This book was a pretty good novel that I think will resonate with teenage and young adult readers. The idea of young women with magical powers who could give them away with a kiss was an interesting premise. The story was well-written. Often when I read books with teen/YA female protagonists, I become annoyed with them, but I did not with this novel so that says a lot about the quality of writing.

I didn't love the ending being left open for another book, although I recognize that most fantasies are series. I just don't like to feel committed to another read. So this is not anything bad about the book; it is doing what most fantasies do.

I did get confused for quite a while with the wide range of characters. I'm not sure I ever figured out who Tenny Maylon was. By the end of the book, however, I felt like I had a fairly good grasp of everyone's characteristics.

This young adult fantasy has unique and lush worldbuilding that I enjoyed very much; in fact, this was my favorite part of this novel. The world felt so real and I could taste, smell, feel, hear, and see everything that was happening. I haven't found another book yet that offered such distinctly unique magic system that made complete sense to me at all times.

The point of view characters were well done, and although it took me a few chapters to understand their roles, I grew to love every single girl. The romance hinted within the story lines added another depth of mystery and trust in who was telling the truth and who was only using the Nightbirds' magic for selfish reasons.

I didn't realize going into this book that it was not a stand alone, but the ending left so many unanswered questions and a huge cliff hanger that I need book two.

The pacing about midway slowed and I found my mind wandering at times, but I'm happy I continued reading and didn't miss out on this wonderful world.

The world and magic in this book were so fascinating! The characters in the book were well-written and had good growth throughout. I found Matilde annoying initially, but she got significantly better as the book went on. I had a good time reading the book, which is what I think is important.

The cover and title really attracted me to this book. This was a wonderful discovery!! The character building was excellent and the writing was very well done.

I absolutely loved this book, and I'm happy to scream it from the rooftops! The worldbuilding is exquisite, the writing just as lovely, and the three distinct voices we have for our main characters, Mathilde, Sayer, and Æsa, are perfect because they each have their own, very different stories to tell. Just when you think you know where things are going, the author takes you on a wild ride and twists things around.

I love following these girls in this sumptuous world with their unique magic. The story that unfolds regarding their powers, the mystery of the Nightbirds, really has you turning the page for more. I liked how things were brought to a stark reality for Mathilde and her world comes shattering around her. She's loyal, yes, but also a bit naive, though she's very much willing to do whatever it takes to protect her fellow Nightbirds and her family. The revelations regarding her birth and the (maybe?) budding romance between her, Alec, and dare I say Dennen will be an interesting dynamic in the second book. I'll admit that Sayer was my least favorite of the Nightbirds, and I'm rather worried where her quest for revenge will take her. As for Æsa, if I could but give that girl a hug and let her know everything is going to be okay. She's incredibly insecure in the beginning of the work and the religion of Eudea really played with her head, causing her to be unsure of her powers. I'm glad, though, she has Mathilde and Sayer to fight with and for her.

One of the things I didn't really care for, however, is how we were introduced to the fourth girl. I desperately hope we get her POV in the next book because she seems just as vengeful as Sayer, and I'm eager to know more of her story to make it seem like she wasn't just thrown in at the last minute.

I'll admit I was a little frustrated at the entire religious, "girls are witches so we must hurt/kill them" thing that was prevalent, but I like how it seemed like a reflection of our past and even current times of women being vilified just because people are scared of them. I'm interested to see if the Pontifex will truly hold power or if he will be overshadowed by the suzerain. I also have a lot of questions about Epinine because the way Mathilde second guesses lot of things toward the end had me raising my eyebrows.

I was really excited for this one with the 20’s vibes and forbidden magic but it fell flat for me. The book was very slow at the beginning and honestly felt like it could have been shorter. I felt with the magic that it wasn’t really explained why the religion doesn’t like it and that it could have been a bit more developed in that part. I wasn’t a super big fan of the Victorian vibes either. All these things kind of dampened by enjoyment of the story.

I absolutely loved reading this book. I found it super interesting and I was super excited to get through it. I loved the 3 main characters, I think my favourite is probably Matilde but I thought the other two were great as well. Very interesting and I understood why they did what they each did and it made sense with their characters. The book did end on a "To be continued" so I am super excited for the next book and cannot wait to see how the stories continue. As someone who isn't really a fan of fantasy, I absolutely loved it, and it's probably one of my favourite fantasies. The pronunciation of some of the words kinda confused me but I think that's just always in fantasy. Sometimes it did confuse me whose perspective it was, so I would've loved to see more clear signs that it had changed, but I absolutely loved it, and have already recommended it to some of my friends.

I really enjoyed this book. It sucked me in right from the beginning. Forbidden magic, found family and powerful women and girls owning their magic and flaws. Magic especially the magic of women is outlawed in the city and the religious sects would see the women burned if they discovered them. This overall theme made this story not only an intriguing but empowering read.

I really enjoyed the characters Matilde, Sayer and Æsa. They were each very different and had unique voices and perspectives but they all worked wonderfully together. The found family aspects and sisterhood was heartwarming and brought a lighter touch to the story. There were many bonding moments that really made me as a reader connect with the girls. I did find it interesting that the POV’s switched in the middle of the chapters. I think I prefer when it’s by chapter just so it flows a bit easier for me personally.

The other relationships and side characters made this story well rounded. There was some romance included and hinted at. I did appreciate that the romance was there but it wasn’t the main focus of the story. It felt natural and not forced. The plot and pacing were done well but I did find the ending felt a little rushed but that is probably because I wanted more.

Overall this was wonderful debut. I am super interested in reading the next book and I highly recommend this. It’s perfect for fans of forbidden magic, secrets, and powerful badass girls who won’t be caged.

Thanks you PENGUIN GROUP /Penguin Young Readers Group, Nancy Paulsen Books and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC.

There was a lot I really enjoyed about this! I loved the setting and time period, as well as the sapphic romance. Gorgeous cover and wonderful writing!

An enchanting, engrossing fairytale that pulls the reader into a world of forbidden magic.

Matilde, Æsa, and Sayer are Nightbirds - girls whose identities are kept secret while they practice magic to benefit the Great Houses. But as power structures weaken, everyone wants to possess the Nightbirds, for both their beauty and their magic. When the girls discover that their magic may be powerful than they were ever led to believe, they begin to shape the destinies of those around them.

Matilde is a rich girl with a perfect family who longs to be friends with her fellow Nightbirds. Sayer's the daughter of a disgraced Nightbird with secrets of her own, and Æsa longs to return to her Island home and the family that sold her. The secrets unfurl as slowly as a rose, leading the girls into deeper and deeper waters. In a world where every man wants something from a Nightbird, who besides themselves can they trust?

I got lost in the world of this book. The glitz and power of the magic adds an interesting angle, and the book also has some important things to say about how often girls are marginalized and used by those around them.

This book kept me flipping pages as fast as I could. I cannot wait for the sequel!

Thank you to the publisher for the advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Nightbirds is quite the start to a thrilling new YA Fantasy series.
It's filled with action and adventure, forbidden magic, political intrigue, and strong female main characters.
Easily five stars! Incredibly unputdownable!

This story has so many little details about the magic system and the court hierarchy and Armstrong has woven it in such a way that it makes perfect sense as you traverse each page. I felt that the plot flowed quite smoothly. I was easily engrossed the entire time.

All the Nightbird ladies are fantastic in their own way...completely different from each other, but I think Matilde is my favorite with her sassy, sarcastic personality.
"He doesn't answer--just stands there like a handsome piece of driftwood."
I laughed out loud at some of her inner thoughts.

Being the first in a new series, Nightbirds does end on 'To Be Continued'. I do think the story wraps up nicely with a 'happy for now' type ending, but there was one loose end in particular that I am completely bummed didn't get wrapped up. That being said, I cannot wait for the next book as I need to know what happens next!

If you're looking for your next witchy read, I highly recommend this one!


HUGE thank you to PenguinTeen for the ARC to read, enjoy, and honestly review!

The cover of this book first drew me in, and then the story. I loved diving into this tense, magical world. Here are a few of my favorite things about this book:

- a growing sisterhood bond
- unique and mysterious magic
- politics that drive the tense plot
- multiple POV
- hints of romance
- a lush and vibrant world with ballrooms, slums, secret places, and jazz
- plot twists
- wonderful writing

There's so much potential for this series! I can't wait to see where the story goes and what happens to all the characters I've come to love. And I hope there's lots more romance in the books to come.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Penguin Teen, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: fighting violence and death, near drowning, recounts of torture, poisoning, kisses

Thank you PenguinTeen for the earc in exchange for an honest review.

It's a slow paced story but the world captivates you and you get lost in this magical world. If it wasn't for the world building I don't know if I would of gotten through it. But then again it probably has to do with the mood I'm in when I read. So don't take this review personally. I liked the authors writing style and I'm looking forward to reading the next book.

If the cover wasn’t enough to draw me into this story (it was), the plot was there plop me in my reading chair and say, “Now sit down and read me already!” Ever a willing (if it fits my mood) reader I listened.

**Thank you to PenguinTeen for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review**

While forbidden magic isn’t something I go out of my way read there are authors who sculpt it into something fascinating, and I felt that reading Nightbirds.

Nightbirds is a story about a group of girls who are able to secretly wield magic…with a kiss. Through a kiss an anonymous, masked Nightbird is able to temporary allow the kissee to have use of their powers, be it luck or concealment, whatever. The Nightbirds have remained secret due to the protection of Great Houses but the Church has outlawed magic and if they ever caught whiff of such dangerous magic being used no one would be safe.

The opening scenes just hooked me. I loved this closed room, blindfolded secrecy where magic was so powerful and yet could only be used in this gilded cage.

The perspectives switch between the Nightbirds, some of whom I enjoyed more than others (um yes please to a character who grew up on the street and has ties to a powerful, female-led gang).

The girls quickly discover that their magic is capable of more than they’ve been told and they have to discover how to hone it. These scenes held more of the action which I appreciated.

There was a point midway, 3/4 of the book where I was feeling ready for a plot twist. The story had slowed down a bit which maybe the shift between perspectives had a role in but once so got through those pages the ending had action and a few twists and heartbreak.

I’m really curious where book two will take this story! I’m putting all my hope on lots of action and interesting uses of magic!

All in all I’m pretty happy with this story! YA fantasy has been hit or miss with me lately but this story definitely piqued my interest. Would recommend to fans of YA fantasy!

*Thank you Penguin Teen for my gifted arc.

Read if you like:
✨ Forbidden magic
✨ Fight for change trope
✨ F/f romance
✨ Roaring 20’s
✨ The Belles
✨ The Scarlett Letter
✨ The Crucible

Likes:
✨ The roaring 20’s vibe with prohibition and Matilde’s stylish bob.
✨ The nod to classic literature like Hester street alludes to The Scarlett Letter
✨ Secret Magic shared with a kiss created a mysterious atmosphere.

Dislikes:
✨ The story was about 100 pages too long. I really wanted to DNF at 75% but I finished so I could write my review.
✨ 99% of the male characters are terrible people. Feminist novels can do better than villainizing all men.

Wow. This was fantastic. I wasn't sure at first, to be honest. But once the world-building started to pick up and all the pieces came together I couldn't get enough. This was so clever and wonderfully written. An absolute dream to read. I can't wait for this to come out so I can recommend it at book talks!

Thank you so much to Penguin Teen for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review!

this book was a bit of a trial to get through particularly because of how slow it was but the theme of women's rights really kept me wanting to finish it. i loved the characters and the ending left me intrigued to how the sequel is going to go.

Nighbirds is an imaginative and intriguing fantasy following three girls possessing magic in a country that condemns its use. Aesa, Matilde, and Sayer are Nightbirds, harbored by the Great Houses and capable of sharing their magic through a kiss. As the three girls play into this clandestine magical black market, they begin to notice strange shifts in their powers, and consider lives away from the confines of the Great Houses. When a fervent religious sect and a power-hungry queen threaten their safety, Aesa, Matilde, and Sayer find themselves at the heart of political, religious, and magical upheaval threatening them at every turn.

Nightbirds was an entertaining and really enjoyable fantasy read. I found the world extremely well done, from the political intrigue to the Great Houses to the connection between the church and the state. The treatment of magic was fascinating, and I liked how it was formally prohibited but the privileged were able to use it more freely.

I did find that it took a little while for Matilde, Sayer, and Aesa to really stand out as individual characters. I found them hard to distinguish with their personalities at the beginning of the book, but I think they found their footing as individuals later on. The action was definitely piled on at the end, but I didn't think the lack of it in the beginning made the book boring. There was a lot of background and world building to set up, which I thought was done very effectively without much info dumping.

Overall, a great fantasy read that I imagine would be perfect for fans of Caraval and Furyborn. The only drawbacks for me were the characters being difficult to distinguish at the beginning, and some repetitive description. I also struggled to see the connection between the elemental magic and some of the girls' new powers, like mind reading and shape shifting (though this could certainly be something the author is holding onto for a sequel). The world building and interaction between magic, religion, and politics really made this book for me, and I would definitely recommend it.

I was unable to finish this book because it was slow to start and very confusing to read. I did not like the way the point of views shifted with no warning. It made it confusing to follow the story. I wish the different points of view were separated by a chapter or just a new heading. It made it difficult to follow what was really going on.

This is one of the best books I read all year. I loved the girls and their powers and their STRENGTH. I loved the worldbuilding that definitely had some nods to the 20s and classism and I'm obsessed with the theming. The hiding who you are because of fear and everyone not understanding? We can all relate to that completely. Mathilde was my favorite (perhaps because I'm a fire sign?), but Aesa was a close second. I loved her heritage and her sweet romance. This book is also unique because of all the things in between chapters- bits of songs, conversations from other POVs, poems, snippets of legends. I'm seriously in love with this whole thing and I'm very eager to see where everyone's journey takes them in the sequel, which I need right now. This book was glittering, sparkling, intense, fun, romantic, and magical AF. If this is not on your list for the new year, add it ASAP!