A review by ryyyaaan
A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik

adventurous dark fast-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

Overall this was a fantastic read. I really had fun with it and it was a great choice for getting back into the habit of reading.

Positives:
  • El is a well rounded character who is easy for the reader to like despite her being disliked by other characters.
  • The premise and plot is enjoyable and easy to get hooked into.
  • The worldbuilding is fantastic. It’s woven into the text so well it never feels like slogging through pages and pages of lore.
  • It’s funny at times without taking away from the atmosphere.
  • A great stepping point between YA and adult fantasy

Negatives (nit-picking here, the book was great)
  • I dislike El’s relationship with Orion towards the end.
    It feels forced to me that she’s starting to have feelings for him already. Or, at all for that matter. They just don’t seem compatible to me. Also, small point, but El mentions wanting kids badly at one point, which feels so out of character for her. Maybe later depending on how she’s developed, but it just didn’t seem right to me.<\spoiler>
  • I desperately wish there was any queer rep at all
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