3 stars...Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. It wasn't a home run for me. It was just okay for me. I felt like it was starting to get somewhere and then just kind of fell flat halfway through. It was just meh. Though it may be someone else's cup of tea, it just didn't do much for me. This book was dark academia, Vampires, LGBTQA+, romance, enemies to lovers-esque and poetic. If you like those things, maybe this book is for you.

I liked the first half more than the last half. But overall is was all still really good. I love the writing and the characters and it was a lot more fast-paced than I was expecting.

DELECTABLEY WICKED – DARK OBSESSION – and PASSIONATE DESIRE

I DEVOURED this book; I literally could not put it down and ended up reading it all in one night. The gothic atmosphere of this book was impeccable, so dark and intense. This book gives new meaning to Forbidden Romance. Even set in the 1960s, a vampire professor was possibly the least taboo part of this twisted sapphic romance. 5/5 Stars

Thanks to S. T. Gibson and Redhook Books this advance copy.

**I was provided an electronic ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.**

ST Gibson returns with An Education in Malice, a sapphic dark academia flavored retelling of Carmilla. Readers follow both the perspective of Laura, a freshman at St Perpetua's College, and that of Carmilla, a senior. Carmilla and Laura are established as rivals in an exclusive writing seminar headed by Professor Evelyn De LaFontaine. When Laura stumbles across her professor and Carmilla engaged in what she refers to as "an indiscretion", Laura is brought into the world of the night. As students begin to be found dead on campus, Carmilla, Laura, and Ms De LaFontaine must make choices regarding the depths of love and what it can drive one to do.

Gibson helpfully includes an author's note with content warnings at the beginning of the text. Readers who may have concerns regarding those items should pursue further information.

The environment of St Perpetua's was evocative of the gothic atmosphere so common in vampire stories. Where Gibson's A Dowry of Blood showed her successes as an author at a more traditional vampire, An Education in Malice continues to bring that success closer to modernity as it appeared to take place primarily in the late 60s. Despite the gothic flair, Gibson's writing is consistently accessible and not at all pretentious. As the story unfolds, it grows increasingly darker with the toxicity of the relationships taking center stage.

Laura takes on the clear role of the sweet Southern ingenue in the beginning of the story, though her "corruption" could be argued to being a "coming-into-her-power". Carmilla has the role of the professor's chosen star and the pressures and expectations tied up therein. None of the relationships in the novel are altogether healthy, but as love drives the characters to horrible things, investment in the characters drives readers onward.

I found this book to be enjoyable, if a little heavy-handed metaphorically. Certainly, An Education in Malice is a respectable reimagining of Carmilla if not a direct retelling and I would be happy to recommend it to dark academia and vampire fans alike.

I love dark academia, especially with a gothic, eerie atmosphere. This retelling of Carmilla is very compelling and atmospheric. The characters could have been a been more fleshed out, but I was still drawn to them and their story.

At a private women’s college in a small Massachusetts town, Laura Sheridan, a shy southern girl, hopes to pursue her passion for writing. As the only freshman in Professor De Lafontaine’s poetry seminar, Laura quickly grabs the attention and jealousy of senior and star poet Carmilla. As classes continue, Laura and Carmilla become intense academic rivals. And De Lafontaine further stokes the rivalry by inviting Laura to private sessions at her apartment that only Carmilla had previously been privy to.

As the year progresses, their competitive relationship turns to something more intense, passionate, dark, and romantic. Laura is drawn deeper and deeper into Carmilla’s and De Lafontaine’s world, but when she discovers a truth more shocking than she could have imagined, will she choose love? Or will she escape her tumultuous partnership and live the life she has previously planned?

I will not ruin any of the surprises in this book, but I will tell you that they are coming! This story was a bit darker than what I’m used to, although I found I didn’t mind that. What I was not into was some of the more detailed romantic descriptions (just too explicit and not my cup of tea!). The lines between love and mania, admiration and obsession, and relationships and ownership are blurred continuously. For anyone with an interest in dark academia adventures, this is a well-written book to try out.

This is a dark sapphic academia romantasy

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars

It’s me, hi, I’m the problem it’s me. I had a hard time getting into the genre and story. I know the majority of people who read this book will love it; it just wasn’t for me. This is a Carmilla retelling, which I know nothing about. It is an enemies to lovers set at a New England small college. Laura and Carmilla are academia rivals and both strive to be the best in their beloved professor De Lafontaine’s eyes. The writing is eloquent with beautiful poetry throughout. The plot was lacking for me and the issue was resolved entirely too quickly.

Thank you to Redhook publishing and Netgalley for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

An Education in Malice is dark and seductive, drawing you into the cutthroat world of academia ruled by the enigmatic Professor De Lafontaine. The book starts off slowly, building the relationship and animosity between Carmilla and Laura, but quickly gains momentum. The alternating POV chapters help to build up the tension as we see their relationship change from both sides. (Also, what I wouldn't do for a chapter narrated by De Lafontaine!)
Despite the 1960's setting, there is no negativity surrounding the characters' sexuality. In fact, Laura fully embraces all parts of herself in a way that's refreshing and enjoyable to read. (Like the fact that she won't confess to being a lesbian during confession because she doesn't believe it's a sin!!)
S.T. Gibson's writing is swoon-worthy. I am a sucker for an enemies to lovers romance and this one does not disappoint. And while I haven't read the original Carmilla, this made me instantly want to.

I absolutely hate DNFing a book, even more having to give a rating to give my feedback here as it’s always unfair to rate a book I haven’t finished but I take solace in knowing this was a ME problem. So in giving this rating, I’m taking that into account and also all of the lovely things.

Why am I DNFing this?? I just really can’t get into this genre and I know it’s a me problem. I try really hard to read a variety of genres and to try ones I don’t always read or necessarily love and this was a choice as I’ve heard a lot of great things about A Dowry of Blood and thought I may be able to get down with this.

I think this may be top tier in the genre given the writing, man Gibson knows how to write. The adaptations, the prose, the sapphic vampires. It all hits. Truly. And yet I still can’t get into the genre. So please, if this is your type of book or a genre you love, you’ll love this book and I know this is purely my fault and this will do incredibly well when it’s out.

Every classic needs a sapphic retelling, and every single one should be written by S.T. Gibson.

An Education in Malice is a beautiful dark academia story - the women's college is eerie and stunning, a classic New England small school. But beyond that, the story is dripping with intriguing and obsessive relationship dynamics. Carmilla and Laura are both beautifully complex characters, with deep feelings. Even with the uncomfortable power dynamics between Carmilla and Professor De LaFontaine, Carmilla eventually learns to wield her own agency too. Finally, S.T. Gibson's prose is always captivating, dragging you in and stunning you without seeming over-the-top.

I highly recommend. Thanks to Netgalley and Redhook for the eARC - I'm so glad I had the chance to read it. 4.5 stars.

In the secluded hills of Massachusetts lies Saint Perpetua's College, a storied institution where secrets reign, ambition pulses, and arcane rituals beckon. Laura Sheridan's first day thrusts her into a fierce academic rivalry with the captivating Carmilla. Under the gaze of their demanding poetry professor, De Lafontaine, whose dark obsession with Carmilla adds intrigue, the rivalry evolves into a seductive dance.

*An Education in Malice* follows Laura and Carmilla's entanglement in a world of dark politics, bloodthirsty educators, and arcane mysteries. As their intellectual competition transforms into a slow burn, the narrative explores their unsettling choices and the depths of their desires. The all-girls college setting adds to the allure, with the poetry studies serving as a backdrop for their evolving relationship.

The story unravels a captivating blend of rivalry, desire, and dark academia, painting a vivid picture of the chilling cost of pursuing knowledge in this enigmatic world. *An Education in Malice* is a tale of passion, obsessions, and sacrifices—a riveting journey into the shadows of academia where rivals become lovers amidst the intoxicating allure of dark secrets.

S.T. Gibson unfolds a captivating literary journey, weaving exquisite prose that shifts dynamically in tone and style, deepening the reader's connection with characters. The narrative's comforting ambiance, free from overwhelming tension, allows readers to relish the sheer beauty of the writing.

Protagonists Laura, Carmela, and DeLafontaine command the narrative with magnetic force, their banter and rivalry injecting delightful fun. Gibson's poetic language vividly portrays the Fall/Winter New England setting in a women's college, creating a palpable atmosphere.

The depiction of longing and lust, though tinged with toxicity, is rendered beautifully, balancing plot progression with a focused exploration of Laura and Carmilla's relationship. A charming cameo from a character in *A Dowry of Blood* enriches the narrative.

*An Education in Malice* is a dark, intricately woven sapphic romantic tale exploring obsession, competition, and vampirism in an exclusive east coast collegiate world. Tailored for dark academia enthusiasts, it presents an engrossing story recommended for vampire lore lovers, sapphic dark romance devotees, and those captivated by the enigmatic allure of dark academic narratives.

"I learned how to survive in the cutthroat world of girlhood, where all strangeness was unrooted as ruthlessly as weeds from a garden."

S.T. Gibson kills it again with the stunning writing in this sapphic vampire story. This book has everything I needed in a book: a gothic boarding school, vampires, enemies to lovers, and poetic writing.

"It was like she was watching a priest lift the cloth from a cup of communion wine, like I was brimming with all of creation's darkest secrets."

The tension between these characters was so intense. Everyone needs to read this asap!

This book takes you to the dark, blood sucking world of a New England small college that will suck you in. I devoured this book and loved the story and themes in it. The intricate and seductive relationships between the characters had me hooked and I kept reading to see them evolve. The relationship between rivals Laura and Carmilla, competing for De Lafontaine’s praise, only to turn into lovers themselves, was just amazing. This student teacher love triangle was complicated and messy in all the best ways. But throw in vampires and a dark academia setting and it makes this book all the better.

Overall, I loved this book and highly recommend you read it!

Read if you like…
•dark academia
•rivals to lovers
•vampires
•wlw

Thank you to NetGalley and Redhook Books for an eARC in exchange for a review!

Going into this book, I had no clue that it was a retelling of Carmilla (I honestly had never heard of this book) and really enjoyed this book! It was the perfect mix of dark academia-rivals to lovers that felt authentic. I totally bought that Carmilla and Laura despised each other. Each of the girl's respective relationships with De LaFontaine were intriguing and I almost wish we were able to get De LaFontaine's perspective in addition to both Laura's and Carmilla. This book was dripping in sensuality and definitely much more smutty than anticipated, so just understand that going into it. I love reading about vampires and their inner lives and this book set out and achieved that exact desire. I felt like the plot itself was a little lacking (I couldn't understand character motivation beyond their devotion to each other) and what seems to be the main conflict is almost in the background for most of the story. When the issue comes to head, it is resolved within a chapter and just fell short for me. Also, the ending was a little underwhelming as well. I can't leave my review without mentioning how beautifully written this novel is though. If Taylor Swift were to write a novel on Lesbian Vampires, this would be it. The prose is lyrical and beautiful and I would recommend it for that alone. If you love the vibes of a decadent, seductive vampire story and appreciates a little rivals-to-lovers in their romances this book is for you (also, fans of Interview with a Vampire).

3.5☆

This was my introduction to S. T. Gibson and I have to say that I enjoyed this! I don't have any prior knowledge of Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu so I'm unable to speak on the accuracy of this retelling but I can say that the writing was simply beautiful. I think going in blind allowed me to enjoy it more just so I wouldn't spend my time making comparisons between the two and could simply enjoy this for what it was. This was the type of cozy read one could enjoy on a rainy day while wrapped in a blanket in front of the fire.

As far as the romance goes: I liked it! The tension, stolen glances, subtle touches-I couldn't get enough of it. The excitement sort of died once they actually got together but that didn't stop them from being cute.

I have to say that the story outside of the romance was lacking in some places. At some parts, it dragged but then at the end, the issue was resolved too quickly. The resolution was too simple to have taken so long to be reached. This isn't to say the mystery was bad, but I felt that it could've been better to where it was more at the forefront rather than the romance.

What this book has:
- poetry
- mystery/murder/blood
- sapphic romance
- vampires
- academic rivals to lovers

Would I recommend this? Yes because even though some parts fell a bit flat for me personally, I didn't hate it. It's an entertaining read and makes for a good introduction into the world of dark academia.

I went into this book with high expectations as I have heard such praise for the authors previous book. I found myself quickly engaged in the story and the duel POV's. This book has some dark academia vibes and I really enjoyed the scenes in their poetry class but these happened less and less as the book went on. The supernatural elements of the story were done well and I feel like they were an interesting take on the lore. The enemies to lovers chemistry was very strong and the sexy scenes were very steamy. I don't say this often but I actually think this book could have been longer. I would have loved to see some of the side characters get more development and more tension built for the ending as I thought it came about too easily. Overall I would recommend this book for those into supernatural romance with a hint of dark academia. 3.5/5

Thank you to Redhook publishing and Netgalley for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This was a retelling of the story Carmilla, which is a sapphic vampie story older than Dracula. I had never heard of it before, but this made me want to read it, even though I don't really read classics. I absolutely loved this book. The tension was so good and the writing style was so beautiful. I loved reading from both Carmilla and Laura's perspectives. And the relationship between the 3 main characters was so interesting to read about. It's sapphic, dark academia with vampires and really cool character dynamics.

"Save your rage, darling. You'll need it, in this life."

Drop everything and preorder this book. I finally sat down to read my ARC (a thousand thank you’s to netgalley) and 🤯🤯🤯

Gibson has such a ethereal quality to their writing. It’s evocative and darkily beautiful, the words are like silk. This sapphic dark academia Carmella retelling was dark and romantic, full of obesssion and drama. Just as good as the previous and connected entry A Dowry of Blood. I cannot wait for whatever Gibson pens next. Truly exquisite book.

✨plus size MC, vampires, lesbians, Massachusetts dark academia, a lil bit of spice 👌🏼❤️‍🔥✨

So many things I loved about this. I was in a little bit of a reading slump and this pulled me right in. The writing was beautiful. I loved Laura and Carmilla’s rivalry and growing relationship. I loved the morally grey professor. Basically, I just loved it all. I already have Dowry of Blood downloaded on my kindle by S.T. Gibson to read as soon as possible.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first time reading something by S. T. Gibson before and I'm very pleased with this book. A sapphic enemies-to-lovers story with dark academia and vampire storylines, this felt right up my alley. There's an addicting chemistry between Carmilla and Laura that had me wondering if either of them would act upon their impulses. Rivals who attract each other are so very interesting to read about, and they had such a vibrant and dynamic rivalry in class that it just made their relationship so satisfying to get to.

On the other hand, I felt like Carmilla and De Lafontaine's relationship edged on uncomfortable to me. It was a little less creepy knowing it was a college, but the vibe just felt a little ick to me, with De Lafontaine acting like a jealous child instead of an adult a lot of times when Laura is involved. Her character just felt like it wasn't fully developed.