“Class is back in session…. “Sophronia continues her second year at finishing school in style–with a steel-bladed fan secreted in the folds of her ball gown, of course. Such a fashionable choice of weapon comes in handy when Sophronia, her best friend Dimity, sweet sootie Soap, and the charming Lord Felix Mersey hijack a suspiciously empty train to return their chum Sidheag to her werewolf … werewolf pack in Scotland. But when Sophronia discovers they are being trailed by a dirigible of Picklemen and flywaymen, she unearths a plot that threatens to throw all of London into chaos. With her friends in mortal danger, Sophronia must sacrifice what she holds most dear–her freedom.
Gather your poison, your steel-tipped quill, and the rest of your school supplies and join Mademoiselle Geraldine’s proper young killing machines in the third rousing installment in the “New York Times” bestselling Finishing School series by steampunk author Gail Carriger.
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Waistcoats & Weaponry is the third book in the Finishing School Series. This world is a blend of paranormal, steampunk, and some romance. I love this world so much! It’s like someone sat down and took everything that I love and put it all together. Sophronia has now been at Mademoiselle Geraldine’s Finishing School for Girls of Quality for sit months and it is now time for a review.
I am not going to say anything about the plot because I do not want to spoil anything from the previous books. I really love the world that these books live in. No matter how I am feeling these books always make me smile and laugh. They are so wonderful that way.
“Oh, Pill, I really would like to help, but we seem to be in the middle of some kind of whose-top-hat-is-the-biggest contest.”
As this world blossoms so does these characters. They grow so wonderfully. With each book I find myself liking each one more for different reasons. She grows each character in their own direction and yet they all work as a whole. I am not sure that makes much sense. I have tried to explain that a few different ways over the last few days and I just can’t seem to get the words out. This friend group is true friendship goals.
Sophronia learns how to use most amazing intelligencer accessory a bladed fan. Sorry, I had to mention it, and it’s on the cover so not really a spoiler.
I so want one!!!
I can’t read these Gail Carriger books fast enough! Waistcoats & Weaponry was just as witty and entertaining as the first two in the series. I was sad not to spend a lot time aboard the airship school, but this was my favorite Sophronia adventure! The kids are all growing up so it was fun to see them use the skills they’ve learned while setting off on a cross country train journey to visit Sidheag’s family. The love triangle between Felix, Sophronia, and Soap still exist and it was entertaining to see the teenage drama that unfolded.
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.
I love Sophronia and her friends. They are strong women who will do what they have to do to help a friend. Sophronia isn’t a snob like most of the other girls at the finishing school and she counts sootie Soap, a lower class individual in most eyes, as a close friend. I really admire her for sticking up for him like she does.
Lord Felix Mercey is one of the snobby ones, but I think Sophronia may be getting through to him about his father and the Picklemen. I think he’s starting to see how dangerous they are.
So far this series has been fun and entertaining. Each starts off where the last one ended (well, close enough) and the action is non-stop. There is some witty comments throughout the book and the ending has a big surprise. It’s kind of sad, but happy at the same time.
This is the last book in the series. Sometimes books aren’t as good as they go along, but this one is not like that. This is a delightful adventure with some surprises. It’s still clean and fun. I definitely recommend this series.