Based on your book
Any Way the Wind Blows
by Rowell, Rainbow
The final installment of the Simon Snow trilogy trades the high-stakes heroics of the battlefield for the messy, quiet reality of moving on. Simon is struggling to figure out who he is without his wand and his destiny, while Baz is trying to navigate a relationship that is finally out in the open but no less complicated. The magic here feels personal and lived-in, serving more as a backdrop for the characters internal evolution than a tool for spectacle. It is a bittersweet, deeply intimate look at the exhaustion that follows a grand adventure. You will appreciate this if you prefer character studies over epic battles, and if you find comfort in stories where the most important magic is the way two people choose to show up for each other when the world stops demanding they be heroes.
10 Books similar to 'Any Way the Wind Blows'
Since you likely finished the trilogy feeling a bit hollowed out by that specific blend of longing and found family, I have curated a list that leans into those same emotional beats. Whether you are looking for more sharp-witted enemies-to-lovers dynamics like those found in Red, White and Royal Blue, or you want to explore the deconstruction of the chosen one trope present in The Magicians and Legendborn, these picks prioritize the same deep character intimacy. They all manage to balance the weirdness of their respective magical worlds with the very human struggle to define one's own path.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
by Lev Grossman
Like the Simon Snow trilogy, this series deconstructs the 'Chosen One' narrative and explores the darker, more cynical realities of attending a school for magic. It balances intricate world-building with deep character flaws and an exploration of what happens after the adventure ends.
This book shares the witty, subversive tone of Rainbow Rowell's work, focusing on a cynical protagonist who finds himself in a magical land and refuses to play by the rules of traditional fantasy. It captures the same blend of humor, romance, and found family dynamics found in the Simon Snow series.
While less focused on magic, this novel mirrors the emotional intimacy and slow-burn romantic development between two boys that fans of Simon and Baz will adore. It captures the same poignant, introspective voice and the struggle of navigating identity and love.
by V.E. Schwab
Fans of the magic system and the complex relationships in Rowell's trilogy will appreciate Schwab's parallel worlds and the dynamic between her lead characters. It offers a similar blend of high-stakes adventure and character-driven narrative tension.
Love to read on the go?
Explore Kindle e-readers and take your books with you.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
If you loved the enemies-to-lovers arc and the high-profile relationship drama of Simon and Baz, this contemporary romance provides a similar satisfaction. It features witty banter, deep emotional connection, and a compelling 'us against the world' narrative.
This series is essential for fans of the Simon Snow trilogy due to its atmospheric setting, tight-knit group of friends, and the blending of the mundane with the magical. It shares that specific 'found family' magic that makes the reader feel deeply invested in the characters' fates.
by Alice Oseman
Written by a peer in the YA space, this book captures the same modern, authentic voice and focus on platonic and romantic relationships that Rowell excels at. It deals with the pressures of expectations and finding one's true identity, much like Simon's journey.
It is impossible to recommend books for fans of the final installment without pointing back to the beginning of the series, as the emotional payoff in the finale is entirely dependent on the foundation built here. Re-reading the start of the journey provides a new perspective on the character growth seen in the conclusion.
by TJ Klune
This book offers the same cozy, heartwarming 'found family' vibes that define the best moments of the Simon Snow series. It is a gentle, optimistic exploration of being an outsider and finding where you truly belong, written with a whimsical and humorous touch.
by Tracy Deonn
For readers who enjoyed the 'Chosen One' deconstruction and the secret magical society elements of Rowell's work, this novel offers a fresh, contemporary take on Arthurian legend. It balances high-stakes fantasy with deep, emotional character work and complex interpersonal relationships.
Not sure what they've already read?
Let them pick their next favorite with an Amazon Gift Card.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.