Winter Reading 2013 Etiquette and Espionage and Curtsies and Conspiracies

For readers who enjoy steampunk, this book's blend of steam-driven technology and the supernatural within Victorian England is very entertaining. Sophronia Temminnick is sent off to boarding school for "finishing." She is not very happy to be there until she realizes that the students are actually being trained as intelligencers (secret agents). It turns out that Sophronia has a natural talent for this type of activity. I enjoyed Sophronia's first semester at finishing school (which I read back in February), and eagerly awaited the next installment.



Sophronia's adventures only get more exciting as her time at finishing school continues. This time around there is a mysterious new valve that even Vieve doesn't quite understand, Monique's coming out ball, experiments in the aetherosphere, and boys from Bunson's school visiting aboard the dirigible. Mixed in are exams, lessons, visits with the Sooties, a chance meeting with Lord Akeldama, and the loan of Bumbersnoot to a fortune teller. Fun, fun, fun!



Check out the trailer for a small glimpse into this world. There is also a website for the books where you can submit an application to attend the Academy and details about each of the courses that are offered.