A Deadly Education

Harry Potter if Hogwarts were actively trying to kill the students.

A unique, fun, dark take on students attending a magical school. Follows El as she navigates another year of strategic friendships, spontaneous monsters, and just plain survival. Admittedly El's personality may not be for everyone, but Novik's world building is so extraordinary and fascinating, that it makes up for any character flaws tenfold. What I liked most is that there is no typical plot of villainous schemes or end-of-the-world catastrophes; you're just following El as she tries to not die and learning how the school works along the way, and it's great. Definitely recommended for fans of Lev Grossman's "The Magicians" trilogy or those who just want to learn about an inventive, dangerous new magical world. I can't wait for book two.