Carry On by Rainbow Rowell (2015)

-


Image result for Carry On (novel)Simon Snow just wants the world to give him a break. Going into his last year at Watford School of Magicks, he has the infamous Humdrum tracking his every move, trying to destroy him, because he just happens to be the Chosen One. On top of that, his girlfriend breaks up with him, who is his only connection to a family life, and his roommate Baz, who is literally a vampire and wants to kill him. However, Baz, completely out of character, switches his views of Simon, and enlists him on a mission to discover the circumstances behind the death of his mother, which definitely is one that interests Simon. At the peak of her career as headmaster of Watford School of Magicks, Baz’s mother was murdered by a group of vampires that also turned Baz into the creature he is now. Except these weren’t your average vampires, but vampires sent by the Humdrum. So, while solving the case might bring Baz some solace, it could help Simon figure out what the Humdrum wants to do with the school, and specifically him. But as they try to figure out that issue, a completely new one comes up: Is Baz and Simon’s hate for each other turning into the opposite?
If you think this basically mocks up Harry Potter, than you’re totally right, and it was totally intended to be that way. That being said, Carry On is basically every fangirl’s or fanboy’s dream of what Harry Potter  should’ve been (not that Harry Potter could get any more perfect than it already is). Nevertheless, while this story does sound like it’s main focus is the magical world, it really isn’t. In fact, this is pretty much a contemporary novel, with a little hint of magic. Simon and Baz’s romance completely take of the spotlight, even though it’s a little stereotypical. So, while this novel spans over a year of time, there isn’t necessarily a big plot besides the romance.The romance isn’t completely overwhelming, though. It was to the point where the romance was nice, but Rainbow Rowell still allowed the characters to be individual.  That being said, there is a lot of character growth, specifically concerning Simon. At the beginning, he’s extremely cocky and throws the biggest pity party for himself, but as he branches out into Baz’s problems, he sees both Baz and his own problems is a new light.
Don’t let the romance cloud your judgement (unless that’s your thing), this story is golden.

 4 Stars

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How Andrew Smith (Probably) Saved My Life

-
Image
This is a picture of Andrew Smith, my all time favorite author. Over the past weekend, I got to meet him, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. Now, you may be wondering why this guy is  not just my all time favorite author, but also one of my favorite people, and I am going to tell you all about it. Two and a half years ago, I didn’t even know who this guy was, let alone that he wrote books. I was really big into BookTube, and even though I didn’t make videos, I loved being a part of the community. One day, I heard about Winger , and honestly I wasn’t really interested in the book. I had heard so many good things about it though that I had to read it, and I am so glad I did. Within five pages, I kid you not, it was my favorite book, and it still is today. Over the span of my life, I have read over 300 books, and I have never been more attached to a set of characters. Ryan Dean stole my heart from the minute I met him, and his story then shattered my heart into a mil
Read more

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stievater (2012)

-
Image
In Henrietta, Virginia, magic is brewing. For Blue, this is no surprise. Blue lives in a house full of psychics. Some can predict times of events and some can predict things as a grave as the way someone will die. Blue’s only ability is to amplify other’s. Oh, and the fact that if she kisses her true love, they will die. For Gansey, the magic of Henrietta holds the key to the future. For a year and a half, he’s been searching Henrietta for the ley line that supposedly has the power to awaken a historical Welsh king that, when awakened, is able to grant powerful wishes. Enlisted in his search are his friends Ronan, Adam, and Noah. And now Blue. In a psychic reading gone wrong, the boys and Blue are put together, now all on the hunt for the ley line. There’s only one thing Blue isn’t telling them: she’s predicted to have a role Gansey’s death. Gansey, who’s alive right now. As they get closer to the ley line, it becomes clear that they’re not the only ones after the king and the conseq
Read more

Still Life With Tornado by A.S. King (2016)

-
Image
Sarah is sixteen, and she is going through an early-life crisis. She stopped going to school, and is stuck on the idea that nothing that she does will ever be original. That she is trapped in a world of unoriginality. Her days are spent following the homeless artist on the corner around town, and switching buses for hours until she doesn’t know where she it. On one of her wandering days, she meets herself. The ten year old Sarah, whose family’s explosive trip to Mexico ended with her older brother moving to Oregon, never to return. Then Sarah in her early twenties show up, and Sarah in her forties. They all hold a little piece of present Sarah’s life that she’s trying to figure out, but none of them are offering any clear answers. She better figure it out quick, though, before her whole world falls apart. I am a huge fan of A.S. King. When I was twelve, I first read one of her books, which was called Everybody Sees the Ants , which deserves five stars just based on the great title.
Read more