Always a delight, Gail Carriger is by far one of my favorite authors. Her genre is fun, amusing, romantic, and I am always in the mood to read one of her books. Competence is full of a cast of delightful characters, throwing of the shackles of proper society and enjoying each others company. ( )

I enjoyed this one quite a bit, and perhaps it's because Rue is no longer the POV character. I believe in my review for the first Custard Protocol book I mentioned Primrose's particularity about propriety seemed almost cartoonish, but once we're in her head we see it's an armor against the world. She's literally the most competent person on the airship, and I liked being in her head.

As with other Custard Protocol books, I was wary about naïve young imperialist Brits gazing at the world, but by book 3 they've (mostly) learned to approach other cultures with consideration. Using the pishtacos was handled better than the rakshasas, I feel- especially because of pishtaco origins stemming from the Spanish invasion of South America, and also demonstrating why you might not necessarily want an all-white crew! (also this is fantasy so if you're fine with werewolves and vampires... let brown people sail the skies)

The dynamic between relationships felt a little more even here, and I appreciate the handling of a trans character and their relationship without making it a Very Special Episode. ( )

Her books are starting to get a little light and fluffy. ( )

In which I confirm that Gail Carriger's work is a delight to my heart, and the ongoing adventures of the Spotted Custard's crew continue to reveal rollicking adventures and unexpected joys.

This episode furthers the romance between Tasherit and Primrose, allows us further insight into Percy's character and continues the tradition of turning one's enemies into loyal crew. I delight in the unfolding of this story, and I glory in the lgbtq flowering onboard. Also, hello, the next one will be a doozy, I suspect! ( )

Rue is so much better as a side character, and the twins are so much better as narrators. This book also introduces something closer to resembling an actual plot.

I ADORE Percy and his inner thought structure. I ADORE his and Prim's relationship. I ADORE Tasherit's cat-ness, and the whole thing with her and Percy and tassels was 5 stars all by itself.

The very, very strong found family dynamic explored in this book left me squeeing with happiness and satisfaction. The characters and relationships were at their finest in this book. ( )