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A review by baknata
The Last Graduate by Naomi Novik
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Naomi Novak owes me an apology after the cliffhanger she left me on at the end of this book.
This book went above and beyond for me. I really enjoyed A Deadly Education, and had high hopes for the sequel. I loved the way that Galdriel's character grew over this book. In the first book, she had to go through a lot in order to begin to accept others and figure out what she really wanted. This one allowed her to really come into her own. Not to mention, her relationships with those around her grew in such a beautiful way. The way her character changed as her friendships did was really natural and enjoyable to read.
Novak also did a great job creating a realistic conflict in this book. At the end of the first book, there seems to be a distinct resolution to the main conflict of the series, which left the question of what would the conflict be for El and her classmates in this book. It is a narrow line between no conflict and unrealistic conflict, and Novak did a wonderful job walking it. The conflict also built well over the course of the book. It evolves throughout, creating the rising action without becoming stagnant.
I loved the character development in this book and the way we were able to learn more about the side characters. These characters are so dynamic and each has a unique and interesting backstory, which makes it so interesting to get more of that. We also got to learn more about the magic system and the world. This isn't for everyone, as it is lore heavy and can drag for some. I, however, loved getting to know the universe and the way that the magical society was built.
Overall, I loved this sequel and am beyond excited for the next book!!
This book went above and beyond for me. I really enjoyed A Deadly Education, and had high hopes for the sequel. I loved the way that Galdriel's character grew over this book. In the first book, she had to go through a lot in order to begin to accept others and figure out what she really wanted. This one allowed her to really come into her own. Not to mention, her relationships with those around her grew in such a beautiful way. The way her character changed as her friendships did was really natural and enjoyable to read.
Novak also did a great job creating a realistic conflict in this book. At the end of the first book, there seems to be a distinct resolution to the main conflict of the series, which left the question of what would the conflict be for El and her classmates in this book. It is a narrow line between no conflict and unrealistic conflict, and Novak did a wonderful job walking it. The conflict also built well over the course of the book. It evolves throughout, creating the rising action without becoming stagnant.
I loved the character development in this book and the way we were able to learn more about the side characters. These characters are so dynamic and each has a unique and interesting backstory, which makes it so interesting to get more of that. We also got to learn more about the magic system and the world. This isn't for everyone, as it is lore heavy and can drag for some. I, however, loved getting to know the universe and the way that the magical society was built.
Overall, I loved this sequel and am beyond excited for the next book!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Violence