Shield of Sparrows was one of the biggest romantasy releases of 2025, and it set the bar high for Devney Perry’s sequel, Rites of the Starling. Following a strong first novel is no easy feat, but Rites of the Starling rises to the occasion. It deals with the aftermath of Shield of Sparrows‘ explosive ending while introducing new challenges and mysteries ahead of book 3. And although some of the prior book’s shortcomings remain, they’re easy to overlook as Perry expands her world in rewarding and unexpected ways. SPOILERS ahead for Rites of the Starling.
Rites of the Starling picks up with Odessa and Ransom separated, and we remain primarily in Odessa’s perspective for their portion of the story. The crux attack on Ellder leaves Odessa reeling, but she’s trying to keep it together for Evie. That’s no small task, especially as they travel across the continent with the ever-cryptic Voster. Odessa can’t seem to pull answers out of the priests, but readers get them in the form of another POV.
In Rites of the Starling, Perry introduces chapters from a woman named Caspia. She’s from a different continent than Calandra, and as she discovers the far-off land through mysterious visions, the full picture of the series’ world becomes clearer. It may seem like a jarring addition at first, but Caspia proves just as compelling as Odessa. And the way Perry connects the dots of Rites of the Starling‘s competing narratives — and uses them to solve Calandra’s mysteries — is truly impressive.
Rites of the Starling Shows How to Expand a Fantasy World Well
If there’s one thing Rites of the Starling does really well, it’s expand Shield of Sparrows‘ world without leaning too heavily into exposition. Through Caspia’s chapters, the author fills in the missing pieces of the story while taking us on an adventure simultaneously. Things Odessa and Ransom don’t know become clear to the readers, including the truth behind the crux migration. And although it would be all too easy for Perry to write off her book’s monsters as mindless antagonists, she manages to add nuance in this sequel. It forces us to rethink everything, and it sets the stage for a conflict that will make us feel something on both sides.
Odessa’s chapters also manage to build out the world, as her journey with Evie and the Voster takes her the long way home — through Ozarth, Laine, and Genesis. It’s nice that we get to see the entirety of Rites of the Starling‘s map, even if we don’t spend a ton of time in one place. And the return to Quentis adds layers to supporting characters who’d previously seemed fairly one-note.
Rites of the Starling also presents new problems and enemies to contend with, marking its success as a middle book. The novel’s revelations about the Voster and the effects of magic on Calandra aren’t just great twists; they also promise a daunting mission for Odessa and Ransom in book three. And after the end of Rites of the Starling, readers will almost certainly be itching to get their hands on its sequel.
The Characters & Their Relationships Continue to Shine in This Sequel
The greatest strength of Rites of the Starling is its approach to world-building, but it continues a highlight of Shield of Sparrows as well. The character writing shines in both books, and the relationship dynamics prove even better in this one, likely because the connections are already established. For anyone who enjoys found family, this is a must-read. From Odessa’s sweet bond with Evie to the chosen family Caspia forms in Calandra, there are plenty of relationships, romantic and platonic, that keep put readers in their feels.
Through these bonds, Perry gets the chance to address serious subjects, too, like grief and trauma. The book gives such topics the weight they demand, handling them with care. And the characters’ all-too-realistic struggles further endears us to them while delivering emotional blows. I found myself tearing up on more than one occasion.
Shield of Sparrows Shortcomings Are Still There
Although Rites of the Starling provides satisfying answers and another impressive twist, Shield of Sparrows‘ shortcomings remain. The sequel continues the steady — and at times, slow — pacing of book one. This does give Perry more time to flesh out her characters and world, and personally, I wasn’t too bothered by the lulls. However, those looking for a breakneck pace shouldn’t expect it here. This series is very much a character-centric slow burn, though the pay-off is often worth it.
If you’re a seasoned fantasy or thriller reader, the big twist of the novel is also likely to be somewhat predictable. It doesn’t take long to pick up on it, just as it’s not hard to notice what’s happening in Odessa’s marriage in book one. That said, Perry continues to impress me on this front. Despite seeing her twists coming, I find myself plowing through her novels to see my suspicions confirmed regardless. The way the author brings her reveals together is immensely gratifying. She’s mastered the art of building tension until it breaks.
Rites of the Starling presents a new issue as well, and it’s one many romantasy sequels struggle with. The chemistry between Odessa and Ransom fades a bit in this book, the inevitable result of the pair being together. Fortunately, the romance is far from the primary focus of the sequel. The characters have much bigger things to worry about, and Perry throws a wrench into their now-comfortable dynamic in the very last chapter, which gives me hope for book three.
Our Conclusion: 4/5 Stars
Rites of the Starling succeeds where so many second books fail, improving on elements of its predecessor while raising the stakes for its follow-up. It avoids falling prey to second-book syndrome, as even its slower moments are packed with emotional weight. And it balances its character-driven storytelling with a good amount of action throughout. All the while, Perry’s prose ensure readers are fully immersed in this world she’s built. It’s just as easy to fall into this novel as Shield of Sparrows. Those who loved the first installment will find the same strengths in this one.
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