~/books/a-deadly-education.log STATUS: PUBLISHED
Book Cover: A DEADLY EDUCATION

// EXPANDED CRITIQUE

I went into A Deadly Education expecting a certain type of story - something that would grab me by the throat and not let go. What I got was a slow-burning, atmospheric tale that expertly crafted an eerie sense of foreboding from start to finish. Novik's writing is top-notch, as always, and she really knows how to bring her characters to life in a way that feels authentic and relatable. I loved the dark academia vibe, which was so reminiscent of my favorite HP Lovecraft stories (minus the Cthulhu worship, of course). Now, I did have some minor quibbles with the pacing - there were times when I felt like things were moving a bit too slowly for my taste. But honestly, those moments were few and far between, and the payoff was always worth it. The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, with motivations that made sense even when they didn't necessarily align with mine (or each other's). If you're looking for a thought-provoking, unsettling read that will keep you on your toes until the very end, then A Deadly Education is definitely the book for you. Just don't go in expecting a light, fluffy romp - this one's got some serious teeth.

Original Micro-Review: "Not what I expected. Classic dark academia, though. Great writing, great characters. Minor nitpicks and complaints about pacing, but otherwise solid story. ⭐⭐⭐"