A uniquely powerful magic system - women with gifts in a world that has outlawed magic - and the secrets that are kept from even the magical girls themselves.

Dark academia aesthetic, with a group of main characters I won't soon forget.

Sayer, Mathilde, Fen, and Aes are each wild birds who need each other. And everyone else seems to want what they have.

Found family at its finest, with a magical bildungsroman that feels unique and different and dangerous.

"And their fledglings in the underground, looking to the Nightbirds for hope, for answers. Where are all of those girls now? It would be easier to walk away, but her friends need her. She isn't going to leave them all to their fates."

This had a really interesting premise but unfortunately the writing style didn’t work for me at all. I ended up DNF at 30% because I couldn’t get past the combination of present tense and quickly rotating points of view (multiple changes in each chapter). A small quibble but I also found the repeated use of the words ‘dame’ and ‘sire’ to be jarring. Finally, “Nightbirds” included one of my personal pet peeves: a badly drawn fantasy Ireland. The Illish Isles and Aesa came across as generic Irish stereotypes and immediately bounced me from the narrative.

I did really enjoy the magic system and the characters. I think the conflict between Sayer and Matilde’s background had potential as well. I feel that book could be an awesome read for someone who doesn’t have my particular set of quibbles.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Penguin Teen for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

First I want to say that I am in love with the cover art, the new ones, of this series. They are just lovely, not that the first was bad, but this art seems more appealing to me. Nightbirds is the first of a new young adult feminist series. It primarily follows Matilde who grew up in one of Simta's great houses. Her grandmother was a Nightbird and now she has that power. The power to gift another magic with a kiss. No two nightbirds have the same gift and they aren't able to use their magic on themselves. We also follow Sayer, a Nightbird from the wrong side of the tracks, and Æsa who is from the Ilish Islands. All are trying to discover themselves and to survive. In Simta magic is illegal and the church hunts down all those who use magic. When one day their secrets are out and their magic starts to evolve, the paters preach of women who stole the magic from the Wellspring. These 3 women who are completely different must work together to overcome the odds.
I found the world-building here pretty nice if not a bit windy for the type of book it is. It also did not feel like a YA book, which was great, it felt just like a fantasy novel about women stepping into roles of power. I loved the message of sisterhood and unity but was disappointed when we ended the way we did after all the preaching of togetherness. I am assuming the next books will fix this. I feel like the whole Bastard Prince aspect was confusing, everything while the girls were in the underground that was happening off-page, none of that tied back leaving several questions and some things that didn't really make sense. At the end of the day, I really enjoyed the magic, the backstory of the Fyrebirds, and the hope that the girls bring to other women and girls. I look forward to the continuation of this series.

Beautiful, glittering, daring...this is the book embodiment of velvet scarlet curtains blocking a seedy underground, and feathered masks hiding whispered secrets and lies.

Seaside town Simta has a secret: each season, beautiful women in gowns and masks hide behind doors and, with a kiss, can grant you the gift of their magic for a short while-- perhaps you need some extra charm, or maybe the ability to fade into the shadows. Come from the right Great House, know the right people, and pay the (substantial) fee, and it can all be yours. But the Nightbirds must keep their identities hidden because magic is illegal, especially the intrinsic magic of women (because, Kate J. Armstrong of course added some alchemical magic to the mix just for some added intrigue and depth), and the religious sects who are growing in popularity and power would quite literally destroy them in a moment. This year's birds are as different as her monikers, and this season someone (everyone?) is after the Nightbirds. Not only is there a massive government conspiracy at play and a fiery religious uprising, but something is different about the magic itself this season amongst these three beautiful birds, and now they must band together because they're all being lied to. About everything.

This might technically be a YA book, but the themes and writing make this one utterly transcendent for adult audiences. The writing itself is sharp and vivid but lush at the same time...readers get to indulge in the glitter of the 1920's Gatsby-esque parties but also slink about in seedy watery underground secret hideouts. The brilliance of taking prohibition and making magic the illegal element, and then giving it a Salem witch hunt twist by lessening the potency of the alchemical magic and making some women have magical literally run through their veins, particularly in the current political climate (sharing their power through a kiss that can only be given by choice had me cheering), was nothing short of genius. But it doesn't feel like a dark feminist rant, with joy and beauty and levity sparkling throughout, and it isn't one of those "all women are good and all men are bad" situations either. Don't just go around trusting ANYONE in this book; everything about this book feels sensual, so the relationships are just sparking from the word go, but the love triangle twists in particular (one especially) had me gasping at the end. Was I suspicious? Sure, but only because I'd stopped trusting EVERYONE but our birds by then. And our birds themselves are dynamic and completely unique, so much so that they were real enough for me to guess some of their initial snap reactions when major events occured in the book, and yet they each still showed growth as the book let them spread their wings (I'm so sorry).

My only criticism is that about three hundred pages in there is a scene that seemed to get out from underneath the author; it was unwieldy, in terms of general scale, number of characters, ground covered (quite literally), and the magical feats the characters had to accomplish; even after reading it twice it was a little difficult to follow-- the silky smooth writing filled with quotable lovely turns of phrase and easy ways of putting impossibly large challenges and complications of the human existence definitely fell out entirely for a while until the author found her voice again, and indeed seemed a little lacking for the last quarter of the book. It seems that, like the magic of the Nightbirds themselves, the book itself is stronger when our girls are united and not fleeing in every direction. But if my only complaint is one scene wasn't as perfectly written as the rest of the book and I didn't run entirely out of sticky tabs marking quotes by the end of the book...coming from me, this is a RAVE review. And Kate J. Armstrong pulls it back just in time for some beautiful imagery, bittersweet moments, and you can literally feel the book inhale in preparation to leave you hanging breathless for the sequel.

In short: The writing? Beautiful.The concepts? No lack of depth and symbolism and feminist rage to stir (and hopefully be satisfied in book 2). It was memorable and delicious and atmospheric, filled with everything I want. Don't skip this one, It's got the ballrooms and hidden cities and betrayals and friendships and heartache and moments of self-discovery that are at the heart of every GREAT fantasy.

It should come with a warning: This book WILL make you want to buy a mask and very possibly a ballgown. Or start a revolution. Or both.

🐦 𝕭𝖔𝖔𝕶 𝕽𝖊𝖛𝖎𝖊𝖜 🐦

Title: Nightbirds by Kate J. Armstrong
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Pub Date: February 28, 2023
📖 480 pages

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

✨️ Witch Hunters
✨️ Historical Fantasy
✨️ Hidden Powers
✨️ Elemental Magic
✨️ Found Family
✨️ Devastating Betrayals
✨️ LGBTQ+ Rep
✨️ Multiple POV
✨️ Religious Cult

The Nightbirds are girls with magic that can be gifted through their kiss, but everything comes at a price, and if you have the coin, then you can have their powers for a short time.
The church, however, considers the Nightbirds to be witches who have stolen the power from one of their four gods and are bent on destroying them.
We follow the Nightbirds as they try to escape persecution and instead find themselves at the center of a much bigger operation than selling magic kisses for coin.

This book was so good. There's quite a few twists, each girl has their own little romance, but it's not the main focus of the story, and the premise of a religious cult hunting down magical girls is so intriguing. Obsessed is an understatement! Five stars!!

#yafantasy #nightbirds #katejarmstrong

Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own.

Nightbirds started off as a little slow for me, but as the story evolved and I learned more about the girls and their magic it became harder and harder to put the book down. The book has the glitz and glamour a la roaring 20s, but there are enemies all around the Nightbirds and they are closer than ever to claiming them for their dark purposes.

Each girl is gifted with a very rare form of magic, which is illegal in the Republic. Matilde, Sayer, and AEsa are the latest in a long line of Nightbird women, who are protected by the Great Houses. These families have kept the Nightbirds from being hunted by the church and the suzerain (almost a king or queen but not quite), and in return use the girl's gifts to keep them powerful. No one knows the true identity of the Nightbirds, except for a very small handful. Then the unthinkable happens, Matilde's secret as a Nightbird is discovered, and as the girls' identities are revealed, they are forced into hiding, and there they learn that their power is so much more than what they've been led to believe. And they are not alone.

What I really enjoyed about this story is the twists. I kept thinking that certain things were going to happen, making guesses as to who is the enemy and who is more than just a friend. I was surprised so many times and I loved being kept on my toes. With three main POVs there was plenty of action and romance to be found, and told in a way that didn't feel overwhelming. Even the world building is done well, though moderately simple. I found AEsa's character to be annoying so I didn't enjoy her POV as much as the others, but I'm intrigued to see where this story ends up going. There is definitely a sequel coming, but the book didn't end with a terrible cliffhanger for which I am thankful. 4/5

Whoa, this was a really fun adventure! In the world of this book, magic is forbidden and only the wealthy can afford to pay astronomical fees to a nightbird for their magical abilities! Woman with magic that she can give to others for a kiss, but she is hidden by high society! The plot had high stakes because of the intrigue and politics. This religion is cruel and horrible! There's something very Salemesque about women wielding evil magic. It was a lovely atmosphere! I adored how opulent and gittery it feels in Matilde's point of view! Furthermore, I adore how each girl had a unique point of view and felt uniquely unique—something that is difficult to accomplish and the reason I don't typically enjoy multiple points of view! The way they each had their own despite their fears, they would stop at nothing to protect one another and their loved ones! The magic system was entertaining and fairly standard, but there was a lot going on, so I think it was a good thing it was straightforward! My only complaint is that, even though I enjoyed the story and was engaged, it felt way too long at times! All in all, I adore this book! I went out and purchased a hard copy for my library!

Take a note authors keep smut in books!! I was completely obsessed with this book and couldn’t put this down, for me this was like a mix of speakeasy and political AND I’m here for it. I had never heard of this author before the first book and even in that one I was hooked. I will be reading whatever they write from now on!

Magic is outlawed in Simta. But the Nightbirds are an elite secret and these girls can gift you magic with a price and a steep cost.

Read if you like: fantasy that feels like Gatsby, gangs and undergrounds, powerful girls, unique magic systems, multi POV, slow burn romance that keeps you on your toes.

The Great Houses keep the Nightbirds safe for their magic despite the laws that forbid it and the church that condemns it. But as a plot to eradicate all magic is uncovered the girls realize that their future isn’t promised and the past of the Nightbirds is full of lies. Matilde, Æsa, and Sayer will have to join with unlikely allies to fight for their lives and the legacy of magic.

This book is a fun little surprise. All the POVs and constantly moving parts had me thinking Six of Crows. The backdrop is lush and full of forbidden pleasures like the roaring 20s. The magic has all that witchy goodness with fun twists. And talking about twists, it keeps you guessing on how everything will come together. I love all the distinct voices and how their different views on life and magic help the story and plot keep moving where a smaller cast would leave the reader in the dark or with a lot of loose ends to run down. It’s one-part political and gang movement, one-part religious reformation, and one-part women’s (magical) liberation all working perfectly together with YA angst and longing and the need to find their place in the world.

Nightbirds by Kate J. Armstrong – 3.5 stars

Nightbirds pulls readers into the lush, magical world of Simta, where Matilde, Æsa, and Sayer serve as the season’s Nightbirds—young women with the unique power to grant magic through a kiss. The premise is intriguing, blending forbidden magic with a political undercurrent, as the girls face pressure to marry into the Great Houses while guarding their secrets. Their abilities make them both coveted and dangerous, and the stakes are raised when they realize their power is far more than they’ve been told.

The magic system is inventive, and I enjoyed the fresh concept of passing magic through a kiss—it added a fascinating twist to the story. The political intrigue was also a highlight, as the characters navigate schemes that could upend their world. However, I found parts of the plot a bit slow, and while the dynamic between the three girls was interesting, none of them truly stood out to me as compelling individual characters.

That being said, I’m still intrigued enough to see where this series goes. There’s definite potential in the world Armstrong has created, and despite some pacing issues, I’m curious to watch the characters evolve and explore more of the story’s magic and political depths in future installments.

**Review of *Nightbirds* by Kate J. Armstrong**

Kate J. Armstrong’s *Nightbirds* is a rich and immersive fantasy novel that takes readers into a beautifully crafted world where magic, politics, and intrigue intertwine. While it may be a slow starter, once you delve into the story, the world-building and unique magic system really shine through.

One of the strongest aspects of *Nightbirds* is Armstrong’s ability to create a vivid, atmospheric setting. The cities and landscapes she describes come alive with detail, making it easy to imagine the world the characters inhabit. Whether it's the bustling streets, the opulent ballrooms, or the hidden, dangerous places characters visit, the setting feels fresh and distinct, pulling the reader deeper into the story.

The magic system in *Nightbirds* is also a standout. The concept of young women possessing a rare power that can be transferred through a kiss is both intriguing and original. This adds layers of tension to the plot as these Nightbirds navigate the perils of their abilities in a world that seeks to control or exploit them. The magic feels integral to the world, seamlessly woven into the fabric of the society Armstrong has created.

That said, the book does take some time to get into. The initial chapters feel a bit slow as Armstrong carefully sets the stage, introducing characters and the complex political landscape. However, once the main plot kicks into gear, the pace improves, and the stakes rise, making it easier to become invested in the characters' fates.

One challenge I encountered while reading was the frequent shift in points of view (POV). With multiple main characters, the story jumps between their perspectives, which can occasionally be disorienting. At times, it was hard to keep track of who was speaking and where they were in the story. However, as the plot progresses, the individual voices become more distinct, and the shifts feel more natural.

Despite the initial hurdles, *Nightbirds* is an impressive debut. The depth of the world-building, combined with its unique take on magic, makes for an engaging and memorable read. Fans of rich fantasy settings and intricate magic systems will find much to appreciate here, especially as the characters' arcs come together and the story gains momentum. If you're willing to be patient with the setup, the payoff is worth it.

In conclusion, while *Nightbirds* may take a bit of effort to get into, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. Kate J. Armstrong has created a world that's as enchanting as it is dangerous, and her magic system adds a fascinating twist to the genre. If you're looking for a lush, complex fantasy with strong world-building, this novel is definitely worth the read.

What intrigued me the most about this book was the 1920s vibe, but what kept me hooked was the character driven storyline.

The prose was beautiful, but the POV from the main characters were done wonderfully. Each had their own distinguishable voice, and obstacles that they had to overcome.

There was a strong feminist vibe to the book in which the characters questioned the misogynistic ways in their society, and try to defy the oppression.

The magic system was unique, and each of the characters were able to come into their powers a little bit more as the story progressed.

Nightbirds read like a YA Fantasy with a dash of romance, but also contained forbidden magic, political intrigue, as well as strong FMCs. It was a great setup for the next book in the series!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

This YA fantasy was fun and enthralling! I loved the world building and the emphasis on female friendships. With themes of fighting the patriarchy and persecution of women by religious organizations, this unfortunately resonates with our world today. and ending on such a cliffhanger i cannot wait to keep reading!

This book is a must read for all book lovers. I love fantasy but what really hit home for me was how the book explores women in a time period where they were little more than dolls made to dress up and were silenced. It’s a world that fears a strong powerful woman whether it’s magic or strength of character.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a review copy of this book!

Born with ancient, hidden magic, the Nightbirds are captives within a gilded cage where they can only gift their magic to others. Thus begins a story of desire, independence, and sisterhood that shapes each of the young women who tell their tale in this story driven by others' need for power. The plot moves along briskly, and the characters are heartwarmingly believable despite their unique magical gifts. What is revealed is a hidden female matriarchy that drives its society while hidden from public power. These women must hide themselves in order to avoid persecution or abuse of their magical gifts. Add in the vicious, driven antagonist of the Red Hand who is passionate about sending these "witches" to their deaths, and you have some serious conflicts that help drive the story and induce some wicked paranoia and fear. Overall, this was a page turner that kept my attention and made me want to read the sequel. Yes, the ending is a bit of a cliffhanger, but you could stop at the first book and still feel satisfied. I, however, will look forward to reading the next tome.

Teachers: This would be a great novel for a literature circle as it has many powerful thematic topics to explore including female subjugation, leadership, community, sisterhood, family, friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice. There are a bunch of literary devices worth examining, too. The characterizations are probably the weakest part of this book, but there is enough depth to make these characters come alive.

Overall, I genuinely enjoyed this novel and can definitely recommend it to others. Enjoy, my friends!

Wow I really did enjoy this adventure! This book is about a world where magic is illegal and the rich pay very high prices to receive magic from a nightbird! Woman hidden by high society for having magic they can give to others for a kiss! The intrigue and politics made the plot note high stakes. The religion is terrible and cruel! It feels very salemesque with women with magic being evil. The atmosphere was beautiful! I loved how in Matilde POV it feels so posh and gittery! And I love how each different girl had their own POV and they all felt distinctly different (it's not easy to do and why I don't usually like multiple POV)! I love how they all had their insecurities but when it came down to it they would do anything for each other and their loved ones! The magic system was fun and pretty Standard but there was so much going on i think the magic system being simple was good! My only critique is it felt way too long even though I was involved and loved the story it felt long and drawn out in places! Overall I love this book! I went out and bought a physical copy for my collection!!

This book was a bit slow to start, with a lot of world building and other set up. The premise was interesting but nothing too ground breaking. Once the story really took off it was fun and atmospheric and surprisingly character driven. I ended up being invested enough to want the read the sequel as this ended in a bit of a cliff hanger

I enjoyed Nighbirds, but much to my disappointment, I didn’t love it. It was atmospheric and I liked the worldbuilding, but I never became invested in anything or any of the characters. This may be due to listening to the audiobook rather than reading, but I found it a bit difficult to follow who was speaking. I think I may end up following the series because I did like aspects of it, I just expected this to be one of my top books of the year.

Nightbirds by Kate J Armstrong ebook Addition from NetGalley

Nightbirds is a character-driven journey that’s all about fierce female protagonists. These women are at the heart of the story, navigating a world full of secrets and forbidden magic, which unravels in a way that feels both effortless and captivating. It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel because the world-building is so smooth and natural, like stepping into a place that’s been fully realized in the author’s mind.

There’s a kind of 1920s vibe to the setting—though it’s not explicitly set in that era, the atmosphere definitely gives off that energy, adding a unique flair to the narrative. The prose is really nice too, well-crafted without being overdone, making the reading experience immersive and enjoyable.

While it’s rooted in the YA genre, this book brings a level of high stakes that makes it stand out. The story unfolds slowly, with secrets and betrayals being revealed at just the right pace to keep you hooked. There’s also a touch of romance, woven delicately into the subplot, which adds to the overall richness of the story without overshadowing the main plot.

And, of course, I’m already excited for the sequel—Armstrong has set the stage for something truly special!!!!

I fell in love with the cover and then I fell in love with the story
Due to health issues cannot write a proper review now even if I enjoyed this book. as it's well plotted, fascinating world building, and entertaining. . I liked the good storytelling.
It's full of food for thought and it's a good feminist fantasy
A more extensive review will follow
Recommended.Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine