Book Review : "Carry On" (2015) by Rainbow Rowell

"Just when you think you're having a scene without Simon, he drops in to remind you that everyone else is a supporting character in his catastrophe."

Genre: YA Fantasy, Fan Fiction, LGBTQ+
Rating: 3.5/5

I finally read it, and it was okay. My life didn't change and it was not earth shattering, unlike I was said it would be. That said, it is a good enough story, and is an easy read with lovable characters and engaging enough story with its own twist on the widely beloved Harry Potter, of which I am also a fan. 

Harry Potter is simply well constructed with a very interesting plot which will have you hooked with its well built characters and incredible twist, and a well developing world. Okay, we are getting a little side tracked here ( P. S. : haven't read HP yet? get your hands on it- suitable for all ages, but the younger you are, the better ). 

So, Carry On is the fan fiction of Harry Potter which is written by Cath in Fangirl - meta there, which is actually interesting (and that I think was the most interesting thing about the book for me). It tells the story of Simon Snow, the prophesied one, the strongest of the mages who will rescue the magic world from the greatest threat they would ever face, the Insidious Humdrum - a magic eating monster that leaves the places it appears at devoid of magic. It is kind of a parody as well I think, taking the HP world and having fun with it. That's fun. 

Other characters - Baz Pitch, the evil vampire roommate who, according to Simon, is always plotting to do away with Simon and take over the position to be the next head of the Watford School of Magick, but actually is mostly thinking about kissing Simon and restraining his urge to bite him, which I admit is kinda cute:). And we have the nerdy best friend Penelope and (soon to be) ex-girlfriend Agatha. If you think I have spoiled the story, oops! No, don't worry that's no spoilers. 

Things happen, bringing the designated enemies together as they work to uncover the truths about the past and unexpected truths do surface, changing the course of their (supposed to be) hopeless future. 

Yeah, so I think it was rather fun after all. With cute moments and tension and things blowing up. But not as intricate as I hoped it would be? Yup, unwarranted expectations on my part. The second book (Wayward Son) is already published and the third one (Any Way the Wind Blows) is on the way, but it can be read as a stand-alone as well.

So if the premise catches your interest, do try! Didn't work for me as I hoped for, might for you.