Carry On

Starred review from October 19, 2015
Rowell's many fans know that the characters in this novel derive from her 2013 book, Fangirl, where they appeared in two forms: the "official" version of a Harry Potterlike series and the funnier, funkier, and gayer fanfic written by Cath, Fangirl's heroine. Now Simon Snow, the greatest magician the world has ever seen; possible vampire Basilton "Baz" Pitch, Simon's roommate and nemesis; and Simon's intrepid and loyal best friend Penelope have their own book. Along with Simon's semi-ex girlfriend Agatha, the three are negotiating their last year at the Watford School of Magicks amid a crisis in the magical world, much of which seems to involve Simon. Although in no way fan fiction (apart from its connections to Fangirl), this book can be read as a tribute to Harry Potter and Lev Grossman's Magicians series, and it's a sterling example of how to use genre conventions to create something new. Seen in that light, it hardly matters that some of the plot twists feel more like confirmations than surprises. Everything elseâthe funny, wised-up dialogue, the tumultuous, sweet, and sexy love storyâ is grade-A Rowell, and if you've ever wondered what makes a spell a spell, this book explains all. The doubled suspenseâWill Simon and Baz finally admit that seven years of mutual obsession might be more than antagonism? Will Simon, Baz, and Penny figure out what's threatening their world in time to save it?âmakes for a book that readers will find almost impossible to put down. Ages 13âup. Agent: Christopher Schelling, Selectric Artists.

Starred review from January 25, 2016
Rowell’s novel (an offshoot of 2013’s Fangirl), tells the story of Simon Snow,
a Harry Potter–esque “Chosen One” trying to learn to use his magic at a wizarding school, and Baz, Simon’s roommate and sworn enemy, who is secretly in love with Simon. Rowell’s many fangirls and fanboys are sure to swoon over Morton’s masterful and character-perfect narration: his voice for Baz is initially cool, sneering, and jaded, then raw and tortured when Baz finally breaks down, whereas Simon’s voice is higher-pitched and endearingly awkward. The emotionally intense scenes between the two are especially impressive, as Morton switches effortlessly back and forth between these contrasting characters as they bicker and flirt. Ages 13–up. A St. Martin’s Griffin hardcover.