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coffeedragon's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
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
4.5
A Deadly Education is the first book of the Scholomance Series and follows the last few weeks of Galadriel’s junior year at, well, the Scholomance, a deadly sentient high school where all with magical affinity are sent to learn how to control their magic, defend themselves from creatures of nightmare called mals, and, if they aren’t complete failures, to create alliances with powerful families that will set them up for life. While many would think teachers would be necessary to keep all the students in line and on track for graduation, they’d be surprised to know that the Scholomance has no need for them. If a student wishes to survive the everyday mal attacks on them and (more importantly) graduation, they will keep to their studies or find themselves devoured
Even though the Scholomance is the safer alternative for a developing wizard, it’s a given that a number of weak and unaware students will be devoured by the mal that sneak past the protection wards of the Scholomance every year; however, this year is special because Orion has saved more than 600 students in the three years he’s been a student, completely changing the climate of the school…and not for the good. Now the mal are starving, the graduating class is desperate to survive, and Galadriel, in her own quest of survival, has found herself in the middle of the whole problem
I was extremely excited when I heard that Naomi Novik was going to release a new book. I had really enjoyed reading Spinning Silver last year and while I was starting to see a pattern in her endings (which always left me crying), I was prepared and longing for my next heartache. Then I learned that A Deadly Education wasn’t going to be a standalone and I panicked. I couldn’t get into her Temeraire series the one time I tried, what if the same thing happened this time too?!
Luckily this wasn’t a problem. I was immediately sucked into this new story thanks to Galadriel (El) who was a completely different heroine to Agnieszka and the girls of Spinning Silver. Galadriel was snarky and sarcastic and didn’t care if she hurt your feelings…or so it seemed to be at first glance. Because of her upbringing as the chosen one of death and destruction, El had to live a life where everyone instantly either wanted her dead or gone. Perhaps in the vein of Myriem, El didn’t have anyone aside from her mother that wanted her and this made her wish for those connections that Agnieszka was lucky to be born with. Actually, up to this moment I’ve been really impressed by how realistic many of Naomi’s characters feel and El is no exception
In terms of other characters, I have to admit that I instantly found Orion an interesting character, not just for the story but as a potential love interest. It was only the first chapter and I instantly shipped the two. Interestingly, while I wouldn’t call this a romance story, the relationship between El and Orion is greatly emphasized in a way that made me want some fluff. Another thing that only Naomi has been able to do to me. When in other stories I wish the romance was less, in this one I wish it was either existent or more! That said, there was much about Orion that was left in the dark in this first book, which I hope we get to explore in the next one, especially with THAT ENDING
One of the things that I can see as a potential turn off for readers is that there are A LOT of explanations to the point that you come to realize that not a lot actually happens in terms of actions in a story. Still, I didn’t find this a problem because El is such a great narrator and makes what would usually be boring, sarcastically fun. With all of this explaining we also get a better understanding about the world that these wizards are living in, such as how enclaves, alliances, and the Scholomance works
I also like how international this world feels with the variety of characters and enclaves interacting with each other. Since El is narrating the story, much of what is said feels cynical but if you think about it, it’s all very true.
As I fall into a pit of restless despair for the next book (HA, the first isn’t even out yet), I keep thinking about where this story might go next. I’ve only read Uprooted and Spinning Silver by Naomi and both of these were fairytale retellings. As I contemplate A Deadly Education, I wonder if there’s something hidden away in there. Orion is a character from mythology and so far he’s been keeping to that image of the hero who is good at combat, but because there’s (apparently) not much information on his history, I wonder how Naomi is going to twist the story. Likewise, Galadriel is a name from the Tolkein stories (which I only know because El mentions it) and while I haven’t read or watched any of his content, it also has a very Western mythological vibe to it. And to put the icing on the cake, many have made the Harry Potter connection (though tbh it didn't occur to me until I saw someone say it)
Even though the Scholomance is the safer alternative for a developing wizard, it’s a given that a number of weak and unaware students will be devoured by the mal that sneak past the protection wards of the Scholomance every year; however, this year is special because Orion has saved more than 600 students in the three years he’s been a student, completely changing the climate of the school…and not for the good. Now the mal are starving, the graduating class is desperate to survive, and Galadriel, in her own quest of survival, has found herself in the middle of the whole problem
I was extremely excited when I heard that Naomi Novik was going to release a new book. I had really enjoyed reading Spinning Silver last year and while I was starting to see a pattern in her endings (which always left me crying), I was prepared and longing for my next heartache. Then I learned that A Deadly Education wasn’t going to be a standalone and I panicked. I couldn’t get into her Temeraire series the one time I tried, what if the same thing happened this time too?!
Luckily this wasn’t a problem. I was immediately sucked into this new story thanks to Galadriel (El) who was a completely different heroine to Agnieszka and the girls of Spinning Silver. Galadriel was snarky and sarcastic and didn’t care if she hurt your feelings…or so it seemed to be at first glance. Because of her upbringing as the chosen one of death and destruction, El had to live a life where everyone instantly either wanted her dead or gone. Perhaps in the vein of Myriem, El didn’t have anyone aside from her mother that wanted her and this made her wish for those connections that Agnieszka was lucky to be born with. Actually, up to this moment I’ve been really impressed by how realistic many of Naomi’s characters feel and El is no exception
In terms of other characters, I have to admit that I instantly found Orion an interesting character, not just for the story but as a potential love interest. It was only the first chapter and I instantly shipped the two. Interestingly, while I wouldn’t call this a romance story, the relationship between El and Orion is greatly emphasized in a way that made me want some fluff. Another thing that only Naomi has been able to do to me. When in other stories I wish the romance was less, in this one I wish it was either existent or more! That said, there was much about Orion that was left in the dark in this first book, which I hope we get to explore in the next one, especially with THAT ENDING
One of the things that I can see as a potential turn off for readers is that there are A LOT of explanations to the point that you come to realize that not a lot actually happens in terms of actions in a story. Still, I didn’t find this a problem because El is such a great narrator and makes what would usually be boring, sarcastically fun. With all of this explaining we also get a better understanding about the world that these wizards are living in, such as how enclaves, alliances, and the Scholomance works
I also like how international this world feels with the variety of characters and enclaves interacting with each other. Since El is narrating the story, much of what is said feels cynical but if you think about it, it’s all very true.
As I fall into a pit of restless despair for the next book (HA, the first isn’t even out yet), I keep thinking about where this story might go next. I’ve only read Uprooted and Spinning Silver by Naomi and both of these were fairytale retellings. As I contemplate A Deadly Education, I wonder if there’s something hidden away in there. Orion is a character from mythology and so far he’s been keeping to that image of the hero who is good at combat, but because there’s (apparently) not much information on his history, I wonder how Naomi is going to twist the story. Likewise, Galadriel is a name from the Tolkein stories (which I only know because El mentions it) and while I haven’t read or watched any of his content, it also has a very Western mythological vibe to it. And to put the icing on the cake, many have made the Harry Potter connection (though tbh it didn't occur to me until I saw someone say it)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Bullying, Death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Gore, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Torture, Violence, Vomit, and Sexual harassment
Not good at tagging, there may be more! Ps. I tagged sexual harassment because there's a scene where El describes a "fight" akin to being sexually harassed (and describes it)kipiekie's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder and Violence
Minor: Vomit
readwithria's review
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-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? Yes
4.5
*review from 2022 reread*
A Deadly Education is full of magic, monsters, and mayhem. It’s smart, funny, and full of interesting world building and politicking.
I love this book so much. How Novik fits the magic into the world is so interesting, and how the school works makes it feel like another world entirely.
The characters are so fun, and everyone is so smart and so good at what they do. El is such a snarky MC, I love getting to see through her eyes and understand her worldview. Aadhya and Liu are such great friends (as far as friends go in the Scholomance) and Orion is such a lovably dummy. The whole cast of characters feel fleshed out and have real wants and needs that make the stakes feel even higher.
This book goes by fast, the first 250 pages is about two weeks and the next week goes by in barely 50 pages, but so much happens. I almost wish the timespan had been a bit longer, but I completely understand why it wasn’t. The chapters are also a bit long, this 313 page book only has 13 chapters in it! But I read this book in a day, and I couldn’t put it down. 4.5 stars (up from 4 on my first read, though it’s possible I wasn’t using the partial star system yet).
A Deadly Education is full of magic, monsters, and mayhem. It’s smart, funny, and full of interesting world building and politicking.
I love this book so much. How Novik fits the magic into the world is so interesting, and how the school works makes it feel like another world entirely.
The characters are so fun, and everyone is so smart and so good at what they do. El is such a snarky MC, I love getting to see through her eyes and understand her worldview. Aadhya and Liu are such great friends (as far as friends go in the Scholomance) and Orion is such a lovably dummy. The whole cast of characters feel fleshed out and have real wants and needs that make the stakes feel even higher.
This book goes by fast, the first 250 pages is about two weeks and the next week goes by in barely 50 pages, but so much happens. I almost wish the timespan had been a bit longer, but I completely understand why it wasn’t. The chapters are also a bit long, this 313 page book only has 13 chapters in it! But I read this book in a day, and I couldn’t put it down. 4.5 stars (up from 4 on my first read, though it’s possible I wasn’t using the partial star system yet).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail and Gore
Moderate: Cursing, Violence, Classism, and Blood
Minor: Vomit, Death, Death of parent, Child death, Colonisation, Animal cruelty, Blood, and Fire/Fire injury
avadore's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-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? No
4.5
Sometimes you just have to get totally sucked in by a fantasy school that wants to kill its students.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Vomit, Death of parent, and Child death
ashleycmms's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Fire/Fire injury, Child death, Vomit, and Murder
Moderate: Violence and Blood
emmahe's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
fast-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? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Child death, Death, Gore, Medical content, Torture, Violence, and Vomit
Moderate: Animal cruelty and Death of parent
rini's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child death, Death, Violence, and Vomit
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Colonisation, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, and Toxic friendship
inkfingers's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death
Moderate: Racism, Cursing, Death of parent, and Violence
Minor: Murder and Vomit
keen's review
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
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? Yes
3.5
So I came into this story excited... then less excited after hearing a lot of warnings about poor handling of races. I try to avoid most information about a book before I read it, only focusing on the plot and overall like/dislike ratio of a book. Learning about the controversy, unfortunately, made me focus more on it as I read, unable to focus on the book for what I thought about it.
But first, let's focus on my general feelings of the book, I found it enjoyable. It was slow at first, and for a bit I went to read some other books before speeding through it. I enjoyed the main characters, Galadriel, for being this snarky "I'm not like other girls" teenager. Surprisingly. Usually I hate those types of characters. The real fun of it came from how it contrasted the world she's in: a school that wants to kill her and she's responding to it nonchalantly. Thankfully, that doesn't stick throughout the story. It is made clear that her snark isn't healthy. It's also made clear that her school life is giving her some serious trauma that she has gotten "comfortable" with.
I'm not a fan of teenage romances. I'm not a fan of misunderstandings either. Surprisingly, I didn't have an issue with either here. The romance isn't really a romance, just a misunderstanding everyone outside of it. It's not focused on more than it needs to be either. It has a purpose in the plot and character development, which I appreciate.
Now, to get to my comments on the controversies. Honestly, I didn't have any issues with the book. I can only speak as a black person, so take my opinion with a grain of salt, because there's A LOT of cultures mixing in this book. Children from all over the world are sent to this school, and the author makes sure you remember that.
My Kindle version was updated, so there's no mentions of the dreadlocks passage that many were unhappy about. I found a passage of the book on Google, which I can both see and can't see the issue with. The safety of how you style your hair is a cause for concern in the setting. If your hair is long, it's easier for the monsters to grab onto it as an advantage. As such, hair of all kinds is cut short, and materials to do so are valued. Hygiene problems are an issue every character in this book faces, because the school is not set up well for that. HOWEVER, if that wasn't expanded on, it is weird to focus on dreadlocks as being an issue instead of long hair in general.
I also heard of criticism over the main character not being in touch with her Indian heritage. Which is... weird? There's a whole backstory to why that's the case, but even so, plenty of people aren't in touch with their heritage for all sorts of reasons. It honestly offends me to hear a complaint that boils down to "She's not X enough," which is something I've struggled with in my life. I'm a black person, but I've been told I don't "act black," as if there's a defining way to act black. Additionally, I avoid my Jamaican heritage because that's from my dad's side and it has negative memories for me, similar to Galadriel's trouble with the Indian side of her family.
Aside from that, I can't actually comment on how well other races are described in the book. Truly, the worst part was a black girl with beaded braids. It reminded me of the kind I had when I was a kid, and how I got a concussion every time I moved my head even an inch. Shame on you, Naomi Novik, for resurfacing such a painful memory. (This is all a joke.)
For a better explanation on how I viewed the book, this post from Reddit was lovely: https://www.reddit.com/r/Fantasy/comments/j8o7om/so_naomi_noviks_a_deadly_education_is_accused_of/
But first, let's focus on my general feelings of the book, I found it enjoyable. It was slow at first, and for a bit I went to read some other books before speeding through it. I enjoyed the main characters, Galadriel, for being this snarky "I'm not like other girls" teenager. Surprisingly. Usually I hate those types of characters. The real fun of it came from how it contrasted the world she's in: a school that wants to kill her and she's responding to it nonchalantly. Thankfully, that doesn't stick throughout the story. It is made clear that her snark isn't healthy. It's also made clear that her school life is giving her some serious trauma that she has gotten "comfortable" with.
I'm not a fan of teenage romances. I'm not a fan of misunderstandings either. Surprisingly, I didn't have an issue with either here. The romance isn't really a romance, just a misunderstanding everyone outside of it. It's not focused on more than it needs to be either. It has a purpose in the plot and character development, which I appreciate.
Now, to get to my comments on the controversies. Honestly, I didn't have any issues with the book. I can only speak as a black person, so take my opinion with a grain of salt, because there's A LOT of cultures mixing in this book. Children from all over the world are sent to this school, and the author makes sure you remember that.
My Kindle version was updated, so there's no mentions of the dreadlocks passage that many were unhappy about. I found a passage of the book on Google, which I can both see and can't see the issue with. The safety of how you style your hair is a cause for concern in the setting. If your hair is long, it's easier for the monsters to grab onto it as an advantage. As such, hair of all kinds is cut short, and materials to do so are valued. Hygiene problems are an issue every character in this book faces, because the school is not set up well for that. HOWEVER, if that wasn't expanded on, it is weird to focus on dreadlocks as being an issue instead of long hair in general.
I also heard of criticism over the main character not being in touch with her Indian heritage. Which is... weird? There's a whole backstory to why that's the case, but even so, plenty of people aren't in touch with their heritage for all sorts of reasons. It honestly offends me to hear a complaint that boils down to "She's not X enough," which is something I've struggled with in my life. I'm a black person, but I've been told I don't "act black," as if there's a defining way to act black. Additionally, I avoid my Jamaican heritage because that's from my dad's side and it has negative memories for me, similar to Galadriel's trouble with the Indian side of her family.
Aside from that, I can't actually comment on how well other races are described in the book. Truly, the worst part was a black girl with beaded braids. It reminded me of the kind I had when I was a kid, and how I got a concussion every time I moved my head even an inch. Shame on you, Naomi Novik, for resurfacing such a painful memory. (This is all a joke.)
For a better explanation on how I viewed the book, this post from Reddit was lovely: https://www.reddit.com/r/Fantasy/comments/j8o7om/so_naomi_noviks_a_deadly_education_is_accused_of/
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death of parent, Violence, Death, Murder, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Bullying, and Body horror
Moderate: Vomit and Racism
Minor: Animal death, Animal cruelty, Suicidal thoughts, Stalking, Xenophobia, Toxic relationship, and Cursing
multiplyoctopi's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Fast paced, entertaining - I enjoyed the relationships/dynamics between characters.
*However* there is an entire paragraph where the MC describes dreadlocks being a bad idea in the school due to a specific monster being able to infest them. Especially since this was the only hairstyle specifically mentioned, it just serves to perpetuate discriminatory ideas re: back hairstyles. The fact that this paragraph was even written and then published is just completely thoughtless.
Since publication, Novik has apologised and future prints and e-books won't contain that paragraph.
There has been a lot of talk about racism throughout this book which this review, I think, does a really good job of addressing a lot of the points people have made (it's not entirely spoiler-free tho):
https://nusantaranaga.wordpress.com/2020/10/11/the-intersectionality-of-magical-academia-a-review-of-naomi-noviks-a-deadly-education/
*However* there is an entire paragraph where the MC describes dreadlocks being a bad idea in the school due to a specific monster being able to infest them. Especially since this was the only hairstyle specifically mentioned, it just serves to perpetuate discriminatory ideas re: back hairstyles. The fact that this paragraph was even written and then published is just completely thoughtless.
Since publication, Novik has apologised and future prints and e-books won't contain that paragraph.
There has been a lot of talk about racism throughout this book which this review, I think, does a really good job of addressing a lot of the points people have made (it's not entirely spoiler-free tho):
https://nusantaranaga.wordpress.com/2020/10/11/the-intersectionality-of-magical-academia-a-review-of-naomi-noviks-a-deadly-education/
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, and Gore
Moderate: Child death, Death, and Violence
Minor: Racism, Sexual assault, and Vomit