I know I promised my last review would be the last of the year… but I managed to squeeze in Wayward Son before the end of the year and just needed to SQUEE!! And keeping with the tradition of its predecessor, which I reviewed back when this blog was just a baby, I simply have to write a list telling you all why I loved it! Consider this an unexpected (but hopefully rewarding) sequel. So, here are the reasons you should pick this up:
#1 If you loved the first one. And why wouldn’t you? Carry On was an ingenious and heart-warming parody of Harry Potter that I will recommend till the end of time!! As I mentioned way back when, it was the kind of story that left you satisfied but wanting more… which is why I’m delighted Rowell came back to this world and continued on. There was room for more- and that’s what we got here! And if you’re in any doubt about whether the standalone needed a sequel, have no fear…
#2 The premise for this was perfect. I knew I was in for a treat when I saw that the story opens with an epilogue- pitching you a story that starts after the war has been won. Yes, this is the story of what happens to the hero once the last page has been turned and we’ve been assured of their happily ever after. This is the sequel we never knew we needed (but boy did we need it!).
#3 Fortunately, the plot was hella entertaining. I loved the meandering twists of the roadtrip; I was grateful for the more American feel (some of which I unfortunately can’t talk about cos spoilers!). Needless to say, there was more than enough excitement to keep me going.
#4 The world building was expanded upon really well. I particularly liked how it’s only Americanisms that work as spells in America. This was especially cool, because it showed how Normals, with their language, give mages their power. And in case that wasn’t enough, this book had (more) DRAGONS! (frankly, I’m a sucker for that)
#5 I also loved the references. I’m guessing the title is a nod to Supernatural- which YAS I AM HERE FOR IT! It works beautifully! Think season 2, when you think the story is all over… then somehow the story rises from the ashes (we’ll pretend that show isn’t still going and that metaphor totally works 😉). Point is, I really enjoyed a lot of the gags. Speaking of…
#6 It’s funny! The humour alone makes this an absolute pleasure to read. That said, sometimes there was a dark edge to that light touch, because…
#7 This book has hidden depths. Because sometimes carrying on after hardship isn’t easy- yes, the big bad is gone- but there are other kinds of humdrum villains lurking. Rowell had a wonderful quote to sum this up: “Bad things happen, and then they stop, but they keep wreaking havoc inside of people”. I can’t tell you how much this spoke to me; I just want to *applaud* it.
#8 Plus, there was plenty of character growth. People (*ahem* characters) don’t just stop growing when we’re done reading about them- life goes on- and this is a testament to that. Every single character had an arc- which I really appreciated. Some, like Agatha, who you might’ve written off were writing themselves back into the narrative. Simon was struggling, but as lovable as ever. Penny has her own heartache to deal with. There was even *the mysterious new guy*… who I guess we’ll have to wait and see about 😉And of course, there was the dead gorgeous Baz, who always manages to be the life and soul of the party. I particularly liked how the villains integrated into the story and acted as a real foil to their personal issues.
#9 As you might have expected, love was in the air. In typical Rowell fashion, there was hints of a budding romance and then there was the existing relationship… which, again, I can’t spoil for you. Let’s just say it was rocky at times, but I will go down this ship dammit! Baz and Simon are IT for me!
#10 For all the ups and downs, this series was just so much fun!! Wayward Son really carries on the tradition. It was a stonkingly good sequel and I was tremendously satisfied with it. I will happily throw away all my bananas for a chance to read another one! *Here- have my bananas- have ’em all!*
Rating: 5/5 bananas
Worth every one! Have you read this series? Do you want to *squee* with me about it? Or do you plan to read it now? Let me know in the comments!
This sounds great. I still haven’t read any book by this author. One day I will and hope I can read this one soon.
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I love it so much!! Really recommend giving it a go!
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I just… that post title… the puns, they burn… 😉
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hehehe!
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I’m slow to catch up with this and am not sure that I’ve seen book #1. Fan fiction / parady is a funny thing and I can see how it divides the reading audience.
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Oh I really recommend it! But yeah- it definitely divides readers- and I get why- but I always recommend giving it a shot, cos if nothing else, it’s a lot of fun!
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Great review. I too will go down with this ship through hell or high or holy water (I shall shield Baz from any holy water just in case!) – this was a fab sequel and I really loved the worldbuilding.
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Thank you! hahaha me too!! I completely agree with you!!
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You had me at Harry Potter parody! I keep seeing this series, but never really paid attention..till now! Thanks. 🙂 Definitely gonna hunt this one down.
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Yay I’m so glad to hear it!!
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Great post! I was indecisive in my decisions to read this book because after that cool ending of the first book, I just couldn’t see why and how it could be continued. Now I’ve decided to check it out (I mean, it did get all of the bananas) 😉
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Thank you! I totally get what you mean- I was nervous for the same reason, but Rowell proved to me that there was more to this story! Awesome!! 😀
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Wonderful post! And as someone who loved the book, I agree with all your points! 🙂
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Thank you! I’m so glad you loved it too!! 😀
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Ahhhhhh, I am so pleased you also loved this book. Definitely some surprise plot twists, but definitely the sequel we all needed (and deserved)!!
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I really did!!! I love this series so much!! I totally agree with you!! 😀
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Awesome post! So glad to know this is great as it’s on my library reserve list … and I looooooooved Carry On so much. ❤ ❤ ❤
Also glad you mentioned Supernatural. Ever since I knew Wayward Son was coming out I've been wondering if the title was a nod … and humming Kansas' tune! 😀
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Thank you!! Ah that’s brilliant- I hope you love this too!!! 😀 ❤
Yes! It really made me think of that- and there were loads of parts of the book where I was humming that under my breath as well 😉 It just felt really reminiscent of that!
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