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

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-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

4.5

Oh wow, this book is so sumptuous, nail-biting, yearning, sexy.

Laura and Carmilla have such a compelling relationship and arcs. I love their progression. It all felt very natural and well-paced. And their steamy scenes had me swooning!

Also the entirety of Magdalene's party was just so bloody hot and sexy. Felt a little like something that would be in AMC's Interview with the Vampire.


The De Lafontaine dynamic witb Laura and especially Carmilla was so frustrating and heartrending and complex. I feel she redeemed herself a bit towards the end, but the beginning is very uncomfy as she preys on her students.

The vampirism is developed well. Enough to intrigue readers but not so much lore that it feels overly explanatory or clunky.

And the atmosphere of the writing is very transportive and every emotion is felt so strongly. Both Carmilla and Laura have strong and distinct enough voices to easily differentiate between povs. And Laura's growth in particular was so beautiful and heart achingly done as she came to love Carmilla and come into her own.

Carmilla, my love, I wanted to protect her the entire book.

The entire Isis storyline?! Omg. Okay I have to admit this kind of felt unneccary and parts of it took me out of the story. Like this being has been sleeping for 43 years and now starts a murder spree after being awoken by De Lafontaine. And I get it shows that De Lafontaine herself was a victim of abuse, but I think just pacing and plot strength wise this just felt clumsier and weaker.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings