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sproutedpages's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Thank you to NetGalley, Redhook Books/Orbit Books, and author S.T. Gibson for providing me with a digital proof copy of this novel! All opinions within this review are voluntarily given and entirely my own.
An Education in Malice is a sapphic, vampiric dark academia novel that is a reminder of why I so deeply adore queer vampire novels: they are deliciously indulgent and passionate. And although the narrative voices are younger and less luxuriant than that of A Dowry of Blood, it feels appropriate given the more modern setting, and the ages of the viewpoint characters.
It is beyond evident that S.T. Gibson loves the characters that she creates (and the relationships that these characters cultivate), and those in An Education in Malice are no exception. The lust-tinged academic rivalry that Laura and Carmilla share is absolutely divine, and the manner in which their relationship continues to develop is very enjoyable— though the rivalry could have been extended a bit longer. I would have also preferred more time spent detailing the shift in the dynamic between Carmilla and Professor De Lafontaine, which begins (or becomes perceptible) around the halfway point of the novel.
An Education in Malice is a sapphic, vampiric dark academia novel that is a reminder of why I so deeply adore queer vampire novels: they are deliciously indulgent and passionate. And although the narrative voices are younger and less luxuriant than that of A Dowry of Blood, it feels appropriate given the more modern setting, and the ages of the viewpoint characters.
It is beyond evident that S.T. Gibson loves the characters that she creates (and the relationships that these characters cultivate), and those in An Education in Malice are no exception. The lust-tinged academic rivalry that Laura and Carmilla share is absolutely divine, and the manner in which their relationship continues to develop is very enjoyable— though the rivalry could have been extended a bit longer. I would have also preferred more time spent detailing the shift in the dynamic between Carmilla and Professor De Lafontaine, which begins (or becomes perceptible) around the halfway point of the novel.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use, Gore, Sexual content, Blood, Murder, and Alcohol
Minor: Homophobia, Racism, and Religious bigotry
CWs, as provided by the author: Uneven power dynamics, inappropriate relationships between a professor and students, toxic academic environments, blood, gore, murder, consensual sexual content (including public sex), kink (negotiated and spontaneous), alcohol and drug use, smoking, as well as brief references to: racist political policies, homophobia, and religious discrimination against women.booksdogsandcoffee's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
5.0
The best Carmilla retelling I have read to date! A lyrical, poetic and seductive dark fable that is impossible to put down.
Thank you redhook books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
The prose, the chemistry, THIS BOOKS WAS EVERYTHING AND I NEED MORE OF IT! I devoured An Education in Malice. This was a delectable dark academia retelling of Laura and Carmilla. I loved everything about it and Gibson's story telling flows off the page with so much passion and desire from all the characters that it has easily become a top read for me this year.
Warning this will make you want to rewatch the Carmilla web series
Cw
Inappropriate relationship between students and professors
Toxic academic environment
Blood
Gore
Murder
Sexual content
Kink
Alcohol
Drugs
Racism
Homophobia
Thank you redhook books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
The prose, the chemistry, THIS BOOKS WAS EVERYTHING AND I NEED MORE OF IT! I devoured An Education in Malice. This was a delectable dark academia retelling of Laura and Carmilla. I loved everything about it and Gibson's story telling flows off the page with so much passion and desire from all the characters that it has easily become a top read for me this year.
Warning this will make you want to rewatch the Carmilla web series
Cw
Inappropriate relationship between students and professors
Toxic academic environment
Blood
Gore
Murder
Sexual content
Kink
Alcohol
Drugs
Racism
Homophobia
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Gore and Blood
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Homophobia, and Religious bigotry
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