'An Education in Malice' by S.T. Gibson is a gothic queer masterpiece that delves into toxic relationships, power imbalances, vampires, and dark academia. The story follows Laura, a quiet and shy student from Mississippi, and Carmilla, a posh senior from Austria, as they navigate jealousy, obsession, and forbidden relationships under the mentorship of the enigmatic Professor De Lafontaine. As Laura impresses the professor with her poetry, tensions rise with Carmilla, leading to a complex web of secrets, desires, and rivalries. The writing style is described as addictive, with a perfect balance between harsh lines and flowery descriptions, creating an immersive and eerie setting that keeps readers turning the pages.

'An Education in Malice' is a dark and addictive read that combines elements of mystery, drama, sapphic romance, and murder mystery. The book offers a richly detailed world filled with character depth, obsessions, and academic rivalries that evolve into something incredible. The plot unfolds with surprises, leaving readers both satisfied and wanting more, with a perfect blend of gothic prose and deep queer relationships that captivate and enthrall.

Characters:

The characters are complex, with Laura as an aspiring poet, Carmilla showcasing depth and jealousy, and Professor De Lafontaine embodying toxic dynamics.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and immersive, featuring a mix of poetic and straightforward prose that captures a gothic atmosphere.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers on academic rivalry and obsession, featuring Laura and Carmilla as they navigate a world filled with secrets, art, and dark themes.

Setting:

The setting takes place in a gothic girls' college during the late 60s, creating an immersive historical context.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally engaging but some readers feel the ending is rushed, suggesting that the story could have benefited from further development.

Notes:

The book is a retelling of the classic vampire story 'Carmilla'.

It's set in a dark academia environment with a sapphic romance.

The story alternates between two main characters, Laura and Carmilla.

Laura is portrayed as an inexperienced but ambitious writer.

Carmilla has a more worldly experience and is obsessed with youth and perfection.

There's a rivalry between the protagonists fueled by jealousy over a poetry professor.

The book is described as gothic and immersive, with a rich depiction of characters' personalities.

The writing style is noted as engaging but lacking standout moments that readers want to highlight.

A significant event in the plot involves one character becoming a vampire, but it feels understated.

The ending has mixed reviews, with some calling it rushed but others appreciating its surprise element.

The setting is implied to be in the late 60s, which adds to the unique atmosphere.

The novel explores themes of obsession, power imbalances, and toxic relationships.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for An Education in Malice include themes of toxic relationships, power imbalances, mental health issues, and intense jealousy.

Has Romance?

The book contains a high level of romance, particularly focusing on the sapphic relationship between the main characters.

From The Publisher:

Sumptuous and addictive, An Education in Malice is a dark academia tale of blood, secrets and insatiable hungers from S.T. Gibson, author of the cult hit A Dowry of Blood.

Deep in the forgotten hills of Massachusetts stands Saint Perpetua's College. Isolated and ancient, it is not a place for timid girls. Here, secrets are currency, ambition is lifeblood, and strange ceremonies welcome students into the fold.

On her first day of class, Laura Sheridan is thrust into an intense academic rivalry with the beautiful and enigmatic Carmilla. Together, they are drawn into the confidence of their demanding poetry professor, De Lafontaine, who holds her own dark obsession with Carmilla.

But as their rivalry blossoms into something far more delicious, Laura must confront her own strange hungers. Tangled in a sinister game of politics, bloodthirsty professors and magic, Laura and Carmilla must decide how much they are willing to sacrifice in their ruthless pursuit of knowledge.

For more from S.T. Gibson, check out A Dowry of Blood.

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An Education in Malice

S.T. Gibson