Reviews

The Last Graduate by Naomi Novik

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danlewisil's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

katherinesummers's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

morgob's review

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5.0

I am still whirling from the ending, but I'll do my best to write a coherent review. This book was almost better than the first one. There was still a lot of worldbuilding and description involved. Since I read the first book over a year ago, it took me a little while to remember which characters went with which names, and what exactly happened in the first book, but after like fifty pages everything was okay. Both books in this series are engaging, but I was able to jump right into this one and take off. Were it not for work getting in the way, I would have finished this book in just a couple of days, for sure. I didn't want to put it down once I picked it up.
About 100 pages left, I lost a bit of enjoyment in the story. It got a little too "out there" for me for a bit and I didn't quite buy it. I didn't really buy the problem or the solution until it was already underway. One thing I really love about this series is how they show magic working in so many different ways, and it really is a practical approach to magic. The main thing I love about this series and what this author has done differently, is the principles of mana. You have to build it or you'll run out. And I just love how that changes the dynamics between enclavers and regular, unattached folk.
The Orion/El romance blossomed supremely, which was very satisfying. I won't say too much because spoilers, but it was good. And I just love all of the insults El comes up with. They are amazing. Some choice ones include: "you freaking muppet", "you soggy dishcloth", "you selfish toerag", "you bag of wieners", and "you cartwheeling donkey". Amazing work, Naomi. I can't wait for the next one!!!!

mimosaeyes's review against another edition

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adventurous funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Love El's arc in this book - having gained friends and allies, now she's becoming a reluctant hero and forming dreams about her future. If that makes the story sound super wholesome, rest assured, it is still as action-packed and irreverent in tone as the first book.

I love that equal space is given to El's relationships with Aadhya, Liu and Orion - platonic relationships are just as important as romantic ones, and I daresay in this case, the dynamics with Aadhya and Liu were the ones that felt deeper. I have a soft spot for all these characters and feel almost proud of what they manage to achieve together.