this book does have its problems, from the writing and characterization to the world-building and attempts on diversity, but I genuinely liked the mc (although we might argue El and her rambling narration are part of those problems). and I still found it better than the other two books about schools for special teenagers I've read this year: Nevernight and Killing November. I prefer El to the protagonists of these books the same way I prefer Hermione Granger to Harry Potter.

another thing that stood out to me was the way Novik tackles class privilege in a (ya?) fantasy setting reminiscent of Harry Potter and The Hunger Games, but presented through a strong, charismatic and relatable voice such as El's, who has a good sense of justice and an even better sense of humor to match her loneliness and outrage.

on the other hand, language is a primary tool in this magic system/magical school, and thus a valuable knowledge and not just a form of communication and a component of one's identity; but Novik, more times than not, ignores (at least in this book) the implications of all these roles, turning dead and living languages into simple learning subjects and name tags. granted, I have yet to find a language based magic system that satisfies me, but this issue added to the little plot holes that may be clarified or, most likely, swept under the rug in the next books.

also, I hope, upon reread, to be more amused by the big fight and the romance. surprisingly, El was still herself by the end, but I wasn't feeling her relationship with poor rich boy Orion. I think I know what the author is going for, I'm just not particularly happy with it.