Title: Šarm i špijunaža
Author: Gail Carriger
First published February 5, 2013
256 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9789537829940
Rating: 3.82
Overview
Welcome to the world of espionage and charm where young ladies master the art of curtsying and throwing daggers with equal ease. In this book, we meet the mischievous fourteen-year-old Sophronia who prefers to tinker with machines and scale trees instead of learning proper etiquette.
Her mother can’t bear her daughter being so unladylike and enrolls her at Mademoiselle Geraldine’s Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality.
However, this school is not your typical finishing school. Here, Sophronia and her friends learn everything from dance and dress to the art of death, espionage, and diversion.
All in the most polite and genteel ways, of course. With a group of curious and daring friends, Sophronia sets off to complete her first-year education with an electrifying adventure.
Join Sophronia as she navigates through the treacherous waters of espionage and charm in this delightful tale of daring adventure and proper manners.
About the Author
Gail Carriger is an author who combines comedies of manners with paranormal romance. As G L Carriger, she has also written the steamy San Andreas Shifter series.
Her literary works consist of the Parasol Protectorate and the Finishing School series. With over a dozen NYT bestsellers, her books have been translated into numerous languages.
Gail Carriger’s interests include archaeology, shoes, octopuses, and tea. If you want to get a sneak peek of her upcoming works filled with humor, subscribe to the Chirrup newsletter at http://gailcarriger.com/chirrup.
Editoral Review
arm i pijunaa by Gail Carriger is a delightful detective novel with fantastical elements that is sure to enchant readers of all ages. As the first book in the Finishing School series, it introduces readers to a fantastical version of Britain in the 1800s, where young girls attend a school for spies and learn the art of espionage and etiquette.
Carriger is an accomplished author with an eye for detail and a flair for the dramatic. She has created a world that is both familiar and strange, with whimsical gadgets and supernatural creatures that add depth and intrigue to the story.
The book is a mix of genres, including steampunk, historical fiction, and paranormal romance, which makes it an engaging read for fans of any of these categories. The plot centers around Sophronia, a young girl who has been sent to the finishing school under mysterious circumstances.
She is immediately drawn to the school’s secrets and the intrigue that surrounds her fellow students, teachers, and the handsome young professor who is assisting with the curriculum. Sophronia’s curiosity and intelligence lead her to become embroiled in a plot to foil a nefarious plot against the British Empire.
One of the strengths of arm i pijunaa is its complex and compelling characters. Sophronia is a likable and relatable protagonist, with flaws and strengths that make her journey compelling.
The supporting cast, including her friends and enemies, are equally captivating, each with their own unique motivations and secrets. The book also addresses themes of class, gender, and societal constraints that are relevant to today’s world while still maintaining the historical context of the story.
The writing style in arm i pijunaa is witty and engaging, with a mix of humor and drama that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. Carriger’s attention to detail makes the world of the book feel rich and alive, with descriptions of the school, gadgets, and supernatural creatures that are both whimsical and fanciful.
The plot is well-paced, with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. One potential limitation of arm i pijunaa is its target audience.
While the book can be enjoyed by readers of all ages, it is primarily marketed toward young adults, which may affect its appeal to older readers. Additionally, some readers may find the fantastical elements of the story to be confusing or distracting, especially if they are not fans of the steampunk or paranormal romance genres.
Overall, arm i pijunaa is an entertaining and well-crafted novel that is sure to delight fans of detective stories, historical fiction, and fantasy alike. Its engaging characters, intricate plot, and vivid world-building make it a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery with a touch of magic.
I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and engaging read with a unique twist. I give it a score of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
