This was a cute middle grade read that brought me back to the days of when I just loved a good book with magic. It had a lot of great Harry Potter vibes to it. Different types of magic, girl saving her school. I also like how it can relate back to kids who may be showing high needs at schools. And how every child deserves a chance to shine. An all around good read.

Review + reading update🕸️

The cover of this book pulled me in instantly! So did the author because I loved their YA duology set Bonesmith and Ghostsmith.

This book follows a girl named Vin as she starts at a new school for magical delinquents. Vins magic is a bit out of control and has gotten her kicked out of every magical school she’s attended so far. This is her last chance to get her powers under control. Unfortunately strange things keep happening around her. Vin knows something is wrong so she and her friends decide to investigate and find out!

I love a boarding school setting and this one was enchantingly whimsical. It was an excellent Halloween read with all the magic and mystery. The characters were great, I really felt for Vin as she had to learn she was worthy of love and community💜 The plot was exciting and mixed well with the personal journey storyline. Overall I give it 8.7/10 and look forward to reading more in the series if it continues!

Thanks to Netgalley and Viking Books for Young Reads for a copy of this book.

I love this new take on a school for magic! A whimsical school for magic with very endearing characters will have kids turning the pages until the end. I love that the school is specifically for these last chance kids. Where in a world that resents magic and magical kids have to prove themselves under control before they can go out in the world with nonmagical folk, you have this school full of delinquent magical individuals who are on their last chance to prove themselves. Many of the things happen that you would expect to happen when you round up a group of delinquents, but also a whole lot of unexpected as well!

Interesting premise, younger students struggle with innate magical abilities. Vin is a relatable 12 year old looking for a place to belong and keep her magic in check. The plot moved quickly and was not predictable. Middle grade kids that are found of magic will enjoy this tale.

I am very grateful for the opportunity to read this book, but unfortuantely I did not finish reading it.

To be honest, I expected something similar to Percy Jackson based on the premise. The premise is wonderful, the voice is great...

Unfortunately, two things disappointed me straight away:

1) It's hard for me to believe that a child moves from continent to continent and studies in Los Angeles, Montreal, Alaska, and even South Africa without her parents' permission. I understand that her parents ditched her at boarding school and that she was faking their signature... but how coudl the principals send a child to another boarding school in another city or even another country without meeting with her parents in person? Even middle-grade fantasy should me mroe realistic than that, in my opinion.

2) The plot is too predictable. I knew who the villain was right away - from the very first scene with him.

Perhaps, children will enjoy reading this book immensely! As a librarian, I prefer recommending something like Amari and the Night Brothers or Nevermoor. Sorry.

The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents sweeps readers into a magical world as chaotic as its protagonist, Lavinia "Vin" Lucas. Pau Preto crafts a lively yet heartfelt story that explores themes of belonging, control, and self-acceptance.

Vin’s journey from a defiant outcast to a young woman who begins to harness her immense and volatile powers is thrilling to watch. Her wild and unpredictable magic mirrors her emotional turbulence, making her an incredibly relatable character for anyone who has ever felt out of place. Pau Preto does an excellent job weaving Vin’s emotional and magical growth into the story's fabric.

The Last Hope School itself is a vivid character in its own right. The school's atmosphere is magnetic, from its encouraging headmistress to the mischievous classmates who seem to revel in mayhem. Vin’s connection with her fellow delinquents and the headmistress is touching, adding a layer of warmth to the book.

The plot thickens as secrets about the school’s past and the enigmatic headmistress come to light. The tension ramps up when a former student launches attacks, leaving Vin to question everything she thought she knew. The balance between humor, suspense, and mystery keeps the story engaging, especially with the unpredictable fire sprite and suspicious staff adding intrigue.

Pau Preto excels at creating a sense of camaraderie among Vin and her new friends. Their "delinquent arsenal" of tricks and talents adds a layer of fun, but their fierce loyalty to each other and the school makes the stakes feel real. The fight to protect Last Hope is not just a fight for survival but for belonging.

While the pacing slows down in the middle, the pivotal moments are packed with emotion and action. Vin’s transformation from a magical delinquent to a protector of her newfound family is deeply satisfying.

Overall, The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents is a magical adventure with heart, mischief, and a heroine who learns that sometimes, the outcasts have the most to offer.

This is a middle grade series I wish I had growing up. The themes, characters, plot, and everything in between is by far one of the most enriching stories I've read this year. For all the kids who were (and are) blamed by adults for things you just needed help with, this series is for you.

Oh, I loved this!

I wish this book had been around when I was about 12, waiting for the next Harry Potter book and devouring every kind of magic, especially magic school, book I could get my hands on.

The book has a lot of cozy elements and things that are familiar yet entirely its own. It has elements of things I love from other books and some clear inspiration from things such as Harry Potter, Howl’s Moving Castle, X-Men, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, and I’m sure others. The result is something that feels like a familiar hug but still brings its own charm to add to the mix.

The found family aspect is done well, with the cast of characters bringing color and interest to the world. The side characters have their own struggles and even different magical abilities, making nearly every moment an opportunity to discover something new about the world, the magic system or the characters. I particularly loved the fire sprite character, and fans of Calcifer will likely be as delighted as I was.

The world-building was well done. I loved the magic system and how it was divided into categories. The background of why the school exists and why it’s at the center of the current events makes a lot of sense. The school setting feels a little bit like Hogwarts, but the magic and the school itself is distinct enough that it feels like its own thing.

While the story was somewhat predictable, I didn’t think it was predictable to the point where it would ruin the enjoyment of the book (particularly for the target audience). Even with the predictability, there were some elements that surprised me. Overall, the plot was well thought through and engaging throughout.

This is the most fun I’ve had in reading for a while, and I hope there is a sequel soon. I wish I was a kid going to the Last Hope School For Magical Delinquents! The best I can do is recommend this to other people who would like to go to this school too.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the free copy in exchange for my honest review. The opinions are my own and were not influenced by receiving a copy.

Happy book birthday to 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘏𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘚𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘭 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘋𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 by @nickipaupreto !!! 🥳

𝘝𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘱𝘦𝘳, 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘭. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘏𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘚𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘭 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘋𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴.

𝘕𝘰, 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦.

𝘐𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦.

As with the rest of the students in The Last Hope, Vin has been expelled from regular magical schools because of her wild, powerful, and 'uncontrollable' magic and was marked as a magical delinquent.

Fitting for its name, The Last Hope was built to help students understand their unique magic and use them to their full potential. Here, wild magic is celebrated. Under the care of Headmistress Ava Hope, The Last Hope hides a mysterious past that Vin has yet to discover.

Fitting in The Last Hope still felt difficult for Vin. She's holding a lot back and finds it hard to trust anyone. However, as she finally learns to understand her own magic and realizes that there are people who care about her, Vin finally feels at home. However, an unseen danger is threatening the peace in Last Hope. And it is up to Vin and the magical delinquents to save the school.

"𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳. 𝘐𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘤, 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘶𝘱 - 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳. 𝘐𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨. 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦." 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘝𝘪𝘯'𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵.

Oh such a wild ride! I love a self-discovery and a found family story. And this book will make every 'Vin' out there feel welcomed, comforted, and understood. There is truly a place, a community, and a home for everyone.

This book is full of magic, colorful characters, and a school built not for the weak of heart. Also, special mention to my favorite fire sprite, Brucifer! Definitely a 5⭐ read!

Now that ending though...

Special thanks to @netgalley @penguinrandomhouse for this ARC!

A really fun read for middle grade kids.

The development and story of Vin was absolutely phenomenal. I fell in love with the story as I read along and really really enjoyed it.

Well thought out and written- definitely worth the read for a younger reader (ages 8-12) but even fun for me as an adult/mom.

Absolutely loved and hope for more books to follow this amazing story.

thanks to Netgalley and for the publisher for this amazing read in exchange for my honest review.

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents by Nicki Pau Preto is a third person-POV contemporary fantasy middle grade. Lavinia ‘Vin’ Lucas is on her last chance to study at a magical school or forever be a magical delinquent and lose her ability to study at schools for magic users and schools for mundanes. When she’s sent to the Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents, she makes friends for the first time, but weird things are happening around her and she might be the one causing it.

The magic system is divided into five categories (later six) that all start with the letter ‘C’, such as Clairvoyant and Conjurer. I think this was the first time I ever realized how many magic user terms start with ‘C’ yet the names flow quite well in helping to create a strong middle grade voice. Vin initially believes that she is a Conjurer or a Caster only to later learn that she is a completely different class, one that hasn’t really been defined before which made it hard for her to have full control over her magical abilities.

Of Vin’s three new friends, Arminta, her twin brother Theo, and Gilly, my favorite was Arminta. Unlike her classmates, she has excellent control of her magic and is quite organized and good at studying. The main reason she’s at Last Hope is because she didn’t want to leave Theo behind, especially given that she was the golden child in their family while Theo was getting ignored by their parents. While Arminta is a bit more distant compared to Theo and Gilly, this shows that she has a lot of compassion and cares deeply for Theo.

Ava Hope, the headmaster of Last Hope, is also shown to be a very compassionate adult who doesn’t believe anyone is beyond saving, doing everything she can to help students who everyone else has given up on actually have a future in their world. We later learn that magical delinquents not only essentially have their chances for an education taken from them, but it’s extremely difficult for them to get work as adults and what work they can get work has little room for advancement, creating an entire disenfranchised group that has their entire future decided for them when they are still in middle school. When you combine that with how tirelessly Ava works to help her students juxtapose it to the educators in the opening who have already given up on Vin, it creates a powerful message for young readers just how important it is not to give up on the people around them and that patience and understanding can wield amazing results.

I would recommend this to fans of contemporary fantasy set in magical schools, readers who prefer middle grades that delve into themes of how we, as a society, treat those who don’t fit the mold perfectly, and anyone looking for a middle grade that feels both nostalgic and new

This was a really cute school fantasy with found family. I mostly enjoyed it, but especially reading it right after Heavenly Tyrant, I struggled a bit with the whole framing of the Free Mages. The main character is twelve though, and this is the first in a series, so I look forward to seeing how things progress in the sequel.

Much thanks to Nicki and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

I have already sent Nicki my thoughts on this book, but I'll say it again here: this book is ADORABLE. The FMC is genuinely so relatable, and I love a cutesy little witch book. This is such a delight to read, and I love the worldbuilding that is present. I would love to see more of this world that they've created in the future because there is so much potential.

All of the secondary characters were so interesting, and I adored the friend group. It's such a beautiful little found family, and each of them have such cool powers... I'm jealous of these kids!

Go get your hands on this book IMMEDIATELY on October 1, 2024!

(4.5) This was a relatively quick, yet such a fun read full of unique magic and a wonderful story of found family & friendship. All wrapped up in a mystery that's sure to intrigue as the series later continues.

The Last Hope School reminded me of Upside-Down Magic [2020], but instead of just a class, it was an entire school. And for the record, magical capture the flag is infinitely better than chess.

It did drag and get a bit repetitive in the middle, but pushing through was very much worth it. I will be recommending this to all the young readers in my life interested in magic and mysteries.

Vin is on her 9th magical school in 3 years, because her magic constantly causes dangerous outbursts and situations. She is being sent to The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents, which is the last option for troublesome magic students. She expects that this school won't be any different from the others, but from the beginning, things seem different. The headmistress and the faculty all seem to expect the students to use their magic, instead of trying to control it and keeping it small, like Vin has been told in the past. Vin slowly starts to learn more about her magic, and she even begins to grow friendships. But when a former student starts to target the school, Vin has to decide if she can trust this new life.
I loved this book! I think this is a great example of what middle grade should be, starting to explore more mature themes in a way that is age-appropriate, while also being set in a really fun and cozy boarding school. While there are some things that feel inspired by other magical school books, there is a lot about the magic system that is unique and well-thought out. This is the first book in a series, and I am so excited for more in this world!

This is such a fun middle grade book. It’s a perfect blend of Harry Potter and X-Men with an awesome superpower-esque magic system, found family vibes, excellent adult characters, and a fire sprite that is reminiscent of Calcifer from Howl’s Moving Castle.

The story started off a bit slower than I would have liked, but once Vin arrived at Last Hope School and started learning more about her abilities, things started rolling. I love the friendships that form throughout the book (even among unexpected characters) and that the adults at the school are good, understanding people. It was such a relief to have positive adult influences in a middle grade story.

And the magic! So clever and fun. I love the different casting abilities and Vin’s own realization about her magic and that every character had such interesting powers that affected the plot line. Some of the twists were a little obvious, but it’s still such a great story. It definitely deserves a sequel.

Unique magic, found family, and a weird little sidekick. What else could you ask for? A great Harry Potter alternative with unexpected twists and turns.

What a fun read!! I honestly like reading middle grade books so much, especially when they are this good!

This is a story about a young girl that has hard time controlling her magic and that keeps getting rejected by her peers and the school she attends. This resonated with me so much; feeling as though you don't belong. I think it's a way more common feeling than we expect.

I loved the friendship Vin created and how unconditional the love they shared was (I'm serious, all of her friends were sweethearts). It was an addictive read that kept me on my toes, unsure where the story was leading me, but i was thrilled the whole time!

For lovers of Amari and the Night Brothers and Harry Potter, this book had all the cozy middle grade magic that I love and adore. If I was still in middle school, this would be a world that I would gladly escape into. I loved the characters, and though the age group may not be for me, I do think I would consider picking up the next one.

Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for an E-Arc.

This is a solid middle-grade fantasy with a whimsical school setting and really fun characters. It did feel familiar, though, like a lot of other books I’ve read, and some parts were a bit predictable. But to be fair, I’m not the target audience at 41 years old! For someone around 10-12, I think the twists and reveals would be much more surprising, which is exactly what the book is aiming for.

I do think it has a lot of potential as a series, and I’ll probably pick up the next book when it comes out because I’m invested in the characters and curious to see where their story goes. The magic system was really enjoyable, and overall it was a fun read. Plus, it ends on a solid cliffhanger!