unfortunately disappointing :( based on the blurb and the setting, i thought i'd really like it. i'll start off with the good things first. i like that it takes on the perspective of a teacher rather than a student in a dark academia setting. it's novel, at least to me, and introduces interesting topics about adulthood like dating, self-esteem, and independence. i LOVE that walden is unapologetically bisexual and that the book actually said the word butch. make more butches knight-like! tesh does tackle social classes and economic privilege in relation to oxbridge and private institutions although not to the depth that i would've wanted. i really enjoyed the first part of it right up to the old faithful encounter! then it went incredibly downhill. with the premise of the book and the fantastical world, i expected it to be more action-filled. it's rather slow-moving and seems more like a slice of life at times. i don't like cosy fantasy and it's even more boring to read about administrative tasks. the book was basically 80% exposition. it really peaked about 40% through. the switch in narration at the end is...a choice... it took me out of it bc we JUST got to an interesting part so what do you MEAN you change the flow now?? i came in expecting more romance and it is a bit of my fault for doing bc it's really a c-plot at best. HOWEVER, the romance is sooo dull. saffy and laura are attracted to each other purely bc they're hot and competent, which is SO boring. i think tesh had the opportunity to build on the personality differences of the two and explore some banter but...alas. laura is hardly a character at all - all i know about her is that she's butch, cares about injustices, has a motorbike, and has short blonde hair. i like the kids and the interactions that walden has with them but there are so few that i find it hard to care that much about them. the humour fell short for me and the ending is very unsatisfying. sighhhh