School Library Journal Review
Gr 9 Up-Simon Snow is back with his own story, after being introduced as a fanfiction hero in Rowell's Fangirl (St. Martin's Griffin, 2013). It's senior year at the Watford School of Magicks, but Simon's roommate/nemesis Baz is nowhere to be found, which disconcerts Simon more than he would have guessed. When Baz finally does turn up, Simon offers to help him find out who killed his mother, and an uneasy truce is developed among the two boys and Simon's best friend, Penny. The group dynamics evolve as the teens fight for magic and for their lives. Scottish actor Euan Morton narrates and does a stunning job, especially with the complex characters of Simon and Baz. He reveals the heart of each character, portraying Simon as an uncertain magician, uncomfortable with his magical power yet trying to merit his title of "The Chosen One," while vampire Baz is occasionally cruel and always cool yet concealing a surprisingly emotional side. This audiobook is sure to please a wide range of listeners with its sweet romance, terrifying adventures, and inventive magical creations. Wonderful fantasy-type music begins and ends the listening experience. VERDICT An essential purchase for fans of Harry Potter and Rainbow Rowell, as well as lovers of fantasy. ["With rock-solid worldbuilding, a sweet and believable romance subplot, and satisfying ending, Rowell's latest is a monumentally enjoyable reading experience": SLJ 11/15 starred review of the St. Martin's Griffin book.]-Julie Paladino, formerly of East Chapel Hill High School, NC © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Rowell's novel (an offshoot of 2013's Fangirl), tells the story of Simon Snow, a Harry Potter-esque "Chosen One" trying to learn to use his magic at a wizarding school, and Baz, Simon's roommate and sworn enemy, who is secretly in love with Simon. Rowell's many fangirls and fanboys are sure to swoon over Morton's masterful and character-perfect narration: his voice for Baz is initially cool, sneering, and jaded, then raw and tortured when Baz finally breaks down, whereas Simon's voice is higher-pitched and endearingly awkward. The emotionally intense scenes between the two are especially impressive, as Morton switches effortlessly back and forth between these contrasting characters as they bicker and flirt. Ages 13-up. A St. Martin's Griffin hardcover. (Oct.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Library Journal Review
English-born orphan Simon Snow is the most hapless hero the World of Mages has ever seen. As the prophesied Chosen One, Simon finds his immense magical power is nearly out of his control at the best of times. Now in his final year at school, he is surrounded by mysteries: his own missing parents, his distant girlfriend, ghosts, and surviving the final showdown with the Insidious Humdrum. He also worries-obsessively, sleeplessly-about his missing roommate-and nemesis-Baz. Will Simon's life really begin, as he believes, after the happily ever after? And will life be worth living if Baz doesn't return? Verdict In a departure from her realistic young adult and adult novels (Fangirl; Eleanor and Park), Rowell delves into fantasy with this story, which was originally imagined as a plot device in Fangirl. Similar on the surface to J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, the intricately plotted novel, with its multiple voices, makes for a rich fantasy worthy of its own canon. Rowell aficionados who fell for Simon and Baz will be clamoring for this coming-of-age novel. With crossover appeal, expect demand from teens and adults alike. And presenting a genuine LGBT romance, Rowell has another hit on her hands.-Jennifer Beach, Cumberland Cty. P.L., VA © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
