Carry On by Rainbow RowellMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was just a blessing. Plain and Simple.
I am so so glad I picked this book up when I did, it was definitely a case of the right book at the right time!
The Writing
Carry On is an action-packed YA fantasy and the pacing really adds to the flow of the story, fast enough that it allows the plot to progress naturally; but not so fast that it feels rushed. The progression of the plot is steady, smooth and constantly moving; nothing feels stale or halted. Information about the world gets uncovered and revealed at just the right moments; not giving too much away whilst also feeding the audience's need for answers.
The world in this urban-fantasy is whimsical and mysterious whilst also remaining grounded and down-to-earth with references to real-world products and cultures. The magic system is also well-developed and explained enough that it doesn't leave readers confused or bored. The magic works with everyday phrases which means the system is practical and makes sense in terms of this particular story, it also makes it feel fresh and unique.
The politics and the background provided for the world is reverting, I'm really glad that we get to slowly learn about the history of this magical world. Past events link up well with the present and nothing feels forced, the order of the world and how it works makes sense and I've always been a sucker for backstories trickled into books.
The Characters
Our main protagonist Simon Snow is lovable, awkward, witty and has a charm to him that makes root for him right from the start. His inability to use magic well is something that I feel makes him more grounded and more endearing to a mundane audience; we can sympathise with him
Penelope Brunce is a wonderful character, she provides more logical thinking to the story and to Simon's life, their friendship is really lovely to see; remaining by one another's side despite everything that goes on. She's incredibly intelligent, head-strong and she stands her ground; standing up for the people she loves and the things she believes in.
Baz. Basilton. Tyrannus Basilton Pitch-Grimm.
Simon tells us that Baz is his archenemy and that he's a cocky, rich boy who likes to antagonise him; so naturally, I love him already.
The confident energy that he gives off when he's first introduced is both a virtue and a flaw, it makes him strong but also incredibly cocky. Through the course of the novel, the development that Baz goes through is wonderful to watch, you slowly get to see the cracks in his bravado and start to realise that he's a lot more vulnerable than he likes to let on.
The way Baz describes Simon and Simon's magic is actually really beautiful, you can instantly see how Baz feels about his roommate; as if he's in awe of Simon.
The relationship between Simon and Baz is one of the fluffiest things I have ever read, the progression of the bond between them is natural and raw; they continue to grow together and as a result help to better one another as individuals.
Honestly, I'm living for Snowbaz and that's all that needs to be said on the matter.
The Diversity
In Carry on, we have: A English-Egyptian Gay main character, a potentially Bisexual Main Character although it's never explicitly stated and an English-Indian main character.
Overall
Carry On by Rainbow Rowell is a fantastic YA fantasy novel that is a fun, page-turning read. Simon and Baz are wonderful characters that you can easily fall in love with; as well as Penelope and the rest of the Carry On Cast. For anyone who's looking for a YA fantasy that has heart-racing action, unrevealing mysterious and a heart-warming romance, then this is the book for you!
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