Book details
Rainbow Rowell - Author
Simon’s unreliable magic, the face-wearing monster and Baz’s absence set up a magical mystery. The story also gives substantial space to romance and the characters’ changing relationships.
Simon Snow is the worst Chosen One who’s ever been chosen. That’s what his roommate, Baz, says. And Baz might be evil and a vampire and a complete git, but he’s probably right. Half the time, Simon can’t even make his wand work, and the other half, he sets something on fire. His mentor’s avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and there’s a magic-eating monster running around wearing Simon’s face. Baz would be having a field day with all this, if he were here—it’s their last year at the Watford School of Magicks, and Simon’s infuriating nemesis didn’t even bother to show up.
Book Analysis
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Sign in for personalised guidanceHow the book presents it: The story’s focus on a struggling Chosen One and its critique of the trope frame inherited heroic expectations sceptically.
Talk about: What does Simon’s experience suggest about whether a person must live up to a role assigned to them?
How the book presents it: The love story is a central strand, and Simon and Baz’s relationship develops into deep affection.
Talk about: How do Simon and Baz’s feelings affect the way they understand themselves and one another?
A central romance between two male protagonists sits alongside the fantasy plot, offering a chance to consider how affection and identity fit into a story built around magic and expectations.
Expect magical combat with physical harm, blood and property damage, as well as frequent swearing and scenes of kissing. There are also references to casual drinking and to blood connected with vampirism.
How do Simon and Baz’s feelings for one another develop, and what does the story suggest about the difference between being expected to fulfil a role and choosing who to become?
If magical fights or blood could be unsettling, read together at first and pause to check in. You could also agree whether you want to talk about the romance and language as they arise.
Theme indicators describe how the book presents a topic; they are not a verdict on the whole book or your family's values. Confidence reflects how much book-specific material was checked. Only part of the book information was available, so some details remain unconfirmed.
Carry on by Rainbow Rowell | Open Library
Limited information
Checked: 1 October 2026.
Relevant to: Chosen-one expectations
Limited information
Checked: 1 October 2026.
Relevant to: Chosen-one expectations; Romance and identity
Limited information
Checked: 1 October 2026.
Relevant to: Romance and identity
Benefits, discussion questions and reading approaches are suggestions. Your knowledge of your child remains part of the decision.
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