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PrudenceGail Carriger

Historical fantasy adventure

Prudence

by Gail Carriger

Book 1 of the The Custard Protocol series

Prudence 'Rue' Akeldama, the grown daughter of Alexia and Conall Maccon, receives a dirigible and christens it the Spotted Custard. She assembles an unruly crew and travels to British India on behalf of Queen, country, her vampire adoptive father, and the prospect of an exceptional tea. Rue's ability to borrow a supernatural creature's form draws her into local politics and discoveries capable of unsettling accepted ideas about the supernatural world. Effervescent and globe-trotting, this steampunk adventure suits readers who enjoy found crews, airborne travel, shapeshifting, banter, tea quests, and second-generation series that turn an inherited legacy into a new kind of trouble.

Paired for this story

Mango Chai + Hearthside Spiced Mead

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At a glance

Know what you're getting into

Spice2 of 5
Suspense4 of 5
Creepy2 of 5
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No surprises at chapter twelve

Content notes

Paranormal violence, colonial-era attitudes, romantic and sexual content, and peril

Alcohol-Free Pour

Mango Chai

Mango, tea, and milk nod to Rue's journey to India in pursuit of tea and unexpected supernatural discoveries.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Steep the tea and any herbs or whole spices in hot water according to the tea type, then strain. Stir in sweetener and juices. Serve hot.
  2. Garnish: Citrus peel, herb, or fruit from the recipe, if applicable.
  3. Glassware: Mug.
21+

Cocktail Pour · 21+

Hearthside Spiced Mead

For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

For adult readers, honey and spice bring a warm, layered counterpoint to Rue's tea quest, airship crew, and discoveries in India.

How to mix it

  1. Makes one serving.
  2. Combine the mead, cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat until gently steaming—do not simmer or boil. Keep over very low heat for 5–10 minutes, tasting occasionally for your preferred spice strength. Strain into a heatproof mug and sweeten with honey if desired.
  3. Garnish: Orange peel and a cinnamon stick.
  4. Glassware: Heatproof mug.

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