I loved the characters and the whole concept of the Scholomance. It doesn't feel as polished as her last two books, some info dumping here and there and occasional clunky sentences (perhaps editing fell foul of the mal that is 2020).

Particularly liked the idea of someone who doesn't fit in, not suddenly having their life transformed by going to a magical school. El struggles to be liked,is prickly for a reason, and her progress is all that more rewarding.