Review of The Last Graduate (The Scholomance, #2) by Naomi Novik
As I dove into The Last Graduate, the second installment in Naomi Novik’s Scholomance series, I felt an almost magnetic pull. Having thoroughly enjoyed the first book, I found myself impatiently longing for the next twist in Galadriel "El"’s journey—a world where magic and mayhem intertwine with the fragility of life itself. Novik’s dynamic storytelling instantly drew me back into a realm bursting with intrigue and peril.
In this sequel, we find our protagonist, El, grappling with complex growth not just within herself but also within her surroundings—yes, even the places we inhabit seem to blossom with consciousness and character. This sense of evolution is palpable; it’s a world pulsing with possibilities where every individual, even the obscurest of characters, contributes to a tapestry of development that feels beautifully intricate. It’s almost poetic to witness a setting that grows a “conscience,” and I couldn’t help but feel that this layering of character development is a testament to Novik’s creativity.
The narrative unfurls against the backdrop of impending graduation from the Scholomance, a school where survival is a daily trial. The stakes have never been higher, and the graduation scene involving El and Orion is nothing short of spectacular. As one character wryly comments, “This is gonna be forevermore known as the book where Patience ate Fortitude!”—a phrase that captures the essence of their trials and triumphs. The urgency and tension of their looming fate were compelling, making me turn the pages faster than I could catch my breath.
Novik’s writing remains sharp and affable, marked by an engaging wit that jumps off the page. She juggles humor and dark themes with ease, allowing readers to connect with characters’ struggles as they navigate a world intent on devouring them. The reflection on options—“regardless of the specific situation… you must take care to preserve or widen the number of your options”—is wisdom that resonated deeply with me and provided layers to El’s choices.
Memorable quotes like “I could almost have felt sorry for Jermaine, who’d worn the expression of a person trying to have an important conversation with a brick wall” showcase Novik’s talent for clever, relatable humor amidst chaos. Similarly, El’s humorous self-awareness in grappling with her powers—the potential destruction of those around her—had me grinning even in the darkest moments.
The exploration of personal ambition and friendship, set against relentless challenges, elevates The Last Graduate into a multi-faceted read. Novik effectively portrays the emotional landscapes of her characters, making their victories feel hard-won and their losses incredibly poignant.
I would heartily recommend this book to fans of fantasy who appreciate richly woven narratives with strong character arcs and humor blended with tension. The Last Graduate isn’t just a sequel; it’s an engaging journey of self-discovery, resilience, and friendship that captivates one’s imagination and challenges one’s perspectives. Personally, I came away invigorated and eager for the next chapter in El’s odyssey, feeling as if even the walls of the Scholomance had taught me a thing or two about bravery and choice.
Whether you’re revisiting the Scholomance or diving in for the first time, Novik’s world promises to leave you spellbound and wanting more.
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