Wayward Son: Simon Snow Trilogy Series, Book 2
(Libby/OverDrive eAudiobook)

After the triumphant conclusion of Carry On, hero Simon Snow had earned some reward, or at least a little happiness. Instead, as this sequel opens, readers learn that Simon has sunk into a deep post-heroics funk. Roommates and fellow magicians Penny and Baz (well, mostly Penny) decide that Simon needs a radical change. A hastily and haphazardly arranged trip takes them from England to Chicago, where they rent a classic Mustang to head west--Penny presciently senses that former classmate Agatha has found trouble in California. Trouble, in fact, abounds, and the magicians face off against a variety of foes, including Ren Faire-visiting vampires and a shotgun-wielding polecat, while finding that their idiom-based magic works differently in America. Rowell's dry wit is on full display as the first-person narrative moves between the characters, and plentiful awkward relationships--including the fraught romance between Simon and Baz--add tension. Though this second volume lacks the first's tighter plotline, it's a big-hearted look at early adulthood, exploration, and self-renewal that will certainly draw fans. Ages 14--up. (Sept.)

Simon, Baz, and Penny are all feeling a bit at sea. They saved the world in Carry On, but none of them are quite sure what to do next. So Penny decides that a road trip is in order--one across America, to be specific, that starts with visiting her long-distance boyfriend, Micah, in Chicago and ends with seeing Agatha in San Diego. The trip starts poorly. After a disappointing visit with Micah (he broke up with her a year earlier, but she didn't notice; his new girlfriend seems nice at least), they have a much longer drive to San Diego than they expected (none of them realized quite how big the Western states are). And that's before the dragons and the vampires and learning that Agatha is being kept prisoner by a cult. VERDICT Fans of the first book will relish another visit with Simon and the rest of the gang.--Stephanie Klose, Library Journal

Simon Snow, his boyfriend, Baz, and their friend Penny road trip through America in this sequel to Carry On (2015).After an eventful final year at the Watford School of Magicks, Simon has lost his magic powers but gained a tail and giant red dragon wings. He's been in a funk and even considers breaking up with Baz. Penny decides a change of scenery might help, and the British trio plan a visit to their friend Agatha in San Diego. The United States is nothing like they expected, and after a comical trip to a Renaissance Faire leads to a magical battle, they're on the run. After learning that Agatha's in trouble at a mysteriously sinister wellness retreat, they set out to find her with the help of Shepard, a nonmagical American. Their journey brings encounters with a were-skunk in Nebraska, a dragon in the Rocky Mountains, a water spirit in the Hoover Dam, and vampires in Vegas (obviously). Alternating perspectives and clever dialogue keep the fast-paced action moving despite the muddled plot. While running around saving the day takes the forefront, Simon and Baz's complex relationship is never fully exploredbut thankfully the ending leaves the door open for more magical adventures. Most characters are white; Penny is biracial (Indian and white). Shepard, who is black, is given a couple of flippant race-related lines that read as tone deaf. A marvelously spellbinding tale with all the wit and heart that fans have come to expect. (Fantasy. 14-adult) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

*Starred Review* At last! A sequel to Carry On (2015) and the good news is that it's every bit as fine as the first. Here's the story: Simon, having lost his magic, is in such a funk that it seems things might be over with him and Baz. Happily, their friend Penelope—she who must be obeyed—decides they need to go to America to sort things out and to find out what is happening with their friend Agatha, who is incommunicado in San Diego. On the way they meet a 22-year-old named Shepard who is relentless in his determination to befriend them. With that settled, they head to Las Vegas, which turns out to be the vampire capital of America. Meanwhile Agatha is in grave danger, being held captive by a band of strange men called the Next Blood, who have an unhealthy interest in her magic. How this all works out is the making of a terrific adventure infused with magic, except when it isn't. The story is told from a number of points of view; one quibble here: the voices tend to sound too much alike. But that's small potatoes compared with the overall excellence of a book in which every vista pleases and every character delights. Carefully plotted, the book is a classic page-turner right to the open ending which, o frabjous day, promises a sequel to the sequel! One can hardly wait. Grades 9-12. Copyright 2019 Booklist Reviews.

After the triumphant conclusion of Carry On, hero Simon Snow had earned some reward, or at least a little happiness. Instead, as this sequel opens, readers learn that Simon has sunk into a deep post-heroics funk. Roommates and fellow magicians Penny and Baz (well, mostly Penny) decide that Simon needs a radical change. A hastily and haphazardly arranged trip takes them from England to Chicago, where they rent a classic Mustang to head west—Penny presciently senses that former classmate Agatha has found trouble in California. Trouble, in fact, abounds, and the magicians face off against a variety of foes, including Ren Faire-visiting vampires and a shotgun-wielding polecat, while finding that their idiom-based magic works differently in America. Rowell's dry wit is on full display as the first-person narrative moves between the characters, and plentiful awkward relationships—including the fraught romance between Simon and Baz—add tension. Though this second volume lacks the first's tighter plotline, it's a big-hearted look at early adulthood, exploration, and self-renewal that will certainly draw fans. Ages 14–up. (Sept.)