Carry On (2015) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

The romance between Simon and Baz develops from decades of animosity into deep affection. There are several scenes of intense kissing and physical closeness; in one instance, they sleep in the same bed and wake together, though no explicit sexual acts take place on the page. Simon experiences significant confusion regarding his feelings for Penny and Baz throughout the first half of the novel. The narrative emphasizes romantic tension and yearning rather than graphic descriptions, keeping encounters within the…

Magical combat occurs throughout, involving spells that cause physical harm, blood, and property damage. A character loses their tail, a dragon attacks a school, and there are descriptions of past murders and the 'Humdrum' draining the magic out of areas, which can be unsettling. The Mage uses magic in coercive ways, and Simon frequently loses control of his power, leading to explosions. One scene depicts the traumatic transformation of a character into a vampire, involving dark magic and blood. The final battle…

Moderate use of profanity throughout the text. Words like 'sh*t,' 'b*tch,' 'ass,' and 'hell' appear frequently, used primarily by the teenage protagonists in moments of frustration or banter. The dialogue is authentic to modern British teenagers, featuring slang and casual insults that heighten the contemporary feel of the fantasy setting. Characters like Agatha and Penny use milder language, while Simon and Baz are more prone to swearing during heated exchanges. There are no uses of the strongest category of…

References to drinking are present but not central to the plot. Characters are mentioned drinking wine or cider at school functions or in social settings, but there is no depiction of drug abuse or severe intoxication. Baz mentions the specific dietary requirements of his vampirism, which involves consuming blood, though he tries to remain ethical about it. During a stay at a remote location, characters share a bottle of wine while discussing their plans. The depiction of alcohol is limited to casual social…

The book explores themes of identity, belonging, and the burden of expectation. It heavily critiques the 'chosen one' narrative, touching on the trauma of child heroism and the ethics of magisterial power structures. Simon struggles with a profound sense of abandonment as an orphan and fears he is nothing without his purpose as a warrior. The plot also deals with grief, as Baz mourns his mother and Simon faces the betrayal of a father figure. The concept of the 'Humdrum' serves as a metaphor for the erasure of…