Rites of the Starling is the highly anticipated second installment in Devney Perry’s Shield of Sparrows series, continuing the romantasy journey that began with Shield of Sparrows. Released in hardcover on April 7, 2026, the novel builds upon the emotional, magical, and political foundations of the first book while raising the stakes for its heroine and the fractured world she inhabits.
At the heart of the story is Calandra, a princess whose life has been shaped by fear, prophecy, and forces far beyond her control. In this sequel, she finds herself separated from the man she loves and thrust deeper into a cursed realm threatened by an approaching calamity known as the crux migration. Monsters roam the land, alliances are fragile, and survival is never guaranteed. Calandra is hunted, captured, and tested in ways that force her to confront both her limitations and her hidden strengths.
The narrative is driven by transformation. Calandra is no longer simply running from her fate; she is being pushed toward it. Throughout the novel, she must grapple with the roles others demand she accept—queen, weapon, sacrifice—and decide whether she will claim agency over her own destiny. This internal struggle gives the book much of its emotional weight, as her personal growth becomes inseparable from the survival of the five kingdoms.
Devney Perry leans heavily into themes of sacrifice, courage, and identity. Rites of the Starling explores what it means to lead when leadership demands loss, and whether love can endure when duty threatens to destroy it. The title itself reflects this focus on ritual and change, suggesting that the trials Calandra faces are not merely obstacles but necessary rites that will shape who she becomes.
World-building remains one of the novel’s strongest elements. The cursed landscape feels dangerous and alive, filled with myth, ancient magic, and ever-present threats. The looming crux migration serves as both a physical danger and a symbol of inevitable change, reinforcing the story’s sense of urgency. Perry balances this expansive fantasy setting with intimate character moments, ensuring that the emotional core is never lost amid the epic scale.
The romance continues to play a central role, particularly through separation and longing. The distance between Calandra and the man she loves intensifies the emotional stakes and gives her choices greater consequence. Her desire to save him, even at great personal cost, adds a poignant layer to her larger mission and reinforces the novel’s focus on love tested by circumstance.
In terms of pacing, the book alternates between tense, action-driven sequences and quieter, introspective moments. Readers who appreciated the slow-burn emotional style of the first book will likely find this sequel rewarding, as it delves deeply into Calandra’s thoughts and fears. Those who prefer faster plot progression may still find parts of the story deliberate, but the increased danger and broader scope help maintain momentum.
Rites of the Starling is an emotionally rich and ambitious continuation of the Shield of Sparrows series. It deepens the mythology, strengthens the heroine’s arc, and sets the stage for even greater conflicts ahead. For fans of fantasy romance who enjoy character-driven storytelling, high stakes, and a blend of love and magic, this book offers a compelling and immersive experience.
