Carry On in 2016 Reading Challenge

Aug 16, 2025 Marie-Eve Mailhot rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

After reading Fangirl a LONNNNNG time ago, I always told myself i would read the Simon Snow series. Simon Snow, and his vampire nemesis and roommate Baz, and their never ending fighting.

At the start of the book, Simon is heading back to Watford for his 8th and last year of school... that is if the Insidious Humdrum isn't successful in destroying everything - or is Baz doesn't kill him first. Coming back to Watford after being kidnapped at end of last term means reuniting with his bestie Penelop After reading Fangirl a LONNNNNG time ago, I always told myself i would read the Simon Snow series. Simon Snow, and his vampire nemesis and roommate Baz, and their never ending fighting.

At the start of the book, Simon is heading back to Watford for his 8th and last year of school... that is if the Insidious Humdrum isn't successful in destroying everything - or is Baz doesn't kill him first. Coming back to Watford after being kidnapped at end of last term means reuniting with his bestie Penelope, or Penny, his girlfriend Agatha, and, usually Baz, although his annoying roommate seems to be missing... Surely, he's off to plot against him, right? RIGHT? Anyways, why should he care, with that archnemesis business and all?

Oh the way i absolutely loved this. I wish it hadn't taken me so long to finally read this. I've read loads of Chosen One stories, but none of them are remotely like this one. This was so well written, and i especially loved that we were dropped right in the middle of things. Baz and Simon already "hate" each other, Simon is already with Agatha, Penelope is already his bestie and he's seen countless fight against the Humdrum. But even then, Rowell's writing makes it so we're not missing anything.

But, if we're honest with each other, and i like to think we are, the best thing about this book is Baz. Baz is an absolute treasure and his antagonistic little brat must be protected at all cost. He has the best inner dialogue, the best comebacks with Simon, and honestly, his attitude just entirely cracks me up. Him and Simon's relationship is an absolute delight to witness, and while i feel not all will be perfect, i really cannot wait to see how they grow with each other. HOw they will continue to challenge each other.

I loved the multiple POVs, even if towards the end i felt like maybe it went a little too fast. But its also very different to be able to see what everyone is thinking.

I really enjoyed the writing and i am looking forward to see whats next. We rarely get to see what comes next in a Chosen One series. Usually, the conclusion of all those battles, the final battle, is the last book, not the first. ...more

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Mar 05, 2016 Catherine rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Thank you so much NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest unbiased review. I must say the fact that I have receive s this book in exchange for a. Review does not effect me views/opinions of the book in any way.

This is the story of Simon Snow a Magician "the chosen one" who is the most useless Magician in the world as half the time he can't even make his wand work and other half he starts a fire. This is a ghost story, a love story and a mystery all rolled in to one. ...more

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