A Lesson in Vengeance
by Victoria Lee
Set in an elite boarding school, this novel explores themes of obsession, revenge, and the blurred lines between love and hate.
Tropes & Themes
About This Book
Felicity Morrow returns to the Dalloway School, an elite all-girls boarding academy nestled in the Catskill Mountains, after a year-long hiatus following the tragic death of her girlfriend, Alex. Determined to complete her senior year and thesis, Felicity is drawn back into the school's dark history, particularly the mysterious deaths of five students in the 1700s, known as the Dalloway Five, who were rumored to be witches.
Her new roommate, Ellis Haley, a seventeen-year-old literary prodigy, becomes both an ally and a source of tension. Ellis's fascination with the occult and the Dalloway Five leads her to enlist Felicity's help in researching these enigmatic deaths for her next novel. As their relationship deepens, the lines between obsession and affection blur, and Felicity finds herself confronting the haunting legacy of the school and the unresolved trauma of her past.
Set against the backdrop of a centuries-old, ivy-covered campus, the novel weaves a suspenseful and atmospheric narrative, exploring themes of obsession, revenge, and the complexities of love and hate. The slow-burn tension between Felicity and Ellis, coupled with the school's eerie ambiance, creates a dark and intense mood that permeates the story.
What Readers Say
Readers praise the novel's atmospheric setting and immersive dark academia vibes. Many commend the author's evocative prose and compelling character development. Fans note the book's emotional depth and exploration of complex themes. Some readers find the ending unsatisfying and the pacing slow. Content warnings include death, violence, substance abuse, and mental health issues.

