Review by New York Times Review
In Rowell's novel "Fangirl," Cath, a.k.a. Magicath, writes fan fiction about the teenage magician Simon Snow. Now Snow has his own novel, Rowell's first fantasy book. Set in a Hogwarts-like magic academy in rural England, it's at first slow to burn, as Simon lays out the elitist hierarchy at Watford, at times hemming uncomfortably close to J. K. Rowling's creations. But Rowell has new tricks up her sleeve. Simon himself is a hot mess of a magician, struggling to control his fiery temper and rebelling against the Mage, Watford's headmaster, who has deemed him a hero meant to defeat a magic-sucking entity. His funny, fleet-wanded best friend, Penny, often saves him from himself. But the novel really sparks when Baz, Simon's roommate and archenemy, returns after a mysterious absence, looking more vampiric than ever (rumors that he was "turned" have long swirled). Baz is a suave, acid-witted brainiac who in another life would've been BFFs with Oscar Wilde. The two seem destined to battle - Baz comes from a rich, corrupt family who hate the Mage and his Chosen One - but something other than acrimony tugs at both of them. Rowell applies her trademark fanfiction touch to the magic spells, cribbing many of them from pop culture, like the title spell, taken from Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody." But Rowell also imbues her magic with awe and spectacle. It's a powerful, politically minded allegory about sexual, ethnic and class identity - with a heady shot of teenage lust.
Copyright (c) The New York Times Company [October 4, 2015]
Review by Booklist Review
*Starred Review* It's Simon Snow's last year at the Watford School of Magicks, and it's not going as planned. His magic, always unstable, has been even more unpredictable, which is bad news with the magical world's most infamous bad guy after him. His girlfriend is distant, and he's afraid he'll lose touch with his best friend after graduation. But most unsettling of all, Simon's frustrating, evil, pretty-sure-he's-a-vampire nemesis/roommate hasn't come back to school. Baz is probably just off plotting somewhere, but what if he's really in trouble? And why does Simon care so much, anyway? Rowell's debut fantasy was first alluded to in Fangirl (2013) as a Harry Potter-like phenomenon. The similarities are, at first, easy to spot, and this does lag a bit in comparison seven years of world-building don't easily fit into the first 150 pages. But things accelerate once Baz hits the stage, quickly taking on new life and heart. Rowell has created a story that is as much a loving critique of the Chosen One narrative as it is an example of the genre. The romance, once it gets going, is irresistible and surprisingly tender, but the true strength here is the characterizations: sleek, tough-talking bad-boy Baz; beautiful but reluctant Agatha; clever and exuberant Penelope; and the brilliant, unhinged Mage, who leads the school, are all paid careful attention. And at the center of it all is Simon, the Chosen One himself, made special by circumstance and, like anyone, just trying to figure out a way to keep going. Stock up on copies this one begs to be reread. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Simon and Baz have been garnering attention since they first appeared in Fangirl, and buzz has been building for their feature-length debut. Add in Rowell's history of critical and commercial success, and you've got yourself a hit.--Reagan, Maggie Copyright 2015 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
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. (Oct.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Library Journal Review
English-born orphan Simon Snow is the most hapless hero the World of Mages has ever seen. As the prophesied Chosen One, Simon finds his immense magical power is nearly out of his control at the best of times. Now in his final year at school, he is surrounded by mysteries: his own missing parents, his distant girlfriend, ghosts, and surviving the final showdown with the Insidious Humdrum. He also worries-obsessively, sleeplessly-about his missing roommate-and nemesis-Baz. Will Simon's life really begin, as he believes, after the happily ever after? And will life be worth living if Baz doesn't return? Verdict In a departure from her realistic young adult and adult novels (Fangirl; Eleanor and Park), Rowell delves into fantasy with this story, which was originally imagined as a plot device in Fangirl. Similar on the surface to J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, the intricately plotted novel, with its multiple voices, makes for a rich fantasy worthy of its own canon. Rowell aficionados who fell for Simon and Baz will be clamoring for this coming-of-age novel. With crossover appeal, expect demand from teens and adults alike. And presenting a genuine LGBT romance, Rowell has another hit on her hands.-Jennifer Beach, Cumberland Cty. P.L., VA © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 9 Up-Simon Snow is back with his own story, after being introduced as a fanfiction hero in Rowell's Fangirl (St. Martin's Griffin, 2013). It's senior year at the Watford School of Magicks, but Simon's roommate/nemesis Baz is nowhere to be found, which disconcerts Simon more than he would have guessed. When Baz finally does turn up, Simon offers to help him find out who killed his mother, and an uneasy truce is developed among the two boys and Simon's best friend, Penny. The group dynamics evolve as the teens fight for magic and for their lives. Scottish actor Euan Morton narrates and does a stunning job, especially with the complex characters of Simon and Baz. He reveals the heart of each character, portraying Simon as an uncertain magician, uncomfortable with his magical power yet trying to merit his title of "The Chosen One," while vampire Baz is occasionally cruel and always cool yet concealing a surprisingly emotional side. This audiobook is sure to please a wide range of listeners with its sweet romance, terrifying adventures, and inventive magical creations. Wonderful fantasy-type music begins and ends the listening experience. VERDICT An essential purchase for fans of Harry Potter and Rainbow Rowell, as well as lovers of fantasy. ["With rock-solid worldbuilding, a sweet and believable romance subplot, and satisfying ending, Rowell's latest is a monumentally enjoyable reading experience": SLJ 11/15 starred review of the St. Martin's Griffin book.]-Julie Paladino, formerly of East Chapel Hill High School, NC © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
In Fangirl (rev. 11/13), protagonist Cath wrote fanfiction for the fictitious Simon Snow fantasy series. Now Rowell has written a novel set in Simon Snows universe and using many conventions of fanfiction, most notably slash (in this case non-graphic), usually defined as a wish-fulfilling relationship between two characters of the same sex who, in the original work, are not a romantic couple. Simon, the most powerful mage in centuries, uncovers secrets during his final year at Watford School of Magicks that call into question his long-held beliefs about sharp lines between good and evil. He also begins to realize that his obsession with his probably-a-vampire roommate Baz may not be purely antagonistic. The novel is longer than it needs to bejust kiss already, Simon and Bazand the many alternating narrators are a little dense when it comes to solving several related mysteries. But theres plenty to enjoy along the way, including clever names for spells (These arent the droids youre looking for makes oddities like dragon parts on a human unnoticeable) and plenty of wit. Reading Fangirl first isnt strictly necessarythe brief authors note covers the basicsand the metatextual concept is somewhere on the spectrum between confusing and fascinating, depending on ones perspective. A working knowledge of the Harry Potter books and other popular fandoms isnt absolutely essential either, but it makes this send-up a lot more fun. shoshana flax (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Meta-slash fiction for jaded optimists.Rowell pulls on a central thread of Fangirl (2013)Cath's fanfic epic of Simon Snow, the Chosen One and Mage's heirand uses it to weave a tapestry of realigned affections and alliances. Deftly self-contained so that readers need not have read Fangirl to enjoy this tale, it will nonetheless appeal to Harry Potter fans sophisticated enough to recognize the fundamental tropes at work. Simon, an orphaned magician whose power is so immense that he is mostly inept at wielding it, returns to Watford School of Magicks for his final year of education in the magical arts. He has a talented, stalwart friend, a fascinatingly ambiguous foe, and a complicated, emotionally unavailable mentor. There is a great battle between good and evil. But there are also mobile phones, contemporary slang and pop-culture references, and gay romance. Rowell's creation is less preoccupied with the trappings of wizard life than it is focused on the relationships of the characters. The narrative perspective, shifting among Simon and his supporters and opponents, gives voice to their deeper motivations and angst; the dialogue, both internal and external, is contemporary and occasionally profane, with an authentic level of teenage snark.The novel playfully twists genre conventionsthere are plenty of wink-wink, nudge-nudge moments to satisfy faithful fantasy readersbut it also stands alone as a modern bildungsroman. Carry on, Simon Snow. (author's note) (Fantasy. 14 up) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
