Etiquette & Espionage
 front cover of the 1st U.S. edition | |
| Author | Gail Carriger |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Series | Finishing School |
| Genre | Steampunk, Young Adult |
| Publisher | Little Brown |
Publication date | 5 February 2013 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print (Hardback) |
| Pages | 307 pp |
| ISBN | 031619008X |
| Followed by | 'Curtsies & Conspiracies |
Etiquette & Espionage is a young adult steampunk novel by Gail Carriger. It is her first young adult novel, and is set in the same universe as her bestselling Parasol Protectorate adult series.[1]
Plot
Like the Parasol Protectorate books, Etiquette & Espionage is set in an alternate history version of Victorian England where supernatural creatures such as vampires and werewolves are part of society. The protagonist is 14-year-old Sophronia, who enrolls in Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality. But Sophronia finds out that this isn't an ordinary finishing school; in addition to dance, dress, and etiquette, she and her classmates are also trained in the fine arts of espionage and assassination.
Reception
Etiquette & Espionage was well received. It earned four starred reviews and hit the New York Times bestseller list its first week on sale.[1] Kirkus noted that the book is lighter on romance than is typical in YA, but praises the silliness and genre-blending.[2] Publisher's Weekly praised Carriger's ability to weave in commentary about race and class amidst the lighthearted fun of the book.[3] Other reviewers noted that Carriger successfully subverts the "action girl" young adult trope,[4] and that she successfully appeals to both age groups (adults and teens) without talking down to her young adult audience.[5]
Sequels
The Finishing School series is planned to be four books:
- Etiquette & Espionage (2013)
- Curtsies & Conspiracies (2013)
- Waistcoats & Weaponry (2014)
- Manners & Mutiny (2015)
In 2013, as a promotion for Curtsies & Conspiracies, Carriger released a music video based on the series.[6]
References
- ^ a b Lodge, Sally (26 February 2013). "Moving On Up: 'Etiquette & Espionage'". Publisher's Weekly. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
- ^ "Etiquette & Espionage". Kirkus Reviews. 5 February 2013. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
- ^ "Etiquette & Espionage". Publisher's Weekly. February 2013. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
- ^ Kross, Karin (3 February 2014). "A School for Finishers: Etiquette and Espionage by Gail Carriger". Tor.com. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
- ^ Driscoll, Molly (27 February 2013). "'Etiquette and Espionage,' a steampunk YA title, garners strong reviews and sales". The Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
- ^ Anders, Charlie Jane (25 October 2013). "Gail Carriger's new music video will have you dancing in your airship". IO9. Retrieved 9 December 2014.