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Curtsies & Conspiracies
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Curtsies & Conspiracies
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Curtsies & Conspiracies
Audiobook9 hours

Curtsies & Conspiracies

Written by Gail Carriger

Narrated by Moira Quirk

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

4/5

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Currently unavailable

Currently unavailable

About this audiobook

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 school 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 bestselling author Gail Carriger's YA debut 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.

A Hachette Audio production.

LanguageEnglish
Release dateNov 5, 2013
ISBN9781478925101
Unavailable
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Reviews for Curtsies & Conspiracies

Rating: 4.046218372689076 out of 5 stars
4/5

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  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    If you likes the first one, you'll like this one. My only complaint is that I have to wait for the next one.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    From my Cannonball Read VI Review ...

    I'm currently in the middle of reading Book 4 of A Song of Ice and Fire, but once again I made the mistake of trying to read it right after finishing the previous book. It just doesn't work - I need a break. So I asked my friend Jen, who is an author (and the maker of these amazing literature-themed perfumes) and an overall fun woman, for some recommendations. She suggested these YA novels by Gail Carriger.

    I've heard of but never read any steampunk, but it's possible that I'm going to become a big fan, assuming this book is a good representation of it. Set in a floating finishing / spy school, this book follows Sophronia as she tries to figure out what's going on at the school, which is run by an oblivious head mistress and has both a vampire and a werewolf on staff. Is this what steampunk usually is? Because AWESOME.

    The book is YA and a pretty quick read; 300 pages took me about two days to get through. At times I was a little taken out of the story because the names of the technology are absurd, and some of the character names sound a bit like ones I would have come up with when I was writing short stories in elementary school. But beyond that, I think the characters are interesting and the setting is pretty cool. The writing is fine, although the plot took a while to develop and then suddenly was done. However, the book is the first in a series, so I think a lot of it was about developing the characters and the background of the school to set the tone for the next book. Which I will be reading, possibly starting tonight.

    [Note: This review was written before I started the ‘second’ book and realized that I’d read them out of order. Um, whoops.]
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I am a huge fan of this world (both the adult and YA). This might have been my favorite book of all of them.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This is a fun, frothy YA paranormal steampunk series about a girl named Sophronia who is sent away to finishing school; but this is a different sort of finishing school than what she was expecting! Intrigue and wit blend with Carriger's signature sense of humor; and the world she builds, filled with mechanical maids, dirigibles, vampires, werewolves, petticoats and tea cakes dazzles the senses. In this installment, there are crossover characters form Carriger's Soulless series: Lord Akeldama, Countess Nadasdy, and even a glimpse of the Earl of Woolsey! But be aware the Finishing School series doesn't carry the same sort of tension or energy that her Soulless series does.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    A fun follow up to the first novel. I'm liking the expansion of the world building.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Just as great as Etiquette and Espionage, which blows me away! I think I love this series even more than the Parasol Protectorate, and I didn't think such a thing was possible. Sophronia is a heroine for the ages -- full of intelligence, pluck, and sheer unadulterated courage without being full of herself. In every way a worthy companion to Terry Pratchett's books -- funny, whip-smart, and full of adventure that keeps me begging for more.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    In her continuing adventures at finishing school, Sophronia and her compatriots are given their six month marks and she's given such high praise that the other girls are jealous. Will she overcome their cold shoulders, and who exactly is after her friend, Dimity? She's determined to find out even if her friend isn't talking to her.What can I say? I was in the mood for more silliness and manners from Gail Carriger. The plot in this one suffers a little bit from middle book syndrome, introducing some funny situations and furthering suggestions brought up in Etiquette & Espionage without resolving it very satisfactorily. The point of the story is hard to describe without spoilers, and the ending was a bit rushed. Still, it was entertaining and light, which was exactly what I wanted.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Just a bunch of fun, as the first book was. Light and amusing, with a pell-mell ending -- Sophronia is shaping up to be quite a heroine, but she does make mistakes still. There is a mild thread of romance running through the book, but nothing more than a light touch, as all the girls are quite young still. Bumbersnoot also has an excellent supporting role!
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    teen fiction; steam punk spy/finishing school w/paranormals. I enjoy the world Carriger has created for this series; this installment CAN stand alone if you really had to, but it's not really meant to, and works better as an extension of the first.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    The continuing adventures of Sophronia Temminick, intelligencer-in-training, at Miss Geraldine's Finishing School.

    As other reviewers have pointed out, the plot here is very slight. (There's an invention that may revolutionize travel, and the vampires don't want humans to gain a monopoly. In order to stop this, they're willing to pre-emptively resort to desperate measures - including trying to kidnap Sophronia's friends...)

    However, the plot isn't really the important part. The humor - and the appeal - of the book lies in the details. I very much enjoyed just spending time with the characters. (I was delighted that the ever-fashionable Lord Akeldama makes an appearance.)

    It's clever, breezy, fast-moving fun. I very much enjoy all of Gail Carriger's books...
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    A fun continuation of the Sophronia story. I'm a big fan of this author!
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    I received an ARC through Goodreads.
    ----

    This was my first venture into steampunk and I have to say I was rather intrigued and captivated.

    One thing I have to point out, I really should have read Book 1 of the Finishing School series before attempting Book 2 because I was very much confused and lost for a good portion of the book.

    Anyways, a finishing school that trains ladies in espionage, boys school that cultivates evil geniuses, supernatural element and set in Victorian times? Wow, it is definitely different what I have read and good start into the steampunk genre. Sophronia is definitely an interesting character, from late night adventures to manipulating people, she definitely has the makings of an agent. I rather enjoyed the touch of danger and manipulations here and there.

    While we catch glimpses of conspiracies afoot throughout the story, for the most part it felt a tiny bit scattered and confusing. Vampire hives and valves? I got quite lost on those points. Also the climax was very opened ended, resulting in more questions than answers. I don't quite understand the whole intrigue with Gilford's big adventure and how all the supernaturals are involved in some way. All this is way over my head and probably would have made more sense if I read Book 1.

    Overall, definitely read Book 1 first! I might give this book another shot when I get around to reading the first of the series.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Read from December 02 to 04, 2015The world created by Carriger is filled with over-the-top, fun characters and complicated (often ridiculously so) mysteries for Sophronia to figure out. Anything by Carriger is a breezy fun read and this is no exception. (But I do prefer the Parasol Protectorate over this series...)
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Sophronia and her friends are back. There are more hijinks and adventures as boys are brought onto the ship and the entire ship is taking a trip to London to attend an experiment. There is plenty of flirting and intrigue and even several kidnapping attempts.

    I'm still really enjoying this series. I like that Sophronia had some new challenges this time including coming to turns with the consequences of her actions and how they can affect others. I loved that we managed to meet some new albeit familiar faces in this volume as well. It's a fun series and I'm happy to continue to follow it.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    More adventure in an alternative British setting. The story takes a good third of the narrative to lift off and enter into its theme. Given some of the rather juvenile episodes, the audience Carriger is aiming for seems a bit young. However, older YA readers may be a more appropriate group given the slight horror described with vampire feeding. The conclusion has a feeling of being too-rapidly wrapped up, with obvious lead-ins to Book 3. Readers who enjoyed the first book will likely find this sequel entertaining as well.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Like I said when I reviewed the first book in the series, I don't usually like steampunk. However, this series I love.

    And I thought this book was a lot better than the first. I liked the first one, but there were a few things that weren't awesome. In this one, it's all good. Maybe it's because I am familiar with the characters, but the book jumps right into the action and doesn't have those parts where it just lags and drags for a while. We get good action, fast pace, original storyline, unique characters, and a really fun world.

    I love this one, and am looking forward to the next installment.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Gail Carriger has done it again. Curtsies & Conspiracies, the second book in the Finishing School series, is an absolute delight. I enjoyed this one even more than the first. The story opens with the girls returning to Madame Geraldine's just in time for the strangest mid-term exam ever, which Sophronia passes with flying colors. Making top marks isn't all it's cracked up to be as Sophronia's friends turn against her in apparent jealousy. Or is it? Is everything at this school a test? Before they know it, the School is heading to London for the season... and for a covert mission that has implications the supernatural and humans alike. With boys!Hanging out with Sophronia and friends at Madame Geraldine's School is so much fun! Carriger's signature wit and clever dialogue are on full display, reminding me of my favorite parts of Parasol Protectorate though aimed at the YA crowd. With this trip to London Carriger is able to work in even more cameos by Parasol characters. Lord Akeldama is at his outrageous best and does not disappoint. Life is definitely difficult for Sophronia with everyone, even Dimity, turned against her. She has finally realized the full value of her friendships. That doesn't stop Sophronia in the slightest from being up to her usual tricks and intelligencer activities. While I wasn't crazy about the start of a possible love triangle, parts of it are relevant to both Sophronia's training and the plot so it doesn't detract from the story too much. I love that even Bumbersnoot has an important role to play. I wish I could have my own Bumbersnoot.Speaking of plot, there is one! It leans towards the political side and it's great to gain insight into Vampire society and hierarchy. There is a lot for Sophronia to figure out, all of which leads up to one of the best endings I could have hoped for. It's a good thing Countess Nadasdy is already (un)dead or the extreme excitement in her Hive might have been fatal due to the bad manners of it all. And best of all, Monique won't be returning to the school. Which does make me wonder who the new antagonist will be. I'm looking forward to seeing how Sophronia's education continues in the third book.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The first book in the Finishing School series, Etiquette and Espionage, was so deliciously charming that subsequent titles will always be somewhat less amusing but Moira Quirk's narration of Carriger's well-mannered steampunk romp is pure fun. The second installment involves a bit more politics as Sophronia attempts to sort out the good guys from the bad while the rest of the girls prepare to attend haughty Monique's fancy ball. A scheme to get Vieve into Bunsen's School for Evil Geniuses causes Sophronia to question her moral fiber and the attentions of two boys, neither of which would make a suitable match in Mademoiselle Geraldine's opinion, leave her more confused than ever.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Curtsies & Conspiracies by Gail Carriger2nd book in the Finishing School series. Best read with knowledge of the series. Steampunk YA fantasy. Lessons in boys, friendships and espionage. Just to name a few of the things to learn. Fantastic fantasy and adventure. Throughly enjoyed. Can’t wait for the next year’s education. The heroine is delightfully curious and adventure driven. Loved the robotic dog and his waging tail.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This was wonderful. More sassy, more action packed, more familiar characters than the first book. I smiled through much of the story, got swept up in the mystery, and really enjoyed the final action sequence quite a bit. I can't wait to read the rest of this series!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Synopsis: Sophronia scores the highest marks on the test, but earns complete ostracism from her girlfriends. She spends more time with Soap, learning more about the engines, the sooties, and Soap. She is also brought into close proximity of Lord Mersey for whom she is unsure of her feelings. Dimitry and Pillover are kidnapped and her quick thinking plus a few of her friends is all that can save them.Review: More intrigue and more personal interactions, this story also shows children changing into and the issues that they face.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I have to say I like book two better than book one. Book one was so much set up that it was nice just to jump into the story for book two. I will say if you had a while in between the two it can be a little confusing to remember the characters and their place in the school. Mystery romance, well kind of, but definitely love a triangle, plus all the maid Mechanicals you can want abound in this steampunk school. Plus we get to learn quite a bit more about the vampires in this world and how they work as well as all the action you could want. Thank goodness I have the next books in the series because I love this series and it may take me a year to pick up book three, I know the minute I do I'll jump into the world with both feet and be thoroughly entertained.#MountTBR#Beatthebacklist
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I liked this a bit more than book 1, but still less than the Parasol Protectorate. I look forward to seeing what the characters get up to next.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Review
    I adore this series.  It's fun, and full of intelligent young women.

    Sophronia is one of my favorite characters ever.  She's smart, and refuses to accept what she's been told when events are going amiss.  She's constantly looking for the source of the problems that seem to occur at the finishing school.  She also shows that she's capable of overcoming anything that's thrown at her.

    The mystery of this book was intriguing.  I couldn't figure out what was going on.  And we get a peek at some of the characters from Carriger's adult Parasol Protectorate series.  We also get the stirrings of a possible love triangle.  I also love that friendship is a big theme in this series.  Sophronia can accomplish anything with her friends by her side.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    If you have a teenage girl, this is the perfect book for her. Gail Carriger continues her world she created in her Parasol Protectorate adult series. This book follow the adventures of a young lady of quality who goes to a special finishing school. Not only are the girls taught about etiquette and how to serve a proper tea. They also learn the finer points of espionage, including fighting, poisons and codes. This is the second book in the series. If you have a young woman who likes adventure and reading. This book is a must have. Gail's use of language is unparalleled in most young adult books. Make certain your youth have a dictionary handy!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I absolutely loved Etiquette & Espionage, and I'm glad to say I enjoyed Curtsies & Conspiracies just as much. I'm even starting to wonder if I could recommend these books to my sister, who is not a fantasy reader at all. Curtsies & Conspiracies continues much in the same vein as the first instalment: a steampunk finishing school situated abort a giant dirigible for young ladies of quality, where they both learn how to conduct themselves in society (e.g. how and when to faint, to blush and to bat their eyelashes) and to simultaneously gather information, carry and use weapons and possibly murder someone. All of course with poise and grace. The heroine of the story has a heart, befriends all the likeable people around her, and inspires loyalty in others as well. She's also quick on her feet and unconventional, even if she's having some problems in blushing becomingly. This book can at times be absolutely hilarious, but it also has a more serious note when Sophronia discovers that her actions have consequences that she might not have wished for. I'm glad the next instalment is coming out soon: I can't wait to see where this is going next!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Man, these books are fun. You've got the steampunk elements, with the airships, mechanimals, and robotic servants, Victorian manners and sensibilities mixed with espionage, secrets, spies, balls, coy flirting, and vampires who are the ultimate dandies. There's also a good amount of wit and romance (oh, and werewolves, but don't worry, there's nothing even close to resembling Twilight in this series!). The vampire lore is much more interesting, and I hope it gets explained more in the next book. Also, the vampires are all ridiculous dandies, which is just hilarious.The plot does get a little convoluted and complicated at times, particularly when you're trying to follow who is on whose side and which faction is angry at which and for what reason, but it all mostly comes together on the end. The third book in the series (deliciously titled "Waistcoats and Weaponry") will be out in November, and I'm really excited to continue reading about the adventures of Sophronia, Dimity, Soap, and the other members of Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Another absolute delight! What a fun read!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Just as good as the first in the series, it moved along with a great pace and opened up the overall world with vampires and werewolves a little more.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Plot: 3 1/2 stars
    Characters: 3 1/2 stars
    Style: 4 1/2 stars
    Pace: 4 stars

    This one dragged, to me. A lot of it had to do with a lack of funny/interesting interactions in the first chunk. Without her friends, Sophronia is not that interesting. By the time they came around, I found it a great deal harder to remember why I liked them. It felt like there were a lot of disconnected bits that somehow were thrown together to make a plot, but never quite managed to gel into any coherency. There was no moment of "Oh, that's what's going on here!" where everything clicked into place.

    Not a bad book, by any means. It was still entertaining and witty. But I had higher expectations. Rounding up.