When Sophronia Temminnick's mother sends her to Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality, she hopes to overcome Sophronia's interest in dismantling dumb waiters and eavesdropping on visiting guests. However, Sophronia finds a finishing school much different than her mother envisioned. She learns the rules of high society dress and social etiquette, but she also learns vampire defense, knife handling, and how to poison half your guests on a budget.
Not one to avoid trouble, Sophronia immediately finds intrigue and adventure while meeting unique friends and calculating enemies. The highly entertaining story is placed in a steampunk world with mechanical maids and a steam-powered school that floats above the moors of England. Throw in a vampire Professor, a werewolf Captain, and an etiquette teacher who may or may not be a woman of ill repute, and you begin to understand this finishing school experience. Gail Carriger creates delightful characters with teenage appropriate action and humor. This is a perfect read for lovers of steampunk and paranormal enthusiasts who don't take themselves too seriously.
Recommended ages-11 and up