5 Words: School, friendship, class, spying, betrayal. 
 No dumbing down for a Young Adult audience in this wonderful start to the Finishing School series. Instead, the author keeps things mature - as she should. 
 The voices of the characters are perfect for their age - and there are some familiar faces for those who have read the Parasol Protectorate novels. Different fashions to imagine, different technologies to wrap your head around - and new questions blossoming in your head! 
 As a separate series this is working well so far, but is still fascinating for those who have already been introduced to this wonderful world. 
 I can't wait for the next one. Oh, and can I have a mechanimal?