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Carry on
Moriré besando a Simón Snow / Carry On Author: Rainbow RowellPage Count: UnknownPublication Date: 2016-PRH Rainbow Rowell’s Carry On (published in Spanish as Moriré besando a Simón Snow) is a glittering, genre-bending triumph—a love letter to fanfiction, a subversive fantasy epic, and a deeply human story about chosen ones who are terrible at choosing themselves. At its core, this is a novel about identity, belonging, and the messy, magical chaos of growing up, wrapped in the trappings of a classic Chosen One narrative. But Rowell, ever the deconstructor of tropes, flips the script: Simon Snow isn’t just the worst Elected One—he’s also the most relatable. The book follows Simon, a 17-year-old magician at the Watford School of Magicks, who is prophesied to save the world from the Insidious Humdrum, a monstrous force that devours magic. The problem? Simon can barely control his own powers. His wand backfires, his spells go awry, and his mentor avoids him. His girlfriend dumps him. And his nemesis, Baz Pitch, a snarky vampire with a grudge, is mysteriously absent. What unfolds is a story that’s equal parts ghost story, romance, and mystery—with Rowell’s signature wit, heart, and unapologetic emotional punch. Rowell’s genius lies in her ability to blend high fantasy with the raw, awkward intimacy of teenage life. Simon isn’t just a hero; he’s a mess. He’s insecure, he’s angry, he’s desperately in love with Baz (even when Baz is being insufferable), and he’s terrified of failing. The novel’s magic system is delightfully vague—spells fizzle, magic is inconsistent, and the rules feel more like teenage hormones than ancient lore. This isn’t Narnia or Middle-earth; it’s a world where magic is as unpredictable as first love, and the real battle isn’t against a cosmic evil but against self-doubt. Baz, Simon’s vampire roommate and eternal antagonist, is one of the most compelling characters in modern YA. He’s cruel, charming, and deeply vulnerable, a walking contradiction who oscillates between biting Simon’s neck and his heart. Their relationship—fraught with tension, longing, and the occasional supernatural assault—is the emotional backbone of the book. Rowell writes their dynamic with such authenticity that their love story feels less like a fantasy trope and more like the messy, codependent bond of two people who can’t decide if they hate or need each other. The prose is sharp, witty, and effortlessly readable, with Rowell’s knack for snappy dialogue and emotional depth shining through. She balances humor and heartbreak with ease, whether it’s Baz’s dry one-liners or Simon’s quiet moments of self-loathing. The novel’s structure—told through alternating perspectives, letters, and even a fake Wikipedia page—adds layers of depth, making the world feel lived-in and the stakes feel personal. But what truly elevates Carry On is its meta-commentary on fandom and storytelling. Rowell, who has openly discussed writing the book as a response to Harry Potter fanfiction, playfully deconstructs the Chosen One trope. Simon isn’t a destined savior; he’s a kid who stumbles into greatness because he’s too stubborn to give up. The Humdrum isn’t just a villain; it’s a metaphor for the void of depression and the fear of meaninglessness. Even the title—Carry On—hints at the burden of legacy, the idea that we’re all just carrying forward the messes of those who came before us. This isn’t a perfect book. The pacing occasionally stumbles, and some side characters feel underdeveloped. But its imperfections only make it more endearing. Carry On is a book that understands that magic isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about the small, stubborn acts of love and defiance that keep us going. It’s a story for anyone who’s ever felt like an impostor, like they didn’t belong, or like they were too much or not enough. In a genre often bogged down by destiny, Rowell gives us a hero who’s gloriously, messily human. If you love stories that blend fantasy with raw emotion, that celebrate the chaos of growing up, and that make you laugh and ache in the same breath, Carry On is your book. It’s a spellbook for the broken, a love letter to the misfits, and a reminder that sometimes, the greatest magic isn’t in saving the world—it’s in saving yourself. #SimonSnow #RainbowRowell #FantasyRomance #ChosenOneTrope #YAFantasy #BazPitch