Review by takarakeireads - An Education in Malice

takarakeireads 's review for:

An Education in Malice by S.T. Gibson

4.5

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

First and foremost I want to say that if you (like me) did not care for A Dowry of Blood - you might give this one a shot anyway!

I absolutely devoured this book. Almost read it in a day but ended up taking a little more time with it intentionally. Some beautiful writing and lush descriptions:

Mississippi was a study in green, crawling with Spanish moss and bedecked with heavy-laden magnolia trees, but I never realized how many colors there were to be found in nature until that first fall in New England.

I am obsessed with Laura’s character and I really identified with aspects of her personality. There were some just real good quotes about female rage, feeling othered, and life. The academic rivals to lovers I thought was well done with the appropriate amount of angst.

Slight pacing issues that dragged about 70-80% of the way through. The ending was both expected and unexpected in different ways.

I didn’t trust Ms. D but then I was also unsurprised when she did not sacrifice Carmilla. However, I am still forming thoughts on the “villainess” of her character arc. She showed growth, but I guess I was expecting a bit more devastating ending, or at least more conflict between her and the girls?

🌶️4/5

Content Warnings