Reviews with content warning for Violence - Carry On

I was just in the mood of a re-read of something, and reading Rainbow Rowell's new book put this in my head! Plus, I've never listened to the audio, and that's always a fun experience. Seeing how these characters are brought to life in the narration. And the narrator for this book is pretty good!

As per usual fashion, I finished this whole book in a day, and I love it each time I re-read it. This will be the first time I re-read it since the whole trilogy has been out, so I'm excited to see how they all read next to each other!

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orchidd's review against another edition

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adventurous slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

found this book funny and entertaining, due in no small part to the audiobook narrator. the pacing felt slow at the end and rainbow rowell needs to remember that bisexual is a term that exists though

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abby_can_read's review against another edition

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This just wasn't for me. It was basically gay Harry Potter -- probably originated as Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy.

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isabel_is_reading's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I would probably consider this book my guilty pleasure, this book isn’t bad by any means, but I’ve given so many amazing books relatively lower ratings, so the reason why I’m giving this 4.00 stars is because I enjoyed it.

Characters
The Characters in ‘Carry On’ make the story so enjoyable because they are interesting and likable. The interactions and relationships between the characters are also so interesting and makes this book as good as it is.

Simon Snow- Simon Snow is supposed to fill in the chosen one archetype, he’s a mirror (you could say) to Harry Potter. He’s very goofy, kinda dorky and dealing with being the chosen one and the expectations of it. He’s supposed to save the world, but he can’t control his powers as well to the point his rival says he’s the worst chosen one of all time. He also isn’t a great magician, at least compared to others. To him, despite his immense power, nothing comes to him naturally. As a kid he needed a speech therapist, so he thinks his grasp of language isn’t good enough to be a good magician. “None of it comes naturally to me. Words. Language. Speaking. I don’t remember when I learned to talk, but I know they tried to send me to specialists. Apparently, that can happen to kids in care, or kids with parents who never talk to them—they just don’t learn how.” Instead Simon is like a bomb. He goes off with immense power, but he can’t control it well. Simon Snow’s whole life he has been told he’s the chosen one, he needs to save the world, and even if it leads to his death it will be worth it. This mindset is shown in the novel and we are forced to unpack ten psychology of a ‘chosen one’/hero. I think a lot of stories that utilize this trope don’t unpack it as much as they should and I loved the west this novel explores this archetype in the form of Simon Snow. We also do how Simon Snow is easily manipulated, he’s a blank canvas and his worldview is affected by others
In this novel we are shown how the hero can be manipulated by the villain for his own goals. The Mage was corrupt and was the one who sent the vampires to Watford and he then tries to take Simon's power and kills Ebb the goatherd.
It is later revealed that Simon is in fact his actual biological son. Simon has yet to find this out. He’s horrible, but the reveal is a surprise because the archetype of the mentor is twisted, which changes the way we view the chosen one.

I also liked how we are shown how toxic it is to be put in the role of the chosen one and the expectations that come along with it. Simon knows struggles throughout the book with taking care of it own happiness because he’s always been forced to be kind of self sacrificial. He’s also insecure that people, and the world, will reject him. After all, he’s always has to love for others.
Penelope- Penelope is Simon Snow’s best friend. She is curious, she is smart, she’s brave and all around she is almost perfect. Compared to Simon Snow you would think she would be a better chosen one, she’s the archetype of the sidekick, who is often more skilled than the protagonist, but is only there to help the MC. But, Penelope is much more than that in Carry on. We see the world through Penny’s eyes, we understand her, and thus she becomes as important by herself.
Baz- I love Baz. Baz is introduced as Simon’s rival/enemy. He’s rude, he’s an elitist, and he’s a vampire (a literal monster). Baz seems like the obvious rival character, and he reminds the reader of characters like Draco. But once we see his point of view things seem more complicated. Baez’s character revolves around how he wants to be perceived and the juxtaposition with the reality of how others view him. His internal struggle comes from wanting to impress a mother who is not there and openly disapproved of parts of what Baz has become when she was alive. This becomes even more interesting when the mystery related with her is introduced. Baz tries to connect to his family through his fire magic, which is reflective of him as a character. Fire can be built up to help others see and survive, but it can also burn things down and cause destruction. Just like Baz, who is so close to self destruction while trying to be above others and be liked.
Agatha- Agatha is the archetype of the Girl. The one the hero loves and finally gets to be with as a reward after years of fighting the big bad. Agatha knows this, she knows she’s not the protagonist, so she tries her hardest to be the best in what she’s supposed to be good at. You could say Agatha is vain and you would be right, but Agatha wants adventure, she wants a romantic adventure. But she’s only met with Simon Snow’s dangerous quests.

Characters Dynamics
Baz and Penelope are both so similar yet so different. Their both academics, they both think all knowledge should no be left forbidden. However, they disagree politically. Baz and his family believes that only powerful mages in long lineages of mages should be educated and Penelope (the Bunces) believing anyone with magic should be able to learn. This causes conflict in their relationship. But what’s interesting is that they both discuss their opinions without invalidating each other. They also share and learn from each other.

Agatha and Simon are introduced as a dating couple, but their relationship is rooted more in obligation than genuine desire. Agatha's attention to Simon stems from his status as the Chosen One, not from any deep personal affection. For Simon, Agatha represents an endgame—a part of his life he assumes will be there once he survives his battles. He takes her for granted, seeing her more as a fixture than someone he actively wants to be with. They break up early in the story, with Simon able to move on easily since Agatha was never a central figure in his life, just a familiar presence. However, Agatha struggles to escape Simon's overwhelming presence. She has long been the damsel in distress, and isolating herself from those tied to Simon's story leaves her feeling lost. By the story's end, Agatha realizes she can only truly be herself by leaving the World of Mages. She abandons her wand at her parents' house and runs away to California to attend college and lead a Normal life. Agatha and Simon's relationship highlights the contrast between expectations and reality, showing how they conform to what is expected of them rather than pursuing what they truly want. Their story underscores the theme that societal expectations don't always align with personal happiness or desires. This dynamic creates interest by flipping the usual tropes found in fairytale or hero stories, where the hero and the damsel typically end up together. Instead of following the predictable path of romantic fulfillment, the narrative explores the complexities and pressures of being entwined in a "destined" relationship, ultimately leading to a more realistic and nuanced conclusion. Agatha's decision to leave the magical world for a normal life adds an unexpected twist, challenging traditional notions of destiny and heroism.

Baz and Simon are roommates at Watford School of Magicks, assigned together by a magical artifact called the Crucible. Simon despises Baz, always suspecting him of plotting murder. Their animosity stems from Simon being the Mage’s heir and Baz belonging to the Old Families, who oppose the Mage's reforms. At the start of the book, Baz is mysteriously absent, and Simon is visited by the ghost of Baz’s mother, Natasha Grimm-Pitch. She reveals her murderer is still alive and implores Simon to seek justice. When Baz finally returns, he, Simon, and their friend Penny form an uneasy alliance to solve Natasha’s murder. Through this truce, Simon and Baz discover more about each other than they had in seven years of shared dorm life, realizing they care for each other more deeply than they had ever shown. Initially, Simon views Baz only with suspicion and hatred, convinced Baz is a vampire plotting his demise. Yet, when Baz is absent, Simon can’t concentrate on anything else, unconsciously structuring his life and future around him. Simon’s sole sense of home is their shared room. Their dynamic is fiery and passionate, yet also destructive; they are accustomed to being enemies but don't want to continue fighting. Their relationship deviates from typical romantic narratives. "Carry On" doesn’t suggest that love conquers all. Simon and Baz can love each other without losing their individuality or magically knowing how to support each other perfectly. This refreshing take on teen romance presents a more realistic portrayal: love is significant but not all-encompassing. Their romance is a key plot point but not the sole focus; the story remains rich with other relationships and plotlines. Simon's bond with Penny remains strong, and Baz continues living with his aunt despite his relationship with Simon. ALSO, THEY ARE SOOOOO CUTE!!!

"Carry On" maintains the fantastical romance elements of teen novels but with an original twist. It doesn't shy away from cliches but subverts them to present a narrative where characters are allowed to be flawed and relationships are realistically complex.

Plot
**Summary:**

Simon Snow is an 18-year-old orphaned magician returning to Watford School of Magicks for his eighth and final year. Raised among "Normals" (humans without magical powers), Simon was discovered by his mentor, the Mage, who is the headmaster of Watford and leader of the magical world. Simon, possessing an unprecedented amount of magical power, is dubbed "The Chosen One," the prophesied Greatest Mage, destined to confront the Insidious Humdrum, a creature believed to be responsible for the appearance of magical "dead spots" across England where magic no longer exists. The narrative is interspersed with chapters narrated by Lucy, who reflects on her time at Watford and her relationship with Davy, a man obsessed with the prophecy of the Greatest Mage. Simon reconnects with his friends Penelope and the shy goatherd Ebb, as well as his girlfriend Agatha Wellbelove, who eventually breaks up with him seeking independence. Simon’s life is further complicated by his enmity with his vampire roommate, Basilton "Baz" Grimm-Pitch, who is mysteriously absent at the beginning of the school year. In October, Simon is visited by the ghost of Baz’s mother, Natasha Grimm-Pitch, the former headmistress of Watford. She asks Simon to avenge her murder and find "Nicodemus." Baz eventually returns, revealing he had been kidnapped by creatures called Numpties. Simon, Baz, and Penelope investigate Natasha’s death and learn about Nicodemus, Ebb's twin brother, who was turned into a vampire and banished from the magical world. During their investigation, Simon interrupts the Pitch family’s Christmas celebration to inform Baz about Nicodemus. They locate him in the West End, where he reveals a magician brokered a deal for a vampire attack on Watford. Baz, feeling hopeless, contemplates suicide but is stopped by Simon, who kisses him. Baz and Penelope later deduce that the Humdrum is a manifestation of the magic Simon unknowingly siphons during his powerful attacks, explaining why the Humdrum resembles an eleven-year-old Simon. As the plot unfolds, the Mage’s darker intentions are revealed: he had hired vampires to kill Baz’s mother to seize power. In the climactic battle at Watford, the Mage attempts to steal Ebb’s magic and is confronted by Simon, who understands the Humdrum’s nature and sacrifices his magic to fill the void it represents. The Mage is killed accidentally, and Baz comforts Simon. It is revealed that Lucy, who had a child with Davy (the Mage), intended to name her baby Simon Snow Salisbury. Davy's ritual made the unborn Simon a vessel for immense power, leading to Lucy’s death in childbirth. The chapters narrated by Lucy are her ghost’s attempt to reach Simon. In the epilogue, Agatha moves to California, Penelope’s mother becomes the new headmistress of Watford, and Simon, now without magic, lives with Penelope while officially dating Baz.

**Why this plot is good, interesting, and celebrates while subverting tropes:**

This plot is compelling because it combines familiar fantasy and coming-of-age elements with fresh twists and complex characters. Simon Snow’s journey as the reluctant "Chosen One" who struggles with his role and abilities subverts the typical hero narrative by highlighting his vulnerabilities and imperfections. Unlike traditional heroes who master their destiny, Simon grapples with self-doubt and trauma, making his character more relatable and nuanced. The inclusion of a diverse cast, such as Penelope and Baz, enriches the story, providing varied perspectives and deepening the narrative. The romance between Simon and Baz challenges the conventional hero-villain dynamic, transforming their enmity into a nuanced relationship that defies expectations and adds emotional depth. It’s also a queer relationship, which isn’t often see in YA fantasy novels. The magic system, based on language, is innovative and engaging, offering a unique twist on spell casting that delights word lovers and emphasizes the power of communication and meaning. Being proficient in magic requires a substantial internal capacity to hold it—a seemingly random and potentially hereditary trait—as well as the ability to articulate clearly, think quickly, and translate metaphor into action. This combination makes skilled magicians rare in the series. Additionally, being adept at magic necessitates a relatively stable personality, revealing the characters’ emotional wounds and complexities. This system also underscores Simon’s struggles, as his difficulties with language reflect his broader challenges. The story also addresses themes of identity, power, and belonging, offering a rich exploration of what it means to be part of a magical world while dealing with personal and societal pressures. The narrative’s structure, interspersed with Lucy’s reflections, adds layers to the plot, revealing crucial backstory and creating suspense.

Ultimately, "Carry On" celebrates and subverts tropes by presenting a hero’s journey that is as much about personal growth and acceptance as it is about defeating evil. It offers a fresh take on fantasy and romance, combining humor, heart, and a touch of subversion to create a memorable and thought-provoking story.

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valerian_honeybee's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

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eenicem's review against another edition

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adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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katievallin's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

So good! Normally I find multi POVs to be a bit tiring, but I liked the pacing and short sections in this book. I liked the characters and romance and friendships.

It felt a bit like Harry Potter, but like if Harry and Draco got together.

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