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elfduchess's review against another edition
4.0
Sophronia is back, along with her eclectic group of friends, in this second outing. First, let me say, I know about 'sophomore slump'. I seen in it shows and read it in books. I am pleased to say that this is not that. If anything, I would have to say I liked C&C a bit more that E&E. (Come on, I can't be the only one using these abbreviations.)
I still have some of the same issues as I did with the first in the series (lacking in plot, stereotyped characters) - but they were definitely fewer an further between. The story did improve, but not as much as I had hoped, and the characters were settling into their roles quite nicely. Surprising - at least to me - was how this novel tied into the previous in the series. And that was something that gave this story much more sturdy footing from which to tell its story. While this outing could have built on the series, it really didn't. Not saying it needed to, as I am genuinely enjoying this series, but, in terms of comparing this one to E&E... It neither made the series climb (as I had hoped) or fall. So, ultimately, I have to say that this is a solid edition to the series and I liked it.
(Originally posted on my blog: http://pagesofstarlight.blogspot.com/)
I still have some of the same issues as I did with the first in the series (lacking in plot, stereotyped characters) - but they were definitely fewer an further between. The story did improve, but not as much as I had hoped, and the characters were settling into their roles quite nicely. Surprising - at least to me - was how this novel tied into the previous in the series. And that was something that gave this story much more sturdy footing from which to tell its story. While this outing could have built on the series, it really didn't. Not saying it needed to, as I am genuinely enjoying this series, but, in terms of comparing this one to E&E... It neither made the series climb (as I had hoped) or fall. So, ultimately, I have to say that this is a solid edition to the series and I liked it.
(Originally posted on my blog: http://pagesofstarlight.blogspot.com/)
drearyletters's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
sanaastoria's review against another edition
4.0
[4 Stars] I just finished this today for Bout of Books Day 1! I ended up giving this a 4 out of 5 stars. I loved it more than the first and feel like this series is only going to get better and better with each book!
Plot: The plot is what keeps you going for this book. Something is always happening and the conspiracies and espionage are really enjoyable to try to figure out and ponder your way through. The entire book is like a mystery! The one thing which bugs me slightly about the plot is that I felt that the stakes were not necessarily high enough and that everything happened for Sophronia too easily. That being said, this was action packed and just marvelous!
Characters: I feel like there isn't enough development with the characters. That is where this book series is slightly lacking to me. I love the characters themselves and how funny and clever they are and how they interact with one another and how quirky they are. I also love seeing characters from the Parasol Protectorate series pop up in this series, but the characters are just not so richly imagined as in Carriger's adult series. I think as the series progresses we will get to know and love them better and see them develop more.
Writing Style and World Building: Witty dialogue is where Carriger shines and this book is no exception. I love the wit and dry humor all the characters possess and the ease at which Carriger is able to conjure such a vivid image of this world. The writing style is entirely to my taste, but may not be for everyone. It is very distinct to Carriger in my opinion! Naturally the world building is also spot on!
Plot: The plot is what keeps you going for this book. Something is always happening and the conspiracies and espionage are really enjoyable to try to figure out and ponder your way through. The entire book is like a mystery! The one thing which bugs me slightly about the plot is that I felt that the stakes were not necessarily high enough and that everything happened for Sophronia too easily. That being said, this was action packed and just marvelous!
Characters: I feel like there isn't enough development with the characters. That is where this book series is slightly lacking to me. I love the characters themselves and how funny and clever they are and how they interact with one another and how quirky they are. I also love seeing characters from the Parasol Protectorate series pop up in this series, but the characters are just not so richly imagined as in Carriger's adult series. I think as the series progresses we will get to know and love them better and see them develop more.
Writing Style and World Building: Witty dialogue is where Carriger shines and this book is no exception. I love the wit and dry humor all the characters possess and the ease at which Carriger is able to conjure such a vivid image of this world. The writing style is entirely to my taste, but may not be for everyone. It is very distinct to Carriger in my opinion! Naturally the world building is also spot on!
topazsky's review against another edition
5.0
I love Gail Garriger's writing. Like with Etiquette and Espionage, I listened to the audiobook. The narrator is wonderful, and she really brings Carriger's characters to life. Having read the Parasol Protectorate series, it was funny to experience Lord Alkadama and his flowery endearments. This is just a fun, feel-good book.
g00sereads's review against another edition
3.0
Whilst several other books lose their focus as sequels progressed on, I was pleasantly surprised that this was not one of them. The character development was dynamic and realistic, conflicts well developed, and most importantly, the author managed to create a love interest in a unique and interesting way without using cliches and romantic tropes. I can't wait to read the next book!
mehsi's review against another edition
4.0
Yeah for the reference to Lord Akeldama and Woolsey! I knew the world was the same as that of the Parasol Protectorate (only a whole lot of years earlier), but we didn't get much direct references, so yeah for this.
The rest of the book was really fun to read. I really like Sophronia and how she does her things. She sometimes comes over as cocky, but that is soon forgiven when she solves another case or fixes another problem.
And it is still fun to read about a school that is floating in the sky, so silly but also so perfect!
I can't wait until next year when book 3 comes out! Oh so much time between books!
The rest of the book was really fun to read. I really like Sophronia and how she does her things. She sometimes comes over as cocky, but that is soon forgiven when she solves another case or fixes another problem.
And it is still fun to read about a school that is floating in the sky, so silly but also so perfect!
I can't wait until next year when book 3 comes out! Oh so much time between books!
ginganinja934's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
thelibrarian390's review against another edition
3.0
I came back to the series after years away. I initially read it for library school and came back while making a transition titles list. It's still a great series for those new to YA (moving from juvenile fiction into YA) or for anyone that wants a good spy-in-training book! It's very steampunk, proper English, espionage-y. Great read no matter what!
nav26's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
thenecessarysalamander's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a really fun book with lots of entertaining moments. Sophronia is probably my favorite Carriger protagonist. I love how it manages to both parody Victorian literature/society and tell a satisfying story.