In “The Golden Enclaves,” Naomi Novik brings her groundbreaking Scholomance trilogy to a breathtaking close, delivering a story that is as thrilling as it is emotionally resonant. This final installment sees El and her allies facing the consequences of their actions in the wider world of magic, grappling with the weight of their choices and the unexpected challenges that arise in the wake of their graduation.
Novik’s writing is as sharp and engaging as ever, effortlessly drawing readers back into the rich and complex world she has created. The story takes on a wider scope as El navigates the treacherous politics of the enclaves and the brewing war that threatens to destroy everything she holds dear. Novik’s incisive social commentary and subversion of traditional fantasy tropes are on full display, making for a story that feels both timely and utterly original.
El remains a compelling and relatable protagonist, her sarcastic wit and fierce determination tested in new ways as she faces the realities of life outside the Scholomance. Novik delves deeper into El’s relationships with her friends and allies, particularly the enigmatic Orion Lake, adding new layers of depth and complexity to the characters and their dynamics. The theme of found family is particularly poignant in this installment, as El comes to understand the true strength of the bonds she has formed and the lengths she will go to protect those she loves.
The world-building expands in surprising and satisfying ways, with revelations that recontextualize earlier events and set the stage for an epic confrontation. Novik’s imagination is as boundless as ever, and readers will delight in the clever twists and turns of the plot as El and her companions uncover long-buried secrets and face unimaginable dangers.
One of the great strengths of “The Golden Enclaves” is its unflinching examination of power, privilege, and the consequences of our choices. El’s struggle to reconcile her desire to do good with the harsh realities of the world she inhabits is both heartrending and utterly relevant, a testament to Novik’s skill at crafting stories that resonate on both a personal and societal level.
The climax of the novel is a tour de force of action, emotion, and sheer narrative bravado, bringing together all the threads of the trilogy in a way that is both surprising and deeply satisfying. Novik’s ability to balance high-stakes adventure with intimate character moments is on full display, making for a conclusion that will leave readers laughing, crying, and cheering in equal measure.
Overall, “The Golden Enclaves” is a triumph of storytelling, a masterful blend of heart, humor, and biting social commentary that cements The Scholomance trilogy as one of the most original and important works of fantasy in recent years. Novik has created a world and characters that will linger in readers’ hearts and minds long after the final page is turned, a testament to the enduring power of stories to challenge, inspire, and transform us.
Rating: 5 / 5 stars
I’d love to hear from other readers in the Tokybook community. Have you had a chance to read “The Golden Enclaves” and the rest of The Scholomance trilogy? What did you think of El’s journey and the subversive take on the fantasy genre? Share your thoughts and reactions in the comments below, but please remember to mark any spoilers!
