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

dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I enjoyed this book. Basically, it’s a lesbian vampire gothic novel set in the 1960s. It’s a unique take on classic vampiric literature. The undead are, for the most part, still quite human. The narrative plays with themes of love—from innocent puppy love to manipulative, selfish love. Also, breaking the cycle of abuse. The characters are quite codependent, for better or for worse. 

One criticism I have (which didn’t take away my enjoyment—it honestly just felt a little like whiplash) was the fast transition from enemies/rivals to lovers. Also, as alluded to above, the codependency is interesting. I guess it’s fine to be codependent if the other person has your best interests at heart (or at least believes they do)? Like, Carmilla never truly dealt with her abandonment issues. 

Whatever though. I went in totally blind and enjoyed this enough to check out A Dowry of Blood. I really liked reading the author’s flowery prose. 
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