Nightbirds (Kate J Armstrong, A&U Children’s)

Magic is illegal in Simta, punishable by death, but that does not mean it does not exist. Matilde, Æsa, and Sayer are nightbirds: privileged girls who have the ability to pass on their own unique magic with a kiss to well-paying clients who trade in riches and secrets alike. The final season for these nightbirds is at hand before they are expected to wed and produce the next generation. However, with great power comes people’s desire to wield it no matter the cost. Political drama unfolds as the girls realise that maybe their magic is more than they were told, and they have to decide whether they will continue in the seemingly entrapping Nightbirds system or spread their wings for themselves. In using multiple perspectives, Armstrong’s writing gives strength to Matilde, Æsa, and Sayer, letting them stand as strong storytellers that draw the reader in. Set against a backdrop of rich, atmospheric world building that takes us into a secret underworld society of political schemes, Nightbirds is a brilliant addition to an emerging trend in young adult fiction that champion’s female-driven narratives and places fierce female empowerment front and centre. It is a spellbinding beginning to a new series that is sure to capture the attention of many readers.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Bohdi Byles is a freelance reviewer with a background in bookselling, publishing and writing. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Category: Junior Reviews Think Australian top reviews