A review by lenemari
Scholomance - Tödliche Lektion by Naomi Novik

4.0

4.5⭐️ If I had to pick three words to describe this book, it would be: dark academia, magical and monsters. The world that Naomi Novic created here was definitely something unique. The whole school system was so interesting and creative. Also, the facts that there were monsters everywhere and that you could be killed at basically any time added up to an adventurous fairytale (well, a really dark one, though). However, I had some complicated feelings towards El, the main character. Like, she was a bad-ass and did not have many friends. But she behaved almost rude at many times and would not accept any help, which could not make me sympathise with her. But I got to understand her more in the second half, and now, after finishing the story, I like her for who she is. She actually sets confidence and power on a new level. And not to forget, much love for the other characters! I just wish that there were more conversations included. It sometimes just got very theoretical and explanation-heavy, because there was a lot of world-building (which was necessary, kind of). For those reasons, reading took a lot more time and Fokus. It was kinda heavy, sometimes.
But I appreciate that the author managed to not include the typical fantasy-cliches, which made the story special. Overall, I had such a magical time experiencing the world along with El and Orion (❤️). Actually, I think this is a fantasy must read. Highly recommend:)