Author: Gail Carriger
Series: Book Two in the Finishing School Series
Published By: Hachette Little Brown (November 2013)
Source: Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Historical Paranormal/Steampunk
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
Book Description:
Sophronia, second year at Miss Geraldine's Finishing Academy, helps Dimity avoid London kidnappers and Vieve 10 attend Bunson boys' school. Someone kills for malfunctioning guidance valves that can control 'aether' atmosphere level. Again, she flirts with 'sootie' coal-worker Soap from the boiler room, and cuts Felix, son of Duke Golborne, at come-out ball. Teacher Captain Niall turns werewolf; vampire Prof Braithwope braves 'tether'; mechanimal Bumbersnoot plays essential role.
I really loved the audio version of the first book so much that even though I received a copy from the publisher to review, I wanted to once again listed to Moira Quirk narrate and all of the fun that comes with listening to her quirky accents and voices. She really does bring this series to life with the voices and the character and warmth she projects into the storyline. I honestly don't know if I would like this series as much as I do without her little added extras.
I really enjoyed the first book. It really was a cute and fun read and while I did enjoy it, I was hoping the second volume would be just a little bit more. Hoping that the characters would grow up some and change along the way. And even though this is still one of the silliest reads I have come across that mixes historic, paranormal, and a bit of steampunk, it is by far such a cute read at the same time that you can't help but get caught up in the storyline as Sophronia and her friends get into trouble more often than naught.
It will be interesting and I am sure quite entertaining to see where the third book with take them next. I am looking forward to the hijinks and shenanigans that are sure to follow.
*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*
Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings: Endsinger by Jay Kristoff
Maja @The Nocturnal Library: Mortal Gods by Kendare Blake
I was a little mixed by the first one but this one sounds good, I should try to see how I feel about it.
ReplyDeleteIt is a rather young YA read but still really silly and fun.
DeleteI think we all need silly books in our lives!!! Books that just make us laugh and smile and shake our heads at the hilarious ridiculousness of it all. Glad this was that kind of book for you Ali:)
ReplyDeleteVery true Jenny. :)
DeleteI'm really trying to get into audio books, so I'll have to remember this one. It's too bad that the characters didn't grow up any, but I'm glad it was still a fun read. I need fluffy reads sometimes. :)
ReplyDeleteThey are still very hard for me, more often than not I start to wander a bit in my thinking and have to back it up and replay whatever was said but overall this was a fun read and definitely great for when you want a light read.
DeleteFor some reason I thought this would be more of a dark and gloomy kind of series and not a silly one, but I often find myself in the mood for silly and fun reads so I might have to give this a shot.
ReplyDeleteLovely review!
Nope not dark or gloomy at all. ;)
DeleteYou nailed it! This series is so silly but not in a stupid way, rather in a fun and entertaining manner. I love the names she came up with, that alone makes me giggle all the time. Can you imagine naming your kid Sophronia? My kid would probably curse me LOL
ReplyDeleteI couldn't at all and I think that is part of what makes it so fun.
DeleteI still can't decide whether I should pick up this series or not...
ReplyDeleteIt probably isn't for everyone but definitely worth a try. ;)
DeleteI have heard really interesting things about the first book and I'm sorry that the sequel wasn't was good. Anyhow I have never listened to an audiobook with Moira Quirk as a narrator and I think I need to change that. Great review :)
ReplyDeleteShe is a fun narrator for sure.
DeleteToo bad it wasn't stronger I have her other series in a box set to read yet. I am so bad. I just buy books and look at them..LOL
ReplyDeleteI have it as well Kim and haven't even come close to starting it so don't feel bad!
DeleteYou should at least try it, you never know, you may love it.
ReplyDeleteI picked up book one awhile back - and that's exactly what I was wanting to get, a fun escape into a world of strange steampunk and paranormal, and romance. I'm curious now as to this audio version now as well. :)
ReplyDeleteThen I think you will like this Kim.
DeleteI haven't read any of this series ... isn't is a spin-off or something too? I didn't realize that it's a lighter read.
ReplyDeleteYes it is and the original is adult I believe and then this is young YA.
DeleteHonestly, I wouldn't have guessed that this was a silly read because that cover just screams CONSPIRACY AND DRAMA in big bold letters... unless I'm the only one getting that vibe. I'm a bit worried that it's less than stellar compared to its predecessor (I'm the type who rather reads a series that gets better rather than one that gets stagnant). I'll go and see your review for the third book to get my conclusion ;)
ReplyDeleteFaye at The Social Potato
The cover does scream that which was why the first book surprised me so much I think.
DeleteIt's the first time I hear about this series. I'm not sure it's the right type of a read for me, especially if you're not sure if you would've enjoyed it if you hadn't listened to the audio book, because I prefer (e)books. GGlad you enjoyed it though!
ReplyDeleteThe third book was better. ;)
DeleteOh I bet this is great on audio! I have the book and started it but had to set it aside for review books. But if I listened on audio I could probably fit it in sooner. Hmmm.... might have to consider that. Or read this one and listen to the third. I really love Gail, she mixes things up really well!
ReplyDeleteShe does and I bet you would love the narrator for the audio too Candace. She was really fun.
DeleteOh that would be quite the surprise for me since never woulda guessed the tone based on the covers. That's great about the narrator. I'm still trying to wiggle into audios.
ReplyDeleteIt is a hard wiggle to begin with. At least it really was for me.
DeleteAn Audio book that might actually be fun? o.o i am going to have to try it.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely!
DeleteI am really enjoying audiobooks so much. Glad you liked this.
ReplyDeleteI really did like this one, definitely a great experience.
DeleteThese books definitely make me giggle. Glad you enjoyed this and the next one even more.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you are reading and liking them too.
Delete