As a 31-year-old, I should not be reviewing Middle Grade books. Therefore, I am not. I did give it a rating based on my experience to participate in the system, but I would like you to ignore my review, especially if it has any negative-sounding thoughts. 

Although, there are no negative thoughts. I loved reading this book. I think the story and the plot is incredibly interesting. It’s always fascinating to read about magical worlds and the world-building here is detailed and interesting. I am eager to read the sequel. 

This book is about Lavinia “Vin” Lucas. In a world where there are both magical people, and non-magical people called “mundanes”,  children who have the ability to do magic are taught in different magic schools, across the world. Vin has had to change schools repeatedly, as she is unable to control and wield her magic, resulting in possible harm to her classmates and the school property. She gets a last chance, at a school called The Last Hope School. Run by Headmistress Ava Hope, this school is considered a school for magical delinquents, essentially the last chance for such students to learn to control their magic. The book follows Vin’s life within this school, knowing that if she is unable to control her magic here, she would be banished from this world, without her magic. Adding to this that her parents are dung beetle researchers who are completely enraptured by their profession and ignore her and their responsibility towards her in nearly every possible way, this is not a comforting prospect. The tale proceed as Vin, afraid to even use her magic, learns to find a place, and friends, within this school. 

I have no idea how children would receive a book like this, but I imagine it would be both intriguing and delightful for them, at least based on what I remember about my childhood preferences. 

As an adult, it’s actually nice to read a book like this. Some of the themes match at times, the idea of loneliness in a world that seems very different from who you are. I think the author captures the feelings of neglect and isolation that Vin feels, and it’s heartwarming to read a narrative where these feelings are met with warmth from others. As an adult too, sometimes you have “big feelings” that you struggle to cope with. Seeing them so warmly represented in the world of a child can be a source of comfort. I recommend reading middle grade books from time to time, but I would also, humbly, suggest that adults without the understanding of child psychology, could maybe refrain from negative reviews. We aren’t the target audience. Additionally, good middle grade books might just teach us to be better parents and adults for the children around us, might aid us in understanding their struggles and burdens. I appreciate this book for giving me that opportunity. 

Thank you for reading my “review”.