Chapter summaries Any Way the Wind Blows Rainbow Rowell

Chapter 26: A New Chosen One? Baz Investigates the Rumours

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

Baz reveals to Simon that there are now multiple people claiming to be the new Greatest Mage. Simon, still reeling from his own fraudulent past, insists they must rescue Baz's stepmother, Daphne, if she's involved with one of them. The next morning, Baz contacts his cousin Dev to gather information. Dev confirms two scams: his grandmother follows a Facebook saviour, and a former classmate, Máire Clark, is devoted to a miracle worker. Baz explains his family history to Simon, tracing the Pitch and Grimm lines and their vast network. They decide to pursue their only lead: a friend of the family, Lady Ruth Salisbury, whose son may have joined one of these groups.

Key Events

  • Simon reacts poorly to the news that new Chosen Ones have appeared.
  • Baz clarifies that multiple charlatans are exploiting the power vacuum left by the Mage and Simon.
  • Simon insists they need to rescue Daphne, Baz's stepmother.
  • The next morning, Baz calls his cousin Dev to ask about the rumours.
  • Dev reveals his grandmother follows a “Greatest Mage” on Facebook, and a former Watford student, Máire Clark, is obsessed with a miracle worker who bleeds from his palms.
  • Baz explains to Simon the extensive family network of the Pitch and Grimm lines, including his Italian and Egyptian heritage.
  • They resolve to investigate by contacting Lady Ruth Salisbury, whose son may have run off with this “circus.”

Character Development

  • Baz: Demonstrates his deep affection for Simon and his growing trust in their relationship. He shifts from a private, guarded person to one willing to share his family history and vulnerabilities. His detective instincts and commitment to protecting his family (including Daphne) come to the fore.
  • Simon: Still grappling with his identity as a former Chosen One, Simon shows immediate loyalty to Baz by wanting to rescue Daphne. His reaction highlights his lingering guilt and confusion about his own past.
  • Dev: Serves as a source of comic relief and practical information. His cheerful cynicism about the scams contrasts with Baz's serious concern, but he still helps without hesitation.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

  • The Aftermath of Prophecy: The chapter explores what happens when a Chosen One is no longer needed. The power vacuum creates opportunities for fraud, and Simon’s past as the “Greatest Mage” is now treated as a template for impostors.
  • Family and Legacy: Baz’s detailed explanation of his family tree emphasises how heritage shapes identity and provides resources (the Grimm-Pitch network). The contrast with Simon’s lack of known family deepens the theme of belonging.
  • Fraud and Authenticity: The new Chosen Ones are clearly scams (Facebook saviours, fake miracles). This mirrors Simon’s own internal struggle with whether he was ever truly the Chosen One, raising questions about authenticity in the magical world.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter sets the stage for the main quest of the novel: tracking down the false prophets and rescuing Daphne. It deepens Simon and Baz’s relationship through shared vulnerability and problem-solving. Baz’s family lore enriches the worldbuilding, connecting the current crisis to the broader magical society. The introduction of new Chosen ones also forces Simon to confront his own past and the concept of destiny.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Simon immediately want to rescue Daphne, even though she is Baz’s stepmother and not directly his concern? Simon’s instinct to help stems from his empathy and his own experience of being manipulated by the Mage. He cannot stand by while someone else might be taken advantage of. It also shows his deep commitment to Baz’s family, reflecting how far their relationship has come.

2. How does Baz’s phone call with Dev reveal both humour and genuine information about the new Chosen Ones? Dev’s banter (e.g., crass jokes about Agatha) lightens the mood, but his knowledge of the scams – his grandmother’s Facebook saviour and Máire Clark’s miracle worker – provides concrete leads. The call shows Baz navigating family dynamics while gathering intelligence.

3. What purpose does Baz’s long explanation of his family tree serve in the narrative? It explains the origin of Baz’s power and connections, establishing the resource he can draw on. For Simon, it fills a gap in his understanding of Baz’s identity. Thematically, it contrasts Simon’s rootlessness with Baz’s deep heritage, making Simon’s own search for family more poignant.

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