What is it about?
Rainbow Rowell’s new book re-opens up a world that was first imagined in Fangirl. Carry On is the ‘fanfiction’ Cath was writing and appeared in part within Rowell’s narrative; this new story could only be described as part spinoff, part sequel and part fanfiction. Cath chose to write accompaniments Gemma T. Leslie’s fictional World of Mages, and wrote Carry On as the fanfiction version of the final eight book, whilst fans await Leslie’s instalment.
Who’s it for?
Young adults, and those adults like me who are young at heart.
Genre?
Fantasy
Is it any good?
Yes, yes, yes. Although Cath is absent from Carry On, and the parts which appeared within Fangirl have also been disregarded; rather than the third person perspective favoured by Cath: Rowell gives the characters a voice and emotions. This World of Mages appears to be haunted by the world of Harry Potter, created by J.K. Rowling. Both protagonists are wizards, both have a highly intelligent and sometimes annoying friends, both depict wizarding wars and both have a love triangle. But the similarities end there. Can you imagine Ron saying the f**k word? Or Harry setting fire to a wood or Hermione well not being Hermione….. Rowell’s world is a more mature one, which introduces her Draco Malfoy counterpart, Baz as a sexy vampire who is more magically powerful than protagonist Simon Snow. The hero of the story is clumsy and a bit witless, but is equally loveable. Baz is as Byronic as Stephenie Meyer’s Edward Cullen, but is gay and is in love with Simon.
The real villain of the piece is the (un-scary) Humdrum, but its presence is merely a subplot, to bring Baz and Simon together. Yes this is a love story. Yes it is a gay one. And yes it is beautiful and not as sickly sweet as Harry and Ginny. Bring in the flibbertigibbets, the numpties, ghostly visits, goats, all set in the Watford School of Magicks and Crowley! You have one amazing book. Homage as well as a spoof of the world of Harry Potter.
Was the end satisfactory?
Oh yes, true love conquers and good wins.
Would I recommend the book?
Yes of course I would, Laura recommended it to me and I was so satisfied.
Read it if you like
Who else? JK Rowling. Terry Pratchett.
Rainbow Rowell’s new book re-opens up a world that was first imagined in Fangirl. Carry On is the ‘fanfiction’ Cath was writing and appeared in part within Rowell’s narrative; this new story could only be described as part spinoff, part sequel and part fanfiction. Cath chose to write accompaniments Gemma T. Leslie’s fictional World of Mages, and wrote Carry On as the fanfiction version of the final eight book, whilst fans await Leslie’s instalment.
Who’s it for?
Young adults, and those adults like me who are young at heart.
Genre?
Fantasy
Is it any good?
Yes, yes, yes. Although Cath is absent from Carry On, and the parts which appeared within Fangirl have also been disregarded; rather than the third person perspective favoured by Cath: Rowell gives the characters a voice and emotions. This World of Mages appears to be haunted by the world of Harry Potter, created by J.K. Rowling. Both protagonists are wizards, both have a highly intelligent and sometimes annoying friends, both depict wizarding wars and both have a love triangle. But the similarities end there. Can you imagine Ron saying the f**k word? Or Harry setting fire to a wood or Hermione well not being Hermione….. Rowell’s world is a more mature one, which introduces her Draco Malfoy counterpart, Baz as a sexy vampire who is more magically powerful than protagonist Simon Snow. The hero of the story is clumsy and a bit witless, but is equally loveable. Baz is as Byronic as Stephenie Meyer’s Edward Cullen, but is gay and is in love with Simon.
The real villain of the piece is the (un-scary) Humdrum, but its presence is merely a subplot, to bring Baz and Simon together. Yes this is a love story. Yes it is a gay one. And yes it is beautiful and not as sickly sweet as Harry and Ginny. Bring in the flibbertigibbets, the numpties, ghostly visits, goats, all set in the Watford School of Magicks and Crowley! You have one amazing book. Homage as well as a spoof of the world of Harry Potter.
Was the end satisfactory?
Oh yes, true love conquers and good wins.
Would I recommend the book?
Yes of course I would, Laura recommended it to me and I was so satisfied.
Read it if you like
Who else? JK Rowling. Terry Pratchett.
Great review! I'm rereading this today because of a readathon we're doing, and you've just made me so much more excited for it! Glad you loved it too!
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