Title: Reticence
Series: The Custard Protocol, Book 4
Author: Gail Carriger
Publisher: Orbit
Release Date: August 6, 2019
Genre: New Adult
Alternate Historical Paranormal Steampunk Romance
Told: Third Person Multiple, Past Tense
Content Rating: Adult (violence, innuendo, sensuality)
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Summary:
Bookish and proper Percival Tunstell finds himself out of his depth when floating cities, spirited plumbing, and soggy biscuits collide in this delightful conclusion to NYT bestselling author Gail Carriger's Custard Protocol series.
Percival Tunstell loves that his sister and her best friend are building themselves a family of misfits aboard their airship, the Spotted Custard. Of course, he'd never admit that he belongs among them. He's always been on the outside - dispassionate, aloof, and hatless. But accidental spies, a trip to Japan, and one smart and beautiful doctor may have him renegotiating his whole philosophy on life.
Except hats. He's done with hats. Thank you very much.
* * *
Series: This is the fourth and final book in
The Custard Protocol series. Although they feature different point of view characters, the books follow the crew of the
Spotted Custard and their consecutive adventures and really must be read in order. You can read my review of Book 3, Competence,
here.
This is also one of many series set in Gail Carriger's Parasolverse, the scope of which you can check out here.
After attending a shotgun wedding in London and catching up with respective (and disrespective) relations, the
Spotted Custard is sent to Japan to (naturally) investigate a new rumored shifter and rescue a missing intelligencer. Parachutes, communal bathing, and broken custard ensue, along with an inevitable romance for eligible bachelor Percy and newest crewmember and resident doctor, Arsenic.
Gail's signature wit and playful style make for another delightful read that I quickly devoured and thoroughly enjoyed with laughter and wonder. The romantically addlepated Percy was absolutely adorkable as he navigated the exasperations of love, and it was interesting to view the paranormal elements from Doctor Arsenic's clinical perspective. Their courtship was also somewhat clinical but perfectly fit the couple and was extremely amusing.
I was thoroughly chuffed to visit beloved country Japan, and with its special shifters and exotic setting it did not disappoint. The new paranormal discoveries and discussions did get rather too technical and complicated for simple me to fully follow, but Gail showcased just how thoroughly she has thought out her historically fantastical universe and the little I did understand was most intriguing. A surprise third point of view added a very unique take on the shenanigans (I don't want to spoil the surprise, but it's a familiar face and favorite flyer) and was highly entertaining to observe so closely.
The end had its share of smiles and sniffles but was ultimately uplifting as always as the crew continues their adventures off-page. Although the series nicely wrapped I was definitely left wanting more, and I shall never give up hope that Gail someday gives in to popular demand for
The Further Adventures of the Custard Protocol.
Conclusion: A thoroughly delightful read that was even better than expected, and I expected to be thoroughly delighted!
Percy was adorkable, Arsenic gave Sophronia a run for her money as my favorite Parasolverse female, and the surprise third POV was such fun. If you enjoy reads by Gail then this novel cannot be missed, if only for the dozen or more catch-up cameos of previous Parasolverse characters.
Scribble Rating:
4.5 of 5 Scribbles
Series Conclusion: While the
Finishing School series remains my favorite of the Parasolverse, the Spotted Custard crew of delightful eccentrics is my favorite team. With
Custard's globetrotting adventures and supernatural discoveries I enjoyed learning more about world history through a fantastical lens, and although it could get a little too intellectual at times for simple me the new supernaturals were fun and interesting. I can't wait to see what Gail's vast imagination creates next!
Series Scribble Rating:
4 of 5 Scribbles
