A review by mariebrunelm
A Lesson in Vengeance by Victoria Lee

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

4.75

Felicity Morrow is back at Dalloway a year after the tragic accident that caused her best friend's death. It's a new year at the elite school and a new set of students are housed with her at the very demanded Godwin house, among creaking floorboards and tilting bookshelves. Among them is Ellis Haley, young prodigy writer who attracts people like nectar for bees. Ellis is working on her next novel, about the Dalloway witches, a group of five students who died in the 1800s at Dalloway, whom Felicity was studying when tragedy struck. As one tries to make it all a thing of the past and the other is desperate to dig it out, ghosts are never far.
This book ticked all the dark academia boxes, one by one. Meticulously. As much as I loved all the references, and was glad to get most of them, it did feel a little too conspicuous. Like the author was presenting each one and saying ‘See? We're on the same wavelength!’.
That being said, again, there was much to love about this book. From the unreliable narrator to the mystery and the vibes. I loved how the beginning and the end unfolded, shining light on the characters’ tortuous psychology. My favourite part was perhaps how blurred the line was between reality and magic. Yet I came out a bit frustrated. I think I wish the themes had been explored that little bit deeper. But it's really to find a fault because this novel was perfectly enjoyable. I can also blame the stratospheric hype this book came with.
Rep: lesbian MC.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings