A Deadly Education

A Deadly Education is Naomi Novik’s first Scholomance novel, set in a dark magical school where students are constantly trying not to be killed by the building itself. El, the narrator, is a student with terrifying powers she refuses to use, and the book is her sharp, sarcastic account of a year in survival.

The premise is fresh and the voice is excellent. Recommended for fantasy readers tired of softer magic schools.