So, I would like to divide the review to this book into three parts-
- Characters
-Plot
-Writing/Dialogue
Before starting I would like to assure everyone that this contains only a few spoilers(not anything major). I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to read this even though I went in thinking I would hate it because I never thought anyone other than Rowling could write the magic genre better but...guess not. I am a huge fan of Rainbow Rowell and I love all her books from the bottom of my heart and this book, yes the one I have been blabbering about has given me major feels like in my soul. So, let's get started-
CHARACTERS
Simon Snow- The most interesting thing about this character other than being the all-powerful protagonist with like abilities above and beyond is the fact that he and everyone around him presume he is not good with words or feelings but his point of view chapters are the most vividly written ones. I loved his take on things and how Rowell has shown us flaws and adorable quirks which makes this blonde idiot that much easy to love.
Tyrannus Basilton Grimm-Pitch - I physically or emotionally can't encompass how much I love this character. He is dramatic, sassy, smart as hell, passionate about books, loves his sister, misses his mother and is a suicidal vampire who is secretly in love with his mortal enemy ( basically everything I am looking for in a person). His complexity and like his whole guilt-ridden thing just adds more flesh to this character.
Penelope Bunce- Penelope is Simon's best friend. She is his rock and like, the dynamic between those two is something that people crave for. She strikes an unlikely alliance with Baz and is seen as not a side character but someone with their storyline and a character basis.
Agatha Wellbelove - Despite popular beliefs, I think this character is not talked about often how she literally puts up with so much and works hard to make a relationship work. She escaped and went to California, decided to keep a cat and well, just said a big f-you to everyone's faces. I love this character for how she stood up for herself and left the whole' damsel in distress' situation.
And there are other great characters like Ebb and Lucy Salisbury and The Mage(not that great).
PLOT
I don't think anyone who has ever read a Rowell book gets out disappointed due to the lack of a good and satisfying plot. The plot keeps you at your toes at ALL times, I could never have thought that the ending which she wrote would even be in the realm of possibility and I was shocked and thrilled and left wanting more in the best way possible. Not only did she portray emotion well but she also included DRAGONS !. The ending is nicely tied up and leaves nothing scattering or like leave the reader thinking something could have been done better( or maybe it does, I am heavily biased) I am not going to reveal much of the plot other than the fact that if you're looking for fantasy fiction with dragons and angst and magic and scones and hot British jokes this is your candy store.
WRITING
The writing is beautiful and fluffy and so nicely wrapped. The reader doesn't feel lost or confused. Most of my complaints are when the writer doesn't let us see the inner turmoil of the characters or the emotionality of the plot or the character gets trumped by the action but in here we see friendships and young love and such diversity in characters and successful boy-girl friendships with no drama and family drama and confessing your love for your sworn enemy in a forest fire etc.Â
"And when I felt myself slipping too far, I held on to the one thing I'm always sure of-
Blue eyes.
Bronze curls.
The fact that Simon Snow is the most powerful magician alive. That nothing can hurt him, not even me. That Simon Snow is alive. And I'm hopelessly in love with him."
