There's something so evocative about S.T. Gibson's writing style. For lack of a better term or phrase, her writing style lulls me like no other. It''s so simple that I easily immerse myself within the words, but it's also so eloquently written that several times I had to underline sentences that stuck out to me. 

I remember feeling so consumed by A Dowry Of Blood. I meant it when I said that book changed my life! And while An Education in Malice was very good, it doesn't quite measure up to the former. The characters were exquisite (minus Ms. D, you couldn't pay me to like her) and I genuinely enjoyed the story for what it was. There were times I blushed so fervently, LOL. The longing between Carmilla and Laura (mostly Laura, let's be honest) was so impactful. It was inevitable that they would eventually crash against each other- it was simply a matter of whether it would destroy them or not. The themes of religion and exploration of sexual awakening was interesting and well done. And finally, the connection this book has to A Dowry of Blood was above all my favorite. I loved revisiting one of my favorite characters from that book! If only we could have gotten the whole crew. 

I think what was missing for me was perhaps a stronger plot. The characters are what define this story for sure and I think the author could've cut the Isis plot altogether in favor of a totally character led story about Carmilla, Laura and the unbearable Ms. D. Regardless, S.T. Gibson you have a forever fan on  your hands! I'll read anything you write, including your to-do lists, LOL!