Common Sense Media Review
By Julie A. Carlson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fast-paced thrill ride with werewolves and steampunk fun.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Sophronia and her friends Dimity and Sidheag are in their second year at Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality. The hijinks continue, and so do the etiquette classes. Sidheag goes missing but quickly returns, concerned about a werewolf uprising among the packs. Sophronia and her friends worry that something darker is afoot, and she gains a new weapon: a deadly steel-tipped fan. The girls attend a luxurious masked ball and board a runaway train to return Sidheag to her werewolf pack. There are adventures at every turn and romance between Sophronia's two love interests: the dashing Lord Felix Mersey and her adorable, sooty friend, Soap.
Is It Any Good?
WAISTCOATS & WEAPONRY is top-notch good fun that builds on the previous two novels in the delightful Finishing School series. Fans of Gail Carriger's adult steampunk books will enjoy this YA series. It's daring and bold yet doesn't have as much sex and violence as many YA novels. There are enough quirky personalities and strong growth among the characters to keep readers intrigued and entertained. Sophronia's a terrific heroine any teen would love to have as a friend.
Waistcoats & Weaponry doesn't disappoint, especially when it comes to the budding romance of Sophronia and Soap. And the cliffhanger ending assures readers will be eager for the next installment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why the genre is called steampunk. What role did steam play in Victorian society and technology?
There's mention of the English not liking the Scots and vice versa. How far back in history do these feelings go? Are they reflected in political clashes in the United Kingdom today?
If you had the opportunity to attend a finishing school, would you? What would you want to learn?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship , History , Transportation ( Trains )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : November 4, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Number of pages : 304
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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