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Competence

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Competence

By: Gail Carriger
Narrated by: Moira Quirk
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About this listen

 From New York Times bestselling author Gail Carriger comes the delightful sequel to Imprudence.

Accidentally abandoned!

All alone in Singapore, proper Miss Primrose Tunstell must steal helium to save her airship, the Spotted Custard, in a scheme involving a lovesick werecat and a fake fish tail.

When she uncovers rumors of a new kind of vampire, Prim and the Custard crew embark on a mission to Peru. There, they encounter airship pirates and strange atmospheric phenomena, and are mistaken for representatives of the Spanish Inquisition. Forced into extreme subterfuge (and some rather ridiculous outfits) Prim must also answer three of life's most challenging questions: Can the perfect book club give a man back his soul? Will her brother ever stop wearing his idiotic velvet fez? And can the amount of lard in Christmas pudding save an entire species? Fantasy Fiction Historical Romance Science Fiction Steampunk Classics Paranormal Heartfelt

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Critic reviews

"Carriger excels at wry humor and clever phrasing, and her ensemble cast is thoroughly charming and satisfyingly diverse. There's a genuine sense of whimsy and fun running throughout this story."—Publishers Weekly
"Carriger's trademark wit and whimsy are in evidence from the very first sentence, and the result is an inventive madcap adventure."—RT Book Reviews on Imprudence
"Blending steampunk and urban fantasy in a colorful alternate Victorian England, Carriger presents a grand cast of characters on a harrowing adventure that stretches from England to India... Filled with lavish fashions, supernatural high society, and witty dialogue, this story is a fine introduction to a fabulous new series."—Booklist on Prudence
"Carriger maintains a droll, tongue-in-cheek tone, and her protagonists are as concerned with witty banter and fashionable hats as they are with fighting for their lives. Series fans will enjoy this mischievous romp, which revisits old favorites while raising a new crop of charming characters."—Publishers Weekly on Prudence
"Readers who delighted in Carriger's Parasol Protectorate will be entranced by the familiar cast and trademark wit of the new Custard Protocol series...Behind the delightful whimsy and snarky observations, there is a great deal of heart and soul."—RT Book Reviews on Prudence
"The author's humor and affection for her outlandish characters is always appealing. A fun launch."—Library Journal on Prudence
"Soulless has all the delicate charm of a Victorian parasol, and all the wicked force of a Victorian parasol secretly weighted with brass shot and expertly wielded. Ravishing."—Lev Grossman
"The dialogue is as smart and snappy as ever, full of intelligent humor and artful verbal sparring."—All Things Urban Fantasy on Changeless
"Changeless is equal to Soulless: witty, sexy, graceful, and unpredictable. With a few more novels, this delightful, Ms. Carriger will be challenging Laurell K. Hamilton and Charlaine Harris for the top of the New York Times bestseller lists."—Fantasy Magazine on Changeless
"Carriger delivers surprises with every book, and this one is no exception. With action, intrigue, and above all, proper manners, this excellent series will have broad appeal to readers of steampunk, urban fantasy, and paranormal and historical romance."—Library Journal on Heartless
"The world of Timeless is a unique recipe of steampunk and fantasy spiced with light sprinkling of romance. Its setting is rich for characters to romp about in, but the unbridled playfulness of the language and dialogue shines brightest."—The Miami Herald
All stars
Most relevant
It's the usual romp, this time turning towards Latin America. Percy's perspective is strongly featured, but this book's main character is Primrose Tunstell. I loved her story. ❤

Gail Carriger, brilliant as always

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I loved this book when I read it on my kindle. I love it even more as an audiobook. Gail Carriger has written another excellent story, full of tea, dirigibles and high jinks. Moira Quirk has brought her usual brilliance to the audio, making it even better than the book (something that you wouldn’t think was possible). I love Percy, Prim and Tash. I can’t wait for Reticence to finally appear on audible UK

All the usual Carriger wonderfulness

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An enjoyable story .
Most caracters Ideveloped well
later in the story where some I feel remained under developed.
Still a good listen.

most enjoyable

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not quite up to usual very high standard. long on words short on story. too much time spent on personal side stories rather than the usual romping yarn

very pc but not as much fun

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I love this series, and the previous one. I have also read some of the short stories set in the same world and enjoyed them all. alas this one repeats too many previous themes, it also lacks narrative drive of other books in this world. Victorian attitudes and forbidden love, stroppy crew and weird parents only work so many times.

a bit too same old same old

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