In this episode of Book Bits & Chill, we’re diving into Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry, book two in the Shield of Sparrows series, and asking the real question: is this sequel actually worth the hype or are we in another cursed Book 2 era?

We start spoiler-free (promise, not even a whiff), then move into full book club chaos with spoilers, unhinged theories, and gossip.

We’re chatting:

• Spoiler-free review: vibes, pacing, and where it sits on the romantasy spectrum
• Who should read it now vs who should wait until book 3 is out
• Our honest ratings: overall, spice, hangover, book club potential
• Is this truly romantasy… or fantasy with a side of romance?
• The curse of book twos (Iron Flame, Brimstone, we’re looking at you)
• Full spoiler book club section: dual timelines, THAT twist, new characters, side quests, and magic systems
• Why we wanted more for our characters (and maybe a whole novella?)
• Devney Perry’s fantasy era and what we think book 3 is setting up

If you love romantasy, fantasy romance, girlhood chat, book club-style deep dives, silly but thoughtful hot takes, and deciding your next read based on best-friend banter… you’re in the right place.

Subscribe for weekly episodes filled with romantasy breakdowns, spicy (and not-so-spicy) reviews, adaptation chats, and cozy chaos. 📚✨

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 Is Rites of the Starling actually worth the hype?
01:38 The curse of Book 2s (Iron Flame, Brimstone, etc.)
03:39 Spoiler-free thoughts: vibes, pacing, and expectations
05:04 Romance vs plot: is this really romantasy?
07:51 Who should read it now vs who should wait for the full series
08:35 What Devney Perry does really well (worldbuilding, monsters, POVs)
11:19 Ratings: recommendability, spice, hangover, book club potential
14:15 Overall star ratings & the series vs the individual book
17:09 SPOILERS START HERE
19:58 Dual POVs, timelines, and the big plot twist talk
23:14 Caspia, Andreas, and why we weren’t fully sobbing (but kind of wanted to be)
27:29 Should Caspia & Andreas have been their own novella/book?
31:33 Girl power: Odessa, Caspia, and this being a book for the girls
35:09 The mavens, side characters, and missed opportunities
38:16 Being confused in the best (and worst) ways
42:08 Evie, emotional stakes, and why parts felt uncomfortable
48:13 Devney Perry’s fantasy writing style & expectations for book 3
50:02 Final thoughts + next week’s guest: Nisha J. Tuli & Stormbreaker

📖 Books Mentioned

Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry
Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
Brimstone by Callie Hart
Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
Harry Potter Series
A Song of Ice and Fire / Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas
Trial of the Sun Queen (Artifacts of Ouranos series) by Nisha J. Tuli
Stormbreaker by Nisha J. Tuli

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