REVIEW: Curtsies & Conspiracies: Finishing School Book the Second by Gail Carriger

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My Rating: 8 out of 10 stars

Sophronia is enjoying her time at Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy. In addition to learning a proper curtsy, she's also learned how to wield a letter opener to deathly effect. In this second book of the Finishing School series, the school is on the move—a trip to London to witness the very first transcontinental dirigible expedition, with possibly more to it than meets the eye. With Monique's coming out ball on the agenda, the recently botched kidnapping attempt on Dimity, and untoward advances from Viscount Mersey, Sophronia's certainly got her hands full if she's to make it through the school year.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, just as much as the first, if not more so. Ms. Carriger has build a wonderfully detailed steampunk world, abounding with dinghies, airships, gadgets, and mechanicals. Full of action and adventure, this book draws the reader in and doesn't let go. One thing I noted is that these books can easily stand alone if necessary. When a significant event would occur, one that relates to or depends on something that occurred in the previous book, the author neatly summarizes the event to bring the reader up to speed. So though you may have missed out on the excitement of said event the first time around, there's enough information given so a new reader is up to speed on current events, even if they haven't gotten to know the characters quite as well yet.

As I said in my review of Etiquette & Espionage, I love Sophronia's audacious character, and think all the major characters in this book are very well drawn. I'm very much looking forward to Waistcoats & Weaponry, the third book in the series, due to be released in November, but which I luckily have an advance readers copy of waiting right here. :)

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.