Simon Snow did everything he was supposed to do. He beat the villain. He won the war. He even fell in love. Now comes the good part, right? Now comes the happily ever after… So why can’t Simon Snow get off the couch?They find trouble, of course. (Dragons, vampires, skunk-headed things with shotguns.) And they get lost. They get so lost, they start to wonder whether they ever knew where they were headed in the first place…
Rainbow Rowell is one of my favourite authors and for that I am warning whoever says that my opinion is tainted with love. It is. You are right. Let´s not dwell on that.
I read Wayward son in less than twenty-four hours. It is not a big novel I might add but it is so fast to consume. And so, warm as well. I wouldn't be kidding anyone if I said that I didn't love this book. It is my cup of tea and I will not negate it.
With that said I do have a constructed review that might or might not be 80% positive and 20% meh in terms of plot.
SPOILERS ahead, be warned that this is a spoilery review.
This is most definitely not the best book by this author. It is a fluff read that melts your heart and plays with nostalgia. Readers who have read the first instalment of the series will probably like the book, maybe not love it due to the lack of rating between the too, but nevertheless they will be somewhat affected by the familiarity of the characters.
The true key point of the story is, and will be for the continuation of the trilogy, the cast of characters. I can´t even say how as I writer I wish I had the same ability to create characters like Baz.
Agatha´s character is a highlight for once! I mean I didn’t liked her on Carry On but I did kind of like her in Wayward Son and that is because she has now a goal and a motive that are way more believable than in the latest instalment.
The mental health aspect that Simon has to deal with it, is very well made. The dynamic between how the inner and outer thought of Simon and Baz where brilliant! Although I do believe that it all happened a little too fast.
Meaning that between the depressing state that our main character finds himself in the beginning to the “yeahy- America road trip” vibe that he gets after a couple of flaky chapters is like a bad positioned switch.
But I do think that the way Rainbow Rowell wrote Baz and Simon relationship is very close to what reality may be. It is hard to date someone who deals with inner depression like Simon does and Baz reactions to it are the utter most heart-breaking truth.
Their relationship broke me. It is well made and relatable. It was a slow burn vs an explosive love. It suits them.
I also adored to see Penny going to some difficult phases and how the characters felt equal to the first novel. They were the same persona as their voices were clear to be themselves. Also, there was a more individual approach to each character which for me was good to see, it allowed them to show a bit more of who they are when not in close proximity to each other.
Like Baz finally dealing with being a vampire and what that means in his relationships or Penny understanding what love is and what it is not.
The most common idea that I found when researching for this review was that a lot of people found this book unsatisfactory and a totally different vibe from the Carry On. But for me it is what is expected from a middle book. And that is what this book is. A middle book!
IT IS NOT AN ACTION BOOK. WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO READ CARRY ON AGAIN? It is another book people.
The identify journey / road trip aspect of this story is something that I did appreciate. I just felt happy that this author didn't stay away from the way she wants to tell a story just because of popular tropes or critics jugging her for lack of originality. Which would be probably me if it wasn't Wayward Son and if Baz wasn't such a sexy bastard.
“Go ahead and shoot me. This isn´t my favourite shirt.”
Baz is my favourite person ever and I can´t even with his chapters. I (love it not the right word) dream of the day that I can jump on the back of that car and ride into the sunset with Baz at my side!
Now, the plot line is honesty nothing amazing. It felt meh, it felt dry of something. There wasn't too many action scenes and some of it looked like a middle grade book. But that is the only downside to reading this book. It is not a read for learning. It is just warm butter and that was the expectation that I had coming into it.
Also, the plot shield on the last big scene…not my gem but oh well. I understand why Rainbow Rowell couldn't and will not kill Simon Snow.
In conclusion, just read the book and made up your own opinions. For me it is amazing and everything I needed at the time. Rainbow Rowell´s books have this magic property that pulls me out of my writer´s block or reader slumps. Cool we done here? Because I am pretty sure I just feel like re-reading wayward son again!
Rating: 5 out of 5. (Goodreads)