A review by takarakei
An Education in Malice by S.T. Gibson

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

4.5

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
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