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Rites of the Starling

Shield of Sparrows, Book 2

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Rites of the Starling

By: Devney Perry
Narrated by: Jason Clarke, Megan Wicks, Samantha Brentmoor
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A princess journeys across a cursed realm to find the truth about her family, only to discover her quest intertwines with the fate of a lost warrior. Love, danger, and magic collide in a captivating romantasy perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros.

​Calandra's five kingdoms are on the verge of destruction. The crux migration is coming. And in the wake of a devastating attack, I've been separated from the man who owns my heart.

​I'm lost. Terrified. Homesick. Hunted by monsters, driven to exhaustion, and kidnapped by a powerful priest, the only thing keeping me going is the little girl counting on me to keep her safe. ​It's my turn to become the Guardian.

​Our lives change one fateful night. A night of death. A night of monsters. A night of truths. That night, when I learn the real meaning of fear—and the depth of my own strength.

​Everyone wants me to be something I'm not—a queen, a spy, a sacrifice. But what if I embrace my crown? What if the secrets I uncover save our realm? ​What if my sacrifice means salvation for the man I love?

For too long, I've feared the monsters we make. ​It's time to discover the monster within.​

Contains mature themes.

©2026 Devney Perry (P)2026 Tantor Media Epic Fantasy Royalty Heartfelt
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I truly thought I was going to DNF this book, which broke my heart after I utterly adored the first. The pace was slow, the plot was mid and I just kept waiting for something … more … to happen. About 90% of the book was just pushing 3 stars for me, I’m invested in the characters because of my love for the first book but I really was struggling. I fear if I had been physically reading this I would have DNF’d about a third of the way in. Relieved I was listening to the audio book so I could have it on 1.5 speed.
It wasn’t until that last 10% of the book that I returned it to 1 speed, and felt like I was really experiencing the book again that it peaked for me. The last 10% was easily 5 stars and I was in tears.
For the last 10% - this book was fabulous! I will certainly read the third book!

So glad I stuck with this one …

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In Rites of the Starling we pick up where book 1 left off with Odessa and Evangeline being separated from Randsom as they navigate the next part of their journey. We are treated to some new characters and new POVs, specifically Caspia which explains the Rites of the Starling. Devney is an incredible storyteller, weaving in twists and making you question what is happening thoughout. Even though I did guess one aspect, it still gave me goosebumps when this was revealed. I wasn’t in streams of tears like other reviewers but I did get choked up so prepare for some emotional damage. And the way the book ends leaves what I imagine will be an epic final book in the trilogy. I’m excited to discover where the story will go from here. Great narration for all the characters, and I don’t know why but the voice of Jody/Jodie? was so delicious I couldn’t help but love him.

By the shade… what an ending!

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Loved the new characters and how the two stories unfold. I’m not sure the voice of the Guardian matched up to my expectations. He sounded significantly older than Odessa whose lilt is young and perfectly matched for the character the author is trying to depict. Aside from that, I really enjoyed.

Great sequel. Can’t wait for the next instalment!

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I absolutely loved this story. Brilliant narration, engaging, emotional, and what a cliffhanger! Devney Perry has broken me!

My only gripe is pronunciations of a few words… chas-um for chasm, plate for plait and shown for shone!

But it didn’t spoil the overall story (and I’m being picky) so a big four 1/2 stars and Devney Perry is an amazing writer!!

What a thrilling listen!

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This story was so captivating & had me in a chokehold for much of it. The introduction of Caspia as a character & narrator was unexpected but ended up being my favourite part of the book.

The performance in the audiobook was outstanding & a total joy to listen to. I enjoyed it more than simply reading the book. All 3 narrators were perfect.

Utter Fantasy perfection

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