A Deadly Education

A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik is an enchanting, pulse-pounding opener to a magical coming-of-age trilogy that will enthral fans of fantasy, Dark Academia, and even Harry Potter. This Sunday Times bestseller and finalist for the Lodestar Award introduces readers to the Scholomance, a perilous school for the magically gifted where the stakes for survival are a matter of life and death.

At the Scholomance, there are no teachers or holidays. Friendships are forged out of necessity, and students must navigate a maze of dangers with the constant threat of death looming over them. The institution's uncompromising environment offers only two means of escape: graduation or demise.

Enter El Higgins, a unique student armed with immense but volatile dark power. This formidable girl can level mountains or wipe out millions with her magic, effortlessly vanquishing the school's menacing creatures. However, El’s incredible abilities come with a dire risk; using her power could result in unintended catastrophic consequences, including the loss of her classmates’ lives. Determined to survive without causing undue harm, El faces a relentless challenge to control her formidable magic.

Novik crafts a richly detailed world and an intricately nuanced heroine who is bound to leave an indelible mark on the reader's imagination. El’s battle against the odds in a school teeming with threats is portrayed with a perfect blend of wit and intensity, ensuring that readers are hooked from start to finish.

Esteemed authors and critics have showered praise on A Deadly Education. N.K. Jemisin, three-time Hugo Award winner, describes it as: 'Hilarious and wild! Take any fictional magic school, make it as over-the-top dangerous as possible, and populate it with a bunch of snarky teenagers; the result is pure batshit fun.' Holly Black, #1 New York Times bestselling author, adds: 'Novik deliciously undoes expectations about magic schools, destined heroes, and family legacies. A gorgeous book about monsters and monstrousness, chockablock with action, cleverness, and wit.'

Katherine Arden, Sunday Times bestselling author, shares: 'The Scholomance is the dark school of magic I've been waiting for, and its wise, witty, and monstrous heroine is one I'd happily follow anywhere—even into a school full of monsters.' Stephanie Garber, bestselling author of the Caraval series, enthuses: 'The wonderful cast of characters will grab a hold of your heart and you'll never want to leave this deadly school ... a fantasy that delights on every level. I loved this brilliant book.'

Critics continue to laud the novel's ingenuity and dark allure. Kiersten White calls it 'Eyeball-meltingly brilliant. Novik is, quite simply, a genius.' Rory Power praises it as: 'Sharp, witty, and darkly effervescent, A Deadly Education is Naomi Novik's fresh take on the concept of the magic school. One of my favourite reads of the year.' Alix E. Harrow comments: 'Fresh, smart, and delightfully unique. It's Hogwarts with higher stakes and sharper claws, and I absolutely loved it.'

The magical, gripping, and inventive world of A Deadly Education beckons readers to experience a realm where danger is ever-present, and the fight for survival fosters resilience and remarkable alliances. Don't miss this unforgettable start to a compelling trilogy from the masterful storyteller, Naomi Novik.