Prudence by Gail Carriger is a delightful, quirky steampunk adventure I adored. The book brims with tea, gossip, fashion, and supernatural creatures.

Set in an alternative Victorian era, “Prudence” follows the story of Prudence Alessandra Maccon Akeldama, a young “metanatural” who can temporarily borrow the shape and powers of any supernatural being.

Prudence is a charming protagonist, brimming with youthful exuberance and sass. She’s strong-willed, but vulnerable, making her easy to connect with. The supporting cast is equally fun, each with their distinct quirks and engaging backstories. They added layers of depth to the narrative.

In Prudence, Carriger effortlessly blends supernatural elements with Victorian manners. She has created a vividly immersive world where werewolves, vampires, and even mechanicals coexist alongside the upper echelons of society. The novel masterfully explores themes of identity, acceptance, and friendship. Carriger sets all of this against a backdrop of high tea, manners, and humorous misunderstandings.

A True Heroine’s Journey

Prudence is a terrific example of the Heroine’s Journey. Not only does the protagonist go on a physical journey, Carriger’s plot uses the heroine’s narrative structure to great effect to deliver a compelling story of adventure, friendship, and the importance of embracing one’s unique qualities.

The novel’s pace is well-balanced, smoothly transitioning from lively and humorous moments to intense action sequences. Warning, the unfolding plot made the book so, so hard to put down!

I found Carriger’s writing style captivating. Not only was Prudence filled with delightful prose and witty banter, but Carriger’s attention to detail in her steampunk world-building astonished me.

While this is the first of four books in the Custard Protocol series, Carriger wraps up the loose ends in a satisfying way and you can read Prudence as a stand-alone novel. In the meantime, please excuse me as I binge the rest of the series.