Publishers Weekly
09/30/2019
After the triumphant conclusion of Carry On, hero Simon Snow had earned some reward, or at least a little happiness. Instead, as this sequel opens, readers learn that Simon has sunk into a deep post-heroics funk. Roommates and fellow magicians Penny and Baz (well, mostly Penny) decide that Simon needs a radical change. A hastily and haphazardly arranged trip takes them from England to Chicago, where they rent a classic Mustang to head west—Penny presciently senses that former classmate Agatha has found trouble in California. Trouble, in fact, abounds, and the magicians face off against a variety of foes, including Ren Faire-visiting vampires and a shotgun-wielding polecat, while finding that their idiom-based magic works differently in America. Rowell's dry wit is on full display as the first-person narrative moves between the characters, and plentiful awkward relationships—including the fraught romance between Simon and Baz—add tension. Though this second volume lacks the first's tighter plotline, it's a big-hearted look at early adulthood, exploration, and self-renewal that will certainly draw fans. Ages 14–up. (Sept.)
From the Publisher
"At last! A sequel to Carry On...every fine as fine as the first. ...overall excellence of a book in which every vista pleases and every character delights. Carefully plotted, the book is a classic page-turner right to the open ending which, o frabjous day, promises a sequel to the sequel! One can hardly wait." - Booklist (Starred Review)
Library Journal - Audio
01/01/2020
Simon, Baz, and Penny are all feeling a bit at sea. They saved the world in Carry On, but none of them are quite sure what to do next. So Penny decides that a road trip is in order—one across America, to be specific, that starts with visiting her long-distance boyfriend, Micah, in Chicago and ends with seeing Agatha in San Diego. The trip starts poorly. After a disappointing visit with Micah (he broke up with her a year earlier, but she didn't notice; his new girlfriend seems nice at least), they have a much longer drive to San Diego than they expected (none of them realized quite how big the Western states are). And that's before the dragons and the vampires and learning that Agatha is being kept prisoner by a cult. VERDICT Fans of the first book will relish another visit with Simon and the rest of the gang.—Stephanie Klose, Library Journal
SEPTEMBER 2019 - AudioFile
Euan Morton brings his exceptional narration skills to Rowell’s highly anticipated sequel. After defeating the Insidious Humdrum, Simon Snow, unsure what to do with his new life, falls into depression. At the urging of best friend Penelope and boyfriend Baz, the trio embark on a trip to America, driving across the West to “rescue” their friend Agatha from her self-imposed isolation in the world of Normals. Morton brings distinct voices and emotions to every character—from posh vampire Baz’s deep frustration to fast-talking wizard Penelope’s snappy repartee, from de-magicked and be-winged Simon’s formless longing to a whole bevy of American wizards, vampires, and Native-inspired creatures. Listeners will be hard-pressed to believe they aren’t listening to a full-cast production. H.C. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2019 Best Audiobook © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
2019-09-30
Simon Snow, his boyfriend, Baz, and their friend Penny road trip through America in this sequel to Carry On (2015).
After an eventful final year at the Watford School of Magicks, Simon has lost his magic powers but gained a tail and giant red dragon wings. He's been in a funk and even considers breaking up with Baz. Penny decides a change of scenery might help, and the British trio plan a visit to their friend Agatha in San Diego. The United States is nothing like they expected, and after a comical trip to a Renaissance Faire leads to a magical battle, they're on the run. After learning that Agatha's in trouble at a mysteriously sinister wellness retreat, they set out to find her with the help of Shepard, a nonmagical American. Their journey brings encounters with a were-skunk in Nebraska, a dragon in the Rocky Mountains, a water spirit in the Hoover Dam, and vampires in Vegas (obviously). Alternating perspectives and clever dialogue keep the fast-paced action moving despite the muddled plot. While running around saving the day takes the forefront, Simon and Baz's complex relationship is never fully explored—but thankfully the ending leaves the door open for more magical adventures. Most characters are white; Penny is biracial (Indian and white). Shepard, who is black, is given a couple of flippant race-related lines that read as tone deaf.
A marvelously spellbinding tale with all the wit and heart that fans have come to expect. (Fantasy. 14-adult)
