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strawbearriesz's review against another edition
5.0
THIS IS THE FIRST REVIEW IM DONE BUT I SWEAR THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD, IT MADE ME CRY we rlly got gays, sapphics, and a ‘straight’ relationship (hc shepard and penny are bi)
AND SIMON FOUND HIS FAMILY
it is so worth the read i love this book so much it’s such a good ending to the trilogy
AND SIMON FOUND HIS FAMILY
it is so worth the read i love this book so much it’s such a good ending to the trilogy
emmaborgs's review against another edition
4.0
A good way to wrap up the series tho I'm sad there won't be any more of simon and baz. I thought the cult plot was fun.
adoereading's review against another edition
5.0
Whoa, the Simon Snow trilogy is at an end. I cannot believe it. It seems like yesterday I read Fangirl and got caught up like many others in SnowBaz to the point we were becoming Cath.
If you've seen my other reviews you'll know I've loved Carry On and Wayward Son, so it shouldn't be surprising the conclusion is loved by me as well. I have many more questions. I desperately want more of Simon, Baz, Penelope, Agatha, and Shepard.
Mostly I want to know they're all happy. I think they are. (Yes, I realize they aren't real but I love them each so as a book lover does.)
I never would've expected this sort of story. How do you explain being invested in a world from another book that was part of the plot but wasn't the main point? It's pretty tough to explain. That's what this trilogy is yet it took a life of its own.
This final book gave me what I needed for my SnowBaz fix and so much more. It may have not been your fairy tale's happy ending but it was a joyful one.
If you've seen my other reviews you'll know I've loved Carry On and Wayward Son, so it shouldn't be surprising the conclusion is loved by me as well. I have many more questions. I desperately want more of Simon, Baz, Penelope, Agatha, and Shepard.
Mostly I want to know they're all happy. I think they are. (Yes, I realize they aren't real but I love them each so as a book lover does.)
I never would've expected this sort of story. How do you explain being invested in a world from another book that was part of the plot but wasn't the main point? It's pretty tough to explain. That's what this trilogy is yet it took a life of its own.
This final book gave me what I needed for my SnowBaz fix and so much more. It may have not been your fairy tale's happy ending but it was a joyful one.
hyuniecrisp's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
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
3.75
ohhhh so the shitty second book was like a test to see if you deserve to read this one
I would firmly categorize this as a guilty pleasure book: not actually that good but I loved it regardless
I would firmly categorize this as a guilty pleasure book: not actually that good but I loved it regardless
sunny_28's review against another edition
5.0
A perfect ending to a perfect book series. For fans who’ve been with Baz and Simon from the start, it’s closure at its finest and after the heartbreak that was caused by Wayward Son, the copious amounts of fluff was wholeheartedly welcome. The book captures the intricacies of a relationship perfectly, everything is not always sunshine and rainbows and sometimes, when you can’t find it in you to love yourself, it’s hard to believe anyone else does. Rainbow Rowell tackled heavy topics but she didn’t skimp on the humour. There were parts in the story when I cackled out loud (my family was not happy). I was disappointed that we didn’t get to see Simon’s kink to get his blood drunk satisfied, I’m looking out for some fan-fiction, though.
All in all, a series I really enjoyed!!
All in all, a series I really enjoyed!!
ladybirdfm's review against another edition
4.0
I just finished the book, so I haven't had the time to gather my thoughts yet. I'll try. Simon and Baz hold a special place in my heart; Carry On was one of the first LGBT+ books I read in my teens, and now that I'm older I still think of these books as dearly as I did back then.
Although not perfect, I cannot bring myself to be harsh with this trilogy -with this book. I know other people may have (valid) criticisms about the story, the pace or even the world building, but I don't. What I can do is to mention everything I loved about Any way the wind blows. So here I go.
I was so glad to see how Simon and Baz's relationship grew into something more mature as they became certain about each other and what they had built. There's nothing more relatable to me than Simon, a boy (man ?) who has never learned how to communicate effectively, who always did as he was told, who never got the chance to discover who he was growing up (besides being the Chosen One, of course). I think of a little boy with plenty of responsibilities which he shouldn't have, and it makes so much sense that he would turn out as he did (and I say this with love). The fact that he finally tried to be open with the person he loved was not only what his relationship with Baz needed, it was also what he needed in order to put an end to the emotional block he had been for most of his life.
I loved the vulnerability between Simon and Baz and, overall, how their relationship was developed throughout the book. I enjoyed the domesticity of their relationship, to finally see them talk to each other about their years at Watford and share the details about their feelings in moments where they thought they hated each other's guts. And about the romance... It was absolutely everything I had dreamed of and more!
What I love about Any way the wind blows (and Wayward son) is that while it keeps the magickal world as an important element of the story, it focuses more on his life after losing his magic. Wayward son opened the door to such a difficult question: now what? What is he supposed to do now that he doesn't have magic in his life, now that he's not the Chosen One? And I love how Rainbow Rowell dealt with that question. I'm thankful Any way the wind blows brings an optimistic point of view about being lost and finding yourself, about accepting what we can't change.
Regarding Baz... what can I say? I am Baz's #1 fan. It has been true since I was around 16, and it is now that I'm 23. Jokes aside, I appreciate having the opportunity to see him being more vulnerable. In his head he has always been when it comes to Simon, but he has historically also been the one who has his feet on the ground about their relationship. He knew what he wanted, and he knew how to keep it. He didn't know, however, how to deal with intimacy as he lacked the experience, and that made him feel more real to me. I adored how they explored what they liked in bed, and it was nice to see that, after all, Baz only wants to be hold gently. (I cried in those scenes).
I cannot finish without acknowledging all the side characters. Penelope learning to see love as something that aches to be felt, not checked off of a list. Agatha finding something she wants to do, and living up to her own expectations. Moreover, finding love! It was unexpected in the moment, but I loved it (and it confirmed what I think everyone knew since the first book). Shepard found his way into my good list, as he usually does. While I liked him as a character, I liked more what he meant for Penelope's growth.
The Simon Snow series is deeply meaningful to me. As I mentioned previously, I cannot bring myself to be harsh with the trilogy that was there as I grew into myself. As I realized I was queer, as I allowed myself to slowly (but surely) accept who I was. I see myself in Simon: in his worst times (rotting on the couch watching TV), in his failures, in his regrets, but most importantly, in his effort to become better. It's hard to say goodbye to characters whom I love this much, but it's ok. I'm grateful for the years I got to enjoy their adventures and to see them grow. (Besides, I hold onto the hope that Rainbow will find a way to write something about them again :p).
Although not perfect, I cannot bring myself to be harsh with this trilogy -with this book. I know other people may have (valid) criticisms about the story, the pace or even the world building, but I don't. What I can do is to mention everything I loved about Any way the wind blows. So here I go.
I was so glad to see how Simon and Baz's relationship grew into something more mature as they became certain about each other and what they had built. There's nothing more relatable to me than Simon, a boy (man ?) who has never learned how to communicate effectively, who always did as he was told, who never got the chance to discover who he was growing up (besides being the Chosen One, of course). I think of a little boy with plenty of responsibilities which he shouldn't have, and it makes so much sense that he would turn out as he did (and I say this with love). The fact that he finally tried to be open with the person he loved was not only what his relationship with Baz needed, it was also what he needed in order to put an end to the emotional block he had been for most of his life.
I loved the vulnerability between Simon and Baz and, overall, how their relationship was developed throughout the book. I enjoyed the domesticity of their relationship, to finally see them talk to each other about their years at Watford and share the details about their feelings in moments where they thought they hated each other's guts. And about the romance... It was absolutely everything I had dreamed of and more!
What I love about Any way the wind blows (and Wayward son) is that while it keeps the magickal world as an important element of the story, it focuses more on his life after losing his magic. Wayward son opened the door to such a difficult question: now what? What is he supposed to do now that he doesn't have magic in his life, now that he's not the Chosen One? And I love how Rainbow Rowell dealt with that question. I'm thankful Any way the wind blows brings an optimistic point of view about being lost and finding yourself, about accepting what we can't change.
Regarding Baz... what can I say? I am Baz's #1 fan. It has been true since I was around 16, and it is now that I'm 23. Jokes aside, I appreciate having the opportunity to see him being more vulnerable. In his head he has always been when it comes to Simon, but he has historically also been the one who has his feet on the ground about their relationship. He knew what he wanted, and he knew how to keep it. He didn't know, however, how to deal with intimacy as he lacked the experience, and that made him feel more real to me. I adored how they explored what they liked in bed, and it was nice to see that, after all, Baz only wants to be hold gently. (I cried in those scenes).
I cannot finish without acknowledging all the side characters. Penelope learning to see love as something that aches to be felt, not checked off of a list. Agatha finding something she wants to do, and living up to her own expectations. Moreover, finding love! It was unexpected in the moment, but I loved it (and it confirmed what I think everyone knew since the first book). Shepard found his way into my good list, as he usually does. While I liked him as a character, I liked more what he meant for Penelope's growth.
The Simon Snow series is deeply meaningful to me. As I mentioned previously, I cannot bring myself to be harsh with the trilogy that was there as I grew into myself. As I realized I was queer, as I allowed myself to slowly (but surely) accept who I was. I see myself in Simon: in his worst times (rotting on the couch watching TV), in his failures, in his regrets, but most importantly, in his effort to become better. It's hard to say goodbye to characters whom I love this much, but it's ok. I'm grateful for the years I got to enjoy their adventures and to see them grow. (Besides, I hold onto the hope that Rainbow will find a way to write something about them again :p).
connorandthecats's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? N/A
4.0
A great end to the Simon Snow saga
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
4.0
I'm one of those people, and I doubt there are many, who's read the first Simon Snow book before I ever read a Harry Potter book. (I did however read Fangirl first.) And it was love at first sight. I loved how Rowell played with the well known tropes, with the standard ever present characters, with the world that is so well known and yet so unique. I also enjoyed the second book, where we traveled a little and saw some more of the magical world. I was therefore curious about this third book!
Although there is a plot in this book, and a quite interesting one if you ask me, it's quite clear that the focus of this story is absolutely not on the plot. The focus is on the characters, how they are dealing with the aftermath of everything they've been through, how they're finding their new place in life and how they find a way to share their new lives, one way or another, with each other. The plot is nothing but a tool to get those characters out of their comfort zones and confronted with their trauma's.
In a way that's a pity. I quite liked the idea of having all those chosen ones pop up everywhere. I think the potential of that situation is huge! There will be wars and fights and most likely also battles when it comes to magic. There will be fandoms on social media trying to find dirt on the others or trying to elevate the one they support. This plot point could be incredibly huge, but instead Rowell decided to keep it small, to not have her characters get lost again.
However, no matter how interesting that plot point could have been, I quite liked the focus on the characters, their emotions and their relationships. I especially loved how Rowell described Simon's depression, how he feels guilty, how he feels responsible for letting everyone down, how he has no idea who he is anymore, how he feels like everything will go to hell anyway, so why shouldn't he destroy it himself? Watching him heal, slowly, very slowly, was an inspiring and realistic message!
Although there is a plot in this book, and a quite interesting one if you ask me, it's quite clear that the focus of this story is absolutely not on the plot. The focus is on the characters, how they are dealing with the aftermath of everything they've been through, how they're finding their new place in life and how they find a way to share their new lives, one way or another, with each other. The plot is nothing but a tool to get those characters out of their comfort zones and confronted with their trauma's.
In a way that's a pity. I quite liked the idea of having all those chosen ones pop up everywhere. I think the potential of that situation is huge! There will be wars and fights and most likely also battles when it comes to magic. There will be fandoms on social media trying to find dirt on the others or trying to elevate the one they support. This plot point could be incredibly huge, but instead Rowell decided to keep it small, to not have her characters get lost again.
However, no matter how interesting that plot point could have been, I quite liked the focus on the characters, their emotions and their relationships. I especially loved how Rowell described Simon's depression, how he feels guilty, how he feels responsible for letting everyone down, how he has no idea who he is anymore, how he feels like everything will go to hell anyway, so why shouldn't he destroy it himself? Watching him heal, slowly, very slowly, was an inspiring and realistic message!
songbvrd's review against another edition
3.0
I finished this in one day. I’d been meaning to get to it for ages, and I picked it up today and decided I’d finish it today. I did enjoy it— however, I felt there were a lot of issues.
For a start, of all three books, this is by far the least cohesive. Rowell has always been more character driven than plot driven, which I like a lot. However, I felt like I spent this entire book waiting for the main plot to begin. Everything felt like an underdeveloped side quest.
Let’s start with Smith Smith Richards. First of all ????? But also. This character has no bearing on the story at large, at all. I felt like Smith was supposed to be used for development that never really happened. I suspected maybe we’d see Simon grow past his need for magic as a result of this, but that never really felt like a solid or explained development as a result of that.
The constant parallels to Simon and discussion of children born to Mages but not having Magic felt like something. I thought maybe he was some reincarnation of the Mage, or some relative of Simon’s and was therefore draining the magic of that family, tying their overall presence in. Nope.
Then I thought perhaps Smith really was nothing more than an exploration of the idea that the “fate” side of things really was just nonsense. That Simon really had been a self-fulfilling prophecy, and how damaging pressure and power can be. (That was before the end seemed to be trying to convince me Agatha was the chosen one… what????). Overall, I wound up feeling like this storyline/character offered nothing and was never really explained at all.
Which leads me to my next issue: unanswered questions. I’m not necessarily a believer that authors have to wrap up every missing element, but this felt like it wrapped up none. Okay, all the major players wound up in ships or whatever, but that isn’t actually story resolution.
Simon - Does he have magic or not? It seems to be a lingering foreplay that never leads to anything poignant. Even at the end, we get Professor Bunce telling us that Simon may indeed have magic, but no closure. We’re told that maybe the spell protected Simon from magic, but not for how long or, more importantly, why. We finally get to see him open up more to Baz, but there’s no real feeling of it being earned, because we never really get to the bottom of what it is exactly he’s struggling with. His arc seems to be learning how to just be, learning how to be content with relationships and mundanity, but it isn’t earned. Simon seems to struggle endlessly throughout without ever finding any answers or genuine breakthroughs, only to sort of vaguely tell us he’s okay with that in the end. This tells me nothing about Simon as a person. I don’t feel like we’ve left him at a natural conclusion to his narrative, more like no one knew where to go with him after that narrative. For the protagonist, his story ultimately felt… incomplete. Frankly, it didn’t feel like he had an arc at all for much of this.
Baz — one of the characters who suffers the least from lack of characterisation. Baz’s internal voice always feels clear and distinct, as opposed to some others. It did feel like he lacked any real storyline or development outside of taking care of Simon though, which is somewhat disappointing. His relationship to family felt underdeveloped too, especially as a catalyst factor.
Penelope — IMO, perhaps the character most let down by this trilogy finale. Penny gets to do very little except banter with a boy. Their banter is cute — they are cute — however, her storyline to Simon didn’t work for me. The idea of them developing outside of each other is fine, I like the concept of them growing up and moving on, but it didn’t feel well addressed or a progression. The ending being Penny jetting off to middle of nowhere America was absolutely rubbish. Not a satisfying ending for such an ambitious character and such a strong friendship. The fact that she and Simon didn’t disclose any of it to each other helped it to feel unimportant.
For a start, of all three books, this is by far the least cohesive. Rowell has always been more character driven than plot driven, which I like a lot. However, I felt like I spent this entire book waiting for the main plot to begin. Everything felt like an underdeveloped side quest.
Let’s start with Smith Smith Richards. First of all ????? But also. This character has no bearing on the story at large, at all. I felt like Smith was supposed to be used for development that never really happened. I suspected maybe we’d see Simon grow past his need for magic as a result of this, but that never really felt like a solid or explained development as a result of that.
The constant parallels to Simon and discussion of children born to Mages but not having Magic felt like something. I thought maybe he was some reincarnation of the Mage, or some relative of Simon’s and was therefore draining the magic of that family, tying their overall presence in. Nope.
Then I thought perhaps Smith really was nothing more than an exploration of the idea that the “fate” side of things really was just nonsense. That Simon really had been a self-fulfilling prophecy, and how damaging pressure and power can be. (That was before the end seemed to be trying to convince me Agatha was the chosen one… what????). Overall, I wound up feeling like this storyline/character offered nothing and was never really explained at all.
Which leads me to my next issue: unanswered questions. I’m not necessarily a believer that authors have to wrap up every missing element, but this felt like it wrapped up none. Okay, all the major players wound up in ships or whatever, but that isn’t actually story resolution.
Simon - Does he have magic or not? It seems to be a lingering foreplay that never leads to anything poignant. Even at the end, we get Professor Bunce telling us that Simon may indeed have magic, but no closure. We’re told that maybe the spell protected Simon from magic, but not for how long or, more importantly, why. We finally get to see him open up more to Baz, but there’s no real feeling of it being earned, because we never really get to the bottom of what it is exactly he’s struggling with. His arc seems to be learning how to just be, learning how to be content with relationships and mundanity, but it isn’t earned. Simon seems to struggle endlessly throughout without ever finding any answers or genuine breakthroughs, only to sort of vaguely tell us he’s okay with that in the end. This tells me nothing about Simon as a person. I don’t feel like we’ve left him at a natural conclusion to his narrative, more like no one knew where to go with him after that narrative. For the protagonist, his story ultimately felt… incomplete. Frankly, it didn’t feel like he had an arc at all for much of this.
Baz — one of the characters who suffers the least from lack of characterisation. Baz’s internal voice always feels clear and distinct, as opposed to some others. It did feel like he lacked any real storyline or development outside of taking care of Simon though, which is somewhat disappointing. His relationship to family felt underdeveloped too, especially as a catalyst factor.
Penelope — IMO, perhaps the character most let down by this trilogy finale. Penny gets to do very little except banter with a boy. Their banter is cute — they are cute — however, her storyline to Simon didn’t work for me. The idea of them developing outside of each other is fine, I like the concept of them growing up and moving on, but it didn’t feel well addressed or a progression. The ending being Penny jetting off to middle of nowhere America was absolutely rubbish. Not a satisfying ending for such an ambitious character and such a strong friendship. The fact that she and Simon didn’t disclose any of it to each other helped it to feel unimportant.