August 2024: Since the last time I‘ve read this I have read a LOT, and I do mean A LOT of (and very long) works of fan fiction set in this world (and mostly Snowbaz. All of it Snowbaz?!). So it was kinda refreshing to read the source again. And also reassuring that canon still checks out. There’s so little Fiona in here compared to Rebel rebel, Baz is so much less anxious (and honestly less obsessed, both mental-health wise and Simon-wise) than in Between the Lines, and asexual icon Agatha doesn’t get the story she deserves (it gets better in the next one I think?). It’s also fun to (re)discover what elements people built off of (like Baz’s cousin Marcus being stuck in the dumbwaiter and Baz drinking pumpkin mocha breve with lotsa cream is canon???). Mostly, I still just want more because the world is just well done, and the character switching is top notch. So many people with intentions and backgrounds! I still remember reading this for the first time, when Baz finally makes his grand entrance, OMG, and the ‚and then HE kisses ME‘, more OMG OMG OMG. What annoys me is the blurb on the front of my copy by Lev Grossman: ‚A triumph‘ — made me read The Magicians and I don’t think that was necessary. Maybe it’s the same publisher or it had just gotten hyped up?!
Anyway, I can’t read this book objectively because a) I’m clearly obsessed (as in devout) and b) the characters and story are absurdly refined because of all the additional reading I’ve done, including Fangirl a couple weeks back.
On that note: glad Rowell gave Baz a happy ending and didn’t kill him like Cath planned to! Ebb dying though, ughhhh.