CBR13 BINGO: Rec’d square (Cannonball Read has been my go-to when looking for something to read for as long as it has been around. That’s over a decade of recommendations, folks. One of the greatest loves of my reading life is Rainbow Rowell and I have to thank many, many great Cannonballers for that. So, I’m stretching the Rec’d Square here a bit because it wasn’t one specific Cannonballer who recommended this book in particular. It was a group effort recommending the author in general. While I may have come across Rainbow Rowell eventually, I will forever be grateful for this reading bunch who found her and put her on my radar. I have said many times that I would read a grocery list if it was written by Rainbow Rowell. Love, LOVE this lady and 15 year old me would have CHERISHED these books had they existed.)
Regardless of the age group targeted or the characters’ stage in life, Rowell captures what it’s like to fall in love and be in love like no one else. All of the awkwardness, vulnerability and yearning is rendered PERFECTLY. The inner monologue of the besotted is Rowell’s true talent. Oh, and she can write completely believable conversational dialogue which is a true gift.
Now that I have fangirl-ed all over the author here, let’s get to it. This is the final book in the Simon Snow trilogy. Just do yourself a favor and read the books. So many Cannonballers can’t be wrong.
The entire magical Scooby gang is back in England with one American Normal (Shepard) in tow. In the aftermath of their stateside adventure and still reeling from the “chosen one” fiasco, everyone scatters; each of them trying figure out what to do next.
When Simon and Baz catch wind of a new self-proclaimed “chosen one” who is luring in Mage’s with weak magical powers (including Baz’s stepmother) with the promise to enhance their abilities, the siren song of the common enemy brings them all together again. It takes a certain kind of bravery to battle demons and vampires and powerful magicians hellbent on world domination. A bravery they are familiar with and find comfort in. In this final book, however, it’s emotional bravery that the characters need to summon to allow themselves to be open and vulnerable enough to recognize that their path may not be what everyone, including themselves, had expected of them but was just what they needed to feel whole.