The Wind Blows: Any Way

The book is heavily character-driven, prioritizing quiet kitchen table conversations over action sequences. Simon battles severe depression and body dysmorphia regarding his wings, while Baz fights intense self-loathing regarding his vampirism. Their healing is shown as non-linear, messy, and requiring active communication. 3. Found Family and Belonging

The trilogy—composed of Carry On (2015), Wayward Son (2019), and Any Way the Wind Blows (2021)—originally spawned from Rowell's 2013 novel Fangirl , where the characters wrote fan fiction about a fictionalized wizard named Simon Snow. Any Way the Wind Blows

is fiercely trying to find a way to break a demonic curse placed on Shepard, a non-magical American "Normal" she brought home with her. A core pillar of the book is the

A core pillar of the book is the search for where one truly belongs when the systems you grew up in fail you. Simon, who grew up an orphan, eventually discovers the truth about his parentage and finds a welcoming, blood-related family. Meanwhile, Penelope, Shepard, and Agatha find safety and purpose not in grand legacies, but in small, intentional communities. 4. False Prophets and Populism but in the mundane

Any Way the Wind Blows functions effectively as an "ending about endings." Rowell brilliantly subverts the expectations of a high-fantasy finale by asserting that the most profound magic doesn't lie in wielding ultimate power or fulfilling prophecies, but in the mundane, daily choice to care for the people you love.

has completely detached herself from the dangerous, exhausting politics of the magical world to seek a quiet life. 🔍 Major Themes and Analysis 1. The Deconstruction of the "Chosen One"

The central plot conflict involves a charismatic new figure named . Smith capitalizes on the fear and power vacuum of the post-war magical world by claiming he is a new Chosen One who can "heal" and restore magic to weak magicians. The book uses his plot to explore how societies vulnerable to trauma are easily manipulated by simple, fraudulent solutions and cults of personality. 📊 Comparison of Main Characters' Resolutions