| Title | : | Waistcoats \u0026 Weaponry (Finishing School, #3) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0316190276 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780316190275 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages | : | 298 |
| Publication | : | First published November 14, 2014 |
| Awards | : | Locus Award Best Young Adult Novel (2015) |
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.
Waistcoats \u0026 Weaponry (Finishing School, #3) Reviews
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Yet another thoroughly entertaining read from Miss Gail! This time Sophronia takes her team on a grand adventure where on their travels they get up to even greater mischief with even graver consequences. With the exciting twists at the end I'm eager to to read the final installment in the series, Manners & Mutiny, due out November 2015! Review to come.
Update: THE TIME HAS FINALLY COME - CURRENTLY READING *FLAILS*I don't think I will ever need a book more than I need this one right now. I may just die of need. Someone please come and check my pulse once a week, just to be sure I don't perish during the year+ wait. -
I forgot how emotional this one makes me LOL
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This is such a fun series. Like smile the whole way through and sit back and have fun kind of series.
From the names of the characters down to the shenanigans they get themselves involved in, it is just plain fun and the series is getting better and better as it goes.
This has elements in numerous genres that I simply adore from the paranormal steampunk to the historic side of it and the ragtag bunch of friends is by far the best part of it all.
Add in teachers that are almost as mischievous as the students, adventure around every corner, a hint of romance in every book and an even bigger hint of danger and this series is quickly becoming one of my go to series for a great time. -
Waistcoats & Weaponry by Gail Carriger
3rd book in the steampunk YA Finishing School series. Best read as part of the series.
Sophronia continues her second year at finishing school. She and her friends learn the best etiquette and weapons for proper society. A little trouble along the way is what makes life interesting.
Plenty of humor. In the very beginning, Sophronia is hanging percariously for the bubble but everyone is maintaining their finishing school attributes. One of the other young women offered to toss Sophronia some crumpets if she misses tea. How lovely.
I laughed out loud at that.
“Lady Linette was an intelligencer. She did more illegal things before tea each day than most people did in a lifetime.
“Tea is considered a vital weapon of espionage “
Love this series. Adventure, daring and espionage of the best kind.
A little worried at the end but ...no spoilers. -
Around 2.5 stars.
The first thing I noticed when I started this book is that I remember nothing about the last one. NOTHING.
I'm really not sure why I keep reading these books...
Oh, wait.
That's it. Carriger includes all kinds of gadgets and gizmos, and their descriptions are awesome! And it's quite funny in a fluffy mindless way... Yep. I'll probably end up reading the next one as well.
As for the book, the love triangle of the last book gets even more page time in this one; and like all love triangles it's incredibly annoying.
Sophronia is still the most amazing, awesome, stunning, [insert all kind of amazing adjectives here]. She still comes with all the plans and saves the day at the end.
The plot is more linear and easier to follow than the last one, but quite lacking in substance.
And can I just point to how gorgeous that cover is? -
Book 3 in the Finishing School series and I've been listening to these. I'm hooked and enjoying them very much - if you liked Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series, this is very similar. The narrator does an excellent job which is why I've been listening - I wouldn't have the same experience if I read it myself.
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Rating: ⭐⭐ ½
Genre: Fantasy + Young Adult
In this third installment of the Finishing School series, the love triangle as I expected takes the center stage! Keeping in mind that the main character is just a fifteen years old girl. Both Felix and Soap are her love interests. The difference here is the different classes of the boys. It is obvious to me that Soap is going to win her at the end because Felix seems to be somehow arrogant. Though I hope the author will surprise me and prove me wrong. In addition to the love triangle, the other main focus in this installment is the teenagers hijacking a train. Don’t want to reveal more about that.
Gail Carriger has some humor going here and there but all that did not work for me. This is the third book and I still feel that I am not connected or liking her writing style. It is definitely not for me but I am continuing the series anyway as I own the fourth book. At least let us hope that the final book has some sort of redemption and purpose.
The covers of these books are really nice. The fan you see on the cover with the blades is Sophronia’s weapon which is cool but unfortunately, these cool things are not fully utilized in the story. Similarly, I don’t feel the supernaturals have a solid presence in the story or the series as a whole. I feel the supernaturals were presented in the series just as an excuse for a scene that happens at the end of this book where one of the boys is turned into one of them. -
A pretty fun read. Enjoyed the Sidheag/Scottish pack plot that was going on, it was better than the transmitter/Picklemen arc, which was kind of dull. Liked Sophronia's friendships with Dimity/Sidheag/Agatha, it was best part of the story. Her antagonistic relationship with Monique was good too. Didn't much like Soap in this one, he was kind of irritating, Felix wasn't much better, he turned out to be a prick. I hope Sophronia doesn't end up with either of them. Looking forward to the final book to see what happens with Sophronia and the gang.
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#1)
Etiquette & Espionage ★★★★☆
#2)
Curtsies & Conspiracies ★★★★☆
↠ 5.86 cawpile | 3.5 stars
➸ Trigger warnings for .
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3.75
Didn't like it as much as the first two, but these books are always a fun read after all.
The Finishing School series is one of my favourite middle-grade series. That title goes to A Girl who circumnavigated Fairyland in a ship of her own making, but this series is extremely good even in what is, in my opinion, its worst installment. Waistcoats and Weaponry is a good book and it's worth four stars for sure, but at the same time I think it pales a little if compared to Etiquette and Espionage.
What makes Waistcoats and Weaponry weaker than the rest of the series is the romance. There isn't a lot of romance to be honest, but more like a lot of confusion about the actual love interest. I did not like to see Sophronia, who I have come to see as a strong, clever girl, so...confused about her feelings. And I certainly did not like to see her playing with the boys' feelings. It's quite obvious that she likes flirting with one of them, which is fine, if there weren't real relationships at stake because of that. Hurting a boy who you know has feelings for you and then thinking that maybe you like him too is a bit shallow. Make up your mind girl.
The romance debacle aside, this third installment was enjoyable. It's quite clear to me that this is supposed to be a filler book because everything hints at things that might come down in the next, and last, book and I liked that there are references to the Parasol Protectorate series. Plot-wise I was quite satisfied we'll see if Carriger can bring it home with the romance too in Manners and Mutiny. -
This series is one I am still hugely enjoying and this book was once again filled to the brim with crazy escapades, funny moments and hilarious characters. I loved the way that we saw more in to the politics of the world with this story and, although there is some wacky adventure too, discussed some of the rivalries between supernaturals and humans in more detail.
Can I just say... How amazing is the bladed fan on the cover of the book? It's so bad-ass and it is used in the book to fight off an annoying person who I've strongly disliked for quite some time so that was just wonderful!
Sophronia and her friends go to her brother's party but whilst there they end up mixed up in a betrayal of Werewolves, malfunctioning mechanicals and a mysterious train. All of Sophronia's friends are intelligencers or evil geniuses so naturally the fit right in to the adventures and have a wonderful and slightly ramshackle time investigating just what is really going on!
I think the relationship love triangle is the only detractor for me from this series as I know who I believe Sophronia should have been with and I feel like we're headed the other way. That's kind of annoying. Besides that this is just a fun-filled book though.
Overall a great continuation and I am looking forward to seeing where book #4 takes things and how Carriger decides to wrap up the series. 4*s for this one :) -
Fortunately for us, Gail Carriger’s sense of humor seems to be as strong and sharp as ever as she keeps providing us with endless entertainment in this well-developed world. Waltzing with a bladed fan and using longing looks to seduce unsuspecting young evil geniuses are just some of the things our Sophronia has become quite skilled at in her years at Mademoiselle Geraldine’s Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality.
The cast of characters is still as colorful as ever, although it sometimes borders on ridiculous. I’ve come to adore Sophronia and her friends, as well as her professors at the Finishing Academy, but her family was just a bit too much. At one point, Sophronia’s mother tried to marry her off to 14-year-old Pillover, and her slightly older sister Petunia was just ridiculously stupid and vain.
We learn more about Sidheag in this installment since the main plotline focuses mostly on the troubles of her pack in Scotland. Sidheag is quite possibly the only serious, dignified character in this series which makes her all the more interesting. We know some of this story from the Parasol Protectorate series, but it was interesting to see it all from a different perspective.
For a smart girl, Sophronia is still quite clueless when it comes to matters of the heart. The odd love triangle she has found herself in takes up a large portion of the book, but nothing about it is satisfactory or even handled correctly. Torn between a Duke’s (and Pickleman’s!) son and a sootie (even one as wonderful and loyal as Soap), Sophronia is oftentimes annoyingly oblivious. She has a tendency to stick her head in the sand when it suits her and instead of being endearing like it was at first, I found it all to be very exasperating.
Waistcoats & Weaponry isn’t quite as good as the previous book, but it’s a worthy addition to the series. I’ll be happy to join Sophronia on her next adventure and I have faith that Carriger will find a way to make everything work in the romance department, no matter how impossible it may seem.
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***2021 Dog Days of Summer***
It's time for my summer theme and this year I have chosen to read books that include canine companions. This series includes a mechanical dog (a mechanimal), Bumbersnoot. He's a semi-illegal contraption that our main character, Sophronia, has smuggled into her finishing school.
This is not your regular finishing school, but a training ground for espionage. Sophronia is acknowledged as a very talented pupil, but she will need to choose a patron or a husband to support her as she pursues her calling. Being rather even handed, seeking to balance events, Sophronia is having a difficult time choosing. She has received scrumptious gifts from a well connected vampire, she has a good friend who is related to a prominent werewolf pack, and she is being romantically pursued by a Pickleman's son (the Picklemen oppose the two supernatural groups).
Sophronia goes home for her brother's engagement ball and becomes embroiled in a couple of interlocking peccadilloes. As usually happens. They must get Lady Longair back to her Scottish werewolves, figure out what the vampires are up to, and deal with Flywaymen associated with the Picklemen, all while keeping the peace between the two young men interested in Sophronia, Lord Felix Mersey and Soap, one of the boiler room boys from the finishing school dirigible. Not to mention doing it while trying to maintain a masculine disguise.
If anyone can pull it off, it is Sophronia! Bumbersnoot accompanies her every step of the way and seems to understand her commands better than a regular mechanimal. Will he save the day or will his coal eating habits sabotage their escapades?
Thank you, Gail Carriger, for a fun alternate history where schools for female espionagers and male evil geniuses are par for the course.
Cross posted at my blog:
https://wanda-thenextfifty.blogspot.c... -
A delightful confection.
I really do enjoy these. I did think that the last in the series concentrated a bit heavily on the humor to the detriment of the slightly-rambling plot, but this one, I felt, struck the perfect balance.
Chaos has struck at the top levels of werewolf society, and Sophronia Temminnick's friend Sideagh wants to be by the side of her Pack. This requires running away from Miss Geraldine's Finishing School - and of course, her friends are bound to help her.
This ends up involving a hijacked train, a stolen airship, an Engagement Ball, out-of-control mechanical servants, and a plot involving both the nefarious Picklemen and vampires - with a special reappearance by Sophronia's old nemesis. [not necessarily in that order, and far from being an inclusive list.]
Of course, both the dapper and alluring Lord Felix Mersey, and the charming and dependable (but oh so low-class!) Soap are on hand, and there are developments on the romance front as well...
The book ends on a satisfying note - but with room for plenty more adventures.
It's often hard for humor to win me over, but Carriger is one of the few humorous authors that I wholeheartedly enjoy. A highly recommended series.
Many, many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. As always, my opinions are solely my own. -
5 Words: This series just gets better.
I just can't bring myself to review this book. How can I? It was so good!
Again and again, Gail Carriger exceeds expectations with her books, building the most fantastical worlds. -
Trigger warnings: violence, blood, gun violence,
17/6/2019
Sticking with 4.5 stars. This is a delight from start to finish and I need to reread book 4 IMMEDIATELY. Everything I've said in the past stands.
9/9/2016
This book. THIS BOOK. It's ridiculously fast paced - I read it in like two hours. The characters are wonderful - I love where Sidheag's story goes and how clearly it starts to set up the Parasol Protectorate series. I adore Soap with every fibre of my being. Seeing Sophronia's family explains a lot about why she is the way that she is.
This one is almost a self-contained plot in a lot of ways. Yes, it's setting up for a finale. And yes, I definitely need to reread book 4 pretty much straight away. But there isn't a huge amount that's dependent on the events of books 1 and 2.
And I still ship it like whoa.
8/11/2014
4.5 stars. OH MY GOD, THAT ENDING. I NEED THE NEXT BOOK IMMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEDIATELY, DAMMIT.
Okay, now to more coherent thoughts. I love this series. Like, a lot. I think I still love the Parasol Protectorate a little bit more, but this series is only marginally behind it. The characters are all fabulous, and the school itself is fun as always, though it features in this book in only a limited capacity. There was more of the pending love triangle of doom that I bemoaned a little in book 2, but Sophronia finally sorts out her feeling and HALLELUJAH MY OTP LIVES!! .
The ending felt a little rushed and somewhat cliffhanger-y, but it fitted the nature of the story to have everything happening at once. It's a very action-driven plot, but the characters are so great that they didn't feel overwhelmed by the non-stop plot.
Also, I'd really like my very own Bumbersnoot, because he is magical from start to finish. Oh, and I'd also like not to have to wait a FREAKING YEAR for book 4 because I totally cannot wait that long OMG. -
Sophronia and the gang are all back and doing...well not very much really.
I guess the basic premise of this story is Sidheag needs to return to her home in Scotland where the clan of werewolves she calls her family are going to be punished for a supposed plot against Queen Victoria. They don't actually get there and in thinking about it, I'm not entirely sure that anything actually happened in this book.
Still, likeable characters and witty banter somehow gloss over the lack of any real substance and I found myself loving this YA Steam Punk adventure. -
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The Obsessive Bookseller
[3.5/5 stars] Though this one was the best yet, I’m feeling a bit underwhelmed about the series.
I can’t seem to find a reason to care about the conflicts in these books or the overarching plot. They’re not bad necessarily, but they lack substance. They also seem a bit random. Halfway through this book, when it suddenly took a different direction, I found myself totally disengaged even though I’d been enjoying it up to that point. I think because it shifted focus to the external plot and left behind the stuff I liked.
The stuff I liked: the espionage finishing school, where the ladies learn the finer points of intrigue. And really the selling point of the series for me. This installment had more learning sequences than previous books, which is probably why I liked it a tad more. I also like the side characters and the banter between them all. The love interests are just okay (I have a clear preference), and the passages where she’s trying to navigate her relationship with both boys are probably the most engaging parts of the series so far. For the record, love triangles don’t bother me at all. I like having options.
While there are some things I like and overall the basic writing is easy flowing and fun, I still think the series is pretty mediocre. There just wasn’t enough time spent showing the reader the development of the external conflicts, so each book so far has just felt like everyone going through the motions but no one really invested in what’s happening.
Recommendations: pick this veritable hodgepodge of genres up for a light YA read. Although it’s not blowing me away, it’s still an entertaining romp.
Thank you to my
Patrons: Filipe, Dave, Frank, Sonja, Staci, Kat, Katrin, Melissa, and Derek! <3
Via The Obsessive Bookseller at
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Other books you might like (same as for the first two books):
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All right, I liked this one quite a bit. I'm invested in the series now. But I'm still only giving this 3.5 stars, rounded up, because it shouldn't take you two books to be emotionally invested. I should have been in like Flynn after book one. Anyway, I finished this book in a frenzy and immediately wanted the next one (which I'm not getting to until next month, sadface), so that's a great sign.
Sophronia and Co. are halfway through their second year at Madame Geraldine's Finishing School. Sidheag receives notice that something is wrong with her pack (werewolf) and leaves school mysteriously with their werewolf teacher, Captain Niall. Sophronia, Dimity, Pillover, Felix (there as Sophronia's date), and Soap (who has tagged along to spy on Sophronia and Felix, I think?) travel to London for Sophronia's brother's engagement party and end up meeting with Sidheag and helping her steal a train so that she can get to Scotland. Of course the nefarious Picklemen also get involved, as do the vampires.
What was really fun about this book was that all the characters were together in one place for a really long period of time. Usually it's just Sophronia interacting with a couple of them at a time. The train stealing was also great, because we got to see characters in action, and the tension in the close quarters did good things for the narrative. It finally forces Sophronia to see Soap and Felix for who they really are. Of course, the books continue to be very full of silly things as well, and characters named Dingleproops and Barnaclegoose, as well as an appreciation for very poofy skirts and tea.
The ending shakes up the status quo of this series pretty hard, which I appreciated, and now I can't wait to see how it all turns out.
[3.5 stars, rounded up] -
A couple of nice twists in this one, but it's still quite predictable. Just as well it's so entertaining!
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Wow. This series has tanked so badly. Like crashing and burning tanking. The only saving grace for this book was the superb narration by Moira Quirk. Quirk's delightful voice and splendid variety of accents make for easy listening. Which was good in my case, as the story was horrendous.
The main character has become a shell of the vibrant, curious young lady we met in the first book. Now she is arrogant, entitled, fickle, and a tease with her young men in the "love" triangle. My god. I wanted to shriek by the fifth time she looked into either Felix or Soaps "sparkling" "warm" "twinkling" (oh hell, pick some adjective because all were practically used) eyes. The nauseating over abundance of teenage angst in a love triangle that really highlights the fickleness of Sophronia's nature grated my nerves. I could put up with a lot.. I'm a fairly tolerant reader. I just couldn't put up with the repeated baiting of Felix over his political views by Sophronia. Everything she accuses him of, she is exactly as guilty of. Her sanctimonious summarization of his faults and their incapability was absurd. If they were that unsuited, then Carriger really needed to up her writing game. It was incredibly weak. She teasingly uses her "seduction" (and I loosely call it that) lessons on Felix to try to manipulate him to her will. She then baits him and targets him when he isn't as easily manipulated. I truly expected more from Carriger. This was the worst of her books, I've read so far. -
On par with the first two books. Lots of action, a bit of a vampire detour on the werewolf trip, and a tedious love triangle (I really don't know anyone anymore that actually enjoys love triangles, do you?) Overall I liked this one, as I said, as much as the others. Moira's narration is fantastic, as always.
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Again, I just love this series, it's so fun and entertaining and the characters are great. There is really not much else to be said about this except that I'm seriously upset that the last instalment is not available on Audible. :(
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**Check out the original review with added content over at
21st Century Once Upon A Times**"Sovereign, sovereigns, or seduction," said Sidheag calmly, before Sophronia could stop her.
Return to a world of steel-bladed fans and floating dirigibles.
Dimity nodded in agreement. "It's our second lessons after the school motto: Ut acerbus terminus."
Felix looked confused. "What does it mean?"
"'To the bitter end,'" said Sophronia.'
As Sophronia continues her second year at Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy, the Empire's premier school for proper young killing machines, who knows what adventures await her?
From waltzing lessons held on thin planks high up in the air, to being taught the finer points of flirtatious looks, Sophronia and her friends are sure to learn everything there they need to know in order to become the finest of young ladies.
But no number of handkerchiefs, scented oils, and sewing shears will be able to prepare them for what is ahead.
Prepare for pack politics and train theft.
When Sidheag takes off on a daring journey to return to her werewolf pack in Scotland, Sophronia and the gang accompany her. They stow away on a mysterious train, only to discover an enemy they never wished to come face to face with again - and a secret that threatens the very foundations of society.
A secret that could very well throw London, and the world, into chaos.
Nothing's really what it seems...
Working against the clock, Sophronia and the gang must decide who is friend and who is foe, whilst dealing with tea, top-hats, metal dogs, and world domination.
Waistcoats & Weaponry is the latest thrilling book in the Finishing School series and will have you wishing you could attend Mademoiselle Geraldine's, too!
Click here for my fave quotes and inside info on the book. -
I think it's time to admit that this series just isn't for me. The first 2 books were entertaining enough, but this was a frustrating read. The first half I didn't care enough that when I set the book down, I felt no need to pick it up again. The second half, I was pretty angry with the plot.
The problem is that the book is just too sarcastic and glib in a way that makes it hard to care about the characters or the plot at all. It's not even that funny. It's book 3 and I still feel like I don't know or care about the characters!
The first half of the book not much happened. Sophronia feels guilty at some of the events from the previous books, and she's spending time with her friends when Sidheag and Captain Niall disappear to attend to some pack business. It comes out that Then Sophronia goes home for her brother's wedding, where The story got a little bit more interesting once the vampires and Monique entered with their plot, but not much. Then there was this stupid love triangle with Soap, Felix, and Sophronia which took up too much of the book and wasn't even the fun flirty interactions it had been before. ESPECIALLY when Felix acts out of character near the end.
I ended this book hating everything and everyone. -
Honestly I can't say what this book was about. The story seems to be only about Sophronia discovering her romantic interests.
The writing was lovely as usual, but the lack of story makes it rather slow and also I found myself annoyed with Sophronia and her analytical handling of love interests. For one I don't think it's about feelings for her, but more about what can I gain from a relationship, very rational, which goes along with her training, but feels somewhat weird.
Also the way she tried to manipulate Feliy to turn into a boy she could love had me thinking a lot about how everyone is on about fictional boys in being manipulative in relationships and how that is bad. Now would these people react the same way to her manipulation efforts?
Overall it was a nice read and way to move on with the series, but I hope the next one has a lot more story and a less annyoing Sophronia again. -
I really love Carriger books of any variety in audio, and they are my go-to companions for long drives. This book really carries the story forward - for the most part it takes place outside of the "finishing school" and moves the lives of the characters closer to adulthood. Career decisions are made, alliances are defined, and romantic entanglements intensify. Very fun.
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My anger towards this book in the middle half caused me to skim through the latter half (what I read only made me angrier)
My biggest problem with this book is how Gail Carriger, excuse my language, shit on ALL her characters. Yes characters change over a year, but I felt like I couldn't recognize any of them. They lacked the charm that made me love them and dream of this book (and a grown flirty Sophronia). I literally cried for the abuse of Felix`s character for so many reasons one being HE GOES TO A SCHOOL FOR EVIL GENIUS`S WHY IS HE USELESS LIKE WHAT!?!?!!? Soap becomes boring (example: isn't Soap perfect while Felix sucks at EVERYTHING... basically 50% of the book) and obsessed with Sophronia. Dimity and Sidheig are boring, Sidheig had to be their so they could have a mission so Soap and Felix could fight. I also almost felt that Carriger was shipping Dimity with Felix so she wanted Dimity to just be the female version of Felix for most of the book (and of course Dimity is also Sophronia`s wing man).
There is no coming back from this train wreck. HAAAAAAAA get it. -_-
-I might try to read over the ending (in depth) when I don't feel as angry-
Edit 2: While re-reading I realised that it may not be the end for my dear Felix (it is hinted that while he was injured his father may have forced him to say something, but still Carriger has fun in this book making Felix seem like a good looking a**hole/figgy pudding -_-) and Sophronia didn't decide on Soap yet. I NEED FELIX TO DEVELOP in the next book. The book now gets 2 stars for this realization.
Edit 3: I have now calmed down enough to discuss parts I actually liked. I enjoyed most of the first 100 pages or so. I liked the ship between Agetha and Pillover. I liked actually liked how Agetha grew as a character in this book (she she still wasn't good enough for an adventure...I guess). The character interaction was a bit awkward and overdone at parts, but this is true for book 1 and 2. I also liked that both Soap and Felix got shot cause why not.
Also now I can put my distaste of Felix`s character is this book in coherent words, so I will. Felix almost seems to have multipersonality disorder in this book. He blushes when Sophronia looks at him and presses against him, but not when she changes in front of him. He`s sweet and doesn't care if people think he is a "prancer" because he loves Sophronia so much, then he "betrays her" for no reason. Also Felix is sexist (randomly) even though he loves Sophronia and frequently comments and shows in this book that he trusts her to take care of herself and loves how strong she is. The Felix in this book was nothing like the Felix in book 2. He wasn't suave, witty, and flirty. He was a "prick", angry, rude, and useless. I had so much hope for his character. I thought he would be like Vieve and be Sophronia`s inventor, but obviously Carriger hated Felix (in this book) and wants all her female leads to marry werewolves. OHHH OOPS SPOOOOOILLLLLLLLLEEERRRRS.
Now onto Soap. I loved Soap before this book (I loved all the characters). I didn't want Sophronia to break his heart because he was so lovable. But now Soap is Bella and Edward from Twilight in one body (I will explain this in a minute). Soap in this book, well he can do anything and hes also perfect. Soap can be an secret agent just like Sophronia; Soap can also pretend to be a white upper class man. Soap can also pilot a hot air balloon thing, Soap also saves Bumbersnoot. Soap is strong, caring, bashful, sensitive, understanding, and he doesn't judge people based on their class. Soap also gets to steal Felix`s good traits like his adorable flirting. Soap also doesn't get in Sophronia`s way, except when he does. Soap also doesn't have the sexism that was present during this time period, except when he does. Soap is also a stalker like Edward. Also Soap is Bella because even though he turns into a man eating monster he can control is because HE IS SOAP!
I will read book 4. I`m hoping Felix will redeem himself and go against his father (or make his father think he is on his side). Now Soap has the same amount of Loyalties (and more) that Felix does. So I wonder how things will work out. I am also hoping to see the flamboyant vampire! -
WHAT IS IT ABOUT?
“Waistcoats & Weaponry” by Gail Carriger is the third installment in the young adult steampunk series Finishing School. Sophronia, now sixteen years old, continues her training in etiquette and espionage at Mademoiselle Geraldine’s Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality, a giant floating dirigible school for intelligencers. When Sophronia’s friend Sidheag receives bad news from home and wants to return to Scotland, Sophronia, her mechanimal Bumbersnoot, Sophronia’s best friend Dimity, the sootie Soap, and Felix, the evil genius-in-training, decide to accompany Sidheag. The crew hops on board of a suspicious-looking train and, inadvertently, gets entangled in a daring adventure.
MY THOUGHTS:
I really enjoyed the first two books in the series (“Etiquette & Espionage” and “Curtsies & Conspiracies”), thus my expectations for the third one were quite high. Unfortunately, “Waistcoats & Weaponry” did not live up to them. Don’t get me wrong, I still found the third book quite entertaining, especially at the end, just not as compelling as the other two. It is still a very stylish, funny and sophisticated Victorian-era steampunk adventure, and the writing style is more or less the same, but the story doesn’t seem as innocent, playful, hilarious and entertaining as before.
COULD BE BETTER:
1) Less charming characters.
One of the biggest strengths of the previous installments in the series was multidimensional, highly relatable and utterly adorable characters. These characters are still here and half of the time they still manage to work their charm, but there is something fundamentally different about them. Soap, Felix and especially Sophronia started losing their best qualities and character depth: while the boys lost confidence and became moody and rather meek, Sophronia became somewhat shallow and arrogant.
2) Innocently cute flirting is gone.
The thing I loved the most in the second book was the addition of some innocently cute and stylish romance. Romance is still here, but the innocence and lightheartedness are gone: everything got too complicated, too calculated, too melodramatic.
3) Slower pace.
Although I would still describe “Waistcoats & Weaponry” as fast-paced and action-packed, the plot in the third book slows down significantly. It’s just not as adventurous and absorbing as previously.
VERDICT: 3 out of 5
Although I enjoyed “Waistcoats & Weaponry,” I found it slower-paced and less charming than the previous installments in the series. On the positive side, it is now easier to wait the WHOLE YEAR for the fourth and final book “Manners & Mutiny.”
POST SCRIPTUM:
Check out my reviews of the previous books in the Finishing School series:
a)
“Espionage & Etiquette” (Book the First);
b)
“Curtsies & Conspiracies” (Book the Second). <— My favorite so far :) -
This was just fan-fricking-tastic. Even though it's been a while since I read Curtsies & Conspiracies, it was easy to fall back into the characters and setting without feeling like there was an infodump. I highlighted so many great turns of phrase while reading, because Carriger knows how to walk the fine line between humor and prissy Victoriana perfectly.
The plot moves quickly, following a werewolf power struggle as well as a massive impromptu mechanicals revolt (nothing more frightening than a rousing version of the national anthem, but still rather unnerving). In between stealing trains, bargaining with the dewan, and assembling the perfect costume for both intelligencing and standing out at her brother's engagement ball, Sophronia must also try to decipher her feelings for (and the barriers between) Soap and Felix.
Overall, I think this is the strongest entry in the series so far, and I'm now completely impatient for the fourth, let alone the upcoming Custard Protocol novel about Prudence.
