I don’t usually like stories within stories. I really resist it when an author expects me to be as invested in the same fake literature/tv series/ movie/etc as their characters are. So, while I loved Rainbow Rowell’s Fangirl, the Simon Snow series Cath obsesses over was my least favorite part. It’s an understatement to say I was skeptical about Carry On from the first time I heard Rowell was planning a full length Simon Snow novel, but I am soooooo glad I gave this one a chance despite my skepticism because it was really, really good!
Even though the idea for this book started in Fangirl, you don’t need to have read it to fully enjoy Carry On. You probably should read Harry Potter first though (are there actually people who haven’t read HP yet?) since Carry On almost reads like a twisted alternate universe fanfic version of HP. (I know some people might read that as an insult, but it’s really not since plenty of great literature in the western canon is technically fanfic.) It’s clear that Rowell deliberately drew on reader’s knowledge of HP to play with expectations of Carry On’s story.
Simon Snow is trying to enjoy his last year at Watford School of Magicks, despite being “the chosen one”, but with his roommate/nemesis mysteriously missing and the head of the school trying to get Simon to leave and hideout somewhere safe, it’s kind of difficult. Simon knows his presence at the school puts the students and his friends in danger from The Insidious Humdrum, but he just can’t bear to leave instead of finishing out his last year. I don’t want to say too much more about the plot because it’ll give away some of the fun bits! Just know that this book has everything: a love story, mysteries, spooky bits, and adventure.
Honestly, I could hardly put this one down. Rowell’s writing just has a way of wrapping you up into the story. I really think she’s one of the best young adult writers out there right now. If you are in the mood for something fun with substance or have liked her work in the past, definitely check Carry On out. You won’t regret it.
