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

dark emotional mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I have hummed and hawed over what to rate this book. ST Gibson writes beautiful prose. They have a wonderful way with words that feels rich and the embodiment of decadent. However, I think I will be leaving her to others in the future as her stories are not for me, though I would recommend her to anyone who likes dark academia vibes. 

I found this book to be a rather slow start and while I enjoyed the hate fucking, I felt like the transition between rivals to lovers was underdeveloped and too sudden. I think more needed to be done to explore the emotions and complexity between the stages for Carmilla.
Speaking of Carmilla, I have realised I don’t really enjoy super entitled characters, which she is. While my ao3 history shows I enjoy a bratty character, Carmilla’s brattiness was more often whiny and childish to me, which to be fair makes sense for her age and character, just is not my preference and good for people to know it a thing. 

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

 
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