I discovered your books thanks to the lovely readers here at the Cannonball Read way back during CBR V. I picked up Attachments one day on a whim at Barnes and Noble that year, went home, read it in 6 hours, bawled my eyes out, and have since never looked back. You write some of the most compelling and real characters around, and every book feels like a hug from a best friend. When I saw many, many months ago that you were writing the fanfiction of Cath’s from Fangirl I knew you could do it, but was hesitant as I’ve never before read any “fanfiction” of any genre. It’s just not my thing. While I enjoyed Cath’s love of it, and have friends who are very much into different areas of fanfiction, I’ve just never delved into that world.
But holy moly! Was this everything I could possibly dream of and more as a send up to Chosen One stories? YES. YES IT WAS. It’s a smart, nuanced, rollicking adventure story, and one that deserves a seat at the high table right with all the other greats. This is the “final-ish” story of Simon Snow who fictitiously has 6 books that come before this. This is the great conclusion: Simon Snow’s destiny entwined with Basilton Pitch (a secret vampire/nemesis), Penelope Bunce (bff of the Hermione level of awesome), Agatha Wellbelove (Snow’s girlfriend), and the World of Mages.
I want more though. I want so much more. This is what you hath wrought Ms. Rowell. The burning need to know about more about Simon, Baz, Penny etc. How do they get on? 5 years? 10 years from now? I just need more to the story! Oh, wait. I kinda of get the whole fanfiction a bit now, and the not being ready to let go. Although the one thing that kept throwing me for a loop (and this isn’t your fault, but mine) was how these kids were growing up in the aughts/teens. I keep forgetting, personally, that I’m technically “a grown up”, so when events transpire for them as small children in 2005 my brain is confused. But I’ll get over it? Maybe. Although I’d rather not.
Anywho, this review is just to say thank you Ms. Rowell. Thank you for writing some of the best, most re-readable books out there. And for telling Simon and Baz’s story. But especially a few years ago for writing Attachments and the character of Beth (because everyone I give that book to read tells me that of course I love it, I am that character), forever cementing my love of your work. I will follow where you lead.
~Beth Ellen