Thank you PRH Audio for the free audiobook!
 

A Deadly Education is a fascinating dive into a unique magic system set in a deadly, utterly captivating school. Scholomance is unlike any magical academy I’ve read about—dark, dangerous, and teeming with monsters around every corner. The premise alone hooked me: no teachers, no holidays, and survival as the ultimate goal.

El was such an intriguing protagonist. I loved how she was constantly battling the narrative the universe seemed to want for her—pushing her toward evil while she fought tooth and nail to remain good. It added a humorous, almost absurd element to her struggles, like when she tried for a simple cleaning spell but was handed a world-ending, evil incantation instead. Her sarcastic tone and refusal to accept her supposed destiny made her incredibly relatable.

The characters, setting, and magic system were definite highlights, but the pacing left me a bit conflicted. So much of the book focused on backstory, often breaking up the action at key moments with lengthy explanations. While it added depth to the world-building, it sometimes pulled me out of the narrative.

That said, I’m hooked on this series. El, Orion, and their slowly growing Enclave of Misfits have me invested, and I can’t wait to see where their story leads next. Anisha Dadia’s narration brought El’s exasperation and sarcasm to life perfectly, making her voice unforgettable. If you’re a fan of unique magical worlds and morally complex characters, this is definitely worth the read!