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The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents #2
The Forbidden Room
Vin and her friends are back in this thrilling sequel to The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents, perfect for fans of Nevermoor and The School for Good and Evil!
Lavinia "Vin" Lucas has finally found a home. At Last Hope School, she's made friends (including a magical fire sprite!) who love her for who she is, and gifted headmistress Ava Hope is guiding her in her newfound abilities as a Chameleon. But after the chaos and danger of last year, and the attack on the school, the eye of the Magical School Board is trained on Last Hope, and they are desperate to get Ava Hope and her unconventional methods removed from the school for good.
Meanwhile, beyond the magical wards of Last Hope, the Free Mages grow ever stronger, and their enigmatic new leader will do anything to get his hands on the increasingly powerful Vin. It's going to take every ounce of cunning Vin and her friends have to send the crooked school board packing while warding off the looming threat of the Free Mages.
With family secrets swirling, a mysterious new student with mind-reading powers entering the picture, and even a water sprite joining the crew, year two is more surprising and difficult than ever. And when the world of magic faces destruction, Vin must use her powers—no matter how dangerous—and do whatever she can to save her friends and Last Hope School once and for all.
Lavinia "Vin" Lucas has finally found a home. At Last Hope School, she's made friends (including a magical fire sprite!) who love her for who she is, and gifted headmistress Ava Hope is guiding her in her newfound abilities as a Chameleon. But after the chaos and danger of last year, and the attack on the school, the eye of the Magical School Board is trained on Last Hope, and they are desperate to get Ava Hope and her unconventional methods removed from the school for good.
Meanwhile, beyond the magical wards of Last Hope, the Free Mages grow ever stronger, and their enigmatic new leader will do anything to get his hands on the increasingly powerful Vin. It's going to take every ounce of cunning Vin and her friends have to send the crooked school board packing while warding off the looming threat of the Free Mages.
With family secrets swirling, a mysterious new student with mind-reading powers entering the picture, and even a water sprite joining the crew, year two is more surprising and difficult than ever. And when the world of magic faces destruction, Vin must use her powers—no matter how dangerous—and do whatever she can to save her friends and Last Hope School once and for all.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2025
14 people are currently reading
333 people want to read
About the author
Nicki Pau Preto
8 books1,683 followersNicki Pau Preto is a fantasy author living just outside of Toronto—though her dislike of hockey, snow, and geese makes her the worst Canadian in the country. She studied art and art history in university and worked as a graphic designer before becoming a writer full-time.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 30, 2025
2.5 star
Disappointed compared to the first book which I had loved. I felt like the plot was not that interesting and that most of the story was told instead of showed...
Disappointed compared to the first book which I had loved. I felt like the plot was not that interesting and that most of the story was told instead of showed...
February 8, 2026
I really enjoyed this sequel (and I think conclusion to this series)! There’s just something about Last Hope that makes it feel like a warm hug. It’s very nostalgic and reminds me of my childhood.
This book was very frustrating though. The inspectors made me want to stab something constantly. And in comparison to the last book where you can feel the joy Vin and the other students have when it comes to their magic and classes, all of that is gone with the inspectors and the threats on infarctions.
Vin and her friends are probably my favourite parts of this book. Their dynamic is just so fun to read, and they’re so loving and caring and supportive. I got emotional multiple times during this book, but especially when Gilly allows Vin to take on her magic, and then Theo too (without knowing Gilly had done so already) and then when Vin and Araminta formed the illusion together. It was so wholesome and sweet and friendship is just so so good.
Vin immediately latching onto the new kid to befriend him and make him feel at home was adorable and funny, considering she wanted nothing to do with her now friends at the beginning of the last book. And while I predicted where things were headed, I did really like Zach and I’m happy with how things ended.
The ending was tied up a bit too perfectly. TBH I wasn’t sure if this was even the last book or if there was going to be more. So in terms of that, it concluded perfectly. But it does have a very typical middle grade conclusion where the mc saves the day and is kind of all powerful and smarter than the adults who should be doing the saving lol. That being said, I think it works for this book and the intended audience.
That scene in Ava’s office at the very end almost made me cry. It was so wholesome and sweet. The mutual love and respect Ava and Vin have for each other is just 🥺 Even Vin notes she feels something “more tender” towards her, so I’ll just pretend Ava adopts Vin and they can be a perfect family together like in Matilda 😭
This book was very frustrating though. The inspectors made me want to stab something constantly. And in comparison to the last book where you can feel the joy Vin and the other students have when it comes to their magic and classes, all of that is gone with the inspectors and the threats on infarctions.
Vin and her friends are probably my favourite parts of this book. Their dynamic is just so fun to read, and they’re so loving and caring and supportive. I got emotional multiple times during this book, but especially when Gilly allows Vin to take on her magic, and then Theo too (without knowing Gilly had done so already) and then when Vin and Araminta formed the illusion together. It was so wholesome and sweet and friendship is just so so good.
Vin immediately latching onto the new kid to befriend him and make him feel at home was adorable and funny, considering she wanted nothing to do with her now friends at the beginning of the last book. And while I predicted where things were headed, I did really like Zach and I’m happy with how things ended.
The ending was tied up a bit too perfectly. TBH I wasn’t sure if this was even the last book or if there was going to be more. So in terms of that, it concluded perfectly. But it does have a very typical middle grade conclusion where the mc saves the day and is kind of all powerful and smarter than the adults who should be doing the saving lol. That being said, I think it works for this book and the intended audience.
That scene in Ava’s office at the very end almost made me cry. It was so wholesome and sweet. The mutual love and respect Ava and Vin have for each other is just 🥺 Even Vin notes she feels something “more tender” towards her, so I’ll just pretend Ava adopts Vin and they can be a perfect family together like in Matilda 😭
December 5, 2025
╭ ✦ •
│ ⊹ 𝟺 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜 ⊹
╰ ✦ •
The Forbidden Room continues where book one ended, just after the holidays. Vin and her friends barely settle into the new semester before trouble arrives in the form of a full School Board inspection. Let's just say, what should’ve been a simple “try not to cause chaos” situation spirals into a deeper conspiracy, we learn more about the Free Mages and their mysterious leader (who we get to know in the cliffhanger of book 1), also all the secrets locked away in the Forbidden Wing.
This sequel is packed with adventure, mystery, and so much magic. My favourite part is the found family aspect. I love how all the characters grow and add something special to the story. Especially the two elemental Sprites, Brucifer + Splashly.
I absolutely loved this series! It's genuinely refreshing to read something with so much heart, humor, friendship with found family vibes, and the perfect dose of chaos.
_________________________________
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│ ⊹ 𝟺 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜 ⊹
╰ ✦ •
The Forbidden Room continues where book one ended, just after the holidays. Vin and her friends barely settle into the new semester before trouble arrives in the form of a full School Board inspection. Let's just say, what should’ve been a simple “try not to cause chaos” situation spirals into a deeper conspiracy, we learn more about the Free Mages and their mysterious leader (who we get to know in the cliffhanger of book 1), also all the secrets locked away in the Forbidden Wing.
This sequel is packed with adventure, mystery, and so much magic. My favourite part is the found family aspect. I love how all the characters grow and add something special to the story. Especially the two elemental Sprites, Brucifer + Splashly.
I absolutely loved this series! It's genuinely refreshing to read something with so much heart, humor, friendship with found family vibes, and the perfect dose of chaos.
_________________________________
Blog ಇ StoryGraph ಇ Instagram ಇ Twitter ಇ Facebook
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November 1, 2025a fun story for younger readers!
November 9, 2025
I just finished reading the second book of this series. Having enjoyed the first one quite a bit, I hoped the second one could be just as good.
I must say, while this second book was good, it wasn't great. The main conflict of the book is that the School Board, who have never been fond of Headmistress Ava Hope, send three inspectors (one of whom we met in the previous book) to stay at the school and inspect it in the hopes of getting rid of the Headmistress, and now Vin and her friends want to try to stop the inspectors. Honestly, it's not the most engaging of plots, which makes me wish that there had been at least one other important plot going on at the same time or at least on the side. Most of the book is about the students and staff having to hold back and downplay everything so as to not get infractions from the inspectors, while Vin and her friends, including introverted new student Zach, try to find a way to thwart the inspectors when they suspect they're working with the Free Mages. It's a fine plot at first, but it loses steam overtime.
Due to this, a lot of what made the first book engaging is missing here. Not much action or exploration, not much from the staff and students outside of the core main characters, not much on classes or even the traditional capture the flag game, it's just not exciting. Zach is also not that engaging of a character and his magic not that unique to make him stand out; I much referred Splashey, the water sprite and counterpart to the lovable fire sprite, Brucifer. I was also rather annoyed at the hinting and telling of crushes amidst the kids, with Vin and Zach but especially Theo and Gilly; granted, t was barely there, but it was still there, and I'm always annoyed at that cliche on how boys and girls can never be simply just friends. Though perhaps the biggest flaw for me was that Vin was rather annoying in this book. I would have thought she might have mostly grown out of her tendency to be super negative about things, but she did not. Throughout the book, she kept bringing up possible worst case scenarios, a lot of thoughts veered towards the negative, and then there was her tendency of thinking that everything's her fault and she had to do everything herself to fix it rather than trust on her friends, and this secret keeping of hers was also an issue, causing more trouble than it was worth, when confiding in the people who have shown time and again that they're gonna be there for her would have been the obvious better option.
Eventually the story picks up, though. I did see a certain twist coming a mile away, but it doesn't take away from the proceedings. The main villain of the story, Adam, finally comes into the picture, and he's as dangerous as he is deplorable, such an easy-to-hate character. The tension racks up, we get action, the story gets exciting, and Vin gets to show off what she can really do now that she's been practicing and grown more confident with her magic. It's a very well-done final act where the action and drama ramp up big-time, leading to a satisfying conclusion. It's just such a bummer that we couldn't get more like this in the rest of the book, it would have made it so much more fun to read in general.
In the end, this was a worthy follow-up to the first book, but it's not as good, as it needed a little more oomph in the first three quarters of the story. Still, the final act is great and picked things up considerably. Sadly, it seems this second book may also be the last of the series, but I hope not, because this imaginative world of magic and the school of delinquents are full of potential for more.
I must say, while this second book was good, it wasn't great. The main conflict of the book is that the School Board, who have never been fond of Headmistress Ava Hope, send three inspectors (one of whom we met in the previous book) to stay at the school and inspect it in the hopes of getting rid of the Headmistress, and now Vin and her friends want to try to stop the inspectors. Honestly, it's not the most engaging of plots, which makes me wish that there had been at least one other important plot going on at the same time or at least on the side. Most of the book is about the students and staff having to hold back and downplay everything so as to not get infractions from the inspectors, while Vin and her friends, including introverted new student Zach, try to find a way to thwart the inspectors when they suspect they're working with the Free Mages. It's a fine plot at first, but it loses steam overtime.
Due to this, a lot of what made the first book engaging is missing here. Not much action or exploration, not much from the staff and students outside of the core main characters, not much on classes or even the traditional capture the flag game, it's just not exciting. Zach is also not that engaging of a character and his magic not that unique to make him stand out; I much referred Splashey, the water sprite and counterpart to the lovable fire sprite, Brucifer. I was also rather annoyed at the hinting and telling of crushes amidst the kids, with Vin and Zach but especially Theo and Gilly; granted, t was barely there, but it was still there, and I'm always annoyed at that cliche on how boys and girls can never be simply just friends. Though perhaps the biggest flaw for me was that Vin was rather annoying in this book. I would have thought she might have mostly grown out of her tendency to be super negative about things, but she did not. Throughout the book, she kept bringing up possible worst case scenarios, a lot of thoughts veered towards the negative, and then there was her tendency of thinking that everything's her fault and she had to do everything herself to fix it rather than trust on her friends, and this secret keeping of hers was also an issue, causing more trouble than it was worth, when confiding in the people who have shown time and again that they're gonna be there for her would have been the obvious better option.
Eventually the story picks up, though. I did see a certain twist coming a mile away, but it doesn't take away from the proceedings. The main villain of the story, Adam, finally comes into the picture, and he's as dangerous as he is deplorable, such an easy-to-hate character. The tension racks up, we get action, the story gets exciting, and Vin gets to show off what she can really do now that she's been practicing and grown more confident with her magic. It's a very well-done final act where the action and drama ramp up big-time, leading to a satisfying conclusion. It's just such a bummer that we couldn't get more like this in the rest of the book, it would have made it so much more fun to read in general.
In the end, this was a worthy follow-up to the first book, but it's not as good, as it needed a little more oomph in the first three quarters of the story. Still, the final act is great and picked things up considerably. Sadly, it seems this second book may also be the last of the series, but I hope not, because this imaginative world of magic and the school of delinquents are full of potential for more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2025
Some stories don’t just invite you in, they tug you by the sleeve, hand you a chipped teacup, and whisper, “Stay awhile.” Nicki Pau Preto’s The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents series does precisely that.
This is a strong middle‑grade fantasy, brewed with whimsy, mischief, and a school that is delightfully good at not being good at things. Last Hope is the kind of place where magic misfires, hallways hum with secrets, and every student carries a little too much power, heart, or trouble for their own good. And somehow… that’s exactly what makes it feel like home.
Across both books, you’re pulled deeper into the lives of Vin and her fellow “delinquents”—a found family stitched together by unpredictable magic, stubborn hope, and the kind of loyalty that grows in the cracks. Each chapter nudges you closer to the truth of who these kids are becoming and what, exactly, is unraveling around them.
Emily Marso brings The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents to life with a voice that shimmers between mischief and heart. She captures every wobbling spell, every burst of chaotic charm, and every tender moment of these magical misfits finding their way. Her narration feels like being guided through the halls of Last Hope by someone who knows where all the secrets are tucked and delights in sharing them one by one.
The series balances humor with heart, adventure with vulnerability, and chaos with charm. It’s the kind of read that reminds you why middle‑grade fantasy hits so sweetly: because it believes in second chances, messy magic, and kids who are more powerful than the world expects.
This is a strong middle‑grade fantasy, brewed with whimsy, mischief, and a school that is delightfully good at not being good at things. Last Hope is the kind of place where magic misfires, hallways hum with secrets, and every student carries a little too much power, heart, or trouble for their own good. And somehow… that’s exactly what makes it feel like home.
Across both books, you’re pulled deeper into the lives of Vin and her fellow “delinquents”—a found family stitched together by unpredictable magic, stubborn hope, and the kind of loyalty that grows in the cracks. Each chapter nudges you closer to the truth of who these kids are becoming and what, exactly, is unraveling around them.
Emily Marso brings The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents to life with a voice that shimmers between mischief and heart. She captures every wobbling spell, every burst of chaotic charm, and every tender moment of these magical misfits finding their way. Her narration feels like being guided through the halls of Last Hope by someone who knows where all the secrets are tucked and delights in sharing them one by one.
The series balances humor with heart, adventure with vulnerability, and chaos with charm. It’s the kind of read that reminds you why middle‑grade fantasy hits so sweetly: because it believes in second chances, messy magic, and kids who are more powerful than the world expects.
January 22, 2026
This is the second book of a series about a young girl, Lavinia ("Vin"), who had been kicked out of numerous magical schools because she was unable to control her magic. In book 1, we learn that Vin is a chameleon, someone who is able to absorb other people's magic and use it for themselves. In that book, Vin learns to use her power at "The Last School of Hope". It is aptly named that because if she was unsuccessful, she would be removed from magic education. In book 1, Vin was able to use her headmistresses' magic to help save the school from a renegade group, the Free Mages, which is filled with young mages who left school because they were lost hopes. In this book, the Free Mages are back again trying to infiltrate the school. However, Vin is reluctant to use her magic because some of the headmistresses magic still remains with Vin. Vin is scared that she has become someone who takes people's magic and that she would thirst for more people's magic until she has absorbed everyone's magic. The reason, the headmistresses' brother did that exact thing decades ago. This book focuses on Vin trying to learn how to use her powers for good and to overcome her fears to fight back against the Free Mages. This book also focuses on the awkwardness of being a young teenager who tries to balance school, friends, some bullying, and trying to develop a relationship with a new classmate. Overall, if you are a Harry Potter reader, this book is for you.
January 23, 2026
I am averaging my rating with the rating of my 13 yos on this. She gave it a 5 and her favorite character is Gilly. She would definitely read it again. With a younger book it is good to keep in mind what younger people think.
For me it was meh. It dragged and took me over 2 weeks to finish it. The book was 2/3 done before it picked up enough to keep me reading consistently. When we have a main character who is far above everyone else magically- it can be frustrating in when and how she uses her magic. The very ending was good but it left me with quite a few gaps on how things went and what powers were used.
I will likely continue with the series because when your 13 yo hands you a book- you read it. It also provides me with a good basis to talk about friends and what makes a good friend. As a parent i find it frustrating that cheating in school is so casual. One of the main characters sells homework. I know they are delinquents but we could still keep good- good and bad bad.
For me it was meh. It dragged and took me over 2 weeks to finish it. The book was 2/3 done before it picked up enough to keep me reading consistently. When we have a main character who is far above everyone else magically- it can be frustrating in when and how she uses her magic. The very ending was good but it left me with quite a few gaps on how things went and what powers were used.
I will likely continue with the series because when your 13 yo hands you a book- you read it. It also provides me with a good basis to talk about friends and what makes a good friend. As a parent i find it frustrating that cheating in school is so casual. One of the main characters sells homework. I know they are delinquents but we could still keep good- good and bad bad.
September 29, 2025
It's a new semester at the Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents and Vin and her friends find themselves immediately in the middle of a new problem: the Schoolboard has arrived for an official inspection. But what starts as a simple be-on-your-best-behavior kind of problem all too quickly devolves into a deeper conspiracy, with some familiar characters at play- the snooty Ms. Prim, the Free Mages and their mysterious leader, Ava Hope and her complicated family history, and whatever secret power is lurking behind the locked doors of the Forbidden Wing. When Vin once again finds herself in the middle of a fight for school and her magic, will she be strong enough to stand against those who would try to use her power for themselves? And will she be strong enough to ask for help when she needs it?
Absolutely loved this sequel and hope we will be returning to Last Hope in the near future!
Absolutely loved this sequel and hope we will be returning to Last Hope in the near future!
November 20, 2025
Though excited to train as a Chameleon, Vin and her friends find the new year at Last Hope tense in the midst of nosy inspectors, an aloof new transfer, and the threat of the Free Mages - and the strain of balancing their classes and secret investigations could be just the distraction their enemies need. Preto brings fans an exciting sequel brimming with an addictive charm to its characters and sorcery, as well as a gratifying evolution of its mystery.
January 14, 2026
I really enjoyed this sequel and the world that Nicki has built. Really enjoyable middle grade/tween series I will be recommending to my kids and others!
Ages: 10+
Content Guide:
No language, religious content, substance use, prejudices, or other major content concerns.
Romance Content: Mild feelings of attraction
Violence/gore: Mild-fantasy violence, explosion
Other: magic-stealing of someone else's powers
Ages: 10+
Content Guide:
No language, religious content, substance use, prejudices, or other major content concerns.
Romance Content: Mild feelings of attraction
Violence/gore: Mild-fantasy violence, explosion
Other: magic-stealing of someone else's powers
October 14, 2025
Friends and magical schools for outcasts and heartwarming moral messages all abound in this second book to Nicki Pau Preto’s series, and boy was this a good one! It’s filled with adventure, mystery, and of course, lots of magic. I’m sad I just discovered the series this year, because I want to gobble up ten books in one go and now need to wait patiently…the suspense is terrifying.
October 30, 2025
Rating: g + magical violence, betrayal. No sex, no profanity.
Recommend: younger harry potter readers, magical boarding school students meet evil overlord who wants to own all the magic and rule the world.
Very similar feel to HP, heavier found family trope, lots of orphans / foster families in this one.
Entirely satisfactory ending.
I love the sprites, Fire and Water, a nice touch.
Recommend: younger harry potter readers, magical boarding school students meet evil overlord who wants to own all the magic and rule the world.
Very similar feel to HP, heavier found family trope, lots of orphans / foster families in this one.
Entirely satisfactory ending.
I love the sprites, Fire and Water, a nice touch.
November 21, 2025
4 stars, 1 rainbow
This is a great upper-middle grade series - it’s got a little bit of everything. Brucifer is definitely my favorite character. He is a fire sprite and very minor in the grand scheme of things, but he is just so endearing and, I mean, his name is Brucifer. The way the narrator does his voice just enhances the cuteness!
This is a great upper-middle grade series - it’s got a little bit of everything. Brucifer is definitely my favorite character. He is a fire sprite and very minor in the grand scheme of things, but he is just so endearing and, I mean, his name is Brucifer. The way the narrator does his voice just enhances the cuteness!
December 13, 2025
Rather predictable for the first chunk and, again, the romance was unnecessary. However, it was still a fun, quick read full of magic and friendship, and the last quarter had me enthralled. The characters and sprites, just like the first one, were the best parts. I look forward to more of Pau Preto's MG reads.
December 31, 2025
I have a big soft spot for this series and the characters so my last read of 2025 had to be something I knew I was going to love.
I breeze through these books, they are addictive and fast paced but still filled with so much action and adventure. I’m not much of a middle grade reader but this series is without a doubt my favourite.
I breeze through these books, they are addictive and fast paced but still filled with so much action and adventure. I’m not much of a middle grade reader but this series is without a doubt my favourite.
January 6, 2026
This is shaping up to be a fun series for younger fantasy readers (or adults like me who can’t seem to get into adult fantasy but love a MG book). These characters are likable and it’s such a nice portrayal of found family and friendship. I’m still a little on the fence about the audio. I bumped the speed up to 1.75 to get through it.
October 13, 2025
As fun and lovely as the first. Absolutely worth recommending to kiddos.
October 14, 2025
Loved the sequel SO MUCH!!! I hope there is a book three on the way.
October 15, 2025
A delightful return to Hope House!
October 18, 2025
I loved how this wrapped up.
Worthy sequel.
Worthy sequel.
November 5, 2025
This sequel had every bit of heart, magic, and found family as the first one. I seriously love these books and am so glad such quality writing is out there for middle grade readers!
November 7, 2025
Once again there was one thing that was very obvious to the reader, but overall an enjoyable magic school series.
December 9, 2025
(4.5) This little middle grade magic school duology was just the cutest, most wholesome thing, with really fun magic and an engaging plot. So glad I impulsively picked this up!
January 7, 2026
I can’t stop imagining Vin teleporting around the school and jump scaring everyone for fun 🤣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2026
I love Splashley and Brucifer! I really think this could have been a longer series, but I enjoyed this a lot even though the inspectors made me so angry. The found family vibes are just perfect.
November 7, 2025
Fun idea, flat execution. There was lack of mystery since it already smells like a trap. And her Lone Ranger sacrifice story is so lame. The more she tries to “help” the more strikes the school gets. The magic feels safe, the stakes low. It’s like a dark story told with the lights still on.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews