The Last Graduate by Naomi Novik

Genre: Fantasy | Narrated by: Anisha Dadia | Release Date: September 28, 2021

Thank you PRH Audio for the free audiobook!

☕ Quick Take:

Dark magic, reluctant heroes, and an ending that will leave you screaming for the next book.

📖 Plot Overview:

In the second installment of Naomi Novik’s Scholomance series, El and her classmates face their final year at the deadly magical school. Graduation is no ordinary ceremony—it’s a lethal gauntlet that only the strongest or luckiest survive. Determined to beat the odds, El hatches a plan to save her chosen group, but as the school becomes even more dangerous, she realizes that surviving may mean rewriting the rules altogether.

💭 My Thoughts:

What?? Are you serious?? It’s ending like THAT?? WTF??

The Last Graduate outshines A Deadly Education because the heavy lifting of worldbuilding is done, allowing the story to focus on action and character dynamics. El and Orion’s relationship is one of my favorite elements—it’s hilariously unconventional. El’s constant anger and sarcasm bounce off Orion’s oblivious charm perfectly, creating moments that had me laughing out loud.

Their raw power is another highlight. Despite being incredibly strong, both characters yearn for normalcy and acceptance, which makes them so relatable. The cliffhanger ending, though? Absolutely outrageous. I need the next book immediately to find out how this story resolves!

🌙 Standout Moments:

The banter between El and Orion is top-tier comedy, especially when he nonchalantly brushes off her anger. And, of course, that heart-stopping cliffhanger will haunt me until the next book!

🌱 Who Should Read This?

Fans of magical schools, dark humor, and reluctant heroes will love this series. If you enjoyed The Magicians or Ninth House, you won’t want to miss The Last Graduate.

📚 Final Thoughts:

The Last Graduate is a thrilling, hilarious, and gut-wrenching sequel that builds on everything we loved about A Deadly Education. Naomi Novik doesn’t hold back, delivering twists and turns that leave you desperate for more.