Etiquette and Espionage

Etiquette and Espionage by Gail Carriger
4/5 stars
Little, Brown and Company, 2013
307 pages
YA Historical Paranormal

Source: Won from saz101-she hosted a giveaway, ordered the book the day I responded, and it arrived a mere two days later; it's only now that I've had a chance to add it to my schedule. Thank you so much :)

While I liked Soulless, the first book in Carriger's beloved Parasol Protectorate series, I had even higher expectations of this YA novel set in the same universe simply because YA is my category. And though I did like my venture into this universe a lot (especially because it's set at a finishing school or in other words, a boarding school), I found it a bit on the young side. I guess I'm just a bit picky!

Sophronia always seems to be getting into trouble, exasperating her mother to no end and leading to her enrollment in finishing school. But this is no ordinary finishing school; rather it is training its students to not only be ladies but to also be assassins and spies. Sophronia seems to have found her perfect home if only it wasn't for pesky older student Monique and her secrets that Sophronia is determined to unravel.

Honestly I don't think the plot is that important for this book. What is important is the general tone and spirit of this book which is lighthearted and just plain fun. It reminded me a bit of Ally Carter's Heist Society and Robin Benway's Also Known As except with a historical and paranormal setting. Sophronia is a positive heroine-although she is upper-class, she notices and befriends those who would be considered beneath her. Although she has her scrabbles with Monique, she is mostly friendly and tries hard. I'd be fine having her for a younger sister (I think).

Another great bonus is the setting. The finishing school is not content to remain on the ground but instead floats above and is capable of traveling around England, allowing Sophronia to get up to some hilarious hijinks (including a great scene in the school for boys). The stage is set for many more adventures and I look forward to reading them as well.

Other Opinions: Pretty universally loved :)
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Soulless

Soulless by Gail Carriger
Orbit, 2009
357 pages
Romance; Paranormal; Historical; Steampunk
4/5 stars

Source: Present from my parents.

I've been wanting to read this for a while after seeing many enthusiastic review but I wasn't entirely sure what to expect when I picked it up. Was it steampunk? Paranormal? A romance? Kind of all of those but most especially the last two with the steampunk elements appearing but not being very developed in my opinion. Of course, this is a series so there's lots of potential for more to come.

The main character is Alexia, an Italian looking spinster who just happens to be soulless. This means that whenever she touches one of the paranormal creatures such as a vampire or werewolf, they are transformed into a harmless human. Such creatures are acknowledged by the rest of human society and are governed by their own strict rules. Until they are not, as new creations appear without being brought up in their society rules and others mysteriously disappear. Most baffling!  Of course Alexia is drawn in to this through her unique power but also due to her forthrightness and curiosity; no one can keep her away.

Not even the alpha wolf of her parts, Lord Maccon. Their relationship is full of back and forth, reminiscent as pointed out by the Book Smugglers of Amelia Peabody and her husband Emerson to their disappointment but my delight. It seemed familiar and utterly charmed me but I couldn't figure out why.  This is the reason why I ultimately felt that the romance part of the book was the main plot despite the many subgenres poking their way in.  I am hopeful that when I read the second book, I will be just as enthralled with their dynamic.

As for the rest of the story, I actually found it a bit confusing, attempting to decipher how Carriger governs her supernatural creatures as well as trying to uncover the mystery. I did figure out a few tiny things but not nearly enough. Oh well, at least I greatly enjoyed the journey!

For additional fun, check out this dress up doll and a video of how the cover for the third book Blameless came to be created-I interacted with these even before reading and it was so much fun! These are some great marketing tools. I highly recommend you check these out even if you have no interest in the book itself.