What do you think?
Rate this book
Schooled in Magic #14
Graduation Day
Frieda is one of Emily’s closest friends, a young girl she saved from Mountaintop and brought back to Whitehall. But Frieda found herself the victim of a deadly soul-destroying plot - and the true target may well be Emily herself. Now, after Emily saved Frieda from a magician who was slowly driving her mad, Frieda stands accused of attempted murder - and worse. She must now stand trial for her crimes.
Worse, Fulvia - Matriarch of House Ashworth - has returned. Humiliated by Emily, years ago, Fulvia burns for revenge - and the chance to regain her lost power. Calling in favors from all over the world and rigging the trial against Frieda - and Emily - it looks as if her time is finally at hand. With no clear proof of Frieda’s innocence - and a jury that can be manipulated at will - Fulvia has all the leverage she needs to bring Emily to heel.
Gathering her friends around her, and calling in favors of her own, Emily must find a way to outwit a kangaroo court and save her friend from a fate worse than death, little realizing that Fulvia’s true target is Emily herself ...
... And that Fulvia’s desperate quest for revenge will bring the entire world crashing down.
Worse, Fulvia - Matriarch of House Ashworth - has returned. Humiliated by Emily, years ago, Fulvia burns for revenge - and the chance to regain her lost power. Calling in favors from all over the world and rigging the trial against Frieda - and Emily - it looks as if her time is finally at hand. With no clear proof of Frieda’s innocence - and a jury that can be manipulated at will - Fulvia has all the leverage she needs to bring Emily to heel.
Gathering her friends around her, and calling in favors of her own, Emily must find a way to outwit a kangaroo court and save her friend from a fate worse than death, little realizing that Fulvia’s true target is Emily herself ...
... And that Fulvia’s desperate quest for revenge will bring the entire world crashing down.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2017
386 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
November 26, 2017
Writing a review for book 14 of a series seems a bit silly. If you've read the first 13 books, you're probably sold on the series, and if you haven't, you probably shouldn't start with book 14. (Book 1, "Schooled in Magic", is very good, btw.) But book 13, "The Gordion Knot", was disappointing, and a reader might reasonably ask whether to keep reading. If you've enjoyed earlier books in the series, the answer is 'yes'.
Books 13 and 14 are one extended book, and cutting such a book in two is a gamble. In this case the cut harmed TGK: That book is structured around something fundamentally trivial - Emily's stint as Head Girl at her boarding school - and has no emotional rewards for the reader, as thing go wrong and wronger . Then they go wronger still, and the book ends.
GD does better in all respects. It is structured around something important - a formal trial with a life at stake - and the trial isn't something Emily can win by producing a new plot device. She has to do what other grown-ups do, and work with other people. She displays considerable personal growth in this book, and both within the trial story and outside of it she makes good decisions.
The book does end dramatically, of course - the plot structure requires it - but all the plot devices have been foreshadowed legitimately, and the end satisfies.
The author is also taking an interesting story-telling chance by letting Emily outgrow the school. I look forward to the series's new direction.
Books 13 and 14 are one extended book, and cutting such a book in two is a gamble. In this case the cut harmed TGK: That book is structured around something fundamentally trivial - Emily's stint as Head Girl at her boarding school - and has no emotional rewards for the reader, as thing go wrong and wronger . Then they go wronger still, and the book ends.
GD does better in all respects. It is structured around something important - a formal trial with a life at stake - and the trial isn't something Emily can win by producing a new plot device. She has to do what other grown-ups do, and work with other people. She displays considerable personal growth in this book, and both within the trial story and outside of it she makes good decisions.
The book does end dramatically, of course - the plot structure requires it - but all the plot devices have been foreshadowed legitimately, and the end satisfies.
The author is also taking an interesting story-telling chance by letting Emily outgrow the school. I look forward to the series's new direction.
June 16, 2018
Another outstanding addition to a great series.
January 21, 2018
21.1.2018 - 4*
Byla jsem z konců nadšená... když jsem byla někde u sedmého dílu a měla po ruce další. Teď?
Damn you, Nuttall. T_T
Krátká verze:
Fakt, že čtu fantasy young adult sérii, jsem u čtrnáctého dílu a stále jsem nadšená, mluví nejspíše za vše.
Dlouhá verze:
Graduation Day je tak rozdílný koncept, rozhodně oproti předchozím. Předtím Emily rostla do svého potenciálu a více méně se děj odehrával "v mezích školy".
Tato kniha ji ukazuje jako postavu, která... autor to v dodatku vystihl docela dobře, jako charakter, který přerostl školu a už ji tolik nepotřebuje. Ach ano, stále byla součástí a bylo to místo, kam patřila, ale během čtení si uvědomíte, že už to není To Místo a Ta Věc, která je v jejích myšlenkách nejdůležitější, jelikož se mentálně posunula dále.
A tak autor uzavřel druhou dějovou linii a připravil si píseček na další hry, tentokrát mimo Whitehall. A přestože to zpomalilo plynutí děje a bylo to trochu něco jiného, než jsem čekala, zapadalo to do celkového obrazu více, než bych předpokládala, kdybych si to snažila představit před čtením.
Nuttall vytvořil svět, který se stále někam posouvá, a vytvořil si takové zázemí, které se vyvíjí, postavy s ním a stále mě to baví. A nevypadá to, že by mělo brzy přestat. Poslední dvě knihy byly svým způsobem zpomalení z trisku do klusu, kdy se autor připravoval na další jízdu. Jeden by mohl říct, že to byla jedna kniha, trochu nešikovně rozdělená na dvě, jelikož první vše začala a točila se kolem role Emily jako Head Girl, což, pokud člověk není do popisů jako já, nedokáže samo o sobě udržet děj (a proto by možná bylo lepší něco z toho useknout a lépe navázat na pokračování. Ale jestli by to bylo možné...), zatímco druhá na tom stavěla a zabrousila do společnosti a všech detailů, které budou později zcela jistě třeba.
A autor si plácal bábovičky velice pečlivě, musím se culit nad tím, jak opatrně pokládal základy pro společnost, svět, plno, plno možností, kde děj znovu nakopnout.
A damn, těším se, co to bude.
btw - právě jsem se koukla na data vydání knih... a DAMN. Nuttall píše jako Ďábel. A představa, že Schooled in Magic není jeho jediná série... Wow.
Byla jsem z konců nadšená... když jsem byla někde u sedmého dílu a měla po ruce další. Teď?
Damn you, Nuttall. T_T
Krátká verze:
Fakt, že čtu fantasy young adult sérii, jsem u čtrnáctého dílu a stále jsem nadšená, mluví nejspíše za vše.
Dlouhá verze:
Graduation Day je tak rozdílný koncept, rozhodně oproti předchozím. Předtím Emily rostla do svého potenciálu a více méně se děj odehrával "v mezích školy".
Tato kniha ji ukazuje jako postavu, která... autor to v dodatku vystihl docela dobře, jako charakter, který přerostl školu a už ji tolik nepotřebuje. Ach ano, stále byla součástí a bylo to místo, kam patřila, ale během čtení si uvědomíte, že už to není To Místo a Ta Věc, která je v jejích myšlenkách nejdůležitější, jelikož se mentálně posunula dále.
A tak autor uzavřel druhou dějovou linii a připravil si píseček na další hry, tentokrát mimo Whitehall. A přestože to zpomalilo plynutí děje a bylo to trochu něco jiného, než jsem čekala, zapadalo to do celkového obrazu více, než bych předpokládala, kdybych si to snažila představit před čtením.
Nuttall vytvořil svět, který se stále někam posouvá, a vytvořil si takové zázemí, které se vyvíjí, postavy s ním a stále mě to baví. A nevypadá to, že by mělo brzy přestat. Poslední dvě knihy byly svým způsobem zpomalení z trisku do klusu, kdy se autor připravoval na další jízdu. Jeden by mohl říct, že to byla jedna kniha, trochu nešikovně rozdělená na dvě, jelikož první vše začala a točila se kolem role Emily jako Head Girl, což, pokud člověk není do popisů jako já, nedokáže samo o sobě udržet děj (a proto by možná bylo lepší něco z toho useknout a lépe navázat na pokračování. Ale jestli by to bylo možné...), zatímco druhá na tom stavěla a zabrousila do společnosti a všech detailů, které budou později zcela jistě třeba.
A autor si plácal bábovičky velice pečlivě, musím se culit nad tím, jak opatrně pokládal základy pro společnost, svět, plno, plno možností, kde děj znovu nakopnout.
A damn, těším se, co to bude.
btw - právě jsem se koukla na data vydání knih... a DAMN. Nuttall píše jako Ďábel. A představa, že Schooled in Magic není jeho jediná série... Wow.
January 10, 2018
YAY! I am so THRILLED that the Schooled in Magic series which I have enjoyed so much is not ending!
Well, in a sense it is because Emily [who, of course, barely survives Graduation Day book 14] will be leaving Whitehall to go on with her life. So, she will no longer be in boarding school. (She did finish out much of her Sixth Year, as it turned out.)
But YAY because we get to still follow Emily in her various adventures/crises in the rest of the greater Nameless World! In particular, I'm so glad that next up is her reunion with Alassa!
I'm also very much looking forward to the bridging novella Alassa's Tale which introduces the first book of the next story arc Princess in the Tower (Schooled in Magic book 15).
The other thing I'm very happy about is how often these Emily stories appear. Mr. Nuttall, in fact, has several ongoing series but even so he is able to put out three or four books in this one series each year since the Schooled in Magic series began in 2014!
Graduation Day is a terrific final book for the boarding school years.
I strongly recommend it to all who have been following (and enjoying) this series as much as I have. Plenty of action and some wrapping up of storylines begun years earlier, etc., etc.
Here's to Book 15 and more to come!
Well, in a sense it is because Emily [who, of course, barely survives Graduation Day book 14] will be leaving Whitehall to go on with her life. So, she will no longer be in boarding school. (She did finish out much of her Sixth Year, as it turned out.)
But YAY because we get to still follow Emily in her various adventures/crises in the rest of the greater Nameless World! In particular, I'm so glad that next up is her reunion with Alassa!
I'm also very much looking forward to the bridging novella Alassa's Tale which introduces the first book of the next story arc Princess in the Tower (Schooled in Magic book 15).
The other thing I'm very happy about is how often these Emily stories appear. Mr. Nuttall, in fact, has several ongoing series but even so he is able to put out three or four books in this one series each year since the Schooled in Magic series began in 2014!
Graduation Day is a terrific final book for the boarding school years.
I strongly recommend it to all who have been following (and enjoying) this series as much as I have. Plenty of action and some wrapping up of storylines begun years earlier, etc., etc.
Here's to Book 15 and more to come!
December 8, 2017
I'd go 4-1/2 stars if I could. Can't quite go 5, because it didn't quite reach the heights of most of the books in this series. Not to say that it was a disappointment. The story is still great, engaging and thought-provoking. I love the intricacies of the Nameless World that Christopher Nuttall has created. And the cast of characters are as riveting as ever. But it felt like parts of the story went to quickly and various dilemmas seemed too easily resolved. Also, Emily's reactions to various events struck me as overly dramatic and disproportionate to the overall rhythms of her life and experience. Although the story line proceeded seamlessly from the previous book, I sensed a lack of continuity in the attitudes and actions of the characters, which was sometimes jarring, sometimes simply unnerving. All things considered, though, I was enthralled with the story, as I have been throughout this series, and now I will be anxiously awaiting and chomping at the bit for its continuation.
March 31, 2019
I'm really struggling to rate this series. One minute I want to give it one or two stars at most, the next I would give four. On the one hand I like the storyline, world-building and way magic is explained, including the comparisons to harry potter and other books. I also like the explanations the author adds in later books of the culture / history and some of the characters' reasoning, and the way it evolves as the story goes on. On the other hand, there are several inconsistencies between books, lots of repetition, several unresolved teasers and the MC drives me crazy. I get that she is a teenage girl with normal flaws and struggles with a neglectful / emotionally abusive past but she is annoying. She seesaws between little-girl insecurity and immaturity, arrogant self-righteousness and being either extremely smart and powerful or utterly blind, naive or ignorant. And indecisive when it comes to dealing with anything until a crisis point is reached. Often it isn't until later in the series that the reasoning behind some of her apparently shortsighted ideas is explained (e.g. introducing gunpowder) and she is constantly being surprised by the consequences of those ideas, even though she is supposedly logical and studied history and so should have foreseen them. So, irritating.
And yet I enjoy the series and want to know what happens next...
And yet I enjoy the series and want to know what happens next...
August 21, 2025
This is the second half of the story that began in "The Gordian Knot", and it closes out not only that plotline but several other major plotlines as well. The plot moves well enough, and there is some believable character development.
So why is this a 3-star book for me?
The core of this book is a courtroom drama set in the middle of a normal-ish school year, and that combination doesn't make much sense. For that matter, the court's rules don't make sense in either a modern democracy sense or in any historical society I know of either. They're both too rigidly regulated and too hand-wavy (depending on what will make the plot work on that page). And it feels like Nuttall got tired of writing school drama and decided to just close things out as quickly as he could without bothering to make sure the story followed pre-established patterns and characters in the world.
Oh, and this is half a book (following the cliffhanger in the previous volume), which will always get a book a penalty on its rating.
I still enjoy the series, and I expect to continue it the next time there is a sale that includes the remaining volumes. But the last two books have been disappointing, so I'm hoping the change in focus signaled here will revive the series a bit.
So why is this a 3-star book for me?
The core of this book is a courtroom drama set in the middle of a normal-ish school year, and that combination doesn't make much sense. For that matter, the court's rules don't make sense in either a modern democracy sense or in any historical society I know of either. They're both too rigidly regulated and too hand-wavy (depending on what will make the plot work on that page). And it feels like Nuttall got tired of writing school drama and decided to just close things out as quickly as he could without bothering to make sure the story followed pre-established patterns and characters in the world.
Oh, and this is half a book (following the cliffhanger in the previous volume), which will always get a book a penalty on its rating.
I still enjoy the series, and I expect to continue it the next time there is a sale that includes the remaining volumes. But the last two books have been disappointing, so I'm hoping the change in focus signaled here will revive the series a bit.
December 7, 2017
As the title did imply, it's the last book of the current series (don't worry, there's more coming for Emily, of course). The second half of the story started in book 13 concludes, and, well, Emily gets out of school at last.
I've enjoyed the entire Whitehall run. I had medium-low expectations at the beginning of the series, because it was potentially too much of a Harry Potter rip-off, but while some of the themes are similar, the entire treatment is very, very different.
Minor nitpick: it's less satisfying when your opponents lose rather than you winning. But it's still a win when you walk out of the fight and your opponent does not.
I've enjoyed the entire Whitehall run. I had medium-low expectations at the beginning of the series, because it was potentially too much of a Harry Potter rip-off, but while some of the themes are similar, the entire treatment is very, very different.
Minor nitpick: it's less satisfying when your opponents lose rather than you winning. But it's still a win when you walk out of the fight and your opponent does not.
February 18, 2018
A slightly slow start and for once I wasn’t sure I was going to get hooked on a book in this series. But it progressed nicely, and finished well. As he says in the afterward, a realization of hers allows her to close the chapter of her life in the school, and move on.... and there will be more stories: yay! This is listed as young adult, but some of the political ideas might be a little advanced for young readers. Of course, by the time they get to book 14 they’re probably ready. The politics and world are interesting but not as complex as some other series aimed at a sophisticated audience.
December 3, 2017
Probably one of my favourite series. I'm not usually one to get into really long fantasy series, but I started this one and there was no going back. Usually I think a series should finish after a couple of books but every time I see a new one of these I have to read it immediately! I love Emily and her resolve to do good, I definitely think she's changed a lot since the first book but that's expected from a girl growing up. I can't wait until it's been long enough that I can read them all again from the beginning! Looking forward to the next one ☺️
December 25, 2022
Excellent Read
I don't give out 5 stars to anything but nebula/Hugo winners.
This is an excellent series from beginning to it's current end. Plus all off it's offshoots that are set in the same world. An Novellas that explore specific details that there was no space for in the main stream story.
So start at the beginning of the series. Or start at the beginning of the offshoots.
And enjoy a thoughtful approach that includes physics, magic, the fae, demons and the many worlds physics theory at least.
As well as humanity at our worst and best.
Enjoy.
I don't give out 5 stars to anything but nebula/Hugo winners.
This is an excellent series from beginning to it's current end. Plus all off it's offshoots that are set in the same world. An Novellas that explore specific details that there was no space for in the main stream story.
So start at the beginning of the series. Or start at the beginning of the offshoots.
And enjoy a thoughtful approach that includes physics, magic, the fae, demons and the many worlds physics theory at least.
As well as humanity at our worst and best.
Enjoy.
December 15, 2017
Lovely read
This book upholds the legacy of the series well, and starts to develop the SOCIETY of the protagonist, the web of relationships that have been defined in earlier books begin to provide a wider structure and context. There is an overarching story that s fascinating, viewed through the pinhole of the hero, so that we see tiny details and struggle for the larger picture. Good series.
This book upholds the legacy of the series well, and starts to develop the SOCIETY of the protagonist, the web of relationships that have been defined in earlier books begin to provide a wider structure and context. There is an overarching story that s fascinating, viewed through the pinhole of the hero, so that we see tiny details and struggle for the larger picture. Good series.
December 14, 2017
Graduation Day (Book 14) Review
Dear Christopher, book 14 of your Schooled in Magic series was excellent reading and a wonderful story. I am enjoying reading the series and highly recommend reading this book and series to anyone interested in reading a great story. I am very envious of fabulous story telling and enjoy immensely the fruits of their labors. Congratulations on writing another excellent story. And thank very much for the entertainment.
Dear Christopher, book 14 of your Schooled in Magic series was excellent reading and a wonderful story. I am enjoying reading the series and highly recommend reading this book and series to anyone interested in reading a great story. I am very envious of fabulous story telling and enjoy immensely the fruits of their labors. Congratulations on writing another excellent story. And thank very much for the entertainment.
January 30, 2018
Loved it
I am not certain why the british are so hopped up on the idea of boarding school, but I have to admit that it makes a nice comfortable framework for stories, and this one is a bit less cloying than some others. Lovely mixture of Nancy Drew, Perry Mason and Sailor Moon ( that right, Sailor Moon). Hopefully in future Emily will introduce the ' miracle' of compound interest, and the academic fun-house of publish or perish. Yummy! Can't wait.
I am not certain why the british are so hopped up on the idea of boarding school, but I have to admit that it makes a nice comfortable framework for stories, and this one is a bit less cloying than some others. Lovely mixture of Nancy Drew, Perry Mason and Sailor Moon ( that right, Sailor Moon). Hopefully in future Emily will introduce the ' miracle' of compound interest, and the academic fun-house of publish or perish. Yummy! Can't wait.
July 5, 2018
I adore this series--completely engrossing. The plots, settings, characters, and exquisite magic world, are all beautifully crafted.
The thing I rail against, though it doesn't effect my extreme immersion, is the constant corporal punishment, the spankings and slaps, the sheer meanness and nastiness of so very many (how unpleasant to be at that school!). However, it doesn't influence my ratings.
The thing I rail against, though it doesn't effect my extreme immersion, is the constant corporal punishment, the spankings and slaps, the sheer meanness and nastiness of so very many (how unpleasant to be at that school!). However, it doesn't influence my ratings.
November 27, 2017
Another satisfactory ending
This the second of another 2 book grouping, a literary artifice I’m not entirely sure I like. Still that is Mr Nuttall’s chosen method of delivery and in this case the second part is much stronger than the previous book. Schooled in Magic is still the best magic series I have read I look forward to the next instalment avidly.
This the second of another 2 book grouping, a literary artifice I’m not entirely sure I like. Still that is Mr Nuttall’s chosen method of delivery and in this case the second part is much stronger than the previous book. Schooled in Magic is still the best magic series I have read I look forward to the next instalment avidly.
November 28, 2017
The usual schooled in magic, conspiracy, choices, negotiations, friendship and closure on some plot from the previous books! Emily grew up a little, but it may be rebooted again in next volume she need to be more assertive. We saw a brutal side of Emily that wasn't present before, I guess even her can get rilled up. Now let's wait for the next and hope it will be soon!
February 4, 2018
Good end to an Arc
I handed down 5 Stars, not just to this one but the entire series. I did not rate the others because as a book they are fine, and follow well but know this was a arc i wanted to wait till the end. An what a ending. I happily await the next book and new Arc. Not only how things go with Emily but with the world that was created. I am curious
I handed down 5 Stars, not just to this one but the entire series. I did not rate the others because as a book they are fine, and follow well but know this was a arc i wanted to wait till the end. An what a ending. I happily await the next book and new Arc. Not only how things go with Emily but with the world that was created. I am curious
July 5, 2024
This was very good!! This defiantly help tie up loose ends with one story arch and since it was left on a cliff hanger it started another one. I'm very curious to see if the relationship with Emily and Cat materializes further. I think that Cat would be good for her. Still loving this series and still highly recommend it.
November 27, 2017
Great conclusion to Emily’s school cycle
This ties up nice one phase of Emily’s life and a start of a new one. I also like that a school-series is leaving formal education behind. You don’t really get to see this.
This ties up nice one phase of Emily’s life and a start of a new one. I also like that a school-series is leaving formal education behind. You don’t really get to see this.
November 28, 2017
I want more :)
I was really happy and sad about this happy in that it came out and sad because I thought it was the last if the series. But to see that the story will continue brings me great joy and I can't wait to see what happens next
I was really happy and sad about this happy in that it came out and sad because I thought it was the last if the series. But to see that the story will continue brings me great joy and I can't wait to see what happens next
November 29, 2017
so sick of politics and all that crap
this series has almost lost me, it really needs to get back to the magic, adventure and exploration.
not as disappointed as the last book, but still disappointed.
this series has almost lost me, it really needs to get back to the magic, adventure and exploration.
not as disappointed as the last book, but still disappointed.
November 30, 2017
A fitting conclusion for Whitehall
Going into this book was probably the hardest with how low Emily had sunk in the previous book. I was happy with the ending and the character growth Emily showed at the end. I look forward to see where she goes now.
Going into this book was probably the hardest with how low Emily had sunk in the previous book. I was happy with the ending and the character growth Emily showed at the end. I look forward to see where she goes now.
December 2, 2017
Loved it
A fitting end to the start of a great series. I look forward to the further adventures of Lady Emily. I also highly recommend the series. But you need to start from the beginning
A fitting end to the start of a great series. I look forward to the further adventures of Lady Emily. I also highly recommend the series. But you need to start from the beginning
December 5, 2017
Simple but good book, there were parts where I didn't really feel much was happening, but I wasn't really bored either. Some really good sections, and some where I'll admit I skimmed some descriptions or repeat ruminations (that might've been partially due to it being 3am too though)
December 8, 2017
Love this
Having found the first book on audible first I was hooked from the start now have read and listened to them all and they get better each time can't wait to see what happens as the story unfolds still more to come I hope
Having found the first book on audible first I was hooked from the start now have read and listened to them all and they get better each time can't wait to see what happens as the story unfolds still more to come I hope
December 15, 2017
Another great book in a long series of great books. This one brings us to the end of Emily's time at Whitehall, but it leaves you wanting to read more about her time in the Nameless World. I'm really looking forward to more books in this series.
June 3, 2018
Great book.
A great continuation from the last and to the next.
I felt that you were sitting on the edge of your seat finding out what happened, only to find out that it continues to the next book.
A great continuation from the last and to the next.
I felt that you were sitting on the edge of your seat finding out what happened, only to find out that it continues to the next book.
April 8, 2020
Book #14 - you have to love this series, either that or you have seriously got too much free time onn your hands.
Great book - some lines conclude and other possibilities open up.
Note: I love the series - already got the next loaded.
Great book - some lines conclude and other possibilities open up.
Note: I love the series - already got the next loaded.
October 26, 2020
Rousing good action
Emily continues to lead with her heart. Despite much resistance, she continues to support her friends. Characters on both sides of conflict, show their true natures. Twisty and turning to a neat ending.
Emily continues to lead with her heart. Despite much resistance, she continues to support her friends. Characters on both sides of conflict, show their true natures. Twisty and turning to a neat ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews