THE FORBIDDEN ROOM

Vin and her friends use their magic to try to save their school from another threat.

Last semester, Vin Lucas helped protect her school from the Free Mages—a mage rights organization that took “a dark, more criminal turn.” Things have settled down just in time for winter break, and she’s starting to feel at home at Last Hope, where she’s made close friends and, after months of individual lessons with Headmistress Hope, is developing control over her Chameleon ability. But the quiet doesn’t last long. The school board has sent three inspectors to determine whether Last Hope is following standards and keeping students safe. Everyone’s on edge, since they’re now under the same scrutiny and expected to follow the strict rules that led to their being sent to Last Hope in the first place. After the school’s first infraction, Vin, her friends, and a new student with mind-reading powers suspect that the inspectors could be working with the Free Mages to shut down the school. Vin (who was cued white in the previous book) must learn to accept and use her powers to figure out what’s really going on and save Last Hope from those who’d like to see it close. Readers will enjoy revisiting this world for more shenanigans, schemes, laughs, magic, and mystery. The true heart of the story—and the school—lies in the affirming values of trust, forgiveness, belonging, community, and second chances.

An entertaining blend of thrilling magic and hijinks.