Guest Book Review: Carry On by Rainbow Rowell! (@rainbowrowell)

Carry On
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Publication Date: October 6, 2016
Published: St. Martin's Griffin
Reviewer: Lametria

My Rating:

Simon Snow is the worst chosen one who’s ever been chosen.
That’s what his roommate, Baz, says. And Baz might be evil and a vampire and a complete git, but he’s probably right.
Half the time, Simon can’t even make his wand work, and the other half, he sets something on fire. His mentor’s avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and there’s a magic-eating monster running around wearing Simon’s face. Baz would be having a field day with all this, if he were here—it’s their last year at the Watford School of Magicks, and Simon’s infuriating nemesis didn’t even bother to show up.
Carry On is a ghost story, a love story, a mystery and a melodrama. It has just as much kissing and talking as you’d expect from a Rainbow Rowell story—but far, far more monsters.

I didn’t think I could ever love a book based on Harry Potter fanfiction. The Potter universe is untouchable, but Rainbow Rowell touched it and I think it’s awesome! The story chronicles the life of Simon Snow, a teenager in his last year at his magical school, Watford, who is also the chosen one, but lacks skill with his wand. Of course, he has to fight something that’s taking over the magical world known as the Humdrum, with the help of his best friend Penelope and evil roommate, Baz. Not only do these three have to tackle the Humdrum, but they also have to figure out who murdered Baz’s mother all those years ago.

What I love most about this novel, is the love affair between Simon and Baz. I knew it was coming because I read Fangirl, but the secret love Baz has for Simon is super cute and it’s so sweet to read, and it’s even better when they actually make moves on each other. It’s the best part of the entire novel. It’s refreshing to read two boys pinning for each other, instead of a boy and girl. Of course, Penelope is awesome in her smart ass, Hermonie way and always being there for Simon. Although, Penelope is more like a mix between Hermonie and Ron, considering she has A LOT of siblings, and she’s really smart. Baz, is more like Draco, which is hilarious because imagine Harry and Draco making out? LMAO! It would be the best thing ever if that were to happen, but also really weird, but who wouldn’t love that?! 

The only thing I can say that is weird about this novel is the Humdrum, and the ending. I felt like the ending was rushed, every last left over detail was thrown into the end, and it made sense, but it was a lot to take in at once and as for the Humdrum, he lacked Voldemort quality. I saw the beloved Potter trio in Simon, Baz and Penelope at least a little, but the Humdrum lacked, evil, he lacked character, he was all confusion and weirdness. No offense to the Humdrum, but Voldemort can’t even be named.

All in all, I really loved, loved, LOVED this novel! Baz and Simon have a huge reason to do with it, but there’s something about it that drew me in once I started reading it. I just didn’t want to put it down, and it’s really easy to get sucked into, I guess it has that Potter affect, but even though it’s a fanfic of Potter, Potter will always reign supreme, ALWAYS! But I do give this novel 4.5 stars because it is definitely one of the best books I’ve read so far this year.