The #FridayReads Review (5/8/20)

Welcome to The #FridayReads Review, a regular Friday segment where I share what I've been reading the past week, and what I'm planning to read next! Want to join the Friday fun? Post your own #FridayReads Review and leave the link in the Comments below, or just Comment with what you've been reading!

>> CURRENTLY READING <<

Vanessa Yu's Magical Paris Tea Shop by Roselle Lim (ARC)

I'm typically not much for adult novels, but I couldn't resist a story about fortunetelling magic in the real world with travel and romance in France. I immediately struggled with the flat writing style though, and with its copious specific details and "obvious" landmarks the book makes me feel uneducated without the promise of teaching me enough to understand. This has made for a rather dull read as so much of the description is lost on me, but at around 25% into it now I'm currently just curious enough to try and read the whole thing. No promises, though.

>> JUST FINISHED <<

Rebel Magisters by Shanna Swendson (PBK)

4 Stars. An exciting sequel of intrigue and adventure with engaging action, interesting characters, and a swoony slow burn romance. If you enjoy alternate histories with magic then definitely give this series a try. Ordering the sequel now! Review to come.

>> [POSSIBLY] READING NEXT <<

(subject to change with my ever-shifting reading whims)

Defy or Defend by Gail Carriger (PBK)

I'm really looking forward to a new fix from favorite author Gail Carriger and my copy is finally on its way!!

So what are you reading this week?

Release Spotlight: Defy or Defend (Gail Carriger)

Today I spotlight the release of Defy or Defend, the second book in the Delightfully Deadly series by favorite author Gail Carriger! This adult standalone features a sidekick character from Gail's Finishing School series, now all grown up and doing what she does best. If you haven't yet had a chance to check out this delightful book, do so below and order yourself a copy posthaste!

Title: Defy or Defend
Author: Gail Carriger
Release Date: May 3, 2020

A vampire hive descending into madness. A beautiful spy with a sparkly plan. The bodyguard who must keep them from killing each other.

New York Times bestselling romantic comedy author Gail Carriger brings you a charming story of love, espionage, and Gothic makeovers set in her popular Parasolverse.

SPY

Dimity Plumleigh-Teignmott, code name Honey Bee, is the War Office's best and most decorative fixer. She's sweet and chipper, but oddly stealthy, and surprisingly effective given the right incentives.

VERSUS KNIGHT

Sir Crispin Bontwee was knighted for his military service, but instead of retiring, he secretly went to work for the War Office. Mostly he enjoys his job, except when he must safeguard the Honey Bee.

Neither one is a vampire expert, but when the Nottingham Hive goes badly Goth, only Dimity can stop their darkness from turning bloody. And only Crispin can stop an enthusiastic Dimity from death by vampire.

In a battle for survival (and wallpaper), Dimity must learn that not all that sparkles is good, while Cris discovers he likes honey a lot more than he thought.

Spinning off from the Finishing School series, featuring deadly ladies of quality, this story stands alone, but chronologically follows Poison or Protect before the start of the Parasol Protectorate Series. It's Cold Comfort Farm meets Queer Eye meets What We Do In The Shadows from the hilarious author of the Parasol Protectorate books, perfect for fans of Julia Quinn, Jodi Taylor, or Meljean Brook.

Delicate Sensibilities?

Contains fraternizing vampires and one very curious young lady, who asks about seduction, sometimes in detail but mostly in retrospect. May also involve excessive use of velvet, melodramatic poetry, and the strategic application of interpretive ballet.

Add to Goodreads

PURCHASE:
iBooks | Kobo | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Check out the first in the series!

Book 1: Poison or Protect

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo

Waiting On Wednesday: Defy or Defend (Gail Carriger)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly blogging event in which one spotlights an upcoming release they are eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Title: Defy or Defend
Series: Delightfully Deadly #2

Author: Gail Carriger

Release Date: May 3, 2020
Publisher: Gail Carriger LLC

Summary:

A vampire hive descending into madness. A beautiful spy with a sparkly plan. The bodyguard who must keep them from killing each other.

New York Times bestselling romantic comedy author Gail Carriger brings you a charming story of love, espionage, and Gothic makeovers set in her popular Parasolverse.

SPY

Dimity Plumleigh-Teignmott, code name Honey Bee, is the War Office's best and most decorative fixer. She's sweet and chipper, but oddly stealthy, and surprisingly effective given the right incentives.

VERSUS KNIGHT

Sir Crispin Bontwee was knighted for his military service, but instead of retiring, he secretly went to work for the War Office. Mostly he enjoys his job, except when he must safeguard the Honey Bee.

Neither one is a vampire expert, but when the Nottingham Hive goes badly Goth, only Dimity can stop their darkness from turning bloody. And only Crispin can stop an enthusiastic Dimity from death by vampire.

In a battle for survival (and wallpaper), Dimity must learn that not all that sparkles is good, while Cris discovers he likes honey a lot more than he thought.

Spinning off from the Finishing School series, featuring deadly ladies of quality, this story stands alone, but chronologically follows Poison or Protect before the start of the Parasol Protectorate Series. It's Cold Comfort Farm meets Queer Eye meets What We Do In The Shadows from the hilarious author of the Parasol Protectorate books, perfect for fans of Julia Quinn, Jodi Taylor, or Meljean Brook.

Delicate Sensibilities?

Contains fraternizing vampires and one very curious young lady, who asks about seduction, sometimes in detail but mostly in retrospect. May also involve excessive use of velvet, melodramatic poetry, and the strategic application of interpretive ballet.

Add to Goodreads

Why I'm Looking Forward To It: Dimity was such a delightful sidekick in the Finishing School series, so I'm excited for her to finally feature in her own story! Also loving the vibrant green cover.

So what book are you waiting on this week?

Review: Reticence (Gail Carriger)

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)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase: Azon | B&N | Indiebound | BookDepo
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

The #FridayReads Review (8/16/19)

Welcome to The #FridayReads Review, a regular Friday segment where I share what I've been reading the past week, and what I'm planning to read next! Want to join the Friday fun? Post your own #FridayReads Review and leave the link in the Comments below, or just Comment with what you've been reading!

>> CURRENTLY READING <<

Zero Repeat Forever by G.S. Prendergast (ARC)

Felt like a sci-fi read and this intrigued me with its mystery. Although it is an alien invasion it's at its core a survival story, which I tend to struggle with due to them being more quiet tension than action. The characters and content have been more crude than I prefer, but I'm just interested enough in the mystery of the aliens to probably finish. Currently about 40% in.

>> JUST FINISHED <<

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo (PBK)

3 Stars. Second read was sadly not as good as I remembered from my 2012 read. It began strong with eloquent writing, an exotic setting, and engaging magic, but the long trek was dull and Alina was too simple a character for such an epic story. I re-read this with plans to finally finish the trilogy, but now I'm debating if I want to continue the series at all. Review to come.

Poison or Protect by Gail Carriger (PBK)

3 Stars. I enjoyed getting to know Preshea better, and Gavin was the sweetest. I was disappointed that the mystery element I perceived wasn't one, though - I was so sure the assassin was one of their house party and got excited sussing them out, but it turned out there was no mystery element after all. Also, the sex was way too heavy and descriptive for asexual me. Still, a quick and interesting Parasolverse read with some revealing cameos.

>> [POSSIBLY] READING NEXT <<

(subject to change with my ever-shifting reading whims)

Love in Focus vol. 1 by Yoko Nogiri (PBK)

Getting this first in a new series from the library today! Hope it proves engaging.

So what are you reading this week?

Release Spotlight: Reticence (Gail Carriger)

Today I'm thrilled to spotlight the fourth and final book in Gail Carriger's Custard Protocol series, RETICENCE! Set in Gail's alternate historical paranormal parasolverse and featuring bookish and brainy Percy, one of my favorite characters, after Comptence's revelations it promises to be the most playful and witty of them all! If you haven't yet checked out this delightful series, do so below!

Title: Reticence

Series: The Custard Protocol #4
Author: Gail Carriger
Publisher: Orbit Books
Release Date: 8/6/19

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.

Add to Goodreads

PURCHASE:
Amazon | B&N | Indiebound | Book Depository

Check out the rest of the series!

Book 1: Prudence

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indiebound

Book 2: Imprudence

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indiebound

Book 3: Competence

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indiebound | My Review

The #FridayReads Review (8/2/19)

Welcome to The #FridayReads Review, a regular Friday segment where I share what I've been reading the past week, and what I'm planning to read next! Want to join the Friday fun? Post your own #FridayReads Review and leave the link in the Comments below, or just Comment with what you've been reading!

>> CURRENTLY READING <<

Listen to Your Heart by Kasie West (ARC)

Discovered an unread Kasie book on my shelf and naturally had to read it next! As typical with Kasie I can't put it down, and the advice podcast plot is fun and interesting. But what's especially interesting: no official romantic interest! There are two candidates and the mystery of who it'll ultimately be is keeping me glued to the page. 

>> JUST FINISHED <<

Reticence by Gail Carriger

4.5 Stars. As expected, a thoroughly delightful read. Percy was adorkable, Arsenic gave Sophronia a run for her money as my favorite Parasolverse female, and the surprise third POV was such fun! I also rather enjoyed the Japanese shifters. Wish there was more to come... The Further Adventures of the Custard Protocol, anyone? Full review to come.

Romancing the Inventor by Gail Carriger (PBK)

3 Stars. A quick if lusty read in which a favorite Parasolverse character finally finds lasting love. The sex was a little more descriptive than asexual me is comfortable with and the violent sexual harassment was an unpleasant surprise, but for the most part I enjoyed seeing many of the old gang again and will continue to read all Parasolverse books to see what becomes of everyone.

>> [POSSIBLY] READING NEXT <<

(subject to change with my ever-shifting reading whims)

W Juliet vol. 8 by Emura (PBK)

Still making my way through the series. I continue to find this previous favorite now repetitive and struggle to maintain complete interest with 14 volumes to the series, but it has gotten a little better the last few volumes. Do look for a review when I eventually finish! 

So what are you reading this week?

WoW: RETICENCE (Gail Carriger)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly blogging event in which one spotlights an upcoming release they are eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Title: Reticence

Series: The Custard Protocol #4
Author: Gail Carriger

Release Date: August 6, 2019
Publisher: Orbit

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.

Add to Goodreads

Why I'm Looking Forward To It: The Custard Protocol completes with Percy at the forefront in what is set to be a finish of flamboyant proportions!! I adored his and sister Prim's first POV book, Competence (see review here), and am seriously excited for the promised wedding - this book is going to be epic fun!

So what book are you waiting on?

Release Spotlight: COMPETENCE (Gail Carriger)

Today I'm delighted to spotlight Gail Carriger's latest novel, COMPETENCE! Set in her alternate historical paranormal parasolverse, it's the third in the Custard Protocol series but first from the point of view of the Tunstell twins. I had the pure pleasure of reading an early copy (you can peruse my paragraph review here), and it was a playful and witty adventure and my favorite of the series so far! Needless to say I highly recommend it, so if you haven't checked it (and the rest of the series) out yet, do so below!

Title: Competence

Series: The Custard Protocol #3
Author: Gail Carriger
Publisher: Orbit Books
Release Date: 7/17/18

From New York Times bestselling author Gail Carriger comes the delightful sequel to Imprudence.

Accidentally abandoned!

All alone in Singapore, proper Miss Primrose Tunstell must steal helium to save her airship, the Spotted Custard, in a scheme involving a lovesick werecat and a fake fish tail.

When she uncovers rumors of a new kind of vampire, Prim and the Custard crew embark on a mission to Peru. There, they encounter airship pirates and strange atmospheric phenomena, and are mistaken for representatives of the Spanish Inquisition. Forced into extreme subterfuge (and some rather ridiculous outfits) Prim must also answer three of life's most challenging questions:

Can the perfect book club give a man back his soul?

Will her brother ever stop wearing his idiotic velvet fez?

And can the amount of lard in Christmas pudding save an entire species?

Add to Goodreads

PURCHASE:
Amazon | B&N | Indiebound | Book Depository

Check out the first two books!

Book 1: Prudence

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indiebound

Book 2: Imprudence

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indiebound

Paragraph Review: Crudrat (Gail Carriger)

Title: Crudrat
Series: The Tinkered Stars, Book 1
Author: Gail Carriger
Publisher: AWP
Release Date: March 11, 2014
Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction
Told: Third Person, Past Tense
Content Rating: Older Teen (violence, fighting, brief torture, short discussion of sexual anatomy)
Format Read: Hardcover (gift)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase: Audiobook
Summary:

The Progenitors of The Wheel live high up above the sky, amongst the stars, removed from the petty concerns of mere mortals. Each one designed, engineered, perfect; their imperfect children get left to die.

Ghosts. Cyphers. They do not exist. A lucky few, the Crudrats, scrape out a perilous living cleaning the toxic wastes from the great machines that power the station.

Meet Maura. Cypher. Crudrat. Grown too tall, alone in a spaceport with no use for her, doomed to starve. With only her crud-eating murmel and an alien monster to help her, she must find a way to survive, or escape, before they catch her and blow what’s left of her life, and her companions, into space.

From the mind of Gail Carriger, ArtisticWhispers Productions presents a young-adult adventure tale that brings golden age-style science fiction into the 21st century, stuffs it full of heart, and gives it a finely polished, gleaming edge.

*          *          *

A unique and interesting teen sci-fi read with an engaging story and diverse cast. The broken English writing style took a bit to (mostly) get used to, but it made for a different kind of read and this one came to rather enjoy it, for the most part (all the typos in the print version were painful, though T-T). The intriguing worlds weren't quite as fleshed out as I would've liked, but the lack of details created a very immersive and unpredictable environment that kept me guessing. I absolutely adored Maura - no matter how others thought of her and treated her or tried to fit her into a mold, she was always just herself and totally at ease with who she was. While this book wrapped up the story nicely, it was definitely open-ended for a sequel and this one would definitely be interested in continuing Maura and Fuzzy's story in another book!

Possibly recommended for fans of: The Last Book in the Universe; The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Scribble Rating: 

4 of 5 Scribbles

Review: Murder, Magic, and What We Wore (Kelly Jones)

Title: Murder, Magic, and What We Wore
Series: standalone
Author: Kelly Jones
Publisher: Knopf BYR
Release Date: September 19, 2017
Genre: Alternate Historical Mystery
Told: First Person (Annis), Past Tense
Content Rating: Older Teen (violence)
Format Read: ARC (publisher)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase On: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Summary:

The year is 1818, the city is London, and 16-year-old Annis Whitworth has just learned that her father is dead and all his money is missing. And so, of course, she decides to become a spy.

Annis always suspected that her father was himself a spy, and following in his footsteps to unmask his killer makes perfect sense. Alas, it does not make sense to England’s current spymasters—not even when Annis reveals that she has the rare magical ability to sew glamours: garments that can disguise the wearer completely.

Well, if the spies are too pigheaded to take on a young woman of quality, then Annis will take them on. And so she crafts a new double life for herself. Miss Annis Whitworth will appear to live a quiet life in a country cottage with her aunt, and Annis-in-disguise as Madame Martine, glamour artist, will open a magical dressmaking shop. That way she can earn a living, maintain her social standing, and, in her spare time, follow the coded clues her father left behind and unmask his killer.

It can’t be any harder than navigating the London social season, can it?

*          *          *

Review copy provided by publisher for an honest review. Thank you, Random House!

In a Sentence: A delightfully fun and fashionable alternate Regency mystery with an engaging story, endearing characters, and enchanting magic.

Regency fashion aficionados who also enjoy espionage and whimsical magic, you are in for a treat with Murder, Magic, and What We Wore! Outfitted with a cast of resourceful and talented females, this fast-paced intrigue was a delightful read with a light if predictable mystery, easy description and dialogue, and a thrilling, open end that left me wishing for a whole series.

While the historical intrigue was exciting and the understated magic a marvel, it was the enterprising female characters that really made the book shine. While Annis and Millie rather stumble into their amazing talents, the mastery of them doesn't come easy (well, at least for Annis), and their perseverance and hard work to make an independent living despite cultural setbacks made for a very engaging story. Skillful maid Millie, my favorite, was perhaps a little too good at most everything she set her hand to, but she was a perfect partner for fashionista Annis and I loved their occasionally inverted master-servant dynamic. I'd really like to see how their partnership will further develop and have my fingers crossed for at least a sequel featuring the dynamic duo and their international escapades.

Special Note: There are many fictional and historical cameos among the walk-ons in this book. If spotting them is your thing, be sure to peruse the Author's Note glossary at the back of the book before starting the story!

Conclusion: A delightful historical mystery with marvelous magic, intriguing espionage, and talented females. Keeping my fingers crossed for a sequel, or even a whole series! Highly recommend, especially for fans of Gail Carriger and Mary Robinette Kowal's Glamourist Histories series.

Scribble Rating: 

4.5 of 5 Scribbles

WoW: Murder, Magic, and What We Wore (Kelly Jones)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly blogging event in which one spotlights an upcoming release they are eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Title: Murder, Magic, and What We Wore

Author: Kelly Jones

Release Date: September 19, 2017
Publisher: Knopf (Random House)

Summary:

The year is 1818, the city is London, and 16-year-old Annis Whitworth has just learned that her father is dead and all his money is missing. And so, of course, she decides to become a spy.

Annis always suspected that her father was himself a spy, and following in his footsteps to unmask his killer makes perfect sense. Alas, it does not make sense to England’s current spymasters—not even when Annis reveals that she has the rare magical ability to sew glamours: garments that can disguise the wearer completely.

Well, if the spies are too pigheaded to take on a young woman of quality, then Annis will take them on. And so she crafts a new double life for herself. Miss Annis Whitworth will appear to live a quiet life in a country cottage with her aunt, and Annis-in-disguise as Madame Martine, glamour artist, will open a magical dressmaking shop. That way she can earn a living, maintain her social standing, and, in her spare time, follow the coded clues her father left behind and unmask his killer.

It can’t be any harder than navigating the London social season, can it?

Add to Goodreads

Why I'm Looking Forward To It: Confession: I'm not actually waiting on this one because the wonderful people at Random House sent me an early copy and I devoured it over the weekend. It was such a marvelous and magical read though that I wanted to be sure to put it on everyone's radar as soon as possible, especially fans of Gail Carriger and Mary Robinette Kowal's Glamourist Histories series! If you enjoy Regency fashion, espionage, and alternate history magic, then I highly recommend you add Murder, Magic, and What We Wore to your TBR list at once and be on the lookout for it this September!

So what book are you waiting on?