Book Title: Wayward Son
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Wayward Son is the anticipated sequel to Carry On. The story is narrated in similar approach; shifting of different POV. Rainbow’s writing style is like a rainbow of wit and humor. Her dialogues are always fun to read.
This is the aftermath of war. The order in the world of mages has been restored. Simon Snow has achieved his purpose as the Chosen One. The evil force has vanished…and so has Simon’s magic. Presently, he is a Normal with wings and tail that he always hides. So much for sacrifice.
His sacrifice has stripped him of his magic. He is no magician. Not anymore. Or atleast for the time being? He thinks of himself as a fraud. Not part of the world he has loved so dearly. But does love always do the trick? Baz, his handsome boyfriend stays. His bestfriend, Penny does not forget.
My initial read demands that I shall be sad. I sort of am. Simon is not the same Simon who hugs and kisses his vampire and magician boyfriend without inch of preservation. Even a simple flirt is something he hushes away. I reckon he’s depressed. He thinks that Baz will eventually break up with him. He thinks Baz has slowly fallen out of love. This is similar to how Baz feels. He feels that he is slowly getting back to being hopelessly in love. It messes things up when both sides are bad communicators (Just sayin’). This situation isn’t far-fetched though. Even before the admission of their shared admiration, when they were still enemies, the two haven’t had the solid drive to speak what they feel. That’s probably what most readers look forward to; the future of SnowBaz. Regardless, I still get their genuine affection to one another even in little things. Even on their own separate heads.
The story progresses in a road trip as Simon, Baz, and Penny journey around America. They intend to visit Penny’s boyfriend, Micah and Simon’s ex-girlfriend and their former Watford classmate, Agatha. These visits don’t go as expected. Micah breaks up with Penny. Then vampires attack. Creatures from the Quiet Zone attack. Agatha unknowingly joins a vampire retreat. Road trip turns into a rescue mission.
Baz remains my favorite character in the series. He is warm, in love, and charismatic. The display of camaraderie among the three is to die for. I mean, it’s youthful and interesting. The romance is deliciously plotted like expensive dinner with appetizer, main coarse, and dessert (not a heavy meal from start to finish). The new character, Shepard the Normal is a promising voice in the series. His potential to be part of a more extraordinary feat with the team is something to [hopefully] anticipate.
I just love Simon and Baz being in love.
This is my cup of tea. A subtle, delicious character-driven story. The same issue remains though. I need more of the magic origin, more refined narration on it. But this is a first-person narrative so limits are sensible. 🍌🍌🍌🍌
I have no problem with cliffhangers, but this one is so good I really hate it. Waiting impatiently for Any Way the Wind Blows...
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