilarious!

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  15. eeeeeek! I have it! But I can't read it :( Bf hid it from me as I am getting it for my bday

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  16. Wow, I had your review open, then pressed refresh and I thought perhaps this was an elaborate lesson in diversion....then I realized you had redesigned your site. :-)

    IT'S SO GORGEOUS! Love the new design! I mean I liked the old design too, but this is so classy and elegant. Like, wedding classy (I mean a non-stuffy, cool wedding of course!) :-)

    Ok, back to your E&E review, you have completely expressed my love for this book! Sophronia was so funny and the school and its teachers and students are so much fun to read about, I didn't even care about the lack of action, or the fact that the mystery wasn't terribly high stakes. I just LOVED it—the writing, the humor, the atmosphere—it was all so enjoyable. Fantastic review :-)

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  17. I have to read this *nods head* awesome review it has so many elements I love!

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  18. Oh yeah, I like how you mention that we don't really have that opportunity to get annoyed with her antics. I felt like I should be, but I never was. And yes, the names! That's another thing I forgot to mention was the slightly ridiculous names. But that's Gail Carriger for you, and I love it!

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  19. oh that sucks that there isnt any romance, because im a fan of it like you :P My sister considered this to be more MG than YA though... i can see why! Great review dear, and i LOVE your new blog design!
    - Farah @ MajiBookshelf

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  20. Hm, I think I'm going to give this one a pass. I know you said that the absence of romance is refreshing, but I just don't think it will work for me.

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  21. Ooooh I'm so happy you liked this one! I've really been getting into steampunk and this one really caught my eye when I saw it. Can't wait to read it now! Great review :)

    -Jessica (Peace Love Books)

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  22. Sounds lovely, Jenny! We all need a break from romance at times, and a book about a sassy, nosey girl and her friends sounds like just the ticket.

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  23. Love the review Jenny! I'm very interested in seeing where are the character go. Also the wolf was a nice surprise.

    Also, nice new blog layout. Sooo pretty!!!

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  24. Ok first off this book sounds great, seriously were have I been lately, I feel like Im so out of the loop...:/

    And second.....I LOVE THE NEW LOOK!!! The flowers are so pretty. I want to hire you to do my blog next....:D

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  25. Jenny, I'm so glad you loved this book! I've always been excited for the release of this book and now that I know you loved it, I'm even MORE stoked for it! I'm happy to hear that it's light and fun, even though the cover makes it look like a mysterious novel... I'm curious to see how I'll like the lack of romance, since, like you, I'm a romance junkie as well. Beautiful review as always, Jenny!

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  26. Okay, I must admit that while I was nervous about there being a younger heroine, you've made me confident that I will love her fiery personality! :) The no romance thing is kind of a bummer, but from what you say, the author makes it so that it isn't even missed. I will have to crack open my copy soon!

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  27. That was a great review and makes me want to read the novel even if there is no romance. Love the names. That would make it funny.

    Heather

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  28. I love the lighter stories and I'm excited to read the YA world version.

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  29. Awesome review. I don't read a lot of Steampunk, but after your review and the one I read that Candace wrote the other day, I most definitely want to read more about Sophorina.

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  30. Aw wow, this sounds fantastic! I've only read one or two Steampunk books before, but really want to start reading more.

    I am a massive romance junkie, so don't know how I would cope without any romance at all in this book. However, it does sound pretty refreshing!

    Thank you so much for sharing your wonderfully persuasive review with us, Jenny. This is definitely one I'll be keeping an eye out for! :)

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  31. Oh, I have been so interested in Etiquette and Espionage! However, I'll admit it was the cover that first got my attention. It's super chic ;) Etiquette and Espionage may seem a little too tame for me, but your review still makes it sound refreshing and desirable. BTW, Jenny, I am beyond in LOVE with your new blog design! It's beautiful. What do I have to do to get you to design one for me? ;)

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  32. As much as I adore romance, I am completely happy for there to be an absence of one if it is not necessary. Even better if we get some great friendships in place of it. :) Lovely review, Jenny! I've been seeing pretty mixed things about this book, but you have me curious about it again.

    On a side note, I LOVE the new look around here. Very simple and pretty. :)

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  33. I've been seeing some really great reviews for this book recently! I must pick it up.

    Great review!

    Sara @ Just Another Story

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  34. glad you enjoyed it so much. I have to agree, Sophronia definitely acted older than her age mentally!

    - Juhina @ Maji Bookshelf

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  35. No romance?! *stomps foot* It does sound like a fun read anyhow, Jenny. But still, no romance?!! Lol. Great review. :)

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  36. Wait just a second *looks around* you changed your blog!! It looks really good, Jenny. Nice and light. :)

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  37. I've had such high hopes for this novel. I mean, just look at that amazing synopsis! I haven't read the Parasol series yet, although I've heard many great things about it, but I may have to slip it in before E&E ;) I'm so happy to hear that you enjoyed this. Really looking forward to reading it! Great review!

    Lisa | Read Me Bookmark Me Love Me

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  38. You're totally right on your assessment of how Sophronia's age may deter older readers. As it is, I generally prefer my protagonists to be late teenagers. But I'm willing to make exceptions for exceptional books. From all the reviews I've read, I think I'd enjoy Etiquette and Espionage. I am more interested in Carriger's Parasol Protectorate for now I think. But your review is beautiful and definitely tempting me to read this new series. I guess I'll have to see which one I'm in the mood for first!

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  39. Glad that Sophronia comes across more mature than her 14 years...this book sounds like such a fabulous, fun read!

    Fantastic review :)

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  40. I know Aylee reviewed this one and found it really entertaining and since I've heard how awesome the Parasol Protectorate series is, I'm looking forward to reading it. I also like that there's no romance but a strong focus on friendships instead; sometimes it's refreshing to not have a romance.

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  41. Okay, first: new design? Love it!! Also, glad you loved this one, Jenny!! Most entertaining book I've read in a while! I loved every second. And I have no doubt that the romance will come with the sequels as Sophronia grows older, as she is quite young. For now, I was also happy to read about her friendships!! I'm already making plans to read her Parasol Protectorate series! Love this review.

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  42. WOW...ok I am convinced...I'm adding this to my wishlist!!! I love the idea of a book that spends more time focussing on friendships than trying to force a romance!

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  43. My library has this book on-order! After reading your review, I had to go put it on hold. :) I can't wait to check it out. :)

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  44. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of this! I'm a little sad to hear there is no romance, but she is only 14 so I understand. It sounds like the characters are all very personable and quirky, which is always great! Awesome review Jenny! =)

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  45. I am SO torn with this book! I feel like I trudged through it for a long time but after I sort of got used to Carriger's writing, I liked it a lot more. Sophronia was an interesting character and I have to admit: that lack of romance made this one so much more enjoyable. This story is truly Sophronia's and she doesn't need a boy to change anything.

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