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A review by fiizso
An Education in Malice by S.T. Gibson
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
After reading A Dowry of Blood, I immediately fell in love with S. T. Gibson's style. Her captivating and melodramatic writing stayed with me for days. I eagerly awaited the release of her new book, hoping to immerse myself once again in that strange, slightly bizarre feeling her previous work evoked.
I think the problems started when I approached this book with those high expectations, and it completely ruined the experience for me.
S. T. Gibson’s books are character-driven, focusing primarily on the dynamics between them. If one of the main characters lacks that certain “something” in the absence of a strong plot, the entire book collapses. In this case, Laura and Carmilla’s characters were captivating and interesting, but I couldn’t quite connect with De Lafontaine. Since she is the main driving force of the story, the premise of the plot fell flat for me.
I found it incomprehensible what Laura and Carmilla saw in De Lafontaine, why both girls were so drawn to her, when as a reader, I found her simply repulsive. So much so that I kept hoping they would eventually come to their senses and maybe... ahem... cut her head off or smth... ahem... Unfortunately, that didn’t happen, although I think it would have been a better ending.
Next week, the author’s newest book, Evocation, will be released, which I have been eagerly awaiting. Although my enthusiasm had waned a bit, however attending a Fantasy & Sci-Fi panel yesterday where she spoke about her new book rekindled my interest. I’m excited to dive into it. Finally, it will be decided whether S. T. Gibson becomes one of my favourite authors or remains just a one-book wonder.
I think the problems started when I approached this book with those high expectations, and it completely ruined the experience for me.
S. T. Gibson’s books are character-driven, focusing primarily on the dynamics between them. If one of the main characters lacks that certain “something” in the absence of a strong plot, the entire book collapses. In this case, Laura and Carmilla’s characters were captivating and interesting, but I couldn’t quite connect with De Lafontaine. Since she is the main driving force of the story, the premise of the plot fell flat for me.
I found it incomprehensible what Laura and Carmilla saw in De Lafontaine, why both girls were so drawn to her, when as a reader, I found her simply repulsive. So much so that I kept hoping they would eventually come to their senses and maybe... ahem... cut her head off or smth... ahem... Unfortunately, that didn’t happen, although I think it would have been a better ending.
Next week, the author’s newest book, Evocation, will be released, which I have been eagerly awaiting. Although my enthusiasm had waned a bit, however attending a Fantasy & Sci-Fi panel yesterday where she spoke about her new book rekindled my interest. I’m excited to dive into it. Finally, it will be decided whether S. T. Gibson becomes one of my favourite authors or remains just a one-book wonder.