Etiquette & Espionage
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Founder | Gail Carriger |
| Products | Young adult steampunk fiction |
Etiquette & Espionage marks author Gail Carriger's initial foray into young adult steampunk fiction, set within the same universe as her acclaimed adult series, Parasol Protectorate.
Plot
The narrative unfolds in an alternate Victorian-era Britain where supernatural entities live alongside humans. The protagonist, 14-year-old Sophronia, enrolls at Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality. This institution diverges from conventional finishing schools by blending lessons in proper manners with rigorous training in espionage and assassination techniques.
Reception
The novel garnered positive critical attention, achieving four-star ratings and securing a spot on The New York Times Best Seller list. Kirkus Reviews commended its innovative genre fusion and noted the diminished emphasis on romance compared to standard YA novels. Publishers Weekly lauded Carriger's skillful weaving of social themes related to race and class into an engaging story. Reviewers also appreciated the fresh portrayal of a strong female lead and the book’s ability to engage both adult and adolescent audiences without patronizing either group.
Sequels
The Finishing School series consists of four installments:
- Etiquette & Espionage (2013)
- Curtsies & Conspiracies (2013)
- Waistcoats & Weaponry (2014)
- Manners & Mutiny (2015)
To support the release of Curtsies & Conspiracies in 2013, Carriger produced a themed music video that contributed to the series’ promotional efforts.