A Deadly Education (The Scholomance, #1) in We Always Read Book Club

Jan 21, 2021 Stacia Vega rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
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El is a Junior year student at Scholomance, a magical school for young wizards. Although, it can feel more like a necessary prision. El is doing her best to just navigate all the trials of the school while SURVIVING. But when one of the super popular kids starts noticing El, her year gets a lot more interesting...and much more complicated.
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I kind of fell in love with this book. El is one of my new favorite characters. She has this darkness in her that she is co ...more

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Jan 25, 2021 Patrick Peek rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I read this book with the @wealwaysreabookclub and I am so glad I did. With the controversy surrounding this book I was unsure of how I would feel about this book. No one in our group found this book racist. For full disclosure our group is primarily Caucasian readers so maybe there were things we wouldn’t understand not being a person of color. I would never recommend a book that I felt was harmful or discriminated against anyone. I can see why people are upset about the line where it mentions I read this book with the @wealwaysreabookclub and I am so glad I did. With the controversy surrounding this book I was unsure of how I would feel about this book. No one in our group found this book racist. For full disclosure our group is primarily Caucasian readers so maybe there were things we wouldn’t understand not being a person of color. I would never recommend a book that I felt was harmful or discriminated against anyone. I can see why people are upset about the line where it mentions dreadlocks not being a wise hairstyle choice, and I am glad to know it has been removed from digital copies and future printings. After reading the book, I don’t think it was meant to be a malicious act. I do believe it could have been explained better by the author and worded differently. To me this is an empowering book for those that feel different, or singled out. It’s a book about finding yourself and making your way in the world.

A Deadly Education is exactly what the title promises. In this world teenaged magic users are sent to the Scholomance to keep them safe. While the school itself is dangerous, it’s still apparently safer than being in the real world. In school they can learn and gain skills to better defend themselves when and if they graduate. Kids form groups and alliances so they can do the most basic of such as just go to the bathroom. Monsters called malifecers are everywhere and they can be any size and shape and hide anywhere. Going anywhere alone is practically a death sentence.

Galadriel, or El, is the main character. She also doesn’t have any friends. She has a few acquaintances that trade favors or spells to watch her back for the occasional shower or to gather supplies. El also has a prophecy about her that says she will bring about death and destruction on a grand scale. Something about her turns people away. Until Orion Lake saves her one too many times. Soon he’s following her around and everyone in the school takes notice. Orion is one of the most popular kids in school, so why is he hanging out with El all the time? Everyone is convinced they are dating and worried that El either has him under a spell or is trying to get him to leave his powerful enclave.

This book is heartfelt and hilarious. I love the world building and character development in this book. This is one of my favorite books now, and I cannot wait for book 2 to release later this year.
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Jan 28, 2021 Angela Hagerfamilyreads rated it really liked it

Talk about a unique magic system! On a base level I understand the magic system in this book, but even though I’ve read the entire book, I really don’t feel like I fully do. There is just so much going on. That’s not to say I didn’t like the book. I did. I enjoyed all the characters, especially El. And the storyline is great. I guess I’m just a bit more hung up on the couple of things that prevented me from giving the book five stars.

First is the magic system. While I love the fact that it is un ...more

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Jan 25, 2021 Jackie rated it it was amazing

I’m not sure I have words for how much I enjoyed this book!! This is my kind of fantasy novel and it’s confusing, surprising, interesting, and a complete immersive experience.

I can see why some people might not be fans, as it’s a lot of just dumping you into a world with little upfront information. You kind of just go alone for the ride and learn as your go.

El is such an amazing badass MC!! I love that she forged her own path and that she has clear growth throughout the book! As always I’m a si ...more

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Feb 25, 2021 Sarah H (Reckless.Reader) rated it it was amazing

This is one of the most unique fantasy books I’ve ever read. A school filled with magic, that while you learn is actively trying to sabotage and/or kill you. A main character who never fit in (and has an affinity for murderously dark magic), an overzealous boy hero who won’t stop saving her life - no matter how much she insults him AND demon-esque creatures that attempt to eat you at every turn. I’ll definitely be recommending this YA urban fantasy.

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