Published May 9th 2017 by St. Martin’s Griffin (first published October 6th 2015)
Format: Novel
Genre And Themes: LGBTQ, Romance, Young Adult, Highschool, Magic
Length: 522 pages, paperback
Ebook ISBN/ASIN: 1250135028 (ISBN13: 9781250135025)
Characters: Simon Snow, Tyrannus Basilton “Baz” Grimm-Pitch, Penelope Bunce, Agatha Wellbelove
Blurb: Simon Snow is the worst Chosen One who’s ever been chosen.
That’s what his roommate, Baz, says. And Baz might be evil and a vampire and a complete git, but he’s probably right.
Half the time, Simon can’t even make his wand work, and the other half, he starts something on fire. His mentor’s avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and there’s a magic-eating monster running around, wearing Simon’s face. Baz would be having a field day with all this, if he were here — it’s their last year at the Watford School of Magicks, and Simon’s infuriating nemesis didn’t even bother to show up.
From the number of reviews that I’ve read, Harry Potter seems to be the common denominator. Suffice to say that this was almost patterned to Rowling’s wizard boy’s adventure. Almost being the operative word since it’s so similar to Harry Potter but different at the same time.
I’m also aware that Simon Snow’s adventure was heavily featured from the author’s previous book, Fangirl and I guess the clamor was high enough to prompt the author to write a full length book about it. And I’m so glad that she did!
In all honesty, this may just be the cutest full length novel I’ve read in like, forever! I absolutely loved how the author was able to compressed everything in the story – from magic, family, to love and coming-of-age in general.
Simon’s character is freaking adorable and so as his love interest – his nemesis – Baz. I loved their history as mortal enemies from the time they’ve met until one of them figured what they’re feeling towards the other. It was sweet and downright hilarious at the same time.
Then there’s the secondary characters – all so fleshed out and all so very interesting. I especially loved Penelope. What a riot for a BFF! I loved that she’s super game all the time. I was hoping that by the end of the story, there’ll be some sort of big reveal about Simon’s past so I was a bit miffed that it didn’t happen but it doesn’t lessen my enjoyment at all. I’m even hoping for a sequel!
I easily dismissed this as a mere Harry Potter rip off of some sort but truth be told, it was not. The story was very absorbing, characters so enticing and the whole ensemble of characters is a testament on what a great storyteller Rainbow Rowell is.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
About the Author
Rainbow Rowell writes books. Sometimes she writes about adults (ATTACHMENTS and LANDLINE). Sometimes she writes about teenagers (ELEANOR & PARK and FANGIRL). But she always writes about people who talk a lot. And people who feel like they’re screwing up. And people who fall in love.
When she’s not writing, Rainbow is reading comic books, planning Disney World trips and arguing about things that don’t really matter in the big scheme of things.
She lives in Nebraska with her husband and two sons.
More at rainbowrowell.com.
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