Lavinia “Vin” Lucas is out of control and out of options. Stranded by parents who would rather use their average magical abilities to study dung beetles than raise her, Vin’s been on her own for years. But she’s never been able to corral her own powerful, unpredictable magic. After years of detention, suspension, and expulsion from magic schools far and wide, she’s now being sent to the Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents. If she gets expelled, it’s the end of the line.
Now, Vin is determined to behave. Except no one at Last Hope seems to want her to. Her new teachers—particularly the school’s kind headmistress—push her to explore her magic, and her mischievous classmates delight in every accident. And all the while, a mysterious fire sprite, a suspicious instructor, and her overwhelming abilities might just sabotage Vin. But for the first time, she is not alone.
So when a former student begins attacking the school, Vin must question just how much she knows about the headmistress and her new home. Is this place worth saving? And are her budding abilities—and every trick, trap, and deception in her friends’ delinquent arsenal—enough to protect Last Hope?
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Lucy Canton –
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The book arrived in good condition, it’s a hardcover in baby blue color, the dust jacket is the one that comes with the design of the cover portraying the main characters of the story.
This book is a really fun read. It centers on Lavinia Lucas (VIN) and her struggles with her unique magic, and her desire of finding a place where she can fit in. Her last opportunity comes when she is send to “last hope” a school for magic folk like her that struggle with stronger powers than the standard ones accepted by the school board of magic. There she will find friends (Theo, Gilly and Araminta) and a guide in the headmistress (Ava Hope) who helps her discover that even though she is different and too powerful due to her magic, that she can fit in, that she is not alone and that her magic should be something she should love, appreciate, and embrace as part of herself.
Its a quick fun read that kids will definitely enjoy.
Ana G –
I really enjoyed the character development of the MC, Vin. Watching her figure out who she is was joyful. Looking forward to book two.
Ana –
╭ ✦ •
│ ⊹ 𝟺 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜 ⊹
╰ ✦ •
I definitely needed something new and fresh that wasn’t another one of the awful 3-star smutty books I’ve been dragging myself through lately
The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents was so cozy and imaginative; although it was a middle-grade fantasy, it was just what I needed right now.
This was so fun and unique! Nicki Pau Preto’s writing shines as always. I loved the characters and the way each of them grew throughout the story. Vin’s journey, especially, was genuinely inspiring, and the found family aspect added so much heart.
This gave me The Inheritance Games vibes at times; maybe it was the chaotic shenanigans, or maybe the mysterious house, but the energy felt similar in the best way. I loved the world-building, the lore, and the creative magic system.
Also, that cliffhanger?! I didn’t expect that, but I’m about to dive into book 2!
jerry –
This book is amazing. I loved Vin, her background and her unique magic. I liked seeing her find a new family and a new home. I loved her friends and the rest of the supporting characters. And Brucifer is the best. I loved the world and the magic system. It was so put together and so amazing. As far as magical schools go, this is definitely a good one. And I loved the plot as they figured out the threat no one even expected. This is now one of my favorites.
Lucy Canton –
Story about mage who has been getting expelled from all the magical training schools since she is unable to control her powers. After being sent to the school for magical delinquents she not only finds her place in the world with friends but is also able to learn about and control her powers. Beautifully written book good for children as young as 8yr old too. Looking forward to the next book.
Sunny Talbot –
Nicki Pau Preto did it again! This book is beautiful and heartfelt. My son loved it and I’ve ordered more copies to gift to my nieces!
Alison Hertz –
Granddaughter loves it
briannabenton –
Nicki Pau Preto is my favourite YA fantasy author and her middle grade debut set in a magic school did not disappoint.
Nicki’s ability to write intriguing characters you instantly care about is unparalleled. Vin and Headmistress Hope are incredible characters with an extremely fascinating bond. The friends and the sprite Vin makes at her new school are incredible and demonstrate the power of friendship.
The story was different from Nicki’s YA novels but it was incredible nonetheless. There’s something here for young readers and adult readers alike. I’m looking forward to sharing this with my little sister when she’s old enough.
My jaw dropped during the epilogue, which set us for a thrilling sequel.