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A review by bookishchef
A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
I was bored for most of the book. Some of the worldbuilding was interesting. I liked the concept of the school library and different books showing up based on the hardship you went through to get to that part of the library.
The rest of the book did not pique my interest though. A shame, because I do love some of Novik's other work. I had high hopes for this one and it started off with a lot of potential.
Unfortunately, for me it did not stick the landing.
The introduction of a bazillion new characters to fill out the climax also did not work for me. I don't know how I was supposed to care about the death of a character I met barely 10 pages ago, but I didn't. The climax itself also seemed a bit contrived and deus ex machina.
Suddenly a new character gets introduced (like 75-80% into the book!) who thinks of a plan with the MC and her love interest to get rid of all the mals (monsters) in a part of the school. It comes out of nowhere and feels very cheap.
The rest of the book did not pique my interest though. A shame, because I do love some of Novik's other work. I had high hopes for this one and it started off with a lot of potential.
Unfortunately, for me it did not stick the landing.
The introduction of a bazillion new characters to fill out the climax also did not work for me. I don't know how I was supposed to care about the death of a character I met barely 10 pages ago, but I didn't. The climax itself also seemed a bit contrived and deus ex machina.
Suddenly a new character gets introduced (like 75-80% into the book!) who thinks of a plan with the MC and her love interest to get rid of all the mals (monsters) in a part of the school. It comes out of nowhere and feels very cheap.
Content Warnings
Minor: Pregnancy, Death of parent, Death, Child death, Murder, Animal cruelty, Violence, and Sexual content