Reviews

A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik

nettleflare's review against another edition

adventurous dark fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

ahalsnad's review against another edition

3.0

I hated the protagonist, El, almost until half of the book, whose teenage angst and misdirected anger were suffocating. But it provided the required basis for why no one liked her. Her constant rambling about almost everything was a bit over the top for me, and I can't say that the writing kept me going.
That said, the alternate world with monsters that hunt people, esp. teens, who wield magic, the architecture of Scholomance school reinforced by students' belief of its existence, and no teachers were some of the exciting concepts of the book. The students are always in survival mode, scheming grand plans for the present and future, forming alliances, and vying for an opportunity to be part of an enclave, with almost no drive for forming friendships.
The story itself was fast, and if one ignores the rambling, smooth, not boring, the romance is predictable and ends with a dramatic cliffhanger.

ktripp's review

adventurous dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

samanthajaneee's review against another edition

3.0

el & orion’s relationship:

birdbard's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny medium-paced

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

4.0

arose213's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark mysterious reflective tense medium-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

A little slow in the beginning but picks up pace! Really enjoyed this book and the characters (with so much diversity as well!!). I liked how relatable the characters were and the journey they went on. The world is so gigantic, but the author did well to not overwhelm the reader.

My only quip is the longer chapters and some really random words that I did not know the meaning of, but that lessened as you went along. I enjoyed the light touch of romance, it was just enough to keep me happy and giggly.

Already got my hands on the next book!

jordaneckes's review against another edition

adventurous dark 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

3.5

ishertay's review against another edition

1.0

Almost DNF’d

alechengg's review against another edition

adventurous funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

lanidon's review against another edition

3.0

I genuinely forgot I was reading this because I thought I finished it... This book is very good at what it's trying to do, but it didn't grab me, I don't think it's my taste. If you are really into the nitty gritty details of a magic system, then I recommend it. If you want to be swept away and deeply invested in the characters or plot, this is maybe not it. It feels a lot like an LitRPG with focus on the mechanics of learning and gaining skills. The world is also really great, I wanted even more of it. I won't continue the series, but I'm glad I finally read this

Shout out to the mc for being so oblivious to her own romance though, I don't even think she knows she's ace/aro, she's just so focused on school she doesn't care