Smith Smith-Richards: The False Prophet of Any Way the Wind Blows

Overview

Smith Smith-Richards is a charismatic false prophet who appears in Any Way the Wind Blows, the third book of Rainbow Rowell’s Simon Snow series. He claims to be the new Greatest Mage, a title previously held by the disgraced Mage. Unlike Simon, who was manipulated into the role, Smith genuinely believes in his own destiny. He exploits weak magicians with a temporary power-amp spell, offering them a cure for their failing magic while secretly draining their abilities over time. Smith represents a dangerous blend of narcissism, prophetic certainty, and hidden manipulation.

Plot Role

Smith serves as the central antagonist in the final book. His arrival in London upends the already fragile magician community. He establishes a “Home for Waifs” and holds meetings where he “heals” struggling magicians with a spell that temporarily boosts their magic. Simon Snow, struggling with his own identity after losing his powers, becomes a key target. Smith wants Simon as a powerful symbol for his new order. The protagonists—Simon, Baz, Penelope, and Shepard—investigate Smith after Lady Salisbury, the mother of a healed magician named Jamie, raises concerns. Smith’s cover unravels when Philippa (Pippa), a former follower, reveals the truth: his spell wears off, leaving subjects worse off. Smith is arrested after a confrontation at the White Chapel.

Motivations and Traits Shown Through Actions

Smith’s core motivation is to become the legendary hero of a new era of magic. In his own internal monologue (Chapter 75), he thinks: “My magic begets magic... it’s a miracle.” He genuinely believes he is destined to reshape the World of Mages, even after his plans fail. His actions reveal several key traits:

• Grandiose delusion: He refers to his life as a story, calling his time with Simon “my Simon Snow chapter.” He wears white, cultivates a folksinger appearance, and orchestrates dramatic moments (e.g., healing Jamie Salisbury publicly).
• Charismatic manipulation: He easily wins trust. At their first meeting, he disarmingly tells Simon and Baz he was “hoping I’d see you again.” He flatters Simon by calling him legendary and downplays his own role as Chosen One, claiming he only “started to think... perhaps I was meant to help people.”
• Cruelty hidden in kindness: When Beth confronts him about her spells failing, he casts a memory-erasing spell on her and later silences Pippa permanently. His godfather Evander Feverfew enables these abuses.
• Insecurity beneath bravado: In Chapter 75, when Simon captures him, he feels “at a loss” and cries that Simon “made a fool of me.” He cannot accept that destiny might not serve him.

Chronological Arc

Smith’s arc progresses from rising cult leader to exposed fraud:

1. Establishment (Chapters 43–58): Smith sets up his operation. He hosts meetings, heals a few magicians (including Jamie), and gains a following. Simon and Baz visit him to investigate, and Smith nearly recruits Simon by appealing to his desire for purpose.
2. Escalation (Chapters 70–75): Smith plans a large public event at the White Chapel. Pippa escapes from his basement and reveals the truth to the main characters. Smith captures Simon and attempts to force a demonstration, but Simon and Baz resist.
3. Climax and arrest (Chapter 75): Smith’s spell is proven temporary. Simon physically subdues him on a rooftop. The headmistress arrives and places Smith under arrest. Smith still clings to his destiny, thinking “I don’t fear destiny.”
4. Aftermath (Epilogue): Smith is presumably in Coven custody. His followers are disillusioned; Jamie Salisbury returns home to his mother. The magician world begins to heal from his deception.

Relationships

• Simon Snow: Smith sees Simon as both a rival and a prop. He wants to “restore him to glory” and have Simon stand beside him as a symbol. Simon is initially drawn in by Smith’s confidence, but later sees through him. Their final confrontation shows Simon physically and morally dominating Smith—a reversal of their earlier dynamic.
• Penelope Bunce: Penelope is immediately suspicious. She actively investigates Smith, and her relentless logic unmasks his scheme. She never falls for his charm.
• Baz Pitch: Baz is guarded from the start. He calls Smith’s claims “derisive” and in Chapter 43 internally scoffs at his self-importance. He uses his family connections (Daphne, who has become a follower) to gather information.
• Jamie Salisbury: Jamie is Smith’s first notable success. Smith exploits Jamie’s desperation for magic. Jamie becomes a true believer, even arguing with Pippa to defend Smith. His arc ends with disillusionment.
• Philippa “Pippa”: A former assistant who discovers the truth. Smith silences her, but she escapes. Her testimony is critical to exposing him.
• Evander Feverfew: Smith’s godfather and enabler. He reinforces Smith’s prophetic narrative and helps with the darker tasks (e.g., imprisoning Pippa). He is later tied up by Penelope.

Key Decisions and Consequences

Theme and Symbol Connections

• Identity and Transformation: Smith is obsessed with becoming the hero of a new story. He rejects his own mundane past (tutored by his godfather, no Watford education) and tries to rewrite his identity. This contrasts with Simon, who learns he was always a magician and finally accepts his own complexity.
• Guilt and Forgiveness: Smith feels no guilt—he believes his actions are justified by destiny. Meanwhile, Simon struggles with guilt over killing the Mage and nearly loses himself. Smith’s lack of remorse underscores his villainy.
• Love and Control: Smith’s “love” for his followers is conditional; he controls them through magic and fear. His relationship with Evander is transactional. In contrast, Baz and Simon’s love is built on support and honesty.
• Power and Manipulation: Smith’s entire operation is manipulation. He offers hope to the powerless but extracts their magic. The temporary nature of his spell symbolizes how power can be illusory when built on lies.
• Family and Legacy: Smith’s godfather Evander shapes his worldview, much like the Mage shaped Simon. Both boys were raised to believe they were special, but Smith embraced the lie while Simon rejected it. Lady Salisbury’s love for Jamie (Chapter 27) represents true, unconditional family support.

5 Book-Specific Questions and Answers

1. Why does Smith Smith-Richards target Simon Snow?

Smith sees Simon as the ultimate symbol of the old prophetic order. He says in Chapter 58, “I’ll fix their fallen idol… I’ll restore him to glory.” By having Simon as a visible follower, Smith hopes to validate his own claim as the new Greatest Mage.

2. What is the truth behind Smith’s “cure” spell?

Smith’s spell temporarily amplifies a magician’s power but creates a dependency. The magic drains completely over time—sometimes weeks, sometimes months—leaving the subject without magic at all. He admits in Chapter 75 that “they hardly had any magic to lose,” but this is a clear evasion; his victims include magicians like Jamie who had some magic.

3. How does Penelope Bunce help expose Smith?

Penelope is skeptical from the first meeting. She cross-examines Smith, notices inconsistencies (e.g., Jamie not living at the home), and later helps Pippa recount her story. She also strategizes with Baz and Simon to confront Smith at the White Chapel, providing crucial magical backup.

4. What role does Evander Feverfew play in Smith’s operation?

Evander is Smith’s godfather and the architect of his prophetic narrative. He encourages Smith’s delusions, handles dirty work (like imprisoning Pippa), and even physically threatens Baz. He represents the adult manipulation behind Smith’s youthful charisma.

5. What happens to Smith after his arrest?

The novel does not show his fate in detail, but the headmistress arrests him at the end of Chapter 75. Given the Coven’s ongoing corruption investigations, he likely faces trial or confinement. The epilogue notes that the magician world moves on, and Smith’s followers—like Jamie—return home disillusioned.

For more insights, explore the book’s other themes: Identity and Transformation, Guilt and Forgiveness, and Power and Manipulation. See the ending explained for Smith’s place in the finale, or visit the main book page for a full overview: Any Way the Wind Blows.