Any Way the Wind Blows by Rainbow Rowell

Book released July 6, 2021 by @wednesdaybooks!

FORD’S SIMON SNOW BINGE READ BOOK 4 OF 4:

✅ Fangirl (the meta introduction to Simon Snow)

✅ Carry On (Simon Snow #1)

✅ Wayward Son (Simon Snow #2)

✅ Any Way the Wind Blows (Simon Snow #3)

Rainbow Rowell crafted a finely tuned book that is the best parts of Carry On- Simon and Baz’s relationship- and the best parts of Wayward Son- the mysteries and action (and Shepard). The gang is back in London after their American “tour” and back into the thick of it: Penelope is trying to free Shepard from his curse, Baz and Simon get caught up in the hubbub of the new Chosen Ones, and Agatha is re-entering magickal society.

We know this is the last planned book in this series so, as a reader, you expect some pretty bows, but what I really liked about this book is that each characters story ends with an ellipses, not a period. You can see where their stories are going, just not the whole rest of their lives, which is great, because THEY ARE TEENAGERS. You can see that Simon doesn’t have all the answers in his life (we don’t even get an answer about the weeping painting!) but that he has a family to help him figure it out. He’s taken the first steps to having a healthy relationship with Baz. For Agatha, she’s chosen to no longer be the damsel in distress. She’s taking her life by it’s horns. Baz is beginning to see he might have acceptance from his father for his lifestyle (gay AND vampire). Penelope has put aside her prejudices and might have someone by her side who is just as curious as she is. Everyone is starting to become a responsible adult.

This one was the best book of the bunch. I no longer see this as a meta story within a story, but as it’s own standalone.

Also, this book will make you crave sandwiches. For me: cucumber. Just not a cheese and pickle. That’s gross. - Ford