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ptstewart's review against another edition
1.0
Honestly, the best part about Any Way The Wind Blows is finally accepting that I’m never gonna finish it. DNF @ 259. Cath wouldn’t do me like this, and I’m not going to pretend she would.
The pacing is wrong. 60 pages into a 500+ page book, and the main couple is breaking up—tragically, stupidly, over the whole I’m-not-good-enough-for-you cop out bullshit. And less than 25 pages after that’s concluded, they’re getting back together. Why even have them break up? Can we Google “tension?” Because I’d never figure out what it is from this. I know Cath would never write them like this.
Additionally—and this isn’t new for the Simon Snow trilogy, I know that, but—the rapid switching of POVs, especially between Baz and Simon, within one chapter or one scene is difficult to follow. I’d argue this is in part because due to them both being men, the use of male pronouns can make you lose who is talking when in a scene where the POV is changing once a page.
The issue with the Simon Snow trilogy is that it’s based off a fake fan fiction of a fake book, which means we jump right in. Do I like the characters? Yes, for sure. Do I feel like I know the characters? Not at all; and because of that, I don’t really care about them, or their troubles, or their dramatics. And while Baz is interesting because he’s both snarky and in love, and, therefore, knows what he wants, Simon is noncommittal and confused about his own head. How on earth is the reader supposed to follow what he’s got going on in his mind if he doesn’t even know, and if he only talks to Baz and never himself?
The problem, too, with a story that is supposed to be about something is that it really does have to be about something. We open the POVs from Simon, Baz, Shepard, Penelope, and Agatha, but before long, we’re sucked into an entire section—really, nearly 60 of the first 140 pages, straight through, just Simon and Baz, alternating, miscommunicating, failing to have comprehensive motives. Do I hope they figure it out? Kind of. But because of the premise of the trilogy, we don’t actually have six books of angst and longing and violence preceding this love affair, so it feels weak.
When we intercept Penelope and Shepard, what we read is Cath and Levi. Stressed out, overly panicked, trying to take care of everyone Cath/Penelope with overly kind, a little bit clueless, very capable in certain situations Levi/Shepard. The lilt of their conversations is the same, their mannerisms are similar, and we’re left wondering who the hell Penelope and Shepard are supposed to be.
Further, let me know why we’re following five characters in three groups who almost never interact. Why is Agatha here? Agatha, who has no plan, has lost her identity, who really, really could use some soul searching and is therefore comparably INTERESTING, is just off on her own third plot line, entirely separate from everyone else.
The other thing with Baz and Simon is they’re just, how do you say it? Boring? You know how if Ross and Rachel went back and forth every season for ten seasons you would’ve stopped watching before the tenth season? Simon and Baz’s miscommunication and forced sexuality (I don’t mean that in terms of them being LGBTQ+; I mean it in terms of them being sexual all. The. Time) is just boring. I don’t care that Baz is into Simon’s tail. I don’t care about Baz fingering Simon’s tail. I don’t care about Simon’s self loathing or Baz’s inaccurate judgments of Simon’s behavior. I want to. But I don’t.
UGH why are we in Smith’s POV? Why are we in lady Ruth’s POV? WHY aren’t we sticking to a fucking storyline. There is no plot. There are few links between characters. And you could argue, Paige if you kept reading it would all come together, and I’m here to tell you, if at 50% of the way through it isn’t even a LITTLE together, I don’t want it. This is such a disappointment.
The pacing is wrong. 60 pages into a 500+ page book, and the main couple is breaking up—tragically, stupidly, over the whole I’m-not-good-enough-for-you cop out bullshit. And less than 25 pages after that’s concluded, they’re getting back together. Why even have them break up? Can we Google “tension?” Because I’d never figure out what it is from this. I know Cath would never write them like this.
Additionally—and this isn’t new for the Simon Snow trilogy, I know that, but—the rapid switching of POVs, especially between Baz and Simon, within one chapter or one scene is difficult to follow. I’d argue this is in part because due to them both being men, the use of male pronouns can make you lose who is talking when in a scene where the POV is changing once a page.
The issue with the Simon Snow trilogy is that it’s based off a fake fan fiction of a fake book, which means we jump right in. Do I like the characters? Yes, for sure. Do I feel like I know the characters? Not at all; and because of that, I don’t really care about them, or their troubles, or their dramatics. And while Baz is interesting because he’s both snarky and in love, and, therefore, knows what he wants, Simon is noncommittal and confused about his own head. How on earth is the reader supposed to follow what he’s got going on in his mind if he doesn’t even know, and if he only talks to Baz and never himself?
The problem, too, with a story that is supposed to be about something is that it really does have to be about something. We open the POVs from Simon, Baz, Shepard, Penelope, and Agatha, but before long, we’re sucked into an entire section—really, nearly 60 of the first 140 pages, straight through, just Simon and Baz, alternating, miscommunicating, failing to have comprehensive motives. Do I hope they figure it out? Kind of. But because of the premise of the trilogy, we don’t actually have six books of angst and longing and violence preceding this love affair, so it feels weak.
When we intercept Penelope and Shepard, what we read is Cath and Levi. Stressed out, overly panicked, trying to take care of everyone Cath/Penelope with overly kind, a little bit clueless, very capable in certain situations Levi/Shepard. The lilt of their conversations is the same, their mannerisms are similar, and we’re left wondering who the hell Penelope and Shepard are supposed to be.
Further, let me know why we’re following five characters in three groups who almost never interact. Why is Agatha here? Agatha, who has no plan, has lost her identity, who really, really could use some soul searching and is therefore comparably INTERESTING, is just off on her own third plot line, entirely separate from everyone else.
The other thing with Baz and Simon is they’re just, how do you say it? Boring? You know how if Ross and Rachel went back and forth every season for ten seasons you would’ve stopped watching before the tenth season? Simon and Baz’s miscommunication and forced sexuality (I don’t mean that in terms of them being LGBTQ+; I mean it in terms of them being sexual all. The. Time) is just boring. I don’t care that Baz is into Simon’s tail. I don’t care about Baz fingering Simon’s tail. I don’t care about Simon’s self loathing or Baz’s inaccurate judgments of Simon’s behavior. I want to. But I don’t.
UGH why are we in Smith’s POV? Why are we in lady Ruth’s POV? WHY aren’t we sticking to a fucking storyline. There is no plot. There are few links between characters. And you could argue, Paige if you kept reading it would all come together, and I’m here to tell you, if at 50% of the way through it isn’t even a LITTLE together, I don’t want it. This is such a disappointment.
heyashes's review against another edition
3.0
Nothing will beat the first book, but I'm happy to have most things wrapped up nicely.
sushieyeroll's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
aknglvsbl's review against another edition
4.0
I was apprehensive to start the third book in this trilogy because I just found book 2 really depressing. I found Simon’s post-chosen-one crisis to pull away from the story as well as all his friends in ways that just made me sad to read.
The start of this book follows a little of that, but I am happy to say that whilst the 20 year olds are all mentally fucked up and need lots of therapy, they are actually managing to start to get through that in this book! I found the writing really easy to fall into, it was a very easy read. There were lots of moments between characters that I really enjoyed. I enjoyed Simon working through his shit, and breaking down at times, but getting the comfort and reassurance needed. I enjoyed all the characters POVs and easy going slice-of-life style of plot (if mages and vampires can have slice-of-life haha)
If, like me, you were concerned about where the trilogy was going after book 2, let me reassure and recommend you complete it
The start of this book follows a little of that, but I am happy to say that whilst the 20 year olds are all mentally fucked up and need lots of therapy, they are actually managing to start to get through that in this book! I found the writing really easy to fall into, it was a very easy read. There were lots of moments between characters that I really enjoyed. I enjoyed Simon working through his shit, and breaking down at times, but getting the comfort and reassurance needed. I enjoyed all the characters POVs and easy going slice-of-life style of plot (if mages and vampires can have slice-of-life haha)
If, like me, you were concerned about where the trilogy was going after book 2, let me reassure and recommend you complete it
beejaytee's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
natt_lux's review against another edition
4.0
This was a beautiful end of the trilogy. I enjoyed the ride. Baz, you big softie... you made me FEEL so much. Simon, I'm glad you finally figured out your shit. Penelope, I'm proud of you and Sheppard, good luck. Thank you for this adventure.
john_the_captain's review against another edition
4.0
A very enjoyable read ... for those who have read the first 2 Simon Snow books ... you've an idea about what its all about and you'll be delighted to know that even though book 2 was a bit of a filler setting up the final book in the trilogy I'm delighted to report that this book is very good.
The story picks up directly after the antics in the previous book which I always find is a bit strange after waiting a while for the book but that doesn't take away from the story. it's a bit "tropey" ... Simon coming to terms with losing his powers and having a tail and wings and his and Baz' relationship going through tough times, that's the reason it has dropped a star. otherwise it's a good yarn that keeps you wantuing to turn the pages. It's aimed at a more mature reader with more than heavy petting so more suitable for around 16+.
The book ties up the loose ends really nicely and is well written. Overall this trilogy is an interesting take on the wizard/normal World and I love the cocept throughout of words having meaning and magical powers. I'd like to see a new story based in the US.
The story picks up directly after the antics in the previous book which I always find is a bit strange after waiting a while for the book but that doesn't take away from the story. it's a bit "tropey" ... Simon coming to terms with losing his powers and having a tail and wings and his and Baz' relationship going through tough times, that's the reason it has dropped a star. otherwise it's a good yarn that keeps you wantuing to turn the pages. It's aimed at a more mature reader with more than heavy petting so more suitable for around 16+.
The book ties up the loose ends really nicely and is well written. Overall this trilogy is an interesting take on the wizard/normal World and I love the cocept throughout of words having meaning and magical powers. I'd like to see a new story based in the US.
palomabird1's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
halthemonarch's review against another edition
5.0
My goodness, I was expecting a reconciliation but jeez louise!!! Rowell does it again. This baby reads like a fanfic and follows around our magical darlings, just like the last two. Book two was shorter and angstier than book one, so I was expecting a rough and tumble start, but it was smooth sailing, earnest conversations, and fluff for the entire first half. When the plot got rolling, I found myself invested but more invested in the couples, Shep and Penny, Naimh and Agatha, and Baz and Simon. The Smith Richards B plot (that tried really hard to be the A plot, but with all the cuteness and domesticity, it's clearly failed) kept me along for the last chapters. Deadass I forget what happens at the end, just that our gay dummies are happy and safe at the end. I love when los gibities get a win!