WAYWARD SON: A Sequel Destined For Success

Rainbow Rowell has done it again. Not only has she effortlessly pulled us back into the world of magickal beings and wand wielding in Carry On, but she’s done it without the structural support of the Hogwarts-esk, mage training campus that expectedly drew her some criticism. Don’t get me wrong, I thought her use of a magical boarding school was quite unique and appealing despite the Rawling similarities. But hey, haters have a job to do too, right? This sequel feels different, yet so familiar. We’re no longer in the mecca of young mage cultivation, we’re no longer burdened by this ideal of destiny and “the chosen one”; we’re allowed to indulge in the literary element of character investment that Rowell thrives in. If you can’t get invested in these people, there’s little hope for enjoying what you read, watch, write or listen to. That’s why Wayward Son is the gift that keeps on giving for anyone who fell in love with Simon Baz or Penny. It’s all them. The 3 amigos riding into the London sunset after a long day of dragon slaying and evil thwarting. The Migos driving their Maybachs into the Atlanta sunrise after a long night of spittin those flames and Waffle House beast sessions. I love that everyone gets a taste of the glory, but also reach these low points and have something to overcome. The balance that Rowell maintains so that all three shine would put your favorite gymnast to shame. Except maybe Simone Biles.

Simon, The Broken, King of the Worst Chosen Ones to Ever Be Ch…