Carry On by Rainbow Rowell Summary

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell is a young adult fantasy novel about Simon Snow, a wizard and "Chosen One" attending his final year at Watford School of Magicks. Simon must battle the Humdrum, a magic-eating monster that wears his face, while navigating complicated feelings for his vampire roommate Baz. Published in 2015, this 522-page novel blends ghost story, love story, and mystery elements while subverting typical chosen one narratives.

Carry On is recommended for readers aged 11 and up who enjoy magical fantasy and Harry Potter-style stories. The book appeals to fans of LGBTQ+ romance, enemies-to-lovers dynamics, and stories that critique and reimagine classic fantasy tropes. Rainbow Rowell wrote this for audiences who feel like they don't quite fit in, making it particularly resonant for young adults navigating identity and belonging.

Carry On is worth reading for its clever subversion of chosen one narratives and genuine LGBTQ+ representation. The novel successfully condenses six books' worth of lore into one engaging story without info-dumping, while offering both fun escapism and serious emotional depth. Reviewers praise its rewarding rereads, authentic English dialogue despite Rowell being American, and unpredictable resolution that doesn't patronize its target demographic.

Carry On originated as the fictional fanfiction series from Rainbow Rowell's novel Fangirl, where the main character writes Simon Snow stories. Rowell essentially wrote the full version of that fanfiction as a standalone book, creating what she calls "fanfic of a series that doesn't exist". While Carry On can be read independently without knowledge of Fangirl, understanding this meta-textual origin adds an extra layer of appreciation for the novel's playful, self-aware approach to fantasy storytelling.

Simon Snow and Baz's relationship transforms from enemies to lovers throughout Carry On. Baz is secretly in love with Simon while Simon initially mistakes his obsessive monitoring of Baz as fear rather than affection. Their slow-burn romance features the classic "roommates who hate each other" dynamic before Simon realizes his feelings, culminating in them moving to London together after graduation. The relationship provides genuine LGBTQ+ representation that Harry Potter notably lacked.

The Humdrum is the primary antagonist in Carry On, a magic-eating monster that mysteriously looks exactly like Simon Snow at age ten. This "wonderfully creepy twist" makes the enemy deeply personal for Simon, who has battled the Humdrum throughout his school years. By the novel's climax, Simon defeats the Humdrum by surrendering his magical power to fill the void the creature represents, though this sacrifice leaves Simon powerless.

Simon Snow loses all his magical powers at the end of Carry On after using them to destroy the Humdrum. The Mage, revealed as the true villain, is accidentally killed during the final confrontation. Despite losing his destiny as the Greatest Mage, Simon finds happiness by attending Baz's graduation, publicly embracing their relationship, and moving to London with Baz and Penelope to attend university. Simon learns to build a life of his own choosing rather than following prophecy.

Carry On features prominent LGBTQ+ representation through Simon and Baz's central gay romance. Rainbow Rowell uses this magical world to show that "gay people exist," offering explicit diversity that Harry Potter never achieved. Simon experiences a brief but realistic struggle with understanding his sexual identity when he realizes his feelings for Baz, but the book treats this discovery with sensitivity and authenticity. The inclusive representation is a defining feature that distinguishes Carry On from the fantasy novels it parodies.

Carry On deliberately parodies and critiques Harry Potter while offering its own unique spin on wizarding school stories. Rainbow Rowell addresses issues from the Harry Potter series, including better LGBTQ+ representation and more diverse characters. Unlike Harry Potter's prophecy-driven narrative, Carry On subverts the chosen one trope by having Simon lose his powers and reject his destiny. The magic system uses everyday words and phrases that carry power, rather than Latin-based spells.

The magic system in Carry On uses spoken language, everyday words, lyrics, and rhymes to cast spells. Rather than invented incantations, magicians in Watford wield power through "the very words that carry magic" from common speech. This linguistic approach emphasizes how "spoken language can devastate, revive, or save a person," making magic feel more accessible and connected to real-world communication. The system reflects Rainbow Rowell's interest in how diction and vocabulary impact human interaction.

Carry On has sequels, as Rainbow Rowell continued Simon Snow's story beyond the original 2015 novel. The book was initially written as a standalone conclusion to a fictional series, but readers and Rowell herself wanted more adventures in this world. The continuation allows exploration of Simon's life after losing his powers and his evolving relationship with Baz, expanding the universe that fans found so compelling in the first book.

Carry On is appropriate for readers aged 11 and older, with content suitable for young adult audiences. The book contains no graphic violence, making it accessible for younger readers who enjoy magical fantasy. As a fairly long novel at 522 pages, it's best suited for confident middle-grade readers through adults. The LGBTQ+ romance content is handled age-appropriately, focusing on emotional development and sweet relationship moments rather than explicit content.