The Last Graduate by Naomi Novik (Book 2: Scholomance trilogy)

The Last Graduate by Naomi Novik is the second book in the Scholomance trilogy. It follows El, a powerful but prickly sorceress, as she enters her final year at a deadly magical school. To survive graduation, where students must battle monsters, El must rely on unlikely friendships and confront her growing sense of responsibility.

Blending dark humour, magic, and sharp social commentary, the novel explores themes of cooperation and change. It ends on a gripping cliffhanger, setting the stage for the final book in the series.