Book Review – ‘Wayward Son’ (#2 Simon Snow) by Rainbow Rowell

Entertaining re-visit to some fan-girly characters, but felt a little light on plot.

Genre: Y/A, Fantasy, LGBT

No. of pages: 356

The story is supposed to be over.

Simon Snow did everything he was supposed to do. He beat the villain. He won the war. He even fell in love. Now comes the good part, right? Now comes the happily ever after…

So why can’t Simon Snow get off the couch?

What he needs, according to his best friend, is a change of scenery. He just needs to see himself in a new light…

That’s how Simon and Penny and Baz end up in a vintage convertible, tearing across the American West.

They find trouble, of course. (Dragons, vampires, skunk-headed things with shotguns.) And they get lost. They get so lost, they start to wonder whether they ever knew where they were headed in the first place…

I was really looking forward to jumping back into the Simon Snow universe.

‘Wayward Son’ did not have the same tone as ‘Carry On.’ There was less of that Potteresque magic and silliness. The angst between Simon and Baz is still there and fabulously kept my attention (if at times, a little juvenile.) Though, it was as if we rolled back Simon and Baz’s relationship for the sake of angst. I’m not mad at it, though I do feel a little cheated.

This felt more like a tale or anecdote rather than a novel. A road tip.

Where ‘Carry On’ felt rich in atmosphere and world building, ‘Wayward Son,’ was a little sparse in comparison. I’m guessing this novel is suffering a lot of that middle book syndrome, where it is about introducing new characters, and setting up a lot of things for the next instalment ‘Where the Wind Blows.’

There is something about Rainbow Rowell’s writing style in this franchise that feels so breezy and innocent. I’m not a massive fantasy reader anymore, but this series definitely gives me all the feels and I was very content to kick back and fall into the world of Simon and Baz with a cuppa on the balcony.

I wasn’t too sure about the plot of ‘Wayward Son,’ there is a lot of time spent with the characters ambling and re-orientating themselves. Trying to find their purpose. I think that is what lost me a bit too. Yes, I love the characters, and the angst, and the magical world they live in… but that meandering purpose dragged a little too long into the novel.

A cute twist at the end involving the new character to the gang was a pleasant surprise and definitely has me intrigued with release of the final book in this trilogy.

In terms of story, ‘Wayward Son’ is interesting, but not one that had me chomping at the bit to read the sequel. It’s more about the characters for me, and I’m hoping that Rowell ups the ante in the third book in the franchise. While I enjoyed ‘Wayward Son,’ it was more of a so-so read. Another novel I’ll hang back on recommending until I read the next in the series: it will make or break my love of the franchise.

Overall feeling: a bit of a wobble…

© Casey Carlisle 2020. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Casey Carlisle with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

#bookquotes

For some reason this book felt like I was reading Anime. Fun for a little bit of escapism.

Bring on ‘Any Way The Wind Blows.’

#bookporn #coverlove

We’re having a cold snap here in Queensland, Australia and I wanted to pull some titles from my TBR which give me the feeling of a good summer read… how do you think I did?

Keep an eye out on my monthly wrap-up to see if I get to them.

Book Review – ‘Kindred Spirits’ by Rainbow Rowell

Revisiting a fandom with a modern twist with this short contemporary.

Genre: Y/A, Contemporary

No. of pages: 96

From Goodreads:

‘Everybody likes everything these days. The whole world is a nerd.’
‘Are you mad because other people like Star Wars? Are you mad because people like me like Star Wars?’
‘Maybe.’

If you broke Elena’s heart, Star Wars would spill out. So when she decides to queue outside her local cinema to see the new movie, she’s expecting a celebration with crowds of people who love Han, Luke and Leia just as much as she does. What she’s not expecting is to be last in a line of only three people; to have to pee into a collectible Star Wars soda cup behind a dumpster or to meet that unlikely someone who just might truly understand the way she feels.

It was kismet the time I read this book – the day after I watched ‘The Force Awakens’… because the whole story takes place while the main characters are waiting in line for the cinematic opening for the sequel in the franchise.

I was a big Star Wars fan growing up – the films were a big part of my childhood, so I got just as excited as our Vietnamese protagonist Elena. Especially since I had only just watched the movie and was just about flipping my wig. I related to her excitement and enthusiasm. She is also a blogger and a little socially inept – it was like Elena was singing to my soul. Some of the discoveries she makes through this short story also mirror my experiences in life – I was a bit unobservant about the world around me, even in a small town. Rowell really hit the mark with her characterisation.

Gabe, her ‘line-mate’ also is a lot like how I was in junior high, quiet, and a computer nerd – even though the whole world is a nerd these days. Oh how times have changed… and how they haven’t. I found Gabe just as endearing as Elena. This whole book is just so cute.

This is a great contemporary short – it has everything I love about the genre and Rainbow Rowell’s writing. (It also helps that she’s tapped into my fav fandom of all time.) Complex characters with intricate backgrounds you get glimpses of, and a discovery of self, and the cast twisting everything into a different light by the completion of the story… with a promise of more.

You also get a strong feel of how this movie franchise draws generations together – the original trilogy and the new direction of current releases. It also highlights how lovers of this franchise show their support. In the past we did line up for hours (*cough* days) for a cinematic release, where nowadays it’s more present online. The physical (in-real-life) expression has diminished to themed parties and expo’s.

Definitely a book I’d recommend to everyone – even if it isn’t something you wouldn’t normally read. I mean, c’mon, it’s short, and might actually share something truly unique with you about one of the biggest pop culture events of the century.

Overall reaction: Totally geeked out!

© Casey Carlisle 2016. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Casey Carlisle with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

#bookquotes

Such a cute little book and still all about fandoms. Rainbow Rowell you’re killing me!

#book quotes

I’m not a huge reader of fantasy, but ‘Carry On’ was a welcome surprise, it’s even given me a kick up the bum to start reading the Harry Potter series this year.

Book Review – Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

A whole new world inspired by ‘Fangirl’ that is magical and swoon-worthy.

Genre: Y/A, Fantasy, GLBT

No. of pages: 522

From Goodreads:

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 sets 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. 

I’ve read ‘Fangirl,’ but I have to say, I enjoyed ‘Carry On’ better.

The first thing to note – this is not Cath from ‘Fangirls’ fanfiction, nor is it the original written by Gemma T Leslie from that universe; this is a completely new take on our two male leads, Simon and Baz pipelined straight form Rainbow Rowell’s brain to you. So don’t expect to see any of the text from ‘Fangirl’ in this book – it is its own creature. Additionally, I’ve not read any of the Harry Potter books (better get on to that) from which the world of Simon and Baz is loosely based, and that did not detract from any enjoyment of this book. So you don’t need to have read either ‘Fangirl’ or any of the Harry Potter novels to understand ‘Carry On,’ it’s a marvellous little stand alone.

I deducted half a mark solely for the pacing – especially in the first half. It felt like it was dragging and I put the book down several times, tempted to read something else for a break. Also, even though the ending was great, magical and fantastic, it wasn’t epic. Other fantasy or glbt books have had a more dramatic ending suiting to an angsty protagonist. ‘Carry On’ fell a little flat for me.

But on the whole, I loved it!

Simon is a bit of a whiney character, but grounded and all of these points, surprisingly, make him endearing.

Baz is completely misunderstood, and it was valuable to get his POV to gain some insight into the developing plot.

There is a lot of head jumping in ‘Carry On,’ Penelope, Lucy, Simon, Agatha, Baz, The Mage, Ebb, Nicodemus, which I found a little distracting, but it also broke up the narrative into delicious bite sized bits and provided a welcome break to what would have been a very long and boring explanation had it remained as Simon’s POV. It added to the pace and really drove story forward, especially in the last half of the book.

The love/hate relationship between Simon and Baz has its twist and turns, and while I fangirled over the pairing, a key turning point did not have the weight and reaction from Simon as I would have liked – but that is me – I love to revel in the angst. And while there is plenty of that in ‘Carry On,’ I always have an appetite for more.

Some of the more comical moments are presented expertly and got a chuckle out of me frequently – as did some of the characters names – it was very Potteresque.

There is a certain amount of predictability as with most fantasy, but there are many fun surprises as well. This is a big departure from the usual contemporary for Rainbow Rowell, and I have to say, she should write more fantasy – this was thoroughly enjoyable! Highly recommending this one to all my friends and family.

Overall reaction: Gave me all the feels.

 

© Casey Carlisle 2016. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Casey Carlisle with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Book Review – Eleanor and Park

Finding out who you are, who you love and how their view of the world is vastly different from your own – it’s called growing up – and it’s magnificent, terrifying and mind-explodingly beautiful.

This is the second novel by Rainbow Rowell I’ve read, and has become one of my favorites so far this year. Maybe it is due to the fact is is set in an era when I grew up, maybe it’s because Eleanor is a red head too, or the fact the main characters are a little wierd, a little on the periphery of the High School pecking order. Or just because of the slow burn of the growing and undeniable passion they have for each other – whatever the reason, ‘Eleanor and Park’ spoke to me on so many levels that I can’t squee enough.

Rainbow’s writing style is effortless and never pulled me from the narration. I completed the book in one sitting, totally engrossed in the drama of High School life. Miss Rowell has the ability to create beautifully flawed and realistic characters that you have no other option but to embrace in all their glory. She tackles issues like body image and bullying through the eyes of the main characters that ring true to your own experiences.

It’s a love story, so yes the outcome is predictable, but the path the story takes is beautiful. With moments that could have been taken straight out of my childhood diary, I loved how this book travelled the road of innocence, identity and the angst that a teen feels of – let’s be honest – just about everything.

I don’t want to spoil the book by discussing any more, but it is enough to say that this books gets top marks from me and is a must read recommendation.

© Casey Carlisle 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Casey Carlisle with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Book Review – ‘Fangirl’ by Rainbow Rowell … written by Casey Carlisle.

If you’re scared about change, about leaving home or growing apart from your family, then you’ll relate to the lamenting Cather…

I can understand why people rave about this novel; it strikes at the heart of every bookworm. Cather, the protagonist, is the quintessential introvert, hiding from life behind her twin sister, her father, her guilt and anger from her mother’s abandonment, and most of all, her fanfiction.  The concept of ‘Fangirl’ resonated with me personally, as a writer, because it shows how much creative people retreat into an imaginary world in order to escape or protect ourselves from the harsh realities in the world around us. Rainbow Rowell sketches strong characters that are scared and flawed with beautiful innocence. Although I didn’t fall in love with the book, I certainly rave about what it explores.

Completing the novel in a day, it was definitely an easy yet compelling read. I was a little bored towards the end when Cather’s internal monologue began to get annoying – but that was the worst of my experience. The paring of Cather and her love interest Levi was refreshingly unique from many other YA counterparts in that, even with the drama of their story, an innate calm and steady element underlined this development. It lent a ‘safe’ quality in Levi which readers will find attractive. Personally, I didn’t swoon, it lacked that epic romance feel; instead, like the main character, the pace built gently – understated and ultimately comfortable.

The best way I can sum up the characters is by posing the question – how do you deal with despair? Because that is basically what happens in various ways and with different outcomes. It was raw and honest without being preachy. Cather starts University with her twin sister Wren; however Wren breaks out on her own forcing Cather to find her own identity. Which is difficult when your are constantly being compared to your prettier, more outgoing sister… who happens to look exactly like you! The problem is: Cather doesn’t want to grow up, doesn’t want to be on her own, doesn’t want to change. She retreats into her room and writing Simon Snow fanfiction (a wave at the Harry Potter craze). Cather is the sensible, responsible one, picking up the pieces of her Fathers manic episodes, while Wren is the rebel who drinks, parties and has boyfriends.

We begin to see how the reclusive Cather is challenged through her roommate, Reagan and Reagan’s ex-boyfriend Levi. She deals with the new obstacles as every writer does – through her fanfiction and withdrawing into her thoughts. Its safe there, familiar, and doesn’t make demands.

It is about the inevitable journey Cather must go through to find her own voice. – If you missed that the Simon Snow fanfiction is a representation of her childhood and how the Professor encouraging her to write something else is a parallel for Cather stepping out of her sister’s shadow to find her own identity apart from Wren, I’m going to roll my eyes at you.  :p

Elements I loved about the book include the gay theme to Cather’s fandom writing, shedding a light on the GLBT community. Also, the novel deals with the subject of Copyright and Plagiarism, challenging the concept that fanfiction resides in the grey area of intellectual property versus the concept of where ideas come from.

I’d highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking to an alternative to the dystopian or paranormal fiction monopolizing the market at the moment. A great way to spend a weekend snuggled in your favorite chair and a mug of hot chocolate.

 

© Casey Carlisle 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Casey Carlisle with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.