![]() front cover of the 1st U.S. edition | |
Author | Gail Carriger |
---|---|
Language | English |
Series | Finishing School (series) |
Genre | Steampunk, Young adult |
Publisher | Little Brown |
Publication date | February 5, 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]
Like the Parasol Protectorate books, Etiquette & Espionage is set in an alternate history version of Victorian era Britain 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 is not 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.
Etiquette & Espionage was well received. It earned four-starred reviews and hit The New York Times Best Seller list its first week on sale. [1] Kirkus Reviews noted that the book is lighter on romance than is typical in YA, but praises the silliness and genre-blending. [2] Publishers 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]
The Finishing School series consists of four books: [6]
In 2013, as a promotion for Curtsies & Conspiracies, Carriger released a music video based on the series. [7]