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A review by kirbylover16
The Last Graduate by Naomi Novik
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
4.0
Overall, I enjoyed the book, though I have a few nitpicks. I found book one was stronger, especially in how it handled pacing and resolution. Several big reveals, like the entire school learning about El’s mom, or the mysterious prophecy, aren’t resolved, and the book ends on another cliffhanger without much payoff from the last one.
There are a lot of modern references in El’s narration that don’t quite fit her character. While the first book had a few, they weren’t as distracting as they are here. It pulled me out of the story when she referenced things she shouldn't realistically know. She lived in isolation in a yurt and doesn't have a phone. Where did she hear about Vogue magazine or guns?
As for El and Orion’s relationship, the emotional continuity feels off. The first book ends with a kiss and a clear implication that they’re together. Yet El still insists Orion isn’t her boyfriend. There’s no meaningful conversation til the 90% mark. Strangely, Orion is barely in the book. The narrative focus is more on El and the two other girls in the alliance. I like that she has friends now, but it feels like that came at the cost of Orion’s presence and development.
There are a lot of modern references in El’s narration that don’t quite fit her character. While the first book had a few, they weren’t as distracting as they are here. It pulled me out of the story when she referenced things she shouldn't realistically know. She lived in isolation in a yurt and doesn't have a phone. Where did she hear about Vogue magazine or guns?
As for El and Orion’s relationship, the emotional continuity feels off. The first book ends with a kiss and a clear implication that they’re together. Yet El still insists Orion isn’t her boyfriend. There’s no meaningful conversation til the 90% mark. Strangely, Orion is barely in the book. The narrative focus is more on El and the two other girls in the alliance. I like that she has friends now, but it feels like that came at the cost of Orion’s presence and development.
Content Warnings
Minor: Body horror, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, Classism