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

dark emotional mysterious 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

5.0

I absolutely loved this and didn’t want to put it down! The gothic tone, gorgeous prose, and dark supernatural world are all gloriously written. I related to Laura’s naivety and ambition (definitely reminded me of myself in college) and thought Carmilla was a lovable brat. The competitive energy between those two crackled with chemistry. Professor De Lafontaine was a fascinating combination of alluring and predatory, and the book kept me guessing about her loyalties right up until the very end. This was less of a strict Carmilla adaptation and more of an Undead Poets Society with a sapphic sizzling enemies-to-lovers romance loosely inspired by the classic. While you don’t need to read A Dowry of Blood to follow it, they’re definitely interconnected since Magdalena makes a very welcome cameo. 
 
Keeping my fingers crossed for another book set in this world. 
 
I received an advanced copy from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving this review.
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