The Last Graduate discussion

In the first book, the relationship between El and Orion was one of the central focuses in the story. From the last line of the book I was expecting their relationship to be front and center in the second book, and was surprised (view spoiler)[when their relationship seemed to take on a secondary role in the background, as Naomi brought other aspects of the story to the fore.

For much of the book I found these other aspects of the story to be more compelling. El's deepening relationships with the core members of her alliance with Aadhya, Liu, and Chloe. El slowly unraveling what the school was asking from her and her realization that it wasn't enough for her alliance to make it through graduation or even the entire senior class, but that she needed to get everyone out now and for the future. All of the conflicts with the enclave kids and other factions in the school who initially resist her plans at different steps along the line as they develop.

I got so absorbed in these story lines that when Naomi did turn back to El and Orion's relationship it sometimes felt like a distraction as I was eager for the narrative to return to the other story lines. It wasn't really until towards the end where their romance grabbed me again where we finally get to learn more about what is going on inside Orion and why El is so important to him. There is so much depth to their relationship, particularly in the parallels between their relationship and the one between El's Mom and Dad that I expect we will be finding out a lot more about in the final book.

All of this was reflected in my emotions while reading the final chapter. My heart was in my throat the whole time with anxiety not only for what would happen to El and Orion, but even more so for the safety of all of the students and that the plan they had all invested in collectively would succeed.

I was curious as to how other readers felt. Are there others like me who were equally or more compelled by the aspects of the story outside of El and Orion's relationship? (hide spoiler)]

Spoiler!!

I completely agree! I also found the love scene super weird, kind of shoe-horned in, and unrealistic (homegirl is losing her V card and flips a guy over and climbs on top like it ain't no thang??)

I didn't mind their relationship overall, because I like a dash of romance in a story, but I do agree that the other plot lines and relationships therein were more compelling, and therefore it was almost jarring when it would circle back to the romance. I loved the idea of her hitting her stride as a senior and becoming a mentor for the newbies, too. Would have loved to see that role fleshed out a bit more.

I can't quite tell who the intended audience of this book is - is it YA?

Anyway, you've made some great points! I'll look forward to the third novel and what it may bring - especially after that whopper of an ending!

Amy I too found reading (view spoiler)[El and Orion's love scene super awkward, yet it was also endearing and sincere at the same time. Your description of El made me laugh! Way over the top (so to speak), yet at the same time in character for El. (hide spoiler)]