In this book review, we’re gonna be discussing Rites of the Starling, second installment of Shield of Sparrows series. The first part of this series was overall a good but an average read, it was fast paced and had some emotional beats for entertainment.
Let’s see what this book has to offer..
If you like Romance, and want other similar read, you can checkout Reckless by lauren roberts.
Rites of the Starling – Devney Perry
Rites of the Starling follows Odessa as she starts her journey towards an unknown continent filled with dangerous monsters to protect a young girl and find her husband. And at the same time, in parallel we get to know about the origins of a cursed bloodline tied to shapeshifting magic.
As both of the story unfold, we face again the same question, What will you do if your loved ones is changing into monster?
‘It wasn’t only monsters I had to fear on this journey. Men could be just as cruel.’
‘As long as I lived, I’d never forget the sound of her heartbreak. It went so deep, it etched itself on my bones.’
Similar Read: Hidden Nature by Nora Roberts
| Genre | Fantasy Romance |
| Number of Pages | 500 pages |
| My Rating | ⭐⭐️⭐️⭐️ ( 4 Star) |
| Release Date | April 07, 2026 |
My Verdict
Okay… where do I even begin with this one?
DAMN. This was so freakin’ good.
The first book was not that great, though it had some good scenes here and there but nothing new, if I’m being honest. One more good thing of that book was character development and it has definitely helped in getting immersive sort of read. (like, obv. having a backstory helps;))
Why I’m saying this? Becoz there are so many tiny details woven into this story, and it kinda connect everything. It surely has some moments which were really small from earlier (Yes, most of us have ignored) suddenly meant everything and I was just—how?! HOW does someone even write like this?
This book is much better than the first one. Some scenes were great, with romance in pockets yet effective. Though the book is little longer in terms of lenght but it doesn’t feel so, if you read in one go. (honest opinion)
And can we talk about Odessa for a second? Because wow. She is such an incredible main character. Seeing great chracter progression as compared to what she had sarted from in book one, it’s kinda emotional if you connect with it. She’s gained confidence as she has grown but with compassion that makes her her. I love that so much.
And then there’s Ransom…
I’m sorry, but this man??? UNREAL.
Some of his dialogues are totally fierce and wild. But what I think his greatest positive trait is not being insecure of Odessa. He letting her grow without interfereing is gold. He doesn’t hold her back—he supports her. And honestly? We love a lover boy.
Their relationship just hits. Deveny romance scenes in this books are truly meaningful. Even the quiet moments feel important. Nothing feels wasted. It all builds something real, something you can actually feel. And I am completely, utterly obsessed with them.
The multi-POV in this book? SUCH a good decision. And the way it all ties into the bigger picture? Insane. I loved every second of it.
Also—can we appreciate the pacing? Because it’s perfect. Every detail has time to sink in, nothing feels rushed, but at the same time, I could not put this book down. I was hooked from the very beginning.
And the stress??? Oh my god.
The last part of the book is thrilling to say the least and guess we have to wait for subsequent book to come for our questions to get answered.
At this point, I am simply too happy that this book exceeded the expectation I had. And trust me—I had HIGH expectations. But this? This blew them out of the water.
I know I sound dramatic. I don’t care. I liked this book and I will not be chill about it.
Books like Rites of the Starling – Devney Perry:
- The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
- Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
If you like to get Free Book deals & Romance Genre release updates, you can Follow us by clicking on the bell icon aside.
