Curtsies and Conspiracies by Gail Carriger is the sequel to Etiquette and Espionage. This book picks up exactly where the previous book left off. This book dives even further into Sophronia’s steam punk spy school world. In this book there is so much more context provided to the various characters and groups in this world. As a good sequel should, the world is expanded, new characters are introduced, and previous surface level characters are provided with new layers and depth. Again, if you are familiar with any of Carriger’s other series, you will be pleasantly surprised at one particularly exciting cameo.

In this volume, Sophronia finds herself with new challenges that will test her skills both as a spy, and as a friend. There are new relationships that are explored, as well as new locations outside of the school. Sophronia continues to struggle not just with being a spy, but with being a lady, and what that really means for her future in the current society.

This book provides a fantastic expansion of this world. The mysteries that were left unanswered in the previous book are wrapped up more completely here. Overall, this series continues to be a short, easy, incredibly fun series to read. Also, any story that uses the word “discombobulated”, is A+ in my book!