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nordicscarab's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
monalisalisa's review against another edition
4.0
This is literally the gay version of Harry Potter and I loved it. It felt as if Harry and Draco got together and it was perfect. I did find it a little boring at some points and that’s why I didn’t give it a 5/5 stars but all in all I loved the plot and all the characters. I didn’t expect the story to have multiple point of views but it did and it was amazing.
_fathimanourin1234_'s review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
The love story between Baz and Simon is very tender and adventurous. They both are like enemies at first, then lovers. But they had a connection from the beginning. Like, Baz always liked him. For simon, he was worried of Baz when he was not there with him in his room. Baz was missing, he was kidnapped. But Simon was always worried of him.
Their first kiss was also so sweet to read. They both were confused. But they both were ready for that kiss. And simon realising, identifying, and accepting himself as he is. It was amazing to read.
I love Penelope or Penny's character. She is a sassy girl. I love her for that. She loves Simon. She cares for him. She's always there for him. I wish I had a penny in my life.
As for Agatha, I don't like her. I don't know what's actually her problem? One time, she's saying she likes Simon and she also wants Baz as her lover.She was so jealous of Baz and Simon. OMG! I really hated her in that parts.
Overall this is a 5★ read for me. This book will be my second favourite fantasy book ❤️. I waiting to read the second one. This book is actually apt for beginners.
I love Penelope or Penny's character. She is a sassy girl. I love her for that. She loves Simon. She cares for him. She's always there for him. I wish I had a penny in my life.
As for Agatha, I don't like her. I don't know what's actually her problem? One time, she's saying she likes Simon and she also wants Baz as her lover.
Overall this is a 5★ read for me. This book will be my second favourite fantasy book ❤️. I waiting to read the second one. This book is actually apt for beginners.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Murder, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Animal death, Blood, Death, and War
Moderate: Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Murder, and War
Minor: Death of parent
tlwd's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A little too much exposition dump for me.
blurrypetals's review against another edition
4.0
September 25, 2019:
reread in anticipation of the release of Wayward Son
I was getting to a point, as the release date for Wayward Son came closer and closer, that I realized I didn't really remember much else other than fireside kisses and a winged Simon from reading this 4 years ago. Upon realizing this, I figured a quick reread couldn't hurt.
One pervading feeling I kept getting throughout much of this book was, "Man, I'd rather be rereading In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan." It does almost everything this book does, but better. That isn't to say this book is bad, because it isn't. It's still a really solid 4/5, but the thing that drags it down is its ending. The ending feels extremely rushed, the characters don't really behave the way you'd expect them to, and certain reveals and conclusions end up falling quite flat, leaving all the excellent buildup up to that point to fall rather flat and tonelessly on its face.
With that said, though, the real MVP of this book is Simon and Baz's relationship. They're fucking delightful and they're the reason I'm swinging around for the sequel. I'm really hoping Wayward Son resolves some of the strange tension left between them at the end of Carry On, so I'm excited to see how this all turns out.
At last, I can say, "Onward!" because there's finally a sequel! Hooray! Catch you in the next one!
November 13, 2015:
This was a fun one. I wasn't going to read this initially, but then I watched Katytastic's review of it and, despite the fact that she already gave me a bum recommendation with Daughter of Smoke and Bone. So I got it with my Audible credit and started it on my drive home and I had a pretty damn good time.
I liked this a good deal more than Fangirl but the story structure itself made a 4/5 (the same rating I gave Fangirl) feel like the best rating for this. All in all, it was fun. Not a bad time. Pick it up if you want to read some cute fluffy romance, interesting meta folklore that parodies but also pays homage to Harry Potter, and some interesting magic battles.
reread in anticipation of the release of Wayward Son
I was getting to a point, as the release date for Wayward Son came closer and closer, that I realized I didn't really remember much else other than fireside kisses and a winged Simon from reading this 4 years ago. Upon realizing this, I figured a quick reread couldn't hurt.
One pervading feeling I kept getting throughout much of this book was, "Man, I'd rather be rereading In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan." It does almost everything this book does, but better. That isn't to say this book is bad, because it isn't. It's still a really solid 4/5, but the thing that drags it down is its ending. The ending feels extremely rushed, the characters don't really behave the way you'd expect them to, and certain reveals and conclusions end up falling quite flat, leaving all the excellent buildup up to that point to fall rather flat and tonelessly on its face.
With that said, though, the real MVP of this book is Simon and Baz's relationship. They're fucking delightful and they're the reason I'm swinging around for the sequel. I'm really hoping Wayward Son resolves some of the strange tension left between them at the end of Carry On, so I'm excited to see how this all turns out.
At last, I can say, "Onward!" because there's finally a sequel! Hooray! Catch you in the next one!
November 13, 2015:
This was a fun one. I wasn't going to read this initially, but then I watched Katytastic's review of it and, despite the fact that she already gave me a bum recommendation with Daughter of Smoke and Bone. So I got it with my Audible credit and started it on my drive home and I had a pretty damn good time.
I liked this a good deal more than Fangirl but the story structure itself made a 4/5 (the same rating I gave Fangirl) feel like the best rating for this. All in all, it was fun. Not a bad time. Pick it up if you want to read some cute fluffy romance, interesting meta folklore that parodies but also pays homage to Harry Potter, and some interesting magic battles.
jdhwoods's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
mayling23's review against another edition
4.0
“You were the sun, and I was crashing into you. I'd wake up every morning and think, 'This will end in flames.”
3.75/5 star
This is such a controversial read for me, to be honest. I have no idea what to think about this book as a whole work, if I like it or not. Actually, I don't even know what I'm gonna write in this probably messed up review.
The thing is, I had no intention to pick this book up and I had no hopes I would enjoy reading this. I deleted this book from my wishlist a while ago, being kinda disgusted by the whole "Harry Potter parody/fanfiction" concept.
But then suddenly, my strange summer moody me started to have this unexpected taste in books and I was really interested in reading Carry On, don't ask me why. Probably it was because of that gayship in this book, well most likely to.
So I borrowed it from my friend, having no expectations, just going to read it without any judgements.
And I have read it. And let me tell you, Carry On left me with mixed feelings, in this weird state when you have no clue what you actually think.
So let's start with my first problem I had with this book. Those first 150 pages were such a disaster in my opinion. Like, nothing has happened, nothing was explained, it was just sooo boring and it was really hard to get through it. Starting this book and while I was getting through this(for me) horrible first part, I was seriously thinking about DNF-ing it. And why do I think that the beginning was totally dull and unnecessary? Ok, let me make myself clear. This book is supposed to be a fanfiction of a last book in a series that doesn't even exist, well it does, in another book. Messy, right? Well, sometimes I felt like the author got lost in it as well. The whole first part looked like this: Rowell tried to explain what happened in previous books that don't exist but in a way you didn't really get many informations. She just slightly touched the surface and then was talking about totally unimportant things. I just didn't like that.
Also, the beginning was an unpleasant experience because of this "Harry Potter" issue. I mean, I knew this was gonna happen, that I will read things here I wouldn't particulary like but still it drove me crazy. I quite get that Rowell wasn't trying to offend anyone by creating Simon Snow and stuff but still, we all know by what it is richly inspired, don't we?
But hey, I don't really mind. There were many similiarities with HP, but what I really disliked were those little details Rainbow wrote to make this story "sooo different" from HP. For example, Harry had two best friends, right? Hermione and Ron and so Rowell made two GIRLbest friends to make it more original or idk. There were few other things I found annoying when she tried to differentiate
her story but in this silly way.
But then, after those 150 pages I really started to liking it. It went more smoothly, something started to happen and actually the plot started to go its own way. At that point you could tell it was an independent story from HP, it was interesting and I found the magical world there really fascinating. I have to say though, for the fact this book has 500 pages, little bit more could be done. Because I felt like the character development was very low, which meant I wasn't really attached to characters cause I can't tell I got to know them(expect Baz!). Really, for example Simon...what can you tell about him? Except he is the Chosen One and he is like the radiant sun and smells like a smoke? Cause I can't tell nothing about him as a person, really, he felt so flat. Also Penelope,she deserved much more space and development and I don't even mention Agatha. I just wanted more and I think there was enough space to make that happen.
What I loved the most about this book and I think you can already tell was Baz. I mean, who cannot love him? He is such a sweetheart, he is witty and bitchy yet so soft and warmhearted I just wanted to squeeze him and never let him go. I appreciated him as a character and I feel like he is one of my favourite protagonists I have ever read about. His chapters were blessing and just yas, YAS. Baz is everything.
What else should I tell? You can't judge me for being so inconsistent in my opinion when it comes to this book. I liked it, yet there are things I don't agree with or just personally don't like. But by any means I don't try to offend anyone, not even the author, because I still think this is a good read. Not perfect of course, with many flaws but it is that kind of lighthearted read that will just make your heart warmer and relationship between Simon and Baz will create little butterfiels in your stomach.
If you liked Fangirl I guess you are going to like this one, but I can't say for sure for the book getting so controversial reviews.
3.75/5 star
This is such a controversial read for me, to be honest. I have no idea what to think about this book as a whole work, if I like it or not. Actually, I don't even know what I'm gonna write in this probably messed up review.
The thing is, I had no intention to pick this book up and I had no hopes I would enjoy reading this. I deleted this book from my wishlist a while ago, being kinda disgusted by the whole "Harry Potter parody/fanfiction" concept.
But then suddenly, my strange summer moody me started to have this unexpected taste in books and I was really interested in reading Carry On, don't ask me why. Probably it was because of that gayship in this book, well most likely to.
So I borrowed it from my friend, having no expectations, just going to read it without any judgements.
And I have read it. And let me tell you, Carry On left me with mixed feelings, in this weird state when you have no clue what you actually think.
So let's start with my first problem I had with this book. Those first 150 pages were such a disaster in my opinion. Like, nothing has happened, nothing was explained, it was just sooo boring and it was really hard to get through it. Starting this book and while I was getting through this(for me) horrible first part, I was seriously thinking about DNF-ing it. And why do I think that the beginning was totally dull and unnecessary? Ok, let me make myself clear. This book is supposed to be a fanfiction of a last book in a series that doesn't even exist, well it does, in another book. Messy, right? Well, sometimes I felt like the author got lost in it as well. The whole first part looked like this: Rowell tried to explain what happened in previous books that don't exist but in a way you didn't really get many informations. She just slightly touched the surface and then was talking about totally unimportant things. I just didn't like that.
Also, the beginning was an unpleasant experience because of this "Harry Potter" issue. I mean, I knew this was gonna happen, that I will read things here I wouldn't particulary like but still it drove me crazy. I quite get that Rowell wasn't trying to offend anyone by creating Simon Snow and stuff but still, we all know by what it is richly inspired, don't we?
But hey, I don't really mind. There were many similiarities with HP, but what I really disliked were those little details Rainbow wrote to make this story "sooo different" from HP. For example, Harry had two best friends, right? Hermione and Ron and so Rowell made two GIRLbest friends to make it more original or idk. There were few other things I found annoying when she tried to differentiate
her story but in this silly way.
But then, after those 150 pages I really started to liking it. It went more smoothly, something started to happen and actually the plot started to go its own way. At that point you could tell it was an independent story from HP, it was interesting and I found the magical world there really fascinating. I have to say though, for the fact this book has 500 pages, little bit more could be done. Because I felt like the character development was very low, which meant I wasn't really attached to characters cause I can't tell I got to know them(expect Baz!). Really, for example Simon...what can you tell about him? Except he is the Chosen One and he is like the radiant sun and smells like a smoke? Cause I can't tell nothing about him as a person, really, he felt so flat. Also Penelope,she deserved much more space and development and I don't even mention Agatha. I just wanted more and I think there was enough space to make that happen.
What I loved the most about this book and I think you can already tell was Baz. I mean, who cannot love him? He is such a sweetheart, he is witty and bitchy yet so soft and warmhearted I just wanted to squeeze him and never let him go. I appreciated him as a character and I feel like he is one of my favourite protagonists I have ever read about. His chapters were blessing and just yas, YAS. Baz is everything.
What else should I tell? You can't judge me for being so inconsistent in my opinion when it comes to this book. I liked it, yet there are things I don't agree with or just personally don't like. But by any means I don't try to offend anyone, not even the author, because I still think this is a good read. Not perfect of course, with many flaws but it is that kind of lighthearted read that will just make your heart warmer and relationship between Simon and Baz will create little butterfiels in your stomach.
If you liked Fangirl I guess you are going to like this one, but I can't say for sure for the book getting so controversial reviews.
eponineeurydice's review against another edition
5.0
AHHH! Friends, I am smiling like an idiot right now! Just like... full-on grinning. This was a silly silly book, but it was everything to me. And it made me so happy. I don't know what Rainbow Rowell puts in their books, but I'm in love. I'm obsessed. This book... yeah. I just am speechless. It made my hopeless-romantic, angst and magic-loving heart so happy! By all accounts, I shouldn't have liked this story. It's an enemies-to-lovers, slightly unlikeable characters, vampire book! And yet I am head over heels. And the ending was even good this time!! I know this book isn't perfect, and I know there's been some controversy about Rainbow Rowell, so I guess I should just note that. But this book was truly amazing. It's been a while since I've felt quite like this after reading a book! I had actual things to say but my brain is so scrambled... so here are the things I loved!
The dialogue! It was so well-written, and as someone who struggles with that particularly in my writing, I need to know how Rowell does it. The angst and the romance was sooo well-written. I loved the way she turned a classic story and its tropes upside down; not everyone are as they seem. The "evil rival," the "chosen one," the "fair meaden love interest..." all of them were packed with such nuance and I really appreciated that. I might come back later with more coherent things to say... but I loved reading Fangirl last year, and this was on the same level; if not even higher because it had a satisfying ending! I just fell in love with this book, and I'm not sure if I'll even read the sequels because I'm so satisfied with how the story ends... are they worth it? Someone let me know lol! Anyway, read this if you never really liked Harry as a character anyway, if you love a good "fools in love" lol romance, or if you just want a light, entertaining story that will sweep you off your feet and leave you sighing with contentment.
The dialogue! It was so well-written, and as someone who struggles with that particularly in my writing, I need to know how Rowell does it. The angst and the romance was sooo well-written. I loved the way she turned a classic story and its tropes upside down; not everyone are as they seem. The "evil rival," the "chosen one," the "fair meaden love interest..." all of them were packed with such nuance and I really appreciated that. I might come back later with more coherent things to say... but I loved reading Fangirl last year, and this was on the same level; if not even higher because it had a satisfying ending! I just fell in love with this book, and I'm not sure if I'll even read the sequels because I'm so satisfied with how the story ends... are they worth it? Someone let me know lol! Anyway, read this if you never really liked Harry as a character anyway, if you love a good "fools in love" lol romance, or if you just want a light, entertaining story that will sweep you off your feet and leave you sighing with contentment.