This one missed the mark for me a bit. It was quite slow for most of the story and then suddenly everything is happening and wrapped with a neat bow and it’s over. I wasn’t as immersed in the world with this one as I feel I was with the first book.

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC copy of this book to review!

I think this was a great conclusion to Nightbirds! After the girls ended up in different places at the end of the first book it was neat to see them all pulled back together and how they each grow. I loved getting more magic from them in this book and more lore about their magics though I wish we could've gotten more diary entries from the first Fyrebird. I was very excited when they found it and wanted more from it. Once the action picked up I felt like it didn't stop until the end. I am happy with that little spark at the ending. Overall really enjoyed this one and wouldn't hate it if the author decided to give us a prequel series or just brought us back to Simta eventually. :)

I wish this book had been over 400 pages like the first because it felt like the story was rushed to meet it's conclusion. I wanted to see a bit more of our four main female characters coming in and doing the damn thing. I feel like that was the biggest issue with the story. It just needed more time. But all in all it was a good ending to the story regardless.

Thank you for the opportunity to read Fyrebirds by Kate J Armstrong.
This sequel to NightBirds was a good addition to the series. However, I believe that the author went a little quick in the details of this book.

I really enjoyed this story about 4 girls whose magic was once subdued and could only be given to others via a kiss. The 4 Fyrebirds are fierce girls who will stop at nothing to do what they feel is right to keep the other girls with magic safe. Each of the 4 has her own way to go about doing things but in the end they are there for each other. This was such a powerful story and I really enjoyed it I couldn't stop turning the pages!!

Fyrebirds" by Kate J. Armstrong takes readers on a magical journey through the city of Eudea, where the Nightbirds, once a closely guarded secret, are now thrust into the limelight. With abilities reminiscent of the legendary Fyrebirds who could move mountains and part seas, these young women find themselves at the center of a power struggle that could reshape their world.

The story's premise is intriguing, blending political intrigue, rebellion, and magical prowess. The concept of four powerful women coming together to become an unstoppable force adds a layer of epic potential to the narrative. Armstrong's world-building is commendable, painting a vivid picture of Eudea and the various factions vying for control, from the churchmen and gang lords to the ambitious Farlands king.

Armstrong's writing is descriptive and rich, but it occasionally leans too heavily on exposition, slowing the narrative momentum. The themes of power, identity, and sacrifice are explored, but not always with the nuance and complexity they deserve.

Overall, "Fyrebirds" offers a solid fantasy tale with an interesting premise and a richly imagined world. While it doesn't fully live up to its potential, it's a worthwhile read for fans of magical adventures and political intrigue. It’s a book that sparks curiosity and leaves room for growth in potential sequels, where deeper character development and more consistent pacing could elevate the story to greater heights.

A great ending to the duology!! It was as immersive as the first book (Nightbirds) and honestly, for me it wasn't 5 stars only because I still don't really like the povs but seeing the development of the characters and how it ended was so good. When people ask me for recommendations for duology, this will definitely be at the top of my list.

3.97 ★

my expectations were very high after the brilliance that was nightbirds, and i will say that this did not quite meet the mark, but it was nevertheless a wondrous experience. (anything with sayer in it would be, obviously.) the atmosphere and the magic remained the main attraction of the novel for me, and the poetic writing concealed what flaws there were in pacing and characterization.

there is mostly slow buildup for the first 70% of the book, with everything wrapping up quickly and almost too neatly within just the last 15%, so the end was somewhat of a letdown. and the thing with joost should have been explored way more in-depth, perhaps even in a whole another book. most of the story is of the wyllo regnis-red hand agenda, but objectively, the handmaid's tale-esque colonization attempt seems more significant? even if it couldn't have been the majority of the plot, it should have taken up at least the same amount of screentime.

and finally, almost half of this book was solely about matilde. and she's not a character who does things—that would be fenlin and sayer—things just seem to happen to her. with the exception of the final battle. perhaps i'm biased, because sayer and fenlin are my favorite characters, but i wish they had a larger role. especially because they're lesbian, and that should be an important story to tell in a feminist fantasy.

but regardless, i've come to adore kate j. armstrong's prose, and i will always be on the lookout for anything new from her.

thank you to netgalley for the advanced copy.

These characters are so great and so interesting. I was intrigued going into this book after the first one, but it definitely hooked more towards the end of the book rather than the beginning. A great sequel! Thank you Penguin Group and Nancy Paulsen Books for sending me a copy of this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.

Wow! Loved this read. The author really stepped it up from book one.

Book one, Nightbirds, was a good read, but Kate really did a fantastic job with Flybirds!

The magic system was amazing and the characters are just, Wow!

I read this in one sitting.

Highly recommend @

*3.75 stars

This sequel did not disappoint and I honestly liked it a bit more than Nightbirds. I think the pacing was so much better in this book and did a much better job of holding my attention. The found family and girl power in this is top notch and speaks volumes on many other topics as well, especially in today’s world. The aesthetic, magic, and world-building in this duology is amazing and these have definitely become some of my favorite witchy reads.

My only con is that for me personally, there’s a lot of characters to keep up with and sometimes I got a little confused.

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.