Friday, November 13, 2015

Gail Carriger

Gail Carriger writes comedic steampunk mixed with urbane fantasy in three series: 2 adult, the Parasol Protectorate and the Custard Protocol, and 1 YA, the Finishing School series. Her newest book ends the Finishing School series and is called Manners & Mutiny. Her books are published in 18 different languages. She has 12 New York Times bestsellers via 7 different lists (including #1 in Manga). She was once an archaeologist and is overly fond of shoes, hedgehogs, and tea.

Recently I asked Carriger about what she was reading. Her reply:
Jinn and Juice by Nicole Peeler

It's very much what I think of as classic urban fantasy. By which I mean: lots of fun side characters, pithy remarks, witty banter, scenes full of action, and a nice thread of romance. I like Peeler's skewed take on urban fantasy world building, particularly with the Jinn as magical creatures and the Magi who can control them. Her main character, Lyla, is brash and bold, but hampered by an (understandably) paralytic fear of slavery. Lyla's reactions and interactions are all characterized by this fear, but that doesn't stop her from being fun - just makes her more complex. The setting is Pittsburgh, where steel had corrupted a major magical node, so that only half magical beings (AKA the misfit toys) can live and work spells. A quick, fun, uplifting read.
Learn more about the book and author at Gail Carriger's website and blog.

The Page 69 Test: Waistcoats & Weaponry.

The Page 69 Test: Manners & Mutiny.

--Marshal Zeringue