Reviews

A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik

lou13st's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

izzylashley's review against another edition

2.0

I was so disappointed by this. I have had it on my tbr for a while so I was excited when I saw it at the library but it was a struggle to finish. The writing just was not it and everything was so predictable, I had to force myself to read this book. Some of the characters were likeable and the background is good and the idea is good but it was executed poorly unfortunately.

help_tbr_2big's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

forestidylls's review against another edition

5.0

First day: I read the first chapter and was skeptical. Second Day: I read the second chapter and was intrigued. Third Day: I read the third... And fourth... And made myself put it down to do work. Fifth day: I picked it up with the intention of one chapter because I had things to do. Today I still have things to do because I barely set it down until I finished it at 1:00 am.

moonflower97's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

ravenslanding's review against another edition

5.0

I am not into books in which the main plot involves characters going to school to learn things. Despite the title, this is not one of those books. It is set in the final month of El's junior year at the magical boarding school where the lucky wizard children are sent to learn how to do magic behind strong wards that will keep most monsters at bay. Well, it improves their chances of survival, anyway. There are no teachers, just the magic of the scholomance.

El is a snarky and grumpy and hilarious narrator. The world is fascinating. Plenty of tension and excitement. The discussion of privilege nuanced. The questions of fate and balance.....to be continued.

I feel like Naomi Novak just keeps getting better and better. Uprooted was alright. Spinning Silver was amazing, but this dualogy could become my favorite yet. I have already pre-ordered book 2.

jpotter21's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

4.75

kivt's review against another edition

4.0

I think it's possible that this whole book is some kind of metaphor about wealth! Weird!

Surprisingly enjoyable for a YA novel of the "everything is just crushingly awful constantly" style. Reminds me a little of Mercedes Lackey & Rosemary Edghill's completely awful Shadow Grail series, except actually good. The comparison is probably only there because I read the Shadow Grail books recently.

wvlatea's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Physical abuse, and Death

sbrun's review against another edition

dark funny slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0