I was just drawn into this story and I just couldn’t get enough of it. I was so disappointed to turn the last page and I immediately wanted more. I can’t wait to see what's next from this author.

Fyrebirds is a captivating novel that delves into a fast-paced plot while exploring deep emotional themes. The story organically navigates through pervasive patriarchal and misogynistic beliefs, the complexities of choice and control, and the powerful themes of resistance and revenge. Armstrong's writing skillfully weaves together these elements to create a compelling narrative that will leave readers both entertained and enlightened.

Love when a sequel is just as good as the first! It was great to see solid character growth in this one. Good pacing and propulsive plot made this a quick read. Loved it start to finish!

This was a wonderful sequel! I loved reading about these smart and brave girls and their powers growing and then learning more. I personally really enjoyed the multiple povs and thought it gave much more depth to the story. I’m a big fan!

I loved the magic system in this book it was easy to understand and the characters were easy to fallow and fall in love with.

Nightbirds and its sequel, Fyrebirds, are a great pair of books for summer reading. A group of preternaturally gifted young women uncover secrets and lies about their gifts, learn of conspiracies to control them, and wreak fabulous political and civil havoc as they rise up against (or burrow beneath) a toxic patriarchy. The world-building is lovely and detailed, the characters evolve and develop, they're diverse, they're smart and true to themselves, and the adventure moves along at a good pace. Middle grades and u--and there's plenty for adult readers to enjoy too.

thanks to NetGalley for the eARC

⭐️=4.5 | 😘=2.5 | 🤬=1 | ⚔️=4 | 13+

summary Nightbirds book 2; end of the duology

thoughts: really really loved this!! plot, world, especially the characters!!!! and there’s a certain element of the ending that I especially loved. there were kind of two(ish??) major outside (non-internal) conflicts, and one of them felt much more fleshed out than the other (like who even is this king guy?? give me a map), but that’s okay tbh. my biggest complaint is that there were so many POVs, I didn’t get enough time with my fav, Æsa. and Willan!!!!! they are both everything to me and I needed more, but overall!!!!! this is great.

"FyreBirds" is a captivating journey through an immersive universe that left me thoroughly enchanted from start to finish. The author has created a richly detailed world that is both vivid and imaginative, drawing readers in with its depth and complexity.

One of the standout features of "FyreBirds" is its characters. They are loveable, well-developed, and each brings a unique element to the story. Their interactions and individual journeys kept me deeply invested throughout the book. The protagonist's growth and the relationships they form along the way are compelling and heartwarming.

The plot is equally engaging, filled with twists and turns that keep the reader hooked. The pacing is perfect, balancing action with moments of reflection and character development. Each chapter unfolds seamlessly, contributing to the overall narrative in a meaningful way.

In conclusion, "FyreBirds" is a fantastic read that offers a perfect blend of adventure, emotion, and wonder. It's a book that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for an engrossing and memorable story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

After reading Nightbirds, I was hesitant to start Fyrebirds, but once I started it I really enjoyed it. The same great world building and atmosphere. The POVs were still a struggle for me personally, but I love the characters more so this time around. They received more development and were easier to connect with. I definitely enjoyed the sequel more than the debut novel.

CW: blood, loss of parents, addiction, abuse

This is the sequel to Nightbirds which I really loved last year. The characters are definitely the best part although I feel like they focused the most on Matilda more than Sayer, Fen, and Æsa. Matilde's POV can be a bit dragging on at time and I wish there was a bit more from the other girls. The first half of the book dragged and I feel like most of the action happened in the second half. It's still a good sequel, but it's not great.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

Great sequel, really enjoyed it. Same great world and characters and writing.

I read an arc of Nightbirds in Sep of 2022, so I re-read the first book before reading this one. This follows our main four characters from the last book, Ae, Sayer, Matilde and Fen. My favorite thing about this sequel was Sayer and Fen's relationship, but it's a small part of the book. Matilde plays the biggest role, with Ale sort of on the sidelines at the start. There's also a ton of side male characters to remember. I like the different POV's of the girls and the little interludes from the perspectives of others. This was a good sequel with new threats and new powers to stop it, as well as themes of women sticking together and fighting back against those that want their power for themselves.

I received a copy through NetGalley for review.

I was very excited to receive a copy of Fyrebirds, because I loved Nightbirds so much.

And it was fantastic to see all the growth in these strong, young magical women. To see them breakaway from the things that previously caged them in. I really enjoyed this! Seeing them all come into their own and embrace one another and push their limits for change.

Magical women have always existed in Simta, but the church has longed worked to paint them a dangerous witches in need of control, and a prohibition has existed for hundreds of years pushing them either underground or in hiding. The only way for them to gain a little power for themselves was through the Nightbird system. Marrying powerful houses and bestowing bits of their powers to well paying clients through a kiss, anonymously.

But this last season of Nightbirds rebelled against the system uniting their powers and making themselves known. Now they're left to uncover just how much about their powers has been stripped from them and what they can really do. Hundreds of years ago four powerful nightbirds united as Fyrebirds and saved the city from disaster and the church has hidden the truth from everyone.
Their powers have a link together, and it strengthens the powers of other Nightbirds around them
Matilde, Sayer, Fenlin and Aesa have a strong connection to one another they are stronger together.

But the church fears them more than ever, and powerful men want to control them and their powers, and the other Fyrebirds. Each one has a decision to make about claiming their own power, facing their past, and decide how they want to live in the future. Are they strong enough to meet the future they want and then grasp it. It's time for the Nightbirds to step into the light of day.

Nightbirds was one of my favourite books last year so I was super excited to dive into this one. I love the author's writing. She probably has one of the easiest action scenes to read cause I can visualize it all in my mind. I do think that AEsa didn't get as much attention (she's my fave) so I personally wanted to see more of her. This book didn't captivate me as much as the first one did, but it was still engaging and the ending wrapped up nicely.

Big thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for the chance to review this book pre-release. Fyrebirds was SUCH an amazing follow up to Nightbirds. I reread the last 25% of Nightbirds first before starting this one so I could really just dive right in, and they flow together SO well. Ms. Armstrong's way of writing is flawless, and really keeps you invested the entire time. I can't wait to add these to my physical shelf, and will certainly be recommending them!

This is such an immersive universe. I absolutely love love loved these characters and this journey. I actually hadn't realized it's a sequel and read this one without reading the first (I know, not something I'd usually recommend), Even though I plan to read the first one, I still was able to be wholly invested in the story and enjoy it thoroughly. The prose was sparkly and fun, the story was full of magic and really fun moments, and I wholeheartedly recommend it.

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Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this title. This review contains my honest thoughts.

Ya'll don't even know how long i have been WAITING for this sequel!!! I am on the floor. This was absolutely incredible and getting to dive back into the Nightbirds world has been the highlight of my month. I was ready to find out where the girls were headed in this one, and how their powers would grow and it did not disappoint. Mathilde continued to be my favorite fire lady of them all, and I am glad to say that it was just as magical, intense, and glittery as the first one! The nods yet again to religion and classism hit hard, and the addition of the political takeover and rebellion just really pulled it all together. I simply cannot recommend this series enough if you love 20s-style fantasy, a group of bad ass women, and the overall theme of gaining strength and believing in yourself.

I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it.