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An Education in Malice

the sizzling and addictive dark academia romance everyone is talking about!

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An Education in Malice

By: S.T. Gibson
Narrated by: Stephanie Cannon
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About this listen

 'A delectable jewel of a tale, shimmering with dark, beautiful prose' Tori Bovalino, author of The Devil Makes Three, on A Dowry of Blood

Love is sacrifice. One of us was always going to bleed for the other.

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 dark magic, Laura and Carmilla must decide how much they are willing to sacrifice in their ruthless pursuit of knowledge.

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

Praise for S.T. Gibson:

'Stunningly gorgeous and devastatingly romantic, you won't want to miss this one!' Katee Robert, author of Neon Gods, on A Dowry of Blood

'An Education in Malice is an ode to girlhood; ribbons, blood, poetry, and rage. Gibson's fang-sharp prose and unflinching honesty create a delicate and fearless exploration of loneliness, love, and-as the bridge between those two absolutes-longing.' Sydney J. Shields, author of The Honey Witch

'A thrilling and seductive Gothic rife with spine-tingling tension and dark romance' Alexis Henderson, author of The Year of the Witching, on A Dowry of Blood

'Dark, lush and heartrendingly romantic' Lyndall Clipstone, author of Lakesedge, on A Dowry of Blood

'An intoxicating perfume that lingers - an undying love story where beauty and horror clasp hands' Rachel Gillig, author of One Dark Window, on A Dowry of Blood

'A powerful tale of possession and liberation. . .undeniable and unforgettable' Rose Szabo, author of What Big Teeth, on A Dowry of Blood

'A dizzying nightmare of a romance that will leave you aching, angry and ultimately hopeful' Hannah Whitten, author of For the Wolf, on A Dowry of Blood

'Atmospheric and lush. . . it will haunt you in the best possible way' Genevieve Gornichec, author of The Witch's Heart, on A Dowry of Blood

'A dark seductive tale. . . intermingling love, pain, fear and anger in mesmerizing prose' Publishers Weekly, on A Dowry of Blood

'Seductive, lyrical and rich with period detail . . . a dark triumph' Mary McMyne, author of The Book of Gothel, on A Dowry of Blood Dark Fantasy Fantasy Romance Fiction

Critic reviews

Stunningly gorgeous and devastatingly romantic, you won't want to miss this one! (Katee Robert, author of NEON GODS, on A Dowry of Blood)
A powerful take of possession and liberation. This is a Dracula retelling unlike any other - undeniable and unforgettable (Rose Szabo, author of WHAT BIG TEETH, on A Dowry of Blood)
A dizzying nightmare of a romance that will leave you aching, angry and ultimately hopeful (Hannah Whitten, author of FOR THE WOLF, on A Dowry of Blood)
Atmospheric and lush. . . it will haunt you in the best possible way (Genevieve Gornichec, author of THE WITCH'S HEART, on A Dowry of Blood)
Dark, lush and heartrendingly romantic (Lyndall Clipstone, author of LAKESEDGE, on A Dowry of Blood)
A thrilling and seductive Gothic rife with spine-tingling tension and dark romance. A Dowry of Blood left me breathless (Alexis Henderson, author of THE YEAR OF THE WITCHING, on A Dowry of Blood)
A Dowry of Blood is an intoxicating perfume that lingers - an undying love story where beauty and horror clasp hands (Rachel Gillig, author of ONE DARK WINDOW, on A Dowry of Blood)
Seductive, lyrical and rich with period detail . . . a dark triumph (Mary McMyne, author of THE BOOK OF GOTHEL, on A Dowry of Blood)
A dark seductive tale. . . intermingling love, pain, fear and anger in mesmerizing prose (Publishers Weekly, on A Dowry of Blood)
A delectable jewel of a tale, shimmering with dark, beautiful prose (Tori Bovalino, author of THE DEVIL MAKES THREE, on A Dowry of Blood)
Mesmerizing prose. Thorny, fast-paced and unabashedly queer (Publishers Weekly, on A Dowry of Blood)
An Education in Malice is an ode to girlhood; ribbons, blood, poetry, and rage. Gibson's fang-sharp prose and unflinching honesty create a delicate and fearless exploration of loneliness, love, and-as the bridge between those two absolutes-longing (Sydney J. Shields, author of THE HONEY WITCH)
All stars
Most relevant
A fabulous sapphic vamp adventure with a modern take on relationships and power dynamics. Loved it.

Brilliant, addictive, sumptuous, dark, twisty

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I found immense pleasure in "An Education in Malice," relishing Gibson's masterful creation of a captivating Gothic atmosphere. The story was both gripping and lush, providing a compelling escape during a challenging time for my reading habits and life in general.

Despite not having read the original Carmilla, I was drawn into the characters of Laura and Camilla, appreciating their complexity even when they displayed recklessness and naivety. Their vulnerability, easily manipulated nature, and yearning for love invoked a strong desire to protect them (especially as the mom & teacher in me). The dual perspectives allowed me to delve into their individual experiences and understand the morally ambiguous character of De Lafontaine.

While thoroughly enjoying "An Education in Malice," I did notice occasional off pacing and some aspects, particularly the ending, felt a bit forced – the only flaws that slightly detracted from an otherwise captivating experience.

In essence, the book weaves a beautiful narrative within the backdrop of gothic academia, featuring a rivals-to-lovers theme. Its darkness, bloodiness, and addictive quality make it a highly recommended read.

Sumptuous, immersive and addictive

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Not much plot seems to happen in the story and the main character is very annoying. Would appeal to those who are a fan of academia.

Academia fetish

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The story pulls you in, implying to try to be many things but ultimately, it's just romance with sex scenes at the end. It pretends to do more but everything only shallowly, as if the author was just trying to get more on the back page. It's boring and no element is done right.

Disappointing

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did not expected to be soo disappointed 😕 at this rate. you have Rob me of my time and energy. I would like it back

very bad

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