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Rue and the crew of the Spotted Custard return from India with revelations that shake the foundations of England's scientific community. Queen Victoria is not amused, the vampires are tetchy, and something is wrong with the local werewolf pack. To top it all off, Rue's best friend Primrose keeps getting engaged to the most unacceptable military types. Rue has family problems as well. Her vampire father is angry, her werewolf father is crazy, and her obstreperous mother is both. Worst of all, Rue's beginning to suspect what they really are... is frightened.

355 pages, Hardcover

First published July 19, 2016

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About the author

Gail Carriger

59 books15.2k followers
Gail Carriger writes comedies of manners mixed with paranormal romance (and the sexy San Andreas Shifter series as G L Carriger). Her books include the Parasol Protectorate and the Finishing School series. She is published in many languages and has over a dozen NYT bestsellers. She was once an archaeologist and is fond of shoes, octopuses, and tea. Join the Chirrup for sneak peaks of upcoming giggles: http://gailcarriger.com/chirrup

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5 stars
3,288 (33%)
4 stars
4,343 (43%)
3 stars
1,999 (20%)
2 stars
245 (2%)
1 star
37 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 996 reviews
Profile Image for Phrynne.
3,693 reviews2,498 followers
February 29, 2020
I am loving this series. It is so good the way that the author continues story lines from her first series and brings back old favourite characters. In Imprudence we meet Biffy again in very different circumstances than before and later on Floote reappears. I always had a soft spot for him and things were arranged so that he has a future in the books as well.

Of course Alexia, Conall and Dama were there, but the main characters are now Rue, Prim and Percy with their friends and subordinates Quesnel, Tasherit, Spoo, Virgil and even the aggressive Aggie. I do feel a bit sorry for Rue as no one ever seems to tell her anything. Nevertheless she manages to always come out on top despite some very close shaves.

So, two books in and I still have two to go. Can't wait!
Profile Image for Kitty G Books.
1,641 reviews2,979 followers
August 19, 2016
* I was sent this book for free from the publisher, and from audible in exchange for an honest review *

This is book #2 in this series and although it's not the final one, it's the final one for the time being whilst Carriger works on other things. This meant that I wanted to see a fairly conclusive end to where we are with the story right now in this book, and whilst I don't think it's perfect and clearly there is more to come, I am happy with the end overall.

Once again in this book we are following Lady Prudence, a young metanatural (something rather unheard of) who is also the Lady Captain of the Spotted Custard (her airship). Prudence has just come of age and is now ready to galavant around the globe with her crew, much as we saw in book #1.

The romance within this book felt a little contrived to me and I can't say I really see the connection between Rue and her beau. I do think maybe this will be developed later, but as it is currently I think it's a little lacking.

The same statement does not apply for the character and wit of the story. This is definitely charming throughout with many playful names, quirky insights and funny moments. We have both humans, werewolves, vampires and other supernaturals, it always was destined to be pretty amusing!

There were some more emotional moments too and I always find seeing Biffy and Lord Akeldama (my favourite characters) hilarious. They do have some great quirks to them, and I can't wait to see future stories about Biffy as I know Carriger has announced that as a new novella!!

On the whole I really smiled whilst reading this and I actually listened a lot to the audiobook too. I have to say that the narrator of the audiobook really enhanced the story by adding some great voice acting. if you're looking for something light and humorous then this is a series I would highly recommend (but only if you've read the Parasol Protectorate series first). 4*s
Profile Image for Wanda Pedersen.
2,121 reviews461 followers
September 4, 2022
Halloween Bingo 2022

I've been gradually grazing my way through Gail Carriger's books and I'm still enjoying them. For me, this book was better than the first one of this series, but still not quite as enjoyable as the very first series. Perhaps that’s because the Parasol Protectorate universe was a fresh idea to me back then. Needless to say, Carriger is very consistent in her writing. Her tongue-very-firmly-in-cheek style remains throughout. And her particular steampunk version of history adds its usual verve.

It helped that Rue's parents, Lord and Lady Maccon, are part of the initial plot, and they require a lift to Egypt where Rue's father can be free to age and, eventually, to die. This gives Rue an excuse to get out of London. Meanwhile, it has come to Rue's attention that her dirigible, the Spotted Custard, is being followed by people of uncertain motives. Assumptions are made—regarding a certain scholarly paper written by Percy Tunstall (because he was miffed by Quesnel Lefou). Acting on their assumptions, the Custard heads towards the source of the Nile to warn Miss Senkmet’s folk, the werelions, that Great Britain may be aware of their existence.

Add in a generous dollop of relationship angst and miscommunication, and this is a rather busy book. With its steampunk elements, however, it was a perfect choice for the Punk'd square of my Bingo card.
Profile Image for Maria V. Snyder.
Author 72 books17.3k followers
March 24, 2018
I did a ton of driving in February and March and had lots of time to listen to this. I'm enjoying the series and the narrator is one of my favorites - she has the perfect voice for all the characters who I love.
Profile Image for Maja (The Nocturnal Library).
1,017 reviews1,927 followers
July 18, 2016
Unforgettable adventures, an excellent fashion sense and ridiculous endearments helped Carriger’s books become the huge success they are today. Although she never strays away from her well established world, she always finds some way to keep it fresh and endlessly entertaining. Imprudence is perhaps the richest, most enjoyable example of her work after her debut, a book strong enough to pull in new fans, as well as satisfy the old ones.

We’re already familiar with Lady Prudence Alessandra Maccon Akeldama and her shenanigans. Having first met her when she was merely a toddler and after following her on her first adult adventure, we know that she’s determined, brave, intelligent and witty. Her crew is also pleasantly familiar – Primrose and Percy, Tasherit the lioness shifter, Spoo, and of course, young mister Quesnel Lafoux.

We find Rue in a bit of trouble with Queen Victoria herself for protecting the weremonkeys. She is stripped of her status and protections, the implications of which she doesn’t understand, and sent on her way to fend for herself. With her majority, she even lost the protection of her powerful parents, which left her free, but also very vulnerable. Still, it’s not Rue who is in danger in Imprudence – it’s everyone else, it seems. Her Paw needs more help than Lady Maccon can provide, Percy has managed to unwittingly endanger the lion shifters, and Primrose keeps getting engaged to military officials with attractive legs.

Imprudence is non-stop adventure with many laugh-out-loud moments. Whether it’s a sky chase, academic dispute or a young lady’s education of a very private nature, there is never a shortage of excitement. The adorable romance just adds another layer to it without becoming overwhelming or particularly angsty. Rue is not one to wallow in misery and she faces her challenges head on, so when a certain gentleman runs off in a huff, she does what any sensible lady would do – she cries in her teacup and then moves on. Quesnel is an excellent choice for her, charming and funny, with a spine made of steel.

Traveling to Egypt on The Spotted Custard would be fun under any circumstances, but with Rue’s companions and some very dear characters from The Parasol Protectorate, it’s a true delight. I just hope that more is yet to come.

Profile Image for Rachel (Kalanadi).
756 reviews1,501 followers
August 17, 2017
3.5 stars

Great improvement over Prudence in plot, characterization, and vivacity! Many thoroughly enjoyable moments and revelations. Only negative factor is how much I disliked the romance.

Prudence and her paramour have zero chemistry. And love? Nope. Didn't feel it AT ALL.

But the plot is so much better!
158 reviews
February 6, 2017
I am a huge Gail Carriger fan. The Parasol Protectorate is one of the few series I wanted to own in paper copy because I love them and the covers are great. I also really enjoyed the finishing school series. The Custard Protocol...not so much.

I thought the first book was decent, maybe promising, but this second book just went wrong for me from nearly the beginning. The book seemed to be pretty much all about Rue's intimate "education" with Quesnel, and while that was okay as something they started to dance around in this first book, it was terrible here. In the finishing school Sophronia's somewhat scandalous with kisses, in the Parasol Protectorate Lord Maccon and Alexia get caught somewhat compromised early on but it's still tasteful . . . in the Custard Protocol Carriger went kind of Harlequin on us with each "lesson" between R & Q. I kind of liked Quesnel as a character in the first book but here he didn't really get the chance to be interesting.

I don't like Rue. She's spoiled and annoying. I like Percy and Primrose and how the crew comes together. I was perfectly happy when wolves were the only weres in the world. Alexia and Lord Maccon had a brief appearance in this installment, but they were pale versions of their younger selves.

I'm sorry to be so negative, but maybe it's time for Carriger to move on to a new world, not just a different time in the same world.
Profile Image for Ashley Marie .
1,420 reviews392 followers
April 14, 2017
I love that the Parasol Protectorate characters have such a strong presence in these books. It's definitely centered around Rue, Quesnel, Primrose, and Percy, but seeing old familiar faces always makes me happy. The romance aspect didn't bother me because I was used to it in the PP series, but I will admit the whole experienced-man-with-inexperienced-woman trope REALLY grated on my nerves in this book. With the precedent Gail's other books have set (interracial relationships, LGBT main characters, etc) I was hoping she'd do something different here, but alas. That aside, this was a great romp. Some pretty major stuff happened in this book, so I'm really looking forward to the next two.
Profile Image for Maria.
31 reviews2 followers
April 10, 2017
2.5 This rating truly hurts my heart. I love the parasolverse. But I can't believe political intrigues and werewolf/vampire drama in London society got replaced with one of my least favorite tropes of all time: Inexperienced virgin gets a proper "education" from the highly experienced love interest. Ugh. I hate it.
Profile Image for K..
4,299 reviews1,149 followers
November 4, 2016
I put off reading this for, like, FOREVER because I was hesitant about it. I enjoyed Prudence when I read it last year, but I didn't LOVE it. And I was scared I'd feel the same way about this one.

Thankfully, I didn't. I feel like the story in this one was more coherent, like the characters had settled into their various roles more. I loved that it dealt with stuff that came up in the final book of the Parasol Protectorate series as far as Rue's parents go. I love that there were some sneaky little Sophronia (I assume, anyway) references. I ADORED the reveal about Lord Akeldama to the point where I audibly gasped on the bus, and the bus driver gave me a weird look.

I liked the relationships that crop up in this one and the hints at a relationship that's going to crop up in the future.

In short, it's fun, it's diverse and it builds nicely on the Parasol Protectorate.
Profile Image for Sanaa.
445 reviews2,571 followers
January 13, 2022
[3.5 Stars] I'm an unabashed Carriger fan so it comes as no surprise that I really enjoyed this one. The writing, banter, and the first half of the book were particularly fun, and the latter half trailed off a bit. May be that is because we got to see more of my favorite soulless lady, Alexia, in the first half? Navigating British supernatural politics is fascinating in this world, and I loved getting to see more of that throughout this book. I also liked the romance, but it was predictable and a bit frustrating at times. The ending fell a little flat for that reason. Otherwise, a fine sequel, but not quite as good as some of Carriger's other works.
Profile Image for Amber J (Thereadingwitch).
1,059 reviews73 followers
March 17, 2020
I try to express only my most honest opinion in a spoiler-free way. If you feel anything in my review is a spoiler and is not already hidden in spoiler brackets please let me know. Thank you.

I liked this book much more than the first. It had more going on and less focus on fashion. The romance story was much better and engaging. I know part of it is because I went with the audio version this time, but it was also just better. I was actually interested in what was going to happen next and I want to read the next book. I was hoping that the story would get better after the first one, and thankfully I wasn't disappointed. I think the next book follows Primrose, which should be interesting.

How I choose my rating:
1* Hated it. I had to force myself to finish it.
2** Didn't like it. I didn't hate it but not sure why I finished it other than for some closure.
3*** I liked it. I had some issues with it, but as a whole it was good. I probably won't reread ever, but there is a chance I might finish the series. (If part of one) But if not it's not a huge loss.
4**** I really liked this book. Maybe not a work of genius, but highly entertaining. I might reread this, and I will finish the series. (If part of one) I would recommend to those I know hold interest in this book's content.
5***** I loved this book. I found little to no issues with it at all. I will be rereading this and probably more than once. I will finish the series and reread it multiple times. (If part of one) I will recommend this book to EVERYONE!!!!

Profile Image for Sharon.
506 reviews303 followers
March 31, 2017
I don’t know how I can wait a whole year for the next book to release. RIP me.

Pros
– I love the characters so much: All of the characters are so fun-loving and crazy - I love it! I also simultaneously love and hate when you adore characters so much that you literally hurt when their lives are sucking at the moment.
– Adventures: The adventures they go on and the discoveries they make are both fun and thoughtful. I love that the author includes a political perspective in their amusing, crazy journey.
– The emotional aspect: This book is far more emotional than the rest of the series. There will be sad tears and happy tears.
– Alexia and Conall: I am glad to see that Alexia and Conall are more present in this book. They are so funny and protective with Prudence. There are definitely some heartwarming moments there.
– Prudence’s growth: I appreciate seeing Prudence grow up. She is realizing to appreciate all her parents more. She is realizing that she has been spoiled and careless for not realizing that her parents’ overprotectiveness actually meant that she has been lucky to be safe so far, being what she is.
– Perspectives: I was skeptical a bit seeing the emphasis of British imperialism in the previous book and the beginning of this book. However, it is nice to see that the author is also expanding the characters’ mind. They learn that British imperialism, while perhaps great for the British, might not be great for other people. This is a good humanity lesson, for them to see that just because what the British Empire brings to others may seem to be progressive and “enlightening” – people of other kind might not want the attention or the “help.” To disregard their choice, their freedom because of your own presumptions is basically treating that person as an object, as one character learns.
– Friendships: Prudence’s friendship with Primrose is my particular favorite because I love the support and banter they have with each other. However, I also appreciate her friendships with other people on her crew. Lots of cute, funny interactions.
– Inclusion of LGBTQ: There is inclusion of LGBTQ for some of the side characters.

Cons
– Tears: The tears I shed gave me a headache.

Final Thoughts
4 stars because I love the wacky characters, the adventures, the humor, the sense of camaraderie, the new discoveries, the thoughtful moments, the strong family and friends theme, etc.

Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Is there a happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
Favorite scene?
Do you have to read all of the other books, including the original series, to read this?
What age level would be appropriate?
Profile Image for Karina Webster.
344 reviews56 followers
January 9, 2018
This is my favourite instalment in the Parasol Protectorate/Custard Protocol universe so far. As much as I enjoyed Alexia's adventures in PP, and I think they will still be my comfort reads, I much prefer following Rue and her friends. The writing continues to be hilarious and fun and whisks me away on the Spotted Custard. I'll admit that I could have done with a little less of certain characters being obliviously in love (just TELL each other for goodness sake) but I am rooting for all of them as I really enjoy their interactions and relationships. This is shaping up to be just as, if not more so, wonderfully diverse and engaging with complex characters in difficult situations who ultimately care more about the amount of available tea and their fashion than whether they live or die, as its predecessor series. So much whimsy, wit and fun. Cannot go wrong with this Victorian, paranormal, steampunk fantasy.
Profile Image for Howard.
1,719 reviews106 followers
January 26, 2021
4.5 Stars for Imprudence: The Custard Protocol #2 (audiobook) by Gail Carriger read by Moira Quirk. This is such a fun series. The narrator does a wonderful job with the voices. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Daphne.
1,170 reviews47 followers
August 11, 2016
I loved both of Carriger's previous series in this universe immensely, so when I didn't love the first book in The Custard Protocol nearly as much, I was worried. I liked it, but it didn't really feel the same to me. The humor was different and I didn't connect with the characters as much.

But I gave the second book in this series a chance and I'm glad I did. Imprudence succeeds for me where Prudence failed. It gave me the same feeling I got from both the Parasol Protectorate and Finishing School series, which is something I find hard to explain, but I loved it. I felt closer to all the characters and I understood them better. I think the author did a nice job combining the old cast from her first series with the next generation, without having them overshadow the plot.

The one thing I wasn't a huge fan of was the romance. Their romantic scenes were sometimes cute, but the nature of their relationship makes me feel a little icky.
Profile Image for Vicky Marie.
268 reviews17 followers
Shelved as 'dnf'
September 13, 2016
And this is where Rue and I shall depart.

I liked Prudence well enough, so I'm surprised that upon reading this one I couldn't get into it. I couldn't connect with the characters, nor did I find them interesting. Carriger was always slow when moving the plot, but it seemed like this one didn't move at all. Seventy pages in and NOTHING had happened.

My second gripe is the romance. Alexia and Conall's relationship was fantastic. They had their ups and downs, but in the end their love was believable. With Rue and Quesnel... I just don't buy it. To me it seems their relationship was purely based on sexual attraction. Sure, Alexia and Conall got down and dirty plenty of times, but at least we knew there was more to them than sex. This new romance pales in comparison to their's. It also doesn't help that I don't like Quesnel. I personally think he was a terrible love interest, and I hope Carriger replaces him for someone better, though I doubt that will happen.

The Parasol Protectorate will always be a favorite series of mine. Unfortunately The Custard Protocol does not hold the same charm. Perhaps my love for Carriger's writing style has waned because I don't feel any drive to continue.
Profile Image for Melyssa.
278 reviews4 followers
July 18, 2021
I do so love this world the Gail Carriger has created! Another great adventure for the crew of The Spotted Custard!

And, ah! Floote!
Profile Image for Yasmin.
206 reviews159 followers
December 12, 2018
It took me two years to read this... I think that says a lot. I love Gail Carriger's books, but I seem to struggle with The Custard Protocol series.

The characters are what saved the book: they're easy to love and their banter is always great. My main problem is with the plot. Just like in the first book the cast travels to a far destination to... You know what, I'm not exactly sure with what plan. It's just all a bit vague and even uninteresting.

I lost my interest around 30%, then the romance between Rue and Quesnel made me read on, but after 75% I got bored again. The same things just seemed to happen on and on: fight on the dirigible, they need to go somewhere to get more fuel/water/whatever, love problems, another fight, oh they have to get fuel again... Only at the very beginning and very end new, exciting stuff happened. The plot is very dull; it doesn't seem to go anywhere. And knowing that they would get out of everything (relatively) fine really didn't make the story more exciting or compelling.

I read this book because I love the universe and its characters and I will read the next one because of that, but otherwise I wouldn't have finished this. The next one is with a different main character I believe, so hopefully that will make book 3 more exciting.
Profile Image for Cathy.
1,968 reviews51 followers
September 15, 2016
I opened the book and immediately wanted strong, hot tea, even though it was 2:30 a.m. That's the sense memory of these series by Carriger. I liked this book much more than I liked Prudence. It gave me that feeling of comfort of visiting with familiar friends that both Prudence and Etiquette & Espionage didn't. Though it was often quite harsh toward my dear Alexia. But daughters and mamas…sometimes they don't always see each other as outsiders might. What I think is charming and amusing might not be so great to Alexia's kid. Though I'd think she'd at least be glad that her mom wasn't restrictive and frivolous as regular society mothers. I'm sure she appreciated it when she wasn't getting sex and pregnancy prevention talks. It wasn't deep, or as charming and funny as the Parasol Protectorate books, but I really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Lauren Stoolfire.
4,258 reviews287 followers
November 29, 2019
I feel like I don't talk about how much I love Gail Carriger's brand of steampunk and her sense of humor. I just can't resist Gail Carriger's world. Rue has quickly become one of my all time favorite characters. Plus, it's always delightful to see Lord Akeldama. If you enjoy high-flying adventure, laugh out loud humor, and a dash of romance, you'll need to pick up Gail Carriger's novels. I can't wait to read Competence, the next installment of the The Custard Protocol.
Profile Image for Siobhan.
4,800 reviews592 followers
August 4, 2017
I wasn’t as crazy about Prudence as I had hoped to be, but the way things developed towards the end of the book left me excited to see what Imprudence would bring us. I can honestly say I enjoyed Imprudence so much more than I enjoyed Prudence. If I’m completely honest, it’s mostly because of the events at the beginning of the book.

With Prudence, I was disappointed by the lack of appearances made by the cast of the Parasol Protectorate series. I know the two are separate stories, but the two are tied so tightly together that I had expected a little bit more. If only so we could get to see how certain elements had developed. Thus, you can imagine my joy when the start of Imprudence focused upon bringing those elements from the Parasol Protectorate series together. I’m not going to say much, just know certain scenes broke me. It was the perfect way to bring these elements together, giving us peace of mind about what happened. It gave us what we wanted, linking it in so well with this story, preventing those nagging questions from lingering for any longer than is necessary.

In addition to giving me what I’d so desperately desired from book one, Imprudence seemed to move much faster. It wasn’t the speediest book in history, but events did seem to take place at a more rapid pace than they did in Prudence. I believe this is because Carriger has now opened up where she plans to take this series, having now started the extension of world building. I feel as though this series has so many possibilities regarding the potential directions it could go in, and I’m curious to see where things head.

However, I found myself rather annoyed by the romance in this one. In all honesty, I use the word ‘romance’ rather loosely. It didn’t feel romantic to me at all. It was annoying. It felt forced. I wanted it over and done with. Honestly, I’m really not enjoying this element of The Custard Protocol at all – the glimpses in book one were enough to leave me complaining, this one just left me feeling annoyed.

Overall, though, this was much better than book one. A solid four star rating compared to my rounded up four star rating of book one.
Profile Image for Claire Rousseau.
48 reviews288 followers
August 29, 2016
Lady Prudence Akeldama Maccon and her crew fly the Spotted Custard to Egypt to convey Lord & Lady Maccon to the only place they can safely retire. After leaving both of her parents under the influence of the Godbreaker Plague, Prudence continues further inland in search of a secretive pride of werelionesses. Her voyage is complicated by the carnal relationship she shares with her chief engineer, and the tensions it is causing amidst the crew.

The latest novel in Gail Carriger's steampunky, Victorian urban fantasy universe & by far the most disappointing. I loved parts of this book, but most of the story centered on the elements I enjoyed least, namely Rue & Quesnel's relationship. I didn't find him likable or charming at all in the first book & I was hoping he would turn out to be the losing side of a love triangle (look, a character has to be pretty bad for me to hope for a love triangle!) but that wasn't the case. I hated everything about the way the main relationship was developed. It was obvious, predictable, tropey and sexist. The whole thing left a sour taste in my mouth.

Less slut-shamey plots in which I'm supposed to root for cocky stereotypes of my home country *NAMED AFTER FISH SAUSAGE* and more political intrigue & werewolf/vampire drama. Thank goodness there's a shorter piece coming about Lyall, Biffy & Lord Akeldama.
Profile Image for Kandice.
1,641 reviews354 followers
May 30, 2017
Gail Carriger is such a fun author. There is nothing resembling literature to be found on her pages, but there is so much fun! And not a little risky business presented in such clean terms that they are even more titillating than they would be if presented as R-rated dialogue!

I classify these as Steampunk-lite. You don't get chemistry or engineering lessons, but Carriger throws in enough that smacks of reality that you can almost imagine Rue's Spotted Custard soaring the world in the same way it's described in the book. You don't need to be convinced of it's possibility anymore than you need to be convinced that Vampires, Soulless and Weres live among us. They exist in the book(s) so it works.

Carriger has a knack for creating prickly characters that you can't help but fall in love with. She always presents us with an ensemble cast so that someone will appeal to you regardless of what you like. Someone else will irritate you, but how do you know light without having darkness to compare it to? :)

I gobble up these books as quick as I can and I read somewhere she was taking a break. Too bad, because I wish I had another at hand. I'm on the mood for her special fun.
Profile Image for Annette.
269 reviews25 followers
July 25, 2018
3.5 ⭐️

I enjoy reading this book immensely but I can’t justify giving it a higher rating. The plot is just too thin like a turkey & cheese croissant with more cheese and rather tiny turkey. Rue is a dear and I just love her to bits. She is perfectly imperfect. The appeal of this book is the characters, even the extras are unforgettable.

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imagine this cat has white tail tip and he could be Footnote
Profile Image for Sara (Freadom Library).
554 reviews273 followers
April 8, 2021
Actual rating 4.5 stars

This review was originally posted at https://freadomlibrary.wordpress.com/

Critically
Plot – 4 out of 5 stars
The plot of this book picks up right where the first one left off. My biggest issue with this series in particular is that the pacing is really slow, when I’m used to Carriger’s books being constantly fast paced and entertaining. This one has specific scenes that are action packed and some that are full of crazy and unexpected situations but its definitely not the entire time. This book in particular deals with a lot more romance and familial relations, from the main character’s perspective as well as others. I definitely liked the story line in this one a lot more than the first book.

Writing Style – 4 out of 5 stars
This is the part that I can always count on when it comes to these books. The writing style is done really well in my opinion. It’s always really descriptive and detailed, though it can get a bit much for some people. While it’s historically accurate and really verbose, it’s easy to read and really freaking funny. As for the narration, there’s a lot more growth in the character from the first to the second book and that is shown in the way she speaks to the reader. It’s still quirky and entertaining but you can see how the adventures she’s had and her current struggles have affected the main character’s thought process and personality.

Characters – 4 out of 5 stars
I’m happy to say that this part has improved, yay! I was not the biggest fan of this cast of characters in the first book but they’ve definitely improved in this one. There’s a lot more character development, a lot more background on most of them and some new editions that I really enjoyed learning about. Rue as a main character has also improved for me. She got on my nerves really easily in the first book and while she’s still kind of arrogant and spoiler, she’s also a lot more mature. She’s not as annoying though still kind of clueless about some things though very smart about others. She’s struggles a bit emotionally in this book, considering the family issues she has, and I enjoyed seeing more depth to her. She’s honest and bold though very guarded with her heart. I really loved the views on sexuality that this book had, specially considering the time this book is set in. Rue is very clear on her wants and desires as a woman, and has a very forward thinking approach to sex. I loved to see a historical romance starting in such an unconventional way for them. The side characters are definitely more developed in this book as well. Each one has their own little things going on as part of the whole plot process. There are always so many different pieces to Carriger’s book and it’s always plausible to expect to see characters from the earlier series show up again. This one has a lot more new and old character show up and I have to say that in this entire cast my favorite is Tasherit.
She’s badass as hell.

Emotionally
Profile Image for - The Polybrary -.
344 reviews200 followers
September 3, 2016
~Full review appears on The Bent Bookworm~

I’ve been waiting so long on this book! I had so many expectations. As I’ve stated before – I love the world Carriger has created. I’ve read every single book (not all the short stories yet, I’m working on those!) and enjoyed them all. I love the characters. I love hunting for references to the various storylines in the different series. When I sit down with a Gail Carriger book, it’s like sitting down with an old friend and hearing what they’ve been up to.

That said, I need to get something off my chest: I will never love Rue as much as I love her mother, Alexia.

She’s charming and winsome in her own way but Alexia has my heart. The entire time I was reading this book and the first in this series, I was missing Alexia and the Alexia/Conall vibe. I have tried to get as much behind Rue as I did Alexia and…she’s definitely her mother’s daughter, but she’s not her mother. Which is a good thing! But I just wanted more Alexia. I need to re-read the original Parasol Protectorate series in its entirety. I’ve read Soulless I think 3 times but definitely time to go through all 5 again. Anyway, on to the actual review!

Imprudence picks up almost exactly where Prudence left off (WARNING: spoilers for the FIRST book). The queen is, as expected, rather displeased with Rue’s handling of the weremonkey situation, but that quickly takes a back seat to Rue’s family troubles. Perhaps it’s awful of me, but I was so glad that Alexia and Lord Maccon were more in the forefront of this one! We see them through Rue’s eyes, which was rather entertaining, but they are there for a good portion of the book. The family is struggling to deal with Lord Maccon’s oncoming Alpha madness. He’s slowly losing his grip on reality and becoming entirely werewolf. It was so sad. By the end of Chapter 5 I was bawling while reading in bed. My husband was very concerned. Thankfully they didn’t just sit around moping about it – this is Alexia’s husband, after all! They were very quickly off to do something about it, and rampages and capers ensued.
Well, Lord save anyone if a vampire tried to steal a werewolf’s prey, even if only to kill that prey himself. Especially then.

I love how Rue and Alexia share the tendency to go off on their own and drag everyone else along in their wake. Also have to love that Rue seems to be the only one capable of dragging Alexia herself around – Alexia is much more concerned about appearances than I remember her being, perhaps a by product of all her time serving the Queen. Rue…Rue gives almost no fucks. Especially where her relationship with Quesnel is concerned.
“Like to go somewhere more private and be scandalous some more?”

Ah, yes, Quesnel, the little Frenchman we all fell in love with when he was just Madame Lefoux’s charge and constantly running amok. Quesnel, as we saw in Prudence, has grown up to be a innovative inventor in his own right. He’s also quite the ladies’ man…but somehow Prudence has managed to twist him right around her little finger. Despite her repeated insistence that their relationship is only for “lessons” and her own experience…

Ok. This is the big reason this book didn’t get 5 stars for me. I can’t get behind Rue and Quesnel. I wanted to. I really did. But I just…can’t. Quesnel is too much of a pretty boy for me…I am Team Big-hairy-dominate-but-gentle-werewolf (aka Lord Maccon) all the way and I guess I was hoping the same for Rue. Of course she’s entitled to her own taste! But it just…it seems forced. I didn’t feel it, and I’d like to think I can usually feel a character’s emotional involvement even if the parties involved aren’t to my own preferences.
Like Tasherit and Prim. I feel their attraction. I feel Prim’s confusion and anxiety and flutterings. And I’m very eager to find out what happens to them in the next book!
Gail wrote in one of her newsletters/posts that she was trying to wrap a lot of things up in this book, since there will not be a 3rd Custard Protocol book until at least 2018. I think she did that very well while still leaving several storylines open for exploration. Like Tasherit and Prim. Like the Woolsey Pack – oh, I almost forgot.

OMG, my beloved Woolsey Pack. I can’t believe what happened. That was also a large part of the tears.WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO WOOLSEY??? This was a huge turning point in the first third of the book and then…crickets. AAAAAHHHH. I think we were supposed to kind of forget but I can’t. Buffy. Lyall. Channing. And of course the Kingair Pack too, even though God knows they’re still off brawling in some distant land like good Scottish boys – capably led by their fierce female Alpha (who, thank GOD, will be having her very own novella some time in the near future). I really hope we have more werewolves in the next book too.

Anyway, overall, 4/5 stars. And I will be eagerly awaiting whatever comes from Gail Carriger’s pen next.
Profile Image for Jo .
2,666 reviews66 followers
February 21, 2017
I like Imprudence better than Prudence the first book in the Custard Protocols. Once again Prudence and her crew are off in the Spotted Custard, her airship. Part of the book finishes out the Parasol Protectorate; something I had wondered about. As it turns out everything happens as planned in the last book Timeless. From there Pru and friends are off in another interesting adventure. This could be the last book in the series as things ended on a high note for Rue and Quesnel. We will see if there is more to come. This would stand alone but is much better if you have read Prudence and the Parasol Protectorate series.
Profile Image for PuPilla.
875 reviews90 followers
February 21, 2017
Pfűűű, mindenki csapjon a kezemre, ha valaha még Carrigert akarok a kezembe venni. Ez egyre silányabb. Egyre több a feleslegesen eseménydúsnak vélt akciójelenet, történet szinte semmi, tehát paradox módon mégis eseménytelen marad a regény, és továbbra sem sikerül személyiséggel felruházni a korábbi, jobb főhősök halovány másait, a fiatal generációs karaktereket. Az meg a slusszpoén, hogy némelyiket összekevertem a Finishing School sorozat alakjaival, annyira jellegtelen mindenki. A szerelmi szál pedig zavarbaejtően ... szar!
Csakis az eredeti Napernyő Protektorátust fogom újraolvasni valamikor, ha elmúlik a keserű szájízem.
Carriger meg próbáljon írni valamit végre, ami nem YA, újra humorosan kedves, és a romantika és az urban fantasy kellemes elegye, sok szarkasztikus párbeszéddel, nem ilyen a semmiért rohangálós semmit. Ja várjunk, nem is kell, mert már mindegy... Elvesztettem a bizalmamat, ld. első mondat.

Hamarosan (gőz)puffogok a blogon is.
Íme: http://pupillaolvas.blogspot.com/2017...
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