I’ve read a few of Naomi Novik’s novels, and they always surprised me with how much I was drawn into the story, when the writing seemed detached. It reads more like a folklore, but you get drawn further and further in. It’s hard to explain, so I’m not going to try 🙂
But in this new novel, it’s written in what I’d consider a more traditional way. Or at least a more modern way. It’s still a great book, and in fact was so good I read it within a 24 hour timespan. I’d say it’s a cross between Harry Potter and The Hunger Games (darker than Harry Potter, and better written than The Hunger Games).
Quick synopsis: the book takes place in modern times, but the kids of the world are thrown into a school that seems medieval, and is full of monsters. Like a lot of monsters. Most kids won’t make it out of the school alive, but to not enter the school would be even deadlier, cause apparently the kids are super tasty to monsters during a certain age range. The main character is great, I love her so much! Everyone hates her, but she still has good morales, even if she can be a bit mean, snarky, and aloof.