Dickens & Rumi
Cover of THE LAST MAGICIAN

book

THE LAST MAGICIAN

Lisa Maxwell

A girl must travel back in time to find a mysterious book that could save her future. (Ages 14 to 17)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? The story has sustained peril, magical and criminal violence, deaths, frightening situations, romantic tension, and complex themes involving sacrifice, oppression, and moral compromise. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character3/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Romance3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Character deaths are central to the plot and the motivation of the protagonists.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Minor injuries and descriptions of physical trauma are present but not depicted in an overly graphic manner.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Contains occasional mild profanity and standard YA-level language.

LGBTQIA characters2/5
Why this rating?

Includes LGBTQIA characters in supporting roles, integrated naturally into the narrative.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Faith and superstition are touched upon only as elements of the fantasy world's internal lore.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Romantic attraction and relationship complications are a substantial subplot alongside the fantasy adventure.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Atmospheric tension and threatening situations occur throughout the time-travel narrative.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

No explicit sexual content or nudity is present.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Social drinking occurs, typical of the historical setting.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Includes magical combat, skirmishes, and physical altercations involving weaponry and elemental forces.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters repeatedly confront powerful enemies, fear, injustice, and personal loss, with bravery tied to protecting others.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Its time travel, secret magic society, alternate history, and inventive problem-solving strongly encourage imaginative engagement.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Features a diverse cast representing various backgrounds, reflecting the historical diversity of NYC.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Incorporates historical elements of turn-of-the-century New York.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Alliances and empathy are central to overcoming systemic corruption.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

It emphasizes agency, loyalty, resisting oppression, confronting history, and accepting responsibility for difficult choices.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters display both complex flaws and courageous growth throughout their journey.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in THE LAST MAGICIAN would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THE LAST MAGICIAN, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to get it

Find in a libraryBuy on Bookshop.orgBuy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate, Dickens & Rumi may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

If you liked this

Try something nearby

Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

You’re hereTHE LAST MAGICIAN
Dark Lord of DerkholmDiana Wynne Jones · 1998Ages 14+A Forest DividedErin Hunter · 2015Ages 14+Drowned Ammet (Dalemark Quartet, Book 2)Diana Wynne Jones · 1977Ages 12+Cart and Cwidder (The Dalemark Quartet)Diana Wynne Jones · 1975Ages 12+

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating