Rites of the Starling: By Devney Perry (Book Review)

Rites of the Starling by Rites of the Starling is the much-anticipated sequel to Shield of Sparrows, and it wastes no time throwing readers back into a world on the brink of collapse. This is romantasy at its most gripping—where love is fragile, danger is constant, and survival demands transformation. Set in the war-torn realm of Calandra, the story follows a princess separated from her lover and forced into a perilous journey across a cursed land. Monsters roam freely, kingdoms teeter on destruction, and destiny looms large over every decision she makes.

Plot: A Journey Through Fear, Duty, and Destiny

At its core, this sequel is about survival and identity. The protagonist—still reeling from the aftermath of a devastating attack—finds herself hunted, kidnapped, and pushed to her limits. Yet the story doesn’t just focus on external threats; it’s equally invested in her internal battle.

There’s a powerful shift here: she is no longer just reacting to events. She is being forced to become something—whether a queen, a guardian, or even a sacrifice. The narrative thrives on this tension.

The looming “crux migration” and the threat to all five kingdoms raise the stakes significantly, giving the story an almost apocalyptic urgency.

Characters: Growth Forged in Fire

The Heroine: From Survivor to Something More

One of the most compelling aspects of the novel is the protagonist’s transformation. She begins lost and terrified, clinging to survival, but gradually evolves into someone capable of making impossible choices.

Her emotional arc feels raw—fear, grief, love, and duty collide in ways that feel earned rather than forced.

The Love Interest: Absence That Amplifies Emotion

Interestingly, the romantic element leans heavily on separation. The distance between the heroine and the man she loves creates a slow-burning emotional ache rather than constant interaction.

This absence strengthens the romance instead of weakening it—every memory, every motivation circles back to that connection.

Side Characters: Small Lights in a Dark World

A standout dynamic comes from the responsibility she carries for a young girl depending on her. It adds a layer of tenderness and urgency, grounding the high-stakes fantasy in something deeply human.

World-Building: Expanding the Darkness

If Shield of Sparrows introduced the world, Rites of the Starling deepens it. The realm feels harsher, more dangerous, and far less forgiving.

• Monsters are no longer distant threats—they are immediate and terrifying
• Political tensions intensify as kingdoms edge toward ruin
• Religious and mystical elements (like the powerful priest) add intrigue

The cursed landscape itself becomes almost a character, shaping the heroine’s journey at every step.

Themes: Identity, Power, and the Cost of Becoming

1. The Burden of Expectation

Everyone wants the heroine to be something—queen, spy, sacrifice. The novel explores what it means to resist or accept those roles.

2. Fear vs. Strength

A recurring idea is that true strength isn’t the absence of fear, but the ability to move through it.

3. The “Monster Within”

Perhaps the most intriguing theme is the idea that the real battle isn’t just against external monsters—but the ones we become when pushed too far.

Writing Style: Emotional, Immersive, and Fast-Paced

Devney Perry’s writing strikes a balance between lyrical and urgent. The prose doesn’t linger too long—it moves, much like the story itself.

• Action scenes are sharp and tense
• Emotional moments are intimate without being overly dramatic
• The pacing keeps you hooked, especially in the latter half

There’s a cinematic quality to the storytelling—you can almost see the scenes unfold.

Strengths of the Book

• High emotional stakes that keep readers invested
• Strong character development, especially the protagonist
• A darker, more mature tone compared to the first book
• Compelling mix of romance and fantasy without either overpowering the other

Where It Might Not Work for Everyone

• The separation-driven romance may frustrate readers who prefer more direct interaction
• The story leans heavily on events from the first book, making it less beginner-friendly
• Some readers may find the tone significantly darker and heavier than expected

Final Verdict: A Powerful Sequel That Raises the Stakes

Rites of the Starling doesn’t just continue the story—it intensifies it. This is a sequel that dares to push its characters into uncomfortable territory, asking what they are willing to become to save the people they love.

For fans of romantasy—especially those who enjoy emotional depth alongside high-stakes adventure—this book delivers a gripping, character-driven experience.

Rating: 4.5/5

It’s not just about fighting monsters anymore. It’s about becoming one—if that’s what it takes to survive.