The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents

The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents #1

by Nicki Pau Preto

A middle grade magic school fantasy perfect for fans of The School for Good and Evil and Witchlings, in which a girl with unparalleled power must work with her misfit classmates to save her new school.

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?

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Magic, Audiobook, Mystery, Fiction, Childrens

352 pages, Unknown Binding

First published October 1, 2024

About the author

Nicki 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.

Reviews

[Kate Cedras · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Esme · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐
Its a really strong middle grade fantasy, with a whimsical school, with very fun characters. However it did read like a lot of other books I've read. It was also a little predictable but I'm obviously not the targeted demographic for this book at 25y/o. With that said I do think someone who is 10-12 the reveals will be shocking and unexpected which is obviously what the book is meant to do.

I do this it has a lot of potential as a series. I will more than likely read the next book whenever it comes out cause I am invested in the characters and I do want to know what will happen to them next. I did really enjoy the magic system in this. It was a really fun read. Ended on a good cliff hanger too!


Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for a copy of the e-book in exchange for an honest review!

[Diana]

DNFed at around half book. Not fault of the author or the book whatsoever, I have to accept middle grade books are not for me.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[‧₊˚ ellie ♡ (إيلي) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary review copy from Penguin Young Readers Group in exchange for my honest review. This doesn’t affect my thoughts about the book in any way. Out on shelves on October 1st!

3.75 🌟

This middle grade fantasy novel is perfect for fans of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children and Witch Hat Atelier. I loved how cozy it was, even though its themes don’t fall under my demographic. The plot and magic system were simple yet fun to navigate, and this book would be something you’d stumble upon when you’re a kid and absolutely enjoy it. I didn’t expect to like literature for 12-year-olds, but I appreciate how the writing style had a way of taking me back to when I first started reading books, which is more than a decade ago already. The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents is a children’s book that teaches strength, camaraderie, and the bond of found family through the humorous dynamics between the characters and the engaging storytelling. That cliffhanger ending was so unexpected, yet I’m excited for the future of these books.

[Alex Crouch · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Hope School For Magical Delinquents is Nicki Pau Preto’s first middle grade novel and just like every single one of her other books, she nailed it with this one.

Vin is a troubled 12 year old who struggles to control her magic and as a result has bounced around from school to school in varying levels of chaos. Enter The Last Hope School For Magical Delinquents, her literal last chance before she is kicked out of the magic system for good. Though hesitant at first, Vin quickly grows to love Last Hope School and its residents.

Vin goes through so much in this book and her growth and how her powers develop was really fun to read. The supporting characters are all wonderful and create the perfect found family and are the underdogs everyone will be rooting for. Last Hope School is the kind of place you will wish was real because you want to go there too.

This book was a totally different kind of story than Nicki’s past works but, the writing style was still very much top-tier Nicki Pau Preto storytelling. While The Last Hope School For Magical Delinquents is middle grade, there is a little bit of something for everyone and readers of all ages will thoroughly enjoy it.

The Last Hope School For Magical Delinquents is both a warm hug and a riotous adventure that readers will fall in love with. I can’t wait to see how Nicki continues this series that is sure to be a hit with young readers.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the magic system in this magical school middle grade, as well as the cast and their personalities.

Last Hope is reminiscent of Harry Potter (think more George, Fred, Luna), X-Men (Professor X, Rogue, argumentation), Nevermoor and Brucifer is a Calcifer, Dobby, and Gollum (in the way Brucifer speaks) admixture. And while I had all these brushes with fond familiarity in a school drama, mystery setting, Last Hope felt like a story all its own--the magics/lore!.

I'm looking forward to recommending this one for all the magic school-, delinquent-loving kids.

with gratitude to the publisher and Edelweiss+ for the eARC

[Kelaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

love love love ❤️ audiobook was great!

[lilly :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, thank you to NetGalley and Nicki Pau Preto for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

I wish I had a book like this when I was younger. It was so whimsical and enjoyable, but also featured complex topics and issues for the characters to tackle. The concept, a last-ditch effort school for magical delinquents is just wonderful, such a great idea. And the school really comes to life within the pages. The magic system was well thought out, and the characters especially added to my enjoyment of the book.

Vin, the main character, is easy to empathize with. She's been kicked out of every magical school she's ever attended, and Last Hope is her last chance to wrangle her magic. It was wonderful to see Vin grow throughout the pages, discovering and becoming more comfortable with her magic. With the help of her friends, Theo, Araminta, and Gilly who all featured complex personalities of their own. The dynamics between the characters made the book all the more heartwarming. Overall, this was an incredibly enjoyable read, and I look forward to the sequel!

[Lyon.Brit.andthebookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very beginning I was hooked by this boarding school–esque magical book ✨Vin Lucas has been kicked out of every school…until she lands at the Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents. What starts as her last chance soon feels like the first place she might actually belong 💫. Mischief…mystery and magic collide in the best way and I can’t wait for book two! 📚🔥

Thank you Viking Books For Young Kids!

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...

[Arianne Laporte · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vin has failed in many magic schools and this is her last chance Her magic is uncontrolled and could be very dangerous. The story is enjoyable with characters, mostly likable but some villains, magic and whimsical things throughout. I read an advanced copy but the book is due Oct 2024. Middle schoolers and up will really find the story worth reading.

[Elizabeth Barrett Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free ARC from NetGalley. This was a very cute story for middle grade kids who love magic. My 9yo’s favorite part was Brucifer and the twisty ending. The core group of characters are incredibly supportive of each other and there as just a good dynamic of students. Lots of age appropriate lessons to be learned. We’re hoping it’s a series.

[Celeste Haehnel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not a bad book by any means. I appreciate the focus on friendship and kindness. But it is a less good amalgamation of various other media. Reread some Harry Potter for a more flushed out world, Jessica Townsend's Nevermore for better character depth and uniqueness, and toss in some X-men stories with Rogue for excitement.

[Rebecca Chisam · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

Wonderful, lovely, give me five more!! :D

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced Arc of this book in exchange for a review 🩷

Vin has been going from school to school, leaving trouble and destruction in her wake and now she’s at the end of the line, and believes there’s no hope of a future for her. But now she’s headed to Last Hope School, that gives magical delinquents a last chance to learn how to use their magical abilities.

It’s difficult for me to review this book because I went into it expecting more of an X-Men type story. But this story put more focus on the magic and the different kinds of magic the delinquents possess. So I think it’s just that that’s not my particular interest, so I was disappointed. But anyone who loves exploring the different kinds of magic and uses of magic, I think you’ll love this book!

A few things I ❤️:
-The message of friendship and finding people who will love you and stick with you even when you try to pull away due to fear.
-The way the author wrote about the school. I honestly want to live there so badly. It sounds so magical in more ways than one!
-The representation of anxiety and panic attacks. It felt very real and it was great how the author connected the anxiety to the magical abilities.

A few things I 💔:
-The story dragged in some places.
-A bit predictable when it came to figuring out who the villain was.
-I found the explanations of magic kind of confusing and hard to keep track of the kinds of magic.

[Anastasia ｼ · Rating 4 out of 5]

╭ ✦ •
│ ⊹ 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!

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[Kay S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful ode to the formulas and tropes of middle-grade fantasy. With vast, illustrative descriptions of magic use, lovable principle cast , and a cast of misfit, odd, and downright bizarre side characters, there's someone or something for everyone to latch on to (BRUCIFER!). Last Hope school exudes a relaxed air of magical education, the likes of which kids could only dream of their schools matching. While the parents in this title leave much to be desired, the teachers are knowledgeable, care about their subjects and their students, and are a delight to read around.

For reader's familiar with the genre and it's tropes, much of the story comes as no surprise - chosen one with powerful magic, all knowing and wise head of the school, the relationships between characters and the villains, what's going to save the day in the end... it all leaves just a tingle of Harry Potter on the tongue that leaves veteran readers suspicious of every friendship, mentor, and breadcrumb of lore. (The water caster who took all the water from the underground pool? *ALARMS BLARING*)

It's fun and I enjoyed it and I'll add the sequel to my TBR. Not the top of it... but it's made it.

[Laura (Bookworm Extraordinaire) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents is an outstanding middle grade debut! Nicki Pau Preto is fantastic at building complex worlds that make you long to be a part of them, and I think that Last Hope may be the book of hers that I'd choose to fall into. The magic system is well thought out and made so much sense to me (I'd love to take a quiz that would determine what kind of magic I would have)! I enjoyed how characters with the same type of magic didn't use it the same way and how realistically they would go about using it in their life. I particularly adored how life at Last Hope was portrayed as whimsy, but also chaotic. This is the first book that I think truly shows how terrifying it must be to be a kid with magic.

That's what the main character, Vin, is going through: that fear of unknowable power. I think there's a lot of kids who are going to read Vin's story and see themselves and their own anxiety portrayed, perhaps for the first time. And while the kids reading the book aren't going to have magical explosions, I think that Last Hope may bring hope to a lot of people who feel like outsiders.

Vin isn't the only character that felt like they could come off the page, though! All the characters from the Headmistress Ava Hope to a small fire sprite all have complex personalities, which is impressive for a book of this size. I loved reading Vin's experience getting to know the larger than life Magical Delinquents and sincerely wish to see more of each character in future books!

The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents is one of those stories that prove that Middle Grade books are the best books on the market today for any age. Books can be fun and serious by being filled with laughter and lessons simultaneously! I recommend this book to anyone who has ever felt lost or alone in this unmagical world. I think it will have you believing that maybe we haven't seen the last of hope.


(Posting my review early so that Last Hope starts getting the hype it deserves!)

[JJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nicely done middle grade book that just races along. Great character development and character arc, with a good messaging behind it. I particularly enjoyed how this wasn't a book where the kids where left in a nearly adult-less world to fight for themselves, but where surround by different kinds of adults who could help or hurt them (intentionally or unintentionally) and how they adults showed up to help when they could and also did their best to put their trust into the kids and give tools they needed to succeed. This is something often lacking in books like this, where kids are simply forced to be problem solving geniuses and do the work adults should be helping them with, so it was very refreshing to see how it was done here.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun fantasy in the magical school area. The twist here is that there are many magical schools but our heroine has flunked out of all of them but now has landed somewhere good (like Circle of Magic but long established). She meets new friends and companions, has a dash of school drama, and confronts some of her long established anxieties while learning trust in time for the evil scheme in the background to erupt.

The evil scheme is more dramatic than sensible, but honestly the former is more important than the latter, the magic system and school are very fun, and it’s a jolly read.

[Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for a copy of this story!

A great read. The characters were lovable and their relationships were so heartwarming.
I loved Brucifer, he is iconic.
Not going to lie, I thought the leaders would be someone else, but it kind of still makes sense.
The one thing is, it didn’t seem like a 12/13 year old’s pov. I know she would be bound to be more mature based on what she has gone through, but still.
I highly recommend this for you to read for a cozy, fun, and thought inducing read. I hope to read the continuation.

[Katelyn (old soul country girl's version) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is rare for a book to be an instant 5 stars when reading it, but that's what this book was!
It is so charming and delightful with an intriguing school, eclectic friends, and hilarious delinquent hijinks!
And I particularly appreciated the absolute lack of swear words and woke content, especially as it is a middle grade.
I am very excited for the sequel, and I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a fun world, story, and characters!

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read! I loved the characters, world building, mystery, and the length was perfect for having little reading time.
I loved seeing Vin come into her own and find community and hope at Last Hope! The atmosphere and plot was very cozily reminiscent of Harry Potter and the ending had me shocked!!! I would definitely reread this and look forward to the second book!
Thanks to my amazing sister for encouraging me to read this. ❤️

[Maegan (maeganisreading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really cute middle grade novel! I loved the messages of friendship and acceptance. Vin was a fantastic character. I love how spunky she was once she realized the people at her new school don’t judge her. I love the exploration of the different types of magic. There’s a slight mystery element to the story that add so much fun to it. Definitely perfect for those kids (and kids at heart!) who love magic and friendship stories!

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc.

[Gretal · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book heavily influenced by Harry Potter in a post-House in the Cerulean Sea world.

However, I had a lovely time reading this and enjoyed the themes explored. It is one I would recommend for middle-grade readers & beyond.

[☁︎ ☾ ｡⋆ morgan ⋆｡☽ ☁︎]

give me an enchanting cover like this one and my heart is sold <3

[Lizzy (reviewsshewrote) · Rating 5 out of 5]

i will never shut the fuck up about how FANTASTIC this book is holy SHIT

[Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good and interesting. The ending was very surprising 😮