Publication date: September 2019
LGBTQ+ author? Unknown
Series: Simon Snow Book #2 (must read in order)
Setting: Modern day United States
Content warnings: Magical fighting, gun violence, kidnapping
Our trio from Carry On is heading to America! Penelope wants to visit her American boyfriend in Chicago. And she wants to drop in on her friend (and Simon’s ex-girlfriend) Agatha, who has moved to California to get away from the world of mages.
Penelope also wants to shake things up for Simon, who has been laying on the couch for the last year. The book starts with Simon attempting to break up with Baz, who has been unfailingly supportive — almost wet noddle level of support. Simon gets interrupted by Penelope’s plans, as she has already purchased (or rather magically stolen) plane tickets for them.
What I liked
This road trip is totally unhinged. It brought me back to that invincible feeling I had when I was in my late teens and just incapable of thinking anything through. They rent a convertible and Baz is a vampire who crisps up in the sun. They have no idea of just how big America is until they are already driving (Nebraska is the size of France!). They don’t have money to pay for anything. They don’t know where they are staying. Just chaos.
Along the way, they have many adventures. I love when they stop in a Ren Faire, where everyone is dressed up as magical creatures and talks in fake British accents. (“Is the theme weird and British?”) Simon can let his wings out and just be himself in public. He’s having the time of his life. I read a take on tumblr that Simon’s wings represent his bisexuality (or demisexuality? or Baz-sexuality?). Simon’s joy and freedom at Ren Faire feels like his first Pride Parade. Here is some fan art of Baz and Simon play fighting with fake Ren Faire swords.
I also love the deep dive into vampire culture we get in Las Vegas. It’s Baz’s first chance to actually learn some things about himself, as everyone at home pretends he is not a vampire.
Agatha, who is always a bit passive, finally gets her moment to save the day.
What happens after the Happily Ever After
Most stories (like Harry Potter) stop where Carry On did. They defeated the Bad Guy which happens to coincide with when our main characters finish high school. People have coupled off. We can imagine bright futures for everyone.
I think what makes this series interesting is that this is just the beginning. In this second book, we see how dissociated and depressed Simon is. Which MAKES SENSE for this basically child soldier. The only thing that makes Simon feel alive is when his life is in danger. So he looks for fights. He looks for danger. Having just finished rereading The Body Keeps the Score, this is very classic PTSD behaviour.
Baz and Simon struggle to connect during this book. Baz is not sure if he is allowed to touch or kiss Simon at all, despite dating for over a year. When they crash in a hotel room with Penelope, one of them will take the couch or the floor over sharing a bed. Simon keeps beating himself for not being good enough for Baz and avoids him. Though after every magical battle, Simon opens up enough to connect. Just for a moment. Even just to watch the stars.
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