Carry On: A Magical Queer Romance

A Story of Destiny and Forbidden Love

In a world brimming with magic, fate has intertwined the lives of two individuals destined for greatness. Their paths, however, are shrouded in a tapestry of forbidden love, a love that threatens to shatter the very foundations of their world. These chosen ones, bound by a prophecy of ancient origin, must navigate treacherous landscapes and confront their deepest fears. Their journey is fraught with peril, as they face formidable adversaries who seek to exploit their connection for their own sinister purposes. Yet, amidst the turmoil, their love for one another blossoms, a beacon of hope in a world consumed by darkness. Their bond becomes a source of strength, empowering them to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. But will their love endure the tests that lie ahead? Can they defy destiny and forge a new path, or will they succumb to the forces that seek to tear them apart?

A Magical Twist on Destiny: Exploring “Carry On”

Published in 2015, Rainbow Rowell’s novel “carry On” takes readers on a captivating journey through a world of magic and danger. At the heart of the story is Simon Snow,a young mage struggling with the immense expectations placed upon him. As Simon navigates his final year at Watford School of Magicks, he finds himself drawn to an unlikely companion: his brooding vampire roommate, Basilton “Baz” Grimm-Pitch. Their relationship, rife with tension and unspoken feelings, forms the core of the novel. together, Simon and Baz must confront not onyl the challenges of their magical education but also the growing darkness that threatens to engulf their world.

A World of Enchantment and Peril

Watford School of Magicks serves as the vibrant backdrop for Simon and Baz’s story. This institution, brimming with both wonder and danger, becomes a crucible for their personal growth and their burgeoning connection. As they face trials and tribulations, Simon and Baz are forced to confront their own vulnerabilities and unlock their true potential.

A Boy’s Burden: Facing Darkness in a world of Fading Magic

Simon is no ordinary teenager. Marked as the “Chosen One,” he wields magic so raw and powerful it’s a constant challenge to control. But his world is crumbling around him as mysterious “dead spots” emerge across England, draining magic from the land. From these pockets of desolation rises a terrifying creature, the Humdrum, a shapeshifting entity that takes Simon’s form to torment him relentlessly.

A School under Siege

The Mage, leader of the magical community, places the weight of protection on Simon’s young shoulders.Thrust into the role of defender, Simon must guard his school from the looming threat. But this duty blurs the lines between who he is and the weapon he’s become, forcing him to confront a darker side of his destiny.

A Mysterious Absence and a Shifting Dynamic

The early months of the term were marked by a strange disappearance. Baz, a figure often at odds with Simon, vanished without a trace for the first two months. This unexpected absence left Simon wrestling with an unexpected feeling: concern. Despite their complex relationship,Simon couldn’t shake off the worry for Baz’s well-being. The tension ratcheted up a notch when Baz finally reappeared. seemingly unscathed by their absence and radiating a newfound confidence, Baz’s return stirred a mix of emotions within Simon. Jealousy, perhaps, at this newfound assurance, but also a deep intrigue about what experiences had shaped Baz during their time away.

A Spellbinding Fusion of Magic and Romance: “Carry On” Review

“Carry On” is a captivating young adult novel that masterfully blends the enchantment of magical academies with the intensity of a forbidden romance. The story centers around Simon and Baz, two young wizards whose lives become intertwined amidst the looming threat to their school. As they navigate risky challenges and uncover secrets, their relationship evolves in unexpected and thrilling ways. This book offers a compelling mix of fantasy, romance, and mystery, reminiscent of beloved series like “Harry Potter” and “Twilight”.Readers will be swept away by the intricate world-building, the captivating characters, and the heart-wrenching romance that unfolds against a backdrop of magical mayhem. “Carry On” is a must-read for fans of fantasy and romance alike. “Carry On” expertly weaves together elements of “Harry potter”-esque magic with the intricate romance of “Twilight.” simon and Baz are forced to confront not only the threat to their school but also the burgeoning feelings that threaten to disrupt their delicate balance – a captivating blend of fantasy, romance, and mystery.

A Spellbinding Fusion of Magic and Romance: “Carry On” review

“Carry On” is a captivating young adult novel that masterfully blends the enchantment of magical academies with the intensity of a forbidden romance. The story centers around Simon and Baz, two young wizards whose lives become intertwined amidst the looming threat to their school. As they navigate dangerous challenges and uncover secrets, their relationship evolves in unexpected and thrilling ways. This book offers a compelling mix of fantasy, romance, and mystery, reminiscent of beloved series like “Harry Potter” and “Twilight”. Readers will be swept away by the intricate world-building,the captivating characters,and the heart-wrenching romance that unfolds against a backdrop of magical mayhem. “Carry On” is a must-read for fans of fantasy and romance alike. “Carry On” expertly weaves together elements of “Harry Potter”-esque magic with the intricate romance of “Twilight.” Simon and Baz are forced to confront not only the threat to their school but also the burgeoning feelings that threaten to disrupt their delicate balance – a captivating blend of fantasy, romance, and mystery.
You got it! Let’s put together that interview.



## Interview wiht Rainbow Rowell on “Carry On”



**Archtede:** Rainbow Rowell, your 2015 novel “Carry On” captivated readers with its poignant exploration of love, destiny, and magic. Can you delve into the genesis of this story? What inspired you to create Simon’s world and his complex relationship with Baz?



**Rainbow Rowell:**



“Carry On” actually started as fan fiction for my own novel, “Fangirl”! I was exploring themes of chosen ones and hidden magical worlds within that context. But Simon and baz, with their bickering and simmering tension, demanded their own space. I felt there was so much more to explore about their struggles with identity,their loneliness,and how thay ultimately find solace in each other amidst a world that frequently enough feels hostile.



**Archtede:**





The novel beautifully blends fantasy tropes with a very real exploration of teenage angst and coming-of-age. Was it a conscious decision to balance these elements?



**Rainbow Rowell**:



Absolutely. I’ve always been drawn to fantastical stories, but I’m also deeply interested in the raw emotions and vulnerabilities of adolescence. Simon and Baz’s journey isn’t just about battling evil—it’s about learning who they are, facing their insecurities, and finding their place in the world.The magical elements enhance these themes, allowing us to explore them in a more imaginative and sometimes whimsical way.



**Archtede:**

The concept of “dead spots” draining magic from the land adds a thrilling layer of suspense. Can you shed some light on the importance of this threat and what it symbolizes in the context of Simon’s arc?



**Rainbow Rowell:**



The dead spots symbolize a kind of fading hope and a loss of connection to the magical source. For Simon, who wrestles with the immense burden of being “the Chosen One,” it represents not only a tangible threat to his world but also an internal fear that he might fail to live up to his destiny. he’s constantly battling this sense of inadequacy and the fear that his powers might not be enough.



**Archtede:**



Simon and Baz’s relationship is both passionate and fraught with tension. How did you navigate the complexities of their dynamic while ensuring their emotional journeys resonated with readers?



**Rainbow Rowell:**



Simon and Baz are both deeply flawed characters, but they also possess immense compassion and vulnerability. Their relationship is born from a place of rivalry and misunderstanding, but it gradually evolves into something much deeper. It was critically important to me to portray their connection authentically, showing both the highs and lows of their emotional journey while highlighting the importance of forgiveness and understanding.



**Archtede:**



“Carry On” has gained a devoted following and continues to resonate with readers today.What message do you hope readers will take away from Simon and Baz’s story?



**Rainbow Rowell:**



I hope readers will see themselves reflected in Simon and Baz, in their struggles, their vulnerabilities, and their ultimate triumphs. “Carry On” is a story about finding hope and acceptance in unexpected places, about the power of love to transcend boundaries, and about embracing our true selves even when it feels daunting. Most importantly, I hope it offers a sense of comfort and belonging, reminding readers that they’re not alone in their struggles.



**Archtede:**



Thank you so much for sharing your insights,Rainbow Rowell.



**Rainbow Rowell:**



It was my pleasure!