be_like_the_squirrel_girl's review against another edition
5.0
This one was a page turner. The plot thickens!
sherming's review against another edition
4.0
When plucky governess Penelope is invited back to her alma mater to make a speech at CAKE day, she takes the wolf-babies along. However, things at the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females have changed. With the help of additional eccentric characters she learns more about the mystery of her heritage and that of the incorrigibles.
This fourth volume is up to the high standards of the previous books.
This fourth volume is up to the high standards of the previous books.
squishies's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars, docked because Penelope is starting to be a little annoying, which makes me sad. But rounded up, as the story is so good.
So much development has been crammed into this instalment I don't even know where to start!
SHE'S PREGGERS! WHAAAT!
So much development has been crammed into this instalment I don't even know where to start!
Spoiler
I get that Edward wants to break the curse - going great lengths to get his hands on that book - so it's a bit puzzling that he refuses to work with Penelope to break the curse like she offered. I don't get the whole hunter and prey thing. Did I miss something? That scene was definitely a WTF moment for me.SHE'S PREGGERS! WHAAAT!
jessca's review against another edition
3.0
This is the first book in the series that I'm rating less than 5 stars. This one had some really disappointing decisions made by Penelope, and at some points I just cringed at her or thought that she was exceptionally out of line. I hope the next two are back up to par with the others in the series!
joyfulme's review against another edition
3.0
In this, the fourth volume of the Incorrigible Children series, many of the mysteries that have built up are resolved, but enough will be left to require two additional volumes. I do enjoy this series and geek out when the author sneaks in a lesson on iambic pentameter, Archimedean references, or an explanation of the origin and exercise of the filibuster. Agatha Swanburn’s clever phrases rub elbows with those from the greatest orators of Roman antiquity, and readers are introduced to William Blake’s Tyger. There is nothing indecent; on the contrary I find myself wishing I could be more like Penny- patient, creative, collected, respectful, classy, idealistic.
susylamb's review against another edition
5.0
LOVE these books. We are going to miss this series when it's done. It just get better and better. We love to guess all the mysteries. I love how it's so educational.... Teaching kids about geography, science, literature, English, and history in a fun way.
thehmkane's review against another edition
4.0
With each installment in her Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series, Maryrose Wood raises the stakes. This time it's Swanburne Academy itself on the line -- much to my dismay! Our plucky Penelope must give a speech to save the day, but can she accomplish everything she must do in time?
[***POSSIBLE SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT***]
Of course she can! Our beloved Simon is back, as well as dear friend Cecily and many other distinguished Swanburne alumnae. We have the great pleasure of meeting some of the Swanburne instructors, and the frequently dubious pleasure of encountering its Board of Trustees -- headed up by Judge Quinzy, who Penelope firmly believes (with mounting proof) is, in fact, Edward Ashton. Lord Frederick takes a turn for the worse, and eventually a turn for the better; so too does his wife, Lady Constance.
And while some mysteries are solved, others merely deepen. I say this every time, but I CAN'T WAIT for the next installment in the series!
[***POSSIBLE SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT***]
Of course she can! Our beloved Simon is back, as well as dear friend Cecily and many other distinguished Swanburne alumnae. We have the great pleasure of meeting some of the Swanburne instructors, and the frequently dubious pleasure of encountering its Board of Trustees -- headed up by Judge Quinzy, who Penelope firmly believes (with mounting proof) is, in fact, Edward Ashton. Lord Frederick takes a turn for the worse, and eventually a turn for the better; so too does his wife, Lady Constance.
And while some mysteries are solved, others merely deepen. I say this every time, but I CAN'T WAIT for the next installment in the series!
emjrey's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0
I am so enjoying this series, even if the literary tangents can get a bit tedious at times
wintermote's review against another edition
5.0
Dancing chickens, children trainers and hidden ink…and CAKE complete with Fern lectures. What’s not to love? :)