Hello Gemmies! I have a book review to share with you today. I absolutely love the Finishing School Series by Gail Carriger, so I was very excited to read the newest spin off novel, Ambush or Adore. Ambush or Adore is the third book in the Delightfully Deadly series and follows our finishing school graduates into adulthood. This time we get Agatha Woosmuss’s aka The Wallflower’s story. Ambush or Adore was not what I expected at all. It gave me all the feels and made me cry multiple times. This expansive love story is told through a series of flashbacks and new events that span more than 40 years; all narrated from both Agatha and Pillover’s points of view.
Ambush or Adore is full of love, longing, self denial, and sometimes heartache, Agatha and Pillover’s love story is an unconventional one that is guaranteed to make you cry, and have you rethinking what happily ever after looks like. Ambush or Adore is beautifully written. I loved reliving events from the various series throughout the Parasolverse from the Finishing School all the way through The Custard Protocol. It was interesting to get both Agatha’s and Pillover's take on things. This also had me looking at events in a different light. Something I once may have laughed at reading in another book, just made me want to cry for these two characters in this story. While It was nice to see other beloved characters make an appearance in Ambush or Adore, don't expect Gail Carriger's trademark humor. This story is incredibly beautiful but also emotionally challenging.
I recommend at least reading the Finishing School series in order to get the most enjoyment out of this story. It would be helpful to also have read the other series in the Parasolverse (Parasol Protectorate, The Custard Protocol, etc.) to fully appreciate all the references, but it is not mandatory.
Published by Gail Carriger LLC, Ambush or Adore is available for purchase from all major booksellers. I give Ambush or Adore 5 out of 5 gems. If you love historical fiction, emotional journeys, dour but lovable professors, and the occasional wicker chicken, then read this book! I look forward to reading more stories set in the Parasolverse. Happy Reading!
