Etiquette & Espionage
2013 novel by Gail Carriger
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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]
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 |
Plot
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.
Reception
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]