Challenging / Suspenseful / Dark / Mysterious / Emotional

Naomi Novik’s The Last Graduate continues to charm with its inventive magic system and well-developed characters. Reviewers praise its rich world-building and gripping, fast-paced narrative. However, some critics mention the story occasionally drags and the ending feels abrupt. Overall, it's a compelling sequel that keeps readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.

Readers who relish dark academia, magical schools, and complex characters will enjoy Naomi Novik's The Last Graduate. Fans of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series and Lev Grossman's The Magicians will find its intricate world-building and morally ambiguous protagonists compelling.

The Last Graduate by Naomi Novik follows a young student navigating the deadly Scholomance, a school for magically gifted children. The protagonist faces numerous challenges while striving to survive until graduation. The narrative explores themes of collaboration, resilience, and survival in a high-stakes magical environment.

- Naomi Novik, the author of The Last Graduate, is also known for her Temeraire series, which combines the Napoleonic Wars with dragons.
- The Last Graduate was recognized for its exploration of a dark, educational setting, making it appealing to fans of magical school tropes with a unique twist.
- Naomi Novik co-founded the Organization for Transformative Works, a nonprofit established to support and promote fan works and preserve the history of fan cultures.

**Galadriel “El” Higgins**  
A powerful wizard of Indian heritage, initially wary of her powers, who learns to navigate the challenges of leadership and friendship within the Scholomance.

**Orion Lake**  
A traditional hero-inspired character with a focus on defeating creatures called mals, struggling with the consequences of his actions and emotional connections.

**Aadhya**  
A skilled artificer known for her pragmatism and supportive nature; she helps El understand the importance of alliances and friendship.

**Liu**  
A character initially reliant on malia who evolves to reject it in favor of balance and collaboration with El and others.

**Liesel**  
The valedictorian and a strategic thinker who values rule-based systems but eventually supports collective action for survival.

**Gwen Higgins**  
El's mother, known for her healing magic and ethical influence on El, guiding her toward self-control and mindfulness.

**Chloe**  
A strategic New York enclaver who befriends El, facilitating acceptance and alliance-building across school divides.

**Zixuan**  
The leader of the Shanghai enclave students, initially distrustful of El's intentions but ultimately supportive of collective collaboration.

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