- thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc to review!

- a stunning, horrifying story about legacy, secrets, and what it means to face what you don’t know. the characters and story were alive on the pages, with descriptions so detailed it made me immersed in the setting, like i was walking the streets and witnessing the fantastical horror of the starling legacy. would recommend to those who love house of hollow and small favors, which are both delectable stories that explore horror and legacy.

When I saw this book was comped to House of Hollow I knew I had to read it ASAP because I love that book so much, but it's also one that's so hard to describe and seems so much like it's just off in it's own little niche with nothing else like it. I do believe this is a good comp. The atmosphere is similar, but along with that the writing reminds me of it as well. Now, I know there were some people who didn't care for House of Hollow because of the writing, and if that was the case I don't think this is going to be the book for you either, but if you DID like the writing of HoH this book should be right up your alley. It has beautiful, lyrical writing, with an intriguing premise that exudes that sense of wrongness that's so often found in novels with small towns. I think the only reason I didn't love this book more is that the main character jumps around from love-interest to love-interest. It's not really a long book, but she manages to end up falling for two separate people across the span of the novel, and despite the fact that the timeline of the story is only about a week she's also dealing with a lot of other things that really seem like they should take precedence over kissing. Don't get me wrong, I love kissing, but seeing as the main character is supposed to be 17 she seems younger than that whenever it comes to the romantic subplot. I couldn't help but roll my eyes whenever those elements came up, because I found them rather ridiculous. That being said I did still enjoy this book as a whole, and will be more than happy to hand-sell it to anyone I think might be even remotely interested. I'll also be keeping an eye on what Linsmeier comes up with next, and I'll almost certainly check it out because I have a feeling she'll be one to watch.

Starlings is a YA fantasy book with its fair share of horror mixed in. When Kit’s father passes away, she goes on a trip with her mother to visit her paternal grandmother in Rosemont. While in Rosemont, Kit learns all about the history of the town and the integral part that her family has played in this history.

I was first drawn in by this cover, and I know better than to judge a book by its cover, but this one got me. This was a well written book and a good story, but it just wasn’t for me. I have the tendency, that even if the description doesn’t sound like my cup of tea but the cover is amazing, I get drawn in. That happened with this book. I was setting myself up for failure since I am not a huge horror fan and this book had its fair share of monsters going thump in the dark. I also found the beginning to be a little slow, but the ending pulled me in. So, overall this was a well written, creative story, but not my cup of tea. If this is your type of genre, I think you would enjoy this!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book!

I've got to say, this story completely sucked me in for the entire creepy thrill ride. The book is so well written and encapsulated by this sinister energy that had me on edge for what was going to happen next. The setting is contemporary modern day, but Kit finds herself in this strange town that seems to be hiding a secret...a secret that's sort of magical, sort of paranormal, and definitely horrifying. Not necessarily jump-scare scary, but many a moment that felt like the scene of a nightmare come to life. I definitely wasn't expecting this book to take the turn that it did, but the underlying mystery and wondering what would happen to Kit definitely kept me hooked. And while I think it took Kit a little too long to realize something was amiss, she's a strong, fierce, fun character and I really liked her as a protagonist. She balances strength and vulnerability, fighting for what matters to her even while dealing with grief and heartache. I really enjoyed the story, and it's a nice shake-up from the recent string of romances I've been reading.

After the loss of her father, Kit is desperate to connect with the grandmother she never knew she had. The one her father always said was dead. So Kit and her mom visit Grandma Agatha in the small town of Rosemont. The town has that beautiful small town feel. Local flora and festivals. Cute boys that help carry your bags and are not at all obviously evil from the start. Moms that suddenly disappear out of nowhere.

The idea is interesting, but it’s all a bit one-dimensional. Starlings is trying to be Chilling Adventures of Sabrina but doesn’t quite get there.

This was a great read. Suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat. Read in one sitting -- had to know what happened! I do wish the reveals had been slightly harder to see coming... some things were pretty obvious. Still, a great read.

Starlings takes off slowly, creeping to the captivating part of the story. And, although it did start at a snail’s pace, it didn’t take long to pick up and capture my attention (around 15%). Starlings is a deliciously dark fantasy. I couldn’t help but devour the story. The more you read from Kit’s perspective the more you find that things are off-kilter, adding to the intrigue of Starlings.

Kit is determined, and smart even in the moments that appear to be the darkest. Often times she would see no hope. She often doubted herself (like any normal person) but pushed through just the same.

Kit has great character development. Going through her share of heartbreak, and betrayals with the addition of twists and turns that are foreshadowed so beautifully that when they are revealed there is such an aha moment! When Kit’s mother suddenly disappears under strange circumstances and her grandmother seems more preoccupied with an upcoming Crowning Day festival, Kit has the forethought to know something is not right. She is forced to rely on herself and her few Rosemont friends to figure out what is really going on and what exactly is keeping Rosemont seeming so outwardly perfect.

The story is plot-driven. Often times through the storyline the prose is overly pushed past logical extension. And, with the addition of the supporting characters lack significant depth. The story could be pushed a little past the page count, giving room to breathe and develop further. I would have loved to see more of Sabelle and Bear. Having the characters grow a little more and have more substance.

With all that the exquisitely laid plot is chilling, advancing swiftly toward a conclusion that will leave readers creeped out (in the best way possible) and thoroughly content.

The setting of the story was the perfect addition to this gothic tale. Giving a cross between Addams family and Stars Hollow from the Gilmore Girls with a splash of Stepford Wives. And as a person who loves both, I couldn’t love the story more.

You should also note that if you are looking for something with diversity this may not hit all of your markers. All of the characters are White. In addition, Kit is bisexual, falling for both the male supporting character and one of the female supporting characters. There is also some diversity in sexual orientation among supporting characters. This also isn’t a romance-heavy storyline. Although the main focus of the plot as it develops is binding yourself (in a martial way) to a monster.


Overall, I’m trying so hard not to say too much. I think that the best way to go into Starlings is eyes shut. Not knowing too much about it. This is the way that I entered reading Starlings. I think if I would have know more about this book than I did, I think that it would have scewed my view to be more negative.

And, if the cover of this book doesn’t entice you, let me just recommend that you give it a chance because it truly deserves it. Starlings is a 4.5-star read and a story that I could see myself picking up again around Spooky Season.

Haunting in almost a whimsical way, Starlings whisks you away to a small town filled with secrets that are purposely trapped within its chilling confines.

With our MC, Kit, I really enjoyed her right away. She encapsulates a strong yet witty teen perfectly. and I think Amanda did an excellent job with her sexuality as well. On the other side with our side characters that we meet, I also found myself enjoying each of their roles too. You never quite know who to trust throughout the story and I liked that about it.

Discovering the twisted secrets of Rosemont with her was thrilling to say the least. Rosemont was very interestingly crafted. I felt like it was something out of the old south, yet cold and calculating. It’s funny how everyone in town knows its secrets, yet stays tight-lipped about the terrors of it. Starlings is also haunting in a way where you just keep spiraling on theories. It’s almost like a horror movie where strange things keep happening yet we’re still waiting for the why. When we finally hit “it”, I will say I still found myself asking some questions as to why things were symbols or why certain events happened… but maybe that was part of the mystery of the story crafted? I think I personally just wanted more details in some parts.

Overall though, a thrilling and gorgeously crafted YA thriller. One that you will absolutely want to pick up when it’s released!

I really enjoyed the story of “Starlings”. The author did a great job of creating an atmosphere that steadily became creepier over time before reaching an exciting climax. I felt the isolation and frustration of the main character. There were some great twists along the way, and a subtle nod to dealing with grief. The pacing slowed a little bit at the start of the 2nd half, but it picked back up in the final chapters.

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

Really fun read! Well thought out characters, some magic, some mystery, and a main character that is brave but not impossibly fearless.

Just once, though, I'd love for a character to call the protagonist and immediately blurt out the information they've discovered, instead of telling them "you have to come see me so I can tell you what I've found!" Like, no, damn it, we're talking now, tell me right now! One trope that drives me up a wall, every single time!

But overall, very enjoyable and worth diving into.

Thank you NetGalley and Delacorte Press for the ARC! Al opinions are my own.

This was a fun spooky read! It gave me the vibes of an episode of Supernatural, which was very fun for me. The characters were interesting, the town was the perfect mix of picturesque and creepy, and the descriptions were vivid. I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys the show Sabrina on Netflix!

Thanks to NetGalley & Random House Children's for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.

A fun, solid thriller mystery book with a stunning cover. The author does a good job with the gothic atmosphere of the story and it was fun to try to figure out the mystery.

I can't say this book does anything new, but it does better than most of the YA thrillers that come along.

I have to say that whoever did the synopsis was right. This is very much for fans of House of Hollow and Small Favors which is most likely why, unfortunately this one was not for me. This is one of those books that takes a while to get going, I felt like the first half of the book dragged so much with nothing really going on. The creepy factor was what I call scary light. I think this one would work well for those who want a scary book but not a horror. This in real life would be for those who would go to Micky's No So Scary Halloween vs. Halloween Horror Nights. So if you are looking for a not so scary young ya story. Check this out.

The book started off good, was interesting and dark mystery. As it evolved I found myself not enjoying it as much. The idea of Jack was confusing and I feel like it was so centered on her mom for so long it transitioned quickly to being second next to destroying Jack. I liked how the grandmother's character evolved over time though. Not a bad read.

What would you do if strangers seemed to worship you? Would you be grateful for it? Feel shameful? What if it hinged entirely on a centuries old secret?

When Katherine “Kit” Starling goes to visit her long-lost grandmother after her father’s death, she is ready to get some answers about her family. But the town of Rosemont may hold more secrets —and answers— than Kit may have bargained for. Strangers look upon her with reverence, whispers follow her on the street, and her grandma is pushing her to stay for the town’s so-called “Crowning Day.” As mysteries arise and people disappear, Kit has to learn what it means to be a Starling.

Blending aspects of House of Hollow, Midsommar, and something entirely unique to Amanda Linsmeier, Starlings is a perfect read for any fan of an unsettling mystery.

There were so many things I liked about this book: the mysterious and atmospheric setting, the incredible world-building, and a set of unpredictable twists and turns that will keep any reader reeling. Combined with an incomparably well-done cast of characters (and such a pretty cover!!), I found myself wanting to savor every minute of this book. I’m praying that this is a series so I can continue to get my fill.

The pacing was really off with this one. The mystery took really long to solve, but when it was revealed, the pacing ramped up and rushed to the end. It's a shame, too, because the twist was interesting but not enough to make up for the snails-pace of the first half of the book. I also can see how the Starling women being sacrifices for the monster very much parallels those seen across history with women in similar positions. I also saw how Jack very much felt like the abusive husband with how the Starlings women kept coming back to him but being forced to fall in line otherwise he'd hurt them or the townies. I also felt the romances were incredibly instalovey. I get how Kit fell for Bear quick because he was actually Jack and he has manipulative powers over her whole bloodline. But the romance with Sabelle just came out of nowhere. Kit being bi was a nice surprise, but she barely knew Sabelle? I dunno, I think it would have been better if there wasn't any romance at all.

Overall, it was an okay read. I can see people really getting into the twist and the creepy atmosphere, but it just didn't cut it for me.

Wow I LOVED this. Starlings follows a teen girl, Kit, who discovers a sinister side to her family when she visits her recently deceased father’s picture-perfect hometown. This honestly exceeded all my expectations. Linsmeier nails the atmosphere, Rosemont is so seemingly perfect it‘s eerie, and as the story progresses and more is revealed it feels like going on an old school Disneyland ride but the ride becomes absolutely deranged. This was such a dark, compelling read I literally had goosebumps long after I was finished.

ARC provided by NetGalley.

WOW! creepy, fantastical, and incredibly atmospheric, this was such an immersive read and was the perfect dark and thrilling YA to cure my belladonna hangover (if you liked that one, pick this up!)

Enjoyable, great pacing, exciting settings kept me hooked. Fun novel that will be the perfect to lose yourself in. Thank you Net Galley for ARC in exchange for my honest opinion

Kathleen - "Kit" to her friends - is lost. Her father died, and her mother is taking her to visit his mother, the grandmother her father always told her had died years before, in the town where her father grew up, and his family has lived for generations. But there's something wrong in Rosemont, and it becomes more and more apparent as Kit meets more people. Kit's family is apparently beloved, and people shower gifts upon her grandmother, and upon Kit as soon as they know who she is. Generations ago, Rosemont experienced a horrible winter, one so bad that the townspeople turned to cannibalism to survive it, and only Kit's ancestor, Frances Starling, was able to save them, and bring in the supplies the town needed to survive. Today, Rosemont still reveres the Starling family for saving them in the early 1800s, or so it seems. There are cracks in their appreciation, which become increasingly apparent rapidly during Kit's visit.

This is an interesting premise for a novel, and overall I enjoyed it, but there were a few plot threads that were never explained clearly. It's still not clear how Kit's father died, or whether the method of his death is relevant to the story. The novel begins with Kit referencing an issue with friends in her home town, which is never quite explained and never quite cleared up. There are references to monsters that were, in some fashion, penned up when Frances saved Rosemont, but no explanation of what they did, or what might happen if they were released. These left a feeling of incompleteness which made the novel seem unfinished.