Title: Any Way the Wind Blows
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Publication date: July 6, 2021
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Summary
First, Simon Snow was the Chosen One. The Chosen One who didn’t really know how to control his magic. Then, they went on a road trip across America and fought some vampires. Now, Simon doesn’t really know how to move forward. What is he supposed to do now that he isn’t the Chosen One?
Baz is jumping between family crises, worried that Simon might be pulling away. Penny is focused on helping Shepard get out of his demon deal. And Agatha is just trying to go with the flow. After all, she’s had enough excitement for a lifetime. Now, it’s about moving forward. As long as another crisis doesn’t get in the way and they don’t have to save the world again.
Review: Any Way the Wind Blows
If you remember back when I reviewed Carry On, it’s one of my favorite series. And this book brought all the feels! Honestly, Any Way the Wind Blows is a wonderful, emotional filled finale for Simon and the crew. Usually, I read new, anticipated releases quickly, but this one I tried to savor. And savor I did!
First, for the non-spoilery part. Rowell gives us scenes that we’ve wanted for ages in this book. There are so many tender moments between Simon and Baz, and they fit the character arcs perfectly. Each character is working through their trauma in their own ways. There are definitely three different stories happening in ths book, but they fit together masterfully.
Also, there are discussions that have been needing to happen that finally happen in this book. Simon and Baz have a discussion about what Simon identifies as, and he doesn’t know how to label it. But it’s acknowledged and I’m so happy it was included in here. Frankly, we need more discussions like this in fantasy books.
And now for spoilers! Don’t read below the heading if you haven’t yet read the book.
Any Way the Wind Blows Spoilers
While I thoroughly enjoyed the three different stories, the main driving conflict was a bit anti-climatic. However, I think this works in favor of the overall message of the book. It’s not quite clear what Smith’s main goal is in being the Chosen One, but that’s also okay. It felt a bit like a plot point to bring all the characters together.
Agatha also goes in an unexpected direction! Her scenes with Niamh are incredibly sweet, and I loved that they evolved into something romantic. I think it added something that the trilogy was missing, and seriously, they are so cute!! I love them.
Can we talk about those Simon and Baz scenes, too? At one point, Simon promises Baz that he’s actually going to try, and it’s so so sweet. Baz helps Simon work through his fears and insecurities, and Simon does the same for Baz. They’re working through these things, and I promise you’ll melt at these moments.
Finally, Simon finally finds some family! I was waiting for this throughout the whole book, and it’s just so satisfying there at the end. Everything about the end is satisfying, actually. If you’re a Carry On fan, I think you’ll love this ending. I know I did!