Books Archives - Page 5 of 20

The Newest Graphic Novel About D&D: Roll for Initiative

The Book:

THe cover of Last Session VOlume 1 Roll for Initiative focuses on two characters, Cassandra and Lana, in their D&D alternate personas wth the other four character lined up in the background. All six of the character sit around a table on the bottom. — The Last Session Vol. 1: Roll for Initiative pulled from Goodreads

Title: The Last Session Vol. 1: Roll for Initiative

Author: Jasmine Walls

Illustrator: Dozerdraws

Series: The Last Session #1

Published on June 22, 2022, by Mad Cave Studios

Genre: Graphic Novels, Fantasy, LGBTQIA+

Pages: 136

“Roll for initiative! Jay, Lana, Drew, Walter, and Shen have played Dice & Deathtraps together since high school. Now, on the verge of graduating college and scattering, they’ve decided to finally complete their unfinished first campaign. But when Jay’s partner Cassandra joins as a new player, Lana’s afraid the party won’t ever finish their quest…” –Goodreads page

My Review:

Stranger Things has been the only thing on my mind recently, so when Roll for Initiative, a graphic novel about a group of friends playing D&D, popped up in my inbox this week, I was so excited.

I received a free copy of this graphic novel from a sweepstake I entered. Thankfully, Mad Cave Studios granted me access to read this arc. This graphic novel is out on June 22, 2022.

This was not a long novel, but I believe the story will continue since this is a Vol. 1. I would have preferred a bit more to read, but the shorter graphic novels are always fun and get my reading count up.

My most extensive critique of the story is that it probably should not have a sequel. The tale of these characters seems like it is over. There was absolutely nothing in the end that had a bit of suspense or openness. When I finished the story seemed over. There were no loose ends.

I would have preferred the book to have stopped in the middle of the conflict, like a few of the graphic novels I have read do. I don’t know if there is a reason some stories like Heartstopper do that and this one didn’t. It just left me not feeling the need to pick the next copy.

Another issue is there really was no time to develop the characters. Yes, we got little blotches of the character here and there, but we did not get to understand the characters. I will explain more in a second.

This novel does not center around one character. It centers around six characters, five of which who met in high school and began playing D&D together.

Lana is the character who is the most irritating. I feel like she would not have been as irritating if we got a bit more context of her character, I think that is one f those things that happen when books are shorter, we don’t know why she is the way that she is. It could have been something the creators could have tried to explain.

Drew is my favorite character. The illustrations of him make him seem so suave and charming. Who doesn’t love a barista? But, honestly, we don’t learn anything about him. We learn he has one struggle, that’s all. We don’t learn about his current projects, only his past writing projects.

Shen and Walter play more of a background duo. They do not have too much that makes them stand out, and the story does not focus on them too much. We get a bit of background, but it did not go to places that they reference in the present day of the story.

Jay and Cassandra are my two favorite people because I feel they were the most unproblematic of the group. Obviously, good characters have problems, but they seem to be at a point in their life where they can be themselves, and it is cool to see. I would love to get a background story of how they met and how Jay introduced Cassandra to D&D.

It was short and sweet to read, but I am left a bit unsatisfied. I would love for people to check this out and comment about their thoughts.

As always, thanks for reading,

A Bookie

Star Rating: 3

The Love Hypothesis: A Review

The Book:

Title: The Love Hypothesis

Author: Ali Hazelwood

Published September 14th 2021 by Berkley Books

Genre: Romance, Comtemporary, Fiction

Pages: 352

“As a third-year Ph.D. candidate, Olive Smith doesn’t believe in lasting romantic relationships–but her best friend does, and that’s what got her into this situation. Convincing Anh that Olive is dating and well on her way to a happily ever after was always going to take more than hand-wavy Jedi mind tricks: Scientists require proof. So, like any self-respecting biologist, Olive panics and kisses the first man she sees.

That man is none other than Adam Carlsen, a young hotshot professor–and well-known ass. Which is why Olive is positively floored when Stanford’s reigning lab tyrant agrees to keep her charade a secret and be her fake boyfriend. But when a big science conference goes haywire, putting Olive’s career on the Bunsen burner, Adam surprises her again with his unyielding support and even more unyielding… six-pack abs.

Suddenly their little experiment feels dangerously close to combustion. And Olive discovers that the only thing more complicated than a hypothesis on love is putting her own heart under the microscope.” –Goodreads

My Review:

I listened to this book over the course of two days and omg this was amazing.

Just like my review of One of Us Is Dead, I think this book uses modern-day speak without being super cliche and cringey.

The romance in this book was everything. I loved how there was not some big denial of feelings. The main character did not repeatedly say “I don’t like this man and I never will.” She realizes her crush and accepts it. I love the fake dating trope, but the whole not being truthful about your own feelings that run rampant in this genre gets on my nerves.

Adam Carlson was an amazing dream boyfriend. He is an academic. He is large and broody. He is rude to anyone but the girl, that is literally my favorite. And he has money!

The protagonist, Olive is sweet and charming. She is a good friend even though she goes about helping her friends in a weird fake dating your professor way.

I love how this book discusses some really important topics like the rampant sexism in academics, especially in STEM fields. There is a speech given by to Olive about how she is just a woman and must sleep with men to get higher in her field. This is a common thing in many fields. Men take advantage of women wanting to further themselves and force them into having sex with threats of blacklisting them. I was really impressed that Hazelwood bring this fact to light.

This book balanced everything so well. The science talk was not too much so that non-scientific readers would be confused, but the scene is still set. The romance was the main part of the story, but it didn’t override Olive’s life. She did not let her studies suffer because of her romance, which is something I always see and I hate.

I loved this book a lot. It was a really interesting and pleasing read. I wish I had more, but I am also happy with where the story left off.

As always, thanks for reading,

A Bookie

Star Rating: 4.5

Escaping from Houdini: A Review

The Book:

Title: Escaping from Houdini

Author: Kerri Maniscalco

Series: Stalking Jack the Ripper #3

Published September 18th 2018

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, YA, Romance

Pages: 416

“Audrey Rose Wadsworth and her partner-in-crime-investigation, Thomas Cresswell, are en route to New York to help solve another blood-soaked mystery. Embarking on a week-long voyage across the Atlantic on the opulent RMS Etruria, they’re delighted to discover a traveling troupe of circus performers, fortune tellers, and a certain charismatic young escape artist entertaining the first-class passengers nightly.

But then, privileged young women begin to go missing without explanation, and a series of brutal slayings shocks the entire ship. The disturbing influence of the Moonlight Carnival pervades the decks as the murders grow ever more freakish, with nowhere to escape except the unforgiving sea.

It’s up to Audrey Rose and Thomas to piece together the gruesome investigation as even more passengers die before reaching their destination. But with clues to the next victim pointing to someone she loves, can Audrey Rose unravel the mystery before the killer’s horrifying finale?” –Goodreads

My Review:

This is the third book in the series and it just keeps getting better.

I have been perusing the other reviews on Goodreads to write this, mostly because I don’t have any ideas so I want to respond to the general feedback of others.

In this book, we see more horrific murders, which is super fun. The other books had fewer posed deaths. This one had interesting deaths that also had a mystery to find out what the specific deaths meant.

Wadsworth changes a lot in this book. She reflects on what she wants and her relationships. She has to work through her feelings of wanting to be free but also her feelings of wanting to be with Thomas Creswell. Yes, I agree with everyone saying she is dumb and annoying in this book, but she needs this character development. She literally understands she has been dumb in the end.

The circus aspect and magic show were so awesome. Maniscalco literally writes each so well. Normally, people are not that good at writing out magic tricks and writing magic shows out. I have never been impressed with an author’s portrayal of sleight of hand until Maniscalco.

Thomas Creswell is so amazing in this story. I love when a man gets jealous and he gets very jealous in this story. He also is trying to be so respectful of her while she is going around and keeping secrets from him. He let her choose him. He was amazing and patient. Why do people hate that?

I have seen a few people complain about how the heroes of the book become such bad people, but literally what more could you want? Characters need growth. They need to fall before they can fly. So I disagree with everyone who complains about that. It was so great.

I love the ending. Some people said that the ending was predictable, and I just might not understand stuff, but I do not think it was predictable at all. Maniscalco doesn’t have any predictable endings in my opinion.

I love this book series. Please check it out.

As always, thanks for reading,

A Bookie

Star Rating: 4.0

Soulless: A Review

The Book:

Title: Souless

Author: Gail Carriger

Series: Parasol Protectorate #1

Published September 4th 2009 by Orbit

Genre: Steampunk, Romance

Pages: 404

“Alexia Tarabotti is laboring under a great many social tribulations.

First, she has no soul. Second, she’s a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead. Third, she was rudely attacked by a vampire, breaking all standards of social etiquette.

Where to go from there? From bad to worse apparently, for Alexia accidentally kills the vampire–and then the appalling Lord Maccon (loud, messy, gorgeous, and werewolf) is sent by Queen Victoria to investigate.

With unexpected vampires appearing and expected vampires disappearing, everyone seems to believe Alexia responsible. Can she figure out what is actually happening to London’s high society? Will her soulless ability to negate supernatural powers prove useful or just plain embarrassing? Finally, who is the real enemy, and do they have treacle tart?” –Goodreads

My Review:

This book was so good!

This was not as good as the finishing school stories. But that is only because the plot was a little lacking.

There was not a lot happening in the plot. A lot of the book revolved around this romance plot. There were a lot of questions unanswered, that I am sure that they are going to answer later, and they did not really do anything or fix anything. It felt like we missed like a crazy conclusion.

But the romance…was SPICY!!!

I loved it so much. In the beginning, there was so much tension. I found myself blushing and giggling while I listened. Alexia and Maccon are honestly such a good pairing. I will say it was sad we didn’t get to see their meeting. I thought that seeing their meeting and then slowly building up to where their story ended in this book would have been nice. I felt like Carriger could have had more tension in her books.

Carriger is such a funny writer. She has funny names. Her dialogue is so witty and unique.

Alexia is excellent. She makes me so happy. I am waiting for the second book to be available on my library app, but I just want more Alexia now! She is so precious. She is caring and daring.

I liked uncovering the mystery of this series. I also liked that we got to see other points of view. In finishing school, the series was only from Sophronia’s limited third-person point of view. In this one, we jump to Professor Lyle and Lord Maccon’s point of view. It gives us a little bit more suspense.

I love this book so much and highly recommend it.

As always, thanks for reading,

A Bookie

Star Rating: 3.8

Manners & Mutiny: A Review

The Book:

Title: Manners & Mutiny

Author: Gail Carriger

Series: Finishing School #4

Published November 3rd 2015 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Genre: Steampunk, YA, Fantasy, Romance

Pages: 326

“If one must flirt…flirt with danger.

Lessons in the art of espionage aboard Mademoiselle Geraldine’s floating dirigible have become tedious without Sophronia’s sweet sootie Soap nearby. She would much rather be using her skills to thwart the dastardly Picklemen, yet her concerns about their wicked intentions are ignored, and now she’s not sure whom to trust. What does the brusque werewolf dewan know? On whose side is the ever-stylish vampire Lord Akeldama? Only one thing is certain: a large-scale plot is under way, and when it comes to fruition, Sophronia must be ready to save her friends, her school, and all of London from disaster–in decidedly dramatic fashion, of course.

What will become of our proper young heroine when she puts her years of training to the test? Find out in this highly anticipated and thrilling conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Finishing School series!” –Goodreads

My Review:

This is the last book in the series. That is so sad.

I literally had to just ay down for a while and reminisce over this series.

This series was literally amazing. My review is going to be short because again all the books are so similar. The plot is just overarching over the entire thing. I do love it though, but I understand that some people have been saying that it gets a little dull.

This book was so funny. It was so charming. My heart was so full reading this.

I kept putting the audiobook down so that I could savor the last bit of the story. It was so good and I loved it. I would have finished it within a day, but I knew that it would all be over when I finished. I am definitely going to have to relisten to this series.

Sophronia is such a lovable character. Her and all of her friends are literally amazing. Literally, they are so excellent. Ugh, I just want to gush about all of them, but readers should go find that love for these characters themselves.

The love story came to a completion and it was so sweet. The ending was so perfect. I like was so happy. It just made me believe in love and finding your match.

I love the series so much. I know I keep saying that but it is true. This final plot was so exciting.

As always, thanks for reading,

A Bookie

Star Rating: 4.5

Waistcoats & Weaponry Review

My Book:

Title: Waistcoats and Weaponry

Author: Gail Carriger

Series: Finishing School #3

Published November 4th 2014 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Genre: Steampunk, YA, Fantasy, Romance

Pages: 298

“Sophronia continues her second year at finishing school in style—with a steel-bladed fan secreted in the folds of her ball gown, of course. Such a fashionable choice of weapon comes in handy when Sophronia, her best friend Dimity, sweet sootie Soap, and the charming Lord Felix Mersey stowaway on a train to return their classmate Sidheag to her werewolf pack in Scotland.

No one suspected what—or who—they would find aboard that suspiciously empty train. Sophronia uncovers a plot that threatens to throw all of London into chaos and she must decide where her loyalties lie, once and for all.” –Goodreads

My Review:

Like I said last post, this is going to be short. Most of these books are similar but still so good!

Literally amazing. While the plot and the endings end up being near the same, this one was probably my favorite in terms of plot. I think we got to see a lot more of the side characters in action. We also got a super dramatic end. I loved it.

The series at this point gets very repetitive. There is one overarching theme and they all follow the same structure.

This one does have a bigger focus on the romance and how Sophronia negotiates a love triangle. I loved seeing her fall more in love with my top choice (I won’t spoil anything).

I love love love this series so much. This book was probably my favorite out of all four. I highly recommend this series and this book!

As always, thanks for reading,

A Bookie

Star Rating: 4.5

Audible Audiobooks Mini-Reviews

Back in the Burbs

Author: Tracy Wolff, Avery Flynn

Published March 30th 2021 by Entangled: Amara

Genre: Romance, Chick Lit

Length: 11 hours

“Two powerhouse authors bring you a hilarious tale of one woman’s journey to find herself again.

Ever have one of those days where life just plain sucks?

Welcome to my last three months – ever since I caught my can’t-be-soon-enough ex-husband cheating with his paralegal. I’m 35-years-old, and I’ve lost my N.Y.C. apartment, my job, my money, and frankly, my dignity.

But the final heartache in the suck sandwich of my life? My great-aunt Maggie died. The only family member who’s ever gotten me.

Even after death, though, she’s helping me get back up. She’s willed me the keys to a house in the burbs, of all places, and dared me to grab life by the family jewels. Well, I’ve got the vise grips already in hand (my ex should take note) and I’m ready to fight for my life again.

Too bad that bravado only lasts as long as it takes to drive into Huckleberry Hills. And see the house.

There are 47 separate H.O.A. violations, and I feel them all in my bones. Honestly, I’m surprised no one’s “accidentally” torched the house yet. I want to, and I’ve only been standing in front of it for five minutes. But then my hot, grumpy neighbor tells me to mow the lawn first and I’m just…done. Done with men too sexy for their own good and done with anyone telling me what to do ever again.

First rule of surviving the burbs? There is nothing that YouTube and a glass of wine can’t conquer.” –Goodreads

Review:

This book was really nice. I am really into those simple, slice-of-life pieces. I also love romance books and the romance in this was cute. I think it was a really interesting and sweet read. It puts into perspective life after death and getting to know someone once they are gone.

I thought it was so cute and definitely was worth the read.

Crashing the A-List

Author: Summer Heacock

Published March 12th 2019 by Mira Books

Genre: Romance, Chick Lit

Length: 12 hours

“She’s doing all the wrong things for all the right reasons.

After four months of unemployment, former book editor Clara Montgomery is officially stuck–stuck sleeping on her little brother’s ugly couch in Queens, stuck scrolling through job listings in search of a new editorial position … and just desperate enough to take on a temporary gig clearing out abandoned storage units. If nothing else, she’s determined to keep her rapidly dwindling savings account intact.

Unfortunately, she is in no way prepared for stumbling upon dead snakes or dealing with glass jars that she’s convinced are full of pickled eyeballs. And why does everything seem to smell like beets?

Then Clara comes across a unit that was once owned by an escort service and finds the brothel “r�sum�” of a younger Caspian Tiddleswich, an astonishingly famous British actor. She has no intention of cashing in on her discovery, but her awkward attempts to reassure Caspian that his secret is safe go awry. Now Caspian is convinced that Clara is a blackmailer, the tabloids have her pegged as Caspian’s newest girlfriend … and Clara begins to find the A-lister’s charms more irresistible than she expected.” –Goodreads

Review:

It was okay.

I mean I honestly wish the series focused more on her gig cleaning out the storage bins other than the fake dating trope. It pains me to say this trope was not executed well. I definitely think it was so similar to The Stand-In down below, but that one did the story better.

Kismet

Author: Lauren Blakely

Published February 3rd 2022 by Audible Originals

Genre: Romance

Length: 7 hours

“In this audio-first rom com by #1 New York Times best-selling author Lauren Blakely, a scorching one-night stand with a stranger turns into a deliciously forbidden romance…

My first evening in London feels like kismet when I bump into a charming, book-loving Englishman, and by the end of the night, he’s making me see stars. I’m floating when we make plans to meet again.

Then fate decides to pull a fast one on me.

Turns out, my smoldering new lover is my red-hot competition, and we’re vying for the same promotion at the elite auction house I crossed an ocean for.

If that’s not enough, the hottie and I are forced to work together on a brand new collection.

Every. Single. Tempting. Day.

What’s an American woman in London to do?

Staying far, far away would be the safe choice, especially when I learn about his past and how it mirrors mine.

But I don’t always play it safe with my heart…” -Goodreads

Review:

Literally hated this.

It was so boring. I hate being negative about a book but I did not like it. As you know, I do not like to DNF a book so I just put that on 3x speed and just zoomed through the rest of it.

The Stand-In

Author: Lily Chu

Published July 15th 2021 by Audible Originals

Genre: Romance

Length: 11 hours

“Gracie Reed is doing just fine. Sure, she was fired by her overly “friendly” boss, and yes she still hasn’t gotten her mother into the nursing home of their dreams, but she’s healthy, she’s (somewhat) happy, and she’s (mostly) holding it all together.

But when a mysterious SUV pulls up beside her, revealing Chinese cinema’s golden couple Wei Fangli and Sam Yao, Gracie’s world is turned on its head. The famous actress has a proposition: due to their uncanny resemblance, Fangli wants Gracie to be her stand-in. The catch? Gracie will have to be escorted by Sam, the most attractive—and infuriating—man Gracie’s ever met.

If it means getting the money she needs for her mother, Gracie’s in. Soon Gracie moves into a world of luxury she never knew existed. But resisting Sam, and playing the role of an elegant movie star, proves more difficult than she ever imagined—especially when she learns the real reason Fangli so desperately needs her help. In the end all the lists in the world won’t be able to help Gracie keep up this elaborate ruse without losing herself…and her heart.” –Goodreads

Review:

This one was way better than the Crashing the A-list but they are in the same vein. They are fake dating. I will say this one felt like it would never end. I liked it but some parts were unnecessary or just dragged on. I think I like the really quick easily resolved chick lit books. But this one was not quick.

Hold Me Closer, Toni Danzig

Author: Laura Henry

Published December 2nd 2021

Genre: Romance, Holiday

Length: 3 hours

“Fall in love with this funny, festive queer rom-com brimming with heart and holiday magic!

Toni Danzig is a dirt bag—literally. There’s nothing she enjoys more than being out in the mountains leading adventure tours. On a well-deserved break over Thanksgiving weekend, she’s DJ-ing karaoke at the Dew Drop Inn when Audrey Adams takes the stage to sing the greatest middle finger break-up song ever, dedicated to her ex-girlfriend. It’s a perfect night that culminates in a transcendental experience in bed…before Audrey rushes out in the morning.

Monday morning, the holidays are in full swing when Audrey’s worst nightmare comes true. After the most memorable night of her life, she’s thrust together with the one woman who she hasn’t been able to forget—on a strictly-professional consulting project for her family’s business.

Meanwhile, Toni can’t believe her luck. Now she has the unexpected chance to win Audrey over, and she sets a goal to be someone worthy of this woman’s love and respect. Will they crash and burn like a bad karaoke performance—or will they be singing a duet before the holiday season is over?” -Goodreads

Review:

This was so cute. Was not the best book ever but it was cute, short, sweet, and was about Christmas! This was such a cute little queer rom-com.

As always, thanks for reading,

A Bookie

One of Us Is Dead: A Review

The Book:

Title: One of Us Is Dead

Author: Jeneva Rose

Published April 26th 2022 by Blackstone Publishing

Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Adult

Pages: 272

“Opulence. Sex. Betrayal … Sometimes friendship can be deadly.

Meet the women of Buckhead—a place of expensive cars, huge houses, and competitive friendships.

Shannon was once the queen bee of Buckhead. But she’s been unceremoniously dumped by Bryce, her politician husband. When Bryce replaces her with a much younger woman, Shannon sets out to take revenge …

Crystal has stepped into Shannon’s old shoes. A young, innocent Texan girl, she simply has no idea what she’s up against …

Olivia has waited years to take Shannon’s crown as the unofficial queen of Buckhead. Finally, her moment has come. But to take her rightful place, she will need to use every backstabbing, manipulative, underhand trick in the book …

Jenny owns Glow, the most exclusive salon in town. Jenny knows all her clients’ secrets and darkest desires. But will she ever tell?

Who amongst these women will be clever enough to survive Buckhead—and who will wind up dead? They say that friendships can be complex, but no one said it could ever be this deadly.” –Goodreads

My Review:

The start of this book instantly hooked me. I was so intrigued to hear about these pretentious housewives and their lives.

One thing about the mystery books I have read, or just any book, is they cannot achieve the tension necessary to keep me begging for more. They reveal secrets to quickly. But this book… this book does it so well. It hints at things to come, but you dont know what the wives’ secrets are until it is necessary to reveal them. It keeps you ensconced in the story.

This one also had a play on the language is used. There are very few hints of death or talk of it in the beginning. But as the story grows more tense and more drama unfolds, more and more euphemisms and mentions of death are sprinkled throughout the end. It gave a good symbolism for that growing sense of doom the wives’ felt.

I did love the ending. There was a huge plot twist. I did not expect the ending, but I did, but I didn’t, if that makes sense. I cannot say much without spoiling, but the ending was good.

I have never read a book by Rose but let me tell you I definitely am going to check out more of her books. She wrote beautifully. I have not read a book in a long time that is written about a modern time that uses modern terms but is not cringey or cliche… if that makes sense. A lot of books using modern slang always come off so insincere and make me roll my eyes. This one didn’t though. I really liked it.

This book had everything. It had Real Housewives drama. It was a budding romance. It was about murder. It talked about how sh*tty adult white men are. I loved it so much.

I loved this book. This will definitely be on my top books this year’s list.

As always, thanks for reading,

A Bookie

Star Rating: 4.5

Curtsies & Conspiracies: A Review

The Book:

Title: Curtsies & Conspiracies

Author: Gail Carriger

Series: Finishing School #2

Genre: Steampunk, YA, Fantasy

Pages: 310

“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 field 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 New York Times bestselling 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.” –Goodreads

My Review:

This review is going to be pretty short because a lot of the things I said in the review about the first book still hold true for this book.

I loved it. I do think it gets a little repetitive, but each little adventure they have is different. This time they go to London.

This time we get a little bit more of the romance between Sophronia and Soap. It makes me so happy whenever I heard them interacting. He literally was so charming.

Felix, the other love interest, was also really charming. I think it could go either way and I would be happy with the outcome. But, I definitely would prefer Soap since he is such a kind person.

I love how Sophronia is not concerned with the romance that was budding up between the two men. She is not bothered but is developing feelings. She is more concerned with learning how to be good at espionage and about her friends thethan she is about the men in her life.

The names get even more ridiculous and its just so fun. This book series is just so fun!

It says YA but I honestly think this is for anyone. I think everyone should check these out.

As always, thanks for reading,

A Bookie

Star Rating: 4

Etiquette and Espionage: A Review

The Book:

Title: Etiquette & Espionage

Author: Gail Carrier

Series: Finishing School #1

Published February 5th 2013 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Genre: Steampunk, YA, Fantasy

“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.

Fourteen-year-old Sophronia is a great trial to her poor mother. Sophronia is more interested in dismantling clocks and climbing trees than proper manners–and the family can only hope that company never sees her atrocious curtsy. Mrs. Temminnick is desperate for her daughter to become a proper lady. So she enrolls Sophronia in Mademoiselle Geraldine’s Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality.

But Sophronia soon realizes the school is not quite what her mother might have hoped. At Mademoiselle Geraldine’s, 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.” -Goodreads

My Review:

Wow!

This book was fantastic. I could not stop listening to it.

I have become fully entrenched in this world. I finished the series within a week and I loved it. I thought it was so amazing.

My grandmother tried to have me read these book for the past seven years. Everytime I asked for a book recommendation, she would suggest this book. I always turned her down and now I really regret it.

I had picked this up back in high school and I didn’t like it. But I decided to try it out since it was available on my library app. I am in shock at how good it way.

It was so funny and light-hearted. The series takes us through the whole schooling of finishing school, which I love books about school, and then introduces the act of “finishing” meaning murder and espionage. How cool!

This Victorian age novel immediately trapped me in this world. As I said in my review of Stalking Jack the Ripper, I have been getting so into these Victorianesque novels. I would like to blame Bridgerton, since I have been into that Regency era, and this is similar.

I loved Saphronia so much. She was spunky and loved all things espionage. She was a strong female character, but I don’t think she goes through a lot of growth in the book. Sometimes that is okay, like in the case of this book. That just is a thing I like to see. I like the see characters becoming more. Her growth lies in her skills but not in her personality or character in this book.

All of the other girls in the series were awesome and I loved Soap and the other sooties. They are all so unique and I cant wait to see where they go in the series.

I loved all the funky names in this series. They are all so interesting like Frowbritcher the butler.

It also has vampires and werewolves which was just amazing. Carriger makes her own rules for these individuals. The world-building just with the use of these two species alone is amazing.

This book is such a nice fun light reading. I believe the narration probably made this book 100% better. The narrator is literally so fun and makes wonderful voices for all the characters.

I recommend this to anyone literally. I apologize to my grandmother who I said was wrong for liking this book. Grandma, you were right and thank you for introducing me into Carriger’s novels.

As always, thanks for reading,

A Bookie

Star Rating: 4.5