A review by baexlee
A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik

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

5.0

A Deadly Education is truly something special. If you are at all a fan of dark academia, then you will likely devour this book the way the mals devour the wizards in the Scholomance. Novik creates a rich and vivid world that is both globally expansive and simultaneously isolating - similar to the feeling of staring into the darkness of a starry night. Outside of the delightfully dark atmosphere of the ever dangerous Scholomance, Galadriel is a uniquely crafted character that asks the audience to ponder their own behaviors and morality as she struggles with her natural affinity towards dark and dangerous magic and her loving devotion to her mother and the values she was raised with. 

I'd had that scream inside me since I was nine, knotted up with Mum's love, the only thing keeping it in, and it wasn't enough. 

My praise for this book feels horribly inadequate for the emotions, thoughts and questions that it raised for me throughout my reading experience. It is an absolute pleasure that I was unable to put down and something that I will likely return to again and again. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings