Kate J. Armstrong, Fyrebirds (Nightbirds #2), A & U Children’s, August 2024, 384 pp., RRP $24.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781761066252
Fyrebirds, the sequel to Nightbirds, draws readers into a world where power, magic and rebellion collide. Armstrong weaves a gripping story about the Nightbirds, magical women that were hidden in the shadows of society, forced into secrecy for centuries by the church. No longer willing to remain anonymous, the Nightbirds now stand at the brink of a new era.
The Nightbirds were once a hidden force, passing their magical gifts in secret, exchanging power through a kiss. But the season has changed and the Nightbirds have rebelled, uniting their magic in defiance of a system that controlled them. The truth about their powers has begun to surface. Eudea is in the midst of a delicate power struggle. The new leader of the city aims to lift the prohibition on magic, but this threatens the established churchmen and criminal gangs who benefit from the current order. Meanwhile, a Farlands king, Joosten Tharda, covets the power of magical women and is preparing to invade the city. His forces seek to capture the girls with magical abilities to harness their power.
At the heart of the story are four young women. Matilde, Sayer, Fenlin and Æsa all share a unique and undeniable bond. They possess magical abilities reminiscent of the legendary Fyrebirds. As they begin to uncover the true extent of their abilities, they are forced to confront the past and decide what kind of future they want to create. With the church and powerful houses determined to control them and a looming war threatening their city, each Nightbird must face the painful truth about their identity and the choices they must make to protect what they hold dear. The Fyrebirds are Eudea’s last hope against invasion and chaos.
Fyrebirds is an exciting continuation of the Nightbirds story. Armstrong’s writing is vivid and immersive. The book’s blend of magic, political tension and the personal struggles of its characters makes for an unforgettable reading experience. It’s a thrilling and emotionally resonant story about power, resistance and the bonds that hold us together. This is a must-read for those who love strong female characters, intricate world-building, and stories about fighting for what’s right, even when the cost is high.
Content Warnings: Violence, loss of parents, addiction and abuse.
Reviewed by India Boon
