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

dark mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

An Education in Malice, by ST Gibson
ARC review- advanced digital copy provided by Redhook Books
Set to release Feb 13

I feel like it’s important, especially with ARCs to distinguish between when a book is not for me and when I think it is just not well done. This is an example of a book where there are specific reasons it didn’t fit my usual style,  it I do think there are a lot of people who will really enjoy it. I did enjoy reading it though!

The book is described as a dark academic fantasy with a heavy romance element. It focuses on the relationships between two poetry students (female) and a poetry professor (female), and the blurred lines between desire, obsession, and rivalry.

Vibes: sapphic romance, enemies to lovers, academic rivals

The truth is this book is mostly a romantasy. It has more depth and plot elements than a lot of books in the genre, and is well written stylistically, but the focus is on the rivalry/romance and not on fleshing out the magical worlds/academic world. 

You will like this: if you’re looking for a book that’s romance focused with poetic prose and with a bit of delightful sapphic 🌶️ and dark academic vibes

You may not like this: if you’re looking for a mostly dark academia and fantasy book similar to Ninth House or Atlas Six, or something with a heavier mystery/cult element. Or if you want any poetry, despite all being poets this book basically uses that as window dressing
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