Thank you to the publisher and Bookish First for a finished copy of this book!
The Nightbirds are the best-known secrets of the town-- girls with magic powers, that can bestow some magic upon you with a single kiss. But magic is prohibited and when the religious rulers become canny to the girls' abilities, they are in grave danger. And as they stop giving their powers away, they begin to realize they can use them for themselves.
Love the 1920's vibes of this book! Very reminiscent of Fire Becomes Her which I love so A++ for that one. There are 3-4 pov characters in this book--3 for most of it. I read the audiobook and think it could have been much improved by having separate narrators for the separate character chapters, but the voices became more distinct as I got to know the girls.
Sayer is my favorite because she is queer. That's all it takes. She's also badass and interesting and dynamic and I love that she questions things the entire time.
Mathilde is probably my second favorite, though I like all of them fine. I think the different characters bring a good balance to this book!
The ending felt a little weak to me compared to the rest of this. I guess it didn't feel as well developed or maybe a bit rushed? But this is a series (apparently!!!!) So I will definitely be back for more when the next book comes out. And hopefully the cover is just as gorgeous!
CW:
Confinement, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury
Moderate, Violence, Religious bigotry
Minor, sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Child abuse
The Nightbirds are the best-known secrets of the town-- girls with magic powers, that can bestow some magic upon you with a single kiss. But magic is prohibited and when the religious rulers become canny to the girls' abilities, they are in grave danger. And as they stop giving their powers away, they begin to realize they can use them for themselves.
Love the 1920's vibes of this book! Very reminiscent of Fire Becomes Her which I love so A++ for that one. There are 3-4 pov characters in this book--3 for most of it. I read the audiobook and think it could have been much improved by having separate narrators for the separate character chapters, but the voices became more distinct as I got to know the girls.
Sayer is my favorite because she is queer. That's all it takes. She's also badass and interesting and dynamic and I love that she questions things the entire time.
Mathilde is probably my second favorite, though I like all of them fine. I think the different characters bring a good balance to this book!
The ending felt a little weak to me compared to the rest of this. I guess it didn't feel as well developed or maybe a bit rushed? But this is a series (apparently!!!!) So I will definitely be back for more when the next book comes out. And hopefully the cover is just as gorgeous!
CW:
Confinement, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury
Moderate, Violence, Religious bigotry
Minor, sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Child abuse