2026 is a big year for romantasy fans, with many highly anticipated sequels hitting shelves over its 12 months. And one of the most exciting follow-ups drops next week, leaving readers time to catch up on the story beforehand. With so many books arriving in March and April, it may feel difficult to find the time — but rest assured, Devney Perry’s Shield of Sparrows series is well worth making space on your TBR for.
There’s a reason the romantasy release went viral in 2025, right alongside The Knight and the Moth — another BookTok hit getting a sequel with The Knave and the Moon later this year. Shield of Sparrows’ follow-up comes first though, kicking off a spring season full of ongoing romantasy stories. After a cold, tough winter, it’s exactly what we all need.
Rites of the Starling Is Officially Out on April 7
Rites of the Starling, the much-anticipated follow-up to 2025’s Shield of Sparrows is out next week; it’ll be available on April 7. It’s destined to be one of the biggest new books of April, especially if it matches or surpasses its predecessor. Rites of the Starling will return readers to Calandra, but its kingdoms are verging collapse. The book will pick up with Odessa in a precarious situation, separated from the Guardian and forced to become a harder, more ruthless version of herself to survive.
At least, that’s what the synopsis teases, stating that it’s time for her to “discover the monster within.” It certainly sounds as though Rites of the Starling will up the stakes, both on a personal level for Odessa and for Calandra as a whole. It promises to tap into new depths for its characters while building on what made Shield of Sparrows tick. And for those who didn’t read the 2025 novel, there’s still time before its sequel arrives.
There’s Time to Catch Up on Shield of Sparrows Before Rites of the Starling Debuts
Shield of Sparrows is a hefty book — the hardback clocks in at 511 pages — but it’s incredibly bingeable. The romantasy read is fast-paced and will grip you from early on, meaning it’s possible to catch up before next Tuesday. Those with free time and fast readers will make quick work of it, leaving them fully prepared for Rites of the Starling. Even readers who are caught up might consider revisiting the novel before its sequel arrives. There may be clues to pick up on upon another read, and it will get fans back in the spirit of the series before it continues.
Are you planning to read Rites of the Starling next week? Watch out for more news and reviews on Backtalk Books.
