Slower paced with tons of world building. Old world gods. Intense character development. Astrid is a great mc. Overall a great historical read with sprinkling of spice.

This book started out really interesting, but after finishing I am honestly not sure what I just read. I’m so thrown off, I’m not even sure how to write a cohesive review on my thoughts. Essentially, I was expecting a Romantasy with Norse gods. Instead we got a historical fiction with heavy focus on society and religion, and a hint of magical realism. The romance is -in my opinion- almost nonexistent and not at all compelling. Essentially, this was marketed to the wrong genre. It also didn’t really feel like we had a driving plot for the last 40% of the story, and rather were being taught a lesson by the author. In a way, this reminded me more of something I would have read in a class, and that simply isn’t what I am looking for in a read.
In short, I think there are many people who will love this and find it incredibly deep and meaningful. I am just not one of them.

The Dyslexic who reads

Stars: ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: none
Triggers: Mass death, ritualistic sacrifice, starvation, psychosis

OMG, and I do not say lightly, this book was AMAZING! The description does NOT give the book justices of what it is about and how truly unique it was. So though i never redescribe a book, as I feel like that is redundant in a lot of ways, I'm going to do so now for this one.

This fictional book is about how the Black Death came to Norway in the 14th century, via a ghost ship. The last remaining survivor - after murdering the other - on the ship, sacrifices himself so the ship won't bring the plague to a new place. But those in the town, see the ship on fire and come to help, taking the ship back to shore, and with it the plague.

An Old God becomes involved in this story, he is neither good or evil. He makes deals if one is willing to pay the price. As the town becomes sick, one woman makes a deal with him to protect her daughter, and that this Old God does.

We follow this daughter and her desperate fight to save her family and her town. And it is an amazing story you should read!

What I loved about this book:

🥰 The history of it was so beautifully written and well researched. The story draws you in and I became captivated in the world that was written. You actually feel like you are living through the horrors of the story.

🥰 The characters are so well written and thought out that they could be real. This whole story could be read as actually history, it is so believable and possible. You see the religious fever that was prevalent back than, the blind following of the clergy and the devotion to misogyny in general.

😊 I don't even really know what else to say, the whole book was great, so it's hard to pinpoint what to point out.

What I didn't like about this book:

🥺 It ended
🥺 It isn't a series

🦟 Flea Facts Inspired by the fleas that carried the plague:
Fleas can jump at least a foot in the air, which is around 150 times their height


Over all: READ THIS BOOK NOW

I got this book free from NetGalley for my honest review.

A historical story interwoven with religious context, Norse folklore and horror. Perhaps. To my cup of tea and has an enthusiastic reading audience. Thank you to the author. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.

This book was so different from my normal read, but I loved it. It's not what you expect when you get the book, but I would read this book again.

SPOILERS!!!

I have literally JUST finished reading this book 10 minutes ago, and omg... it was really good.

This is a dark fantasy horror and claims to be an historical romance, but I raise an eyebrow at the romance part, as there was mainly hand holding and a few kisses here and there. HOWEVER, i actually rate that. The story was about how the black plague ravaged Astrid's village, and I'm glad the plot remained focused on that.

Now. On to Astrid, our FMC. I felt so bad for her! She's trying to save everyone and they treat her so badly, and try to have her die, inside a burning house, and when she gets some people to follow her and tries her best to lead them to safety, what do they do? Decide to try to kill and eat her.
The lack of gratitude, is appalling!
Her whole family, aside from her mother sucks.

I felt so frustrated and angry on Astrid's behalf.
An author that can invoke such emotions in their reader is a sign of good writing.

The ending? whyyyyy? I need to read more.

I recommend reading this.

I picked up this book expecting a Romantasy and what I found was a truly exceptionally written historical fiction with a hint of romance. The depth of the FMC's, Astrid, personal journey is so well written that it transports you to the middle of the black plague. I was a me to really feel the weight of the Black Plague as it swept through her town, and witness her relentless determination to help those around her, even as hope seemed to slip

away.

The author does an excellent job at showing us Astrid's emotions, her frustration and self doubt are two emotions that sit heavily with me. While there are hints of romance, it is not the main part of the story's focus. The focus is more so on survival and resilience. If you're looking for a fast-paced romantic plot, this may not be the book for you. Instead, the narrative is a slow burn, centering on Astrid's struggle to lead and protect her community, even as she grapples with her own fears and the skepticism of others.

Ultimately, this book seems to fall more on the historical fiction side of things rather than a Romantasy. It is an extreme slow burn, but still worth it!

It's a powerful exploration of courage and leadership in the face of overwhelming adversity. After reading Astrid's journey it will likely live rent free in my brain for a long time.

In summary, it's a compelling read for anyone drawn to stories of historical fiction, inner strength and perseverance.

I received an eARC of this book through NetGalley and I absolutely devoured it. The writing style, characters, and plot drew me in and even after finishing the book, I’m still thinking about it. It takes place during a period of history that fascinates me- the Black Plague. The slow-burn horror of the plague is woven in with Norse culture and Faustian bargains. Our protagonist, Astrid, tries to do what she can to save her community, even as they continuously write her off (or accuse her of witchcraft) because she’s a woman. There’s an amazing piece of dialogue between her and her SIL about women carry so much of the load, yet men consider themselves the leaders.

If you’re looking for romance, there’s a small amount of it but it isn’t the main focus. In fact, my main criticism with the romance was that it became a bit convoluted, but I can’t explain more without spoilers. Nonetheless, everything came together to create a haunting, emotional story about choices and consequences that lingered in my mind after finishing it. Overall, this was a solid first entry in a new series and I can’t wait to see where it will go next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Jayne Starwing for the ARC!

Let me first preface this by saying that I went into this book thinking it would be more Fantasy/Norse folklore, but was met with an astonishing literary piece with elements of historical fiction, macabre themes, religious trauma, and a nod to Norse pagan practices.

This book highlights religious zealotry, perseverance, and hope during a time of great turmoil where the black plague is running rampant and imparts fantasy characteristics resulting in a gripping and captivating storyline and a cliffhanger that leaves you speechless.

Thank you NetGalley and Agency press for this free eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Oh wow! I had chills the entire time reading this. I am thoroughly obsessed with this dark speculative fantasy. It is so unique and beautifully written. It was easy to get lost into it. It's emotional and raw as you go through what people may have experienced with the plague. I loved how it captured the emotional toll and created this new fantasy-like story about faustian bargains, a meddling God, and a woman's desperation to survive. It also has the perfect horror undertones and vibe. Seriously a must read.

I'm in love with Jayne's beautiful writing style and her storytelling abilities are mind blowing. I am blown away.

✨Arc Review✨

Thank you to the author Jayne Starwing And Netgallery for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

-All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Darkly Enchanting Tale of Survival and Sacrifice

Byrdfyre Covenant by Jayne Starwing is a mesmerizing blend of dark fantasy and speculative historical fiction that swept me into its haunting world from the very first page. Set in 1349 Norway during the Black Plague, the story follows Astrid, a resilient young woman who becomes entangled in a web of fate, old gods, and forbidden bargains.

The novel's strength lies in its atmospheric world-building. Starwing crafts a vivid, immersive setting where the tension of impending doom is palpable. The eerie arrival of a ghost ship and the subsequent plague set the stage for a narrative filled with mystery and suspense.

Astrid is a compelling protagonist—her inner strength and determination shine through as she navigates the complexities of survival and morality. Her interactions with Will Green, a mysterious and enigmatic figure, add layers of intrigue and tension to the story. Their slow-burn dynamic kept me eagerly turning pages, craving more of their evolving relationship.

The themes of fate, destiny, and sacrifice are explored with depth and nuance. The novel delves into the human condition, examining how individuals respond to crisis and the choices they make under pressure. The inclusion of Norse mythology adds a rich cultural layer, enhancing the story's depth and complexity.

While the book is captivating, there were moments where the pacing slowed, and I found myself yearning for more action or resolution. Some secondary characters felt underdeveloped, leaving me curious about their backstories and potential future arcs.

Overall, Byrdfyre Covenant is a darkly enchanting tale that offers a unique blend of historical fiction and fantasy. It's a story that lingers long after the last page, leaving readers contemplating the choices of its characters and the world they've inhabited. I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment in this series.

The Byrdfyre Covenant had such a killer premise—I mean, the opening line alone had me immediately intrigued. Plague, prophecy, a girl marked by trauma and destiny? Yes, please. And I will say, there’s definitely something compelling about Astrid’s voice and the eerie, almost folklore feel of the world she’s navigating. It’s dark, moody, and brimming with tension, and that kept me going.

That said, this one was a bit of a mixed bag for me.

Astrid is a strong main character with a lot of internal grit, and I wanted to love her journey more than I actually did. Her dynamic with Will Green had some interesting layers—he’s mysterious and a little unsettling in a way that worked sometimes, but also left me questioning his vibe more than getting fully invested in their connection. I think I needed more development in their bond for the emotional stakes to land the way I wanted them to.

The world-building has moments of brilliance—there’s this sense of something ancient and heavy pressing in on every scene—but it also felt like it left me wandering a bit. I was looking for more clarity or grounding as things got more intense. The pacing dragged in places, and there were times when I felt like I was waiting for something big to happen, and then it just… didn’t hit quite right.

There’s definitely potential here, and I can see readers who love atmospheric slow burns and lyrical, haunting prose falling for this one. For me, it didn’t quite live up to the emotional impact it was building toward, but I appreciated the originality and ambition of it.

Not a new favorite, but I don’t regret reading it. Curious to see what the author does next

Byrdfyre Covenant follows Astrid’s story during a plague outbreak in her home town of Bjørgvin where she fights against religious doctrine, increasing distrust from her family and neighbours, accusations of witchcraft and the manipulations of an old god, all to save her people.

Dark and brutal, this is nonetheless a beautifully written tale. From the moment I started reading I was hooked, fully immersed in Astrid’s life. The intricate details of everyday life in 14th-century Norway jar perfectly with the horrors of the plague. The fantasy element weaves through the story seamlessly, alternately bringing comfort and fear as Astrid struggles to understand who and what Will Green is, and what her growing feelings for him might mean.

I will definitely be reading the next book in the series as soon as it is out.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

My review will appear on Goodreads and Instagram on 29/07/25.

I really enjoyed reading this story although I was hoping for a different ending, maybe there's another book to keep the story going..
This is a historical fiction with dark fantasy vibes, a little bit of romance and a lot of death..
This are the tropes:
🌾Old God x Human Girl
🌾Fate and Destiny
🌾Faustian Bargains
🌾Hallucination
🌾Trauma
🌾Love in the Ruins
🌾Norse Mythology

3,5⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read Byrdfyre Covenant in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I went into this expecting a romantasy with Norse gods, magic, and Viking vibes—but instead found a dark and emotional story that leans more into historical fiction with a thread of magical realism. The god element is there, but more often as an observer than an active force, and the romance is very slow-burn and subtle.

What stood out to me was the writing style—lyrical and heavy with emotion—and the strong women who carry the burden of survival when everyone underestimates them. Astrid, the main character, feels deeply real, navigating a bleak world ruled by fear, plague, and power-hungry men. The story is grim and full of loss, yet it holds a message about perseverance and quiet strength.

It wasn’t quite the book for me personally, but I appreciate the themes it explores and the atmosphere it builds. If you’re drawn to dark, literary historical fiction with a haunting edge, this may be for you.

#ByrdfyreCovenant #NetGalley

This was a really amazing book, as soon as you start the book, immediately it grabs your attention. I think that the book is incredibly deep and descriptive. The writing is very good. And I think the author did wonderful job on perceiving how the woman were treated in that period. I loved the main female lead Astrid, she was so strong and brave. You immediately start loving her and rooting for her, and I felt so bad for her. I just wish the ending was a bit longer and tell us more.
Before reading the book, I would advise you to check the trigger warnings.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Jayne Starwing for the gifted ARC. All opinions are my own.

“I am what comes after. I am a moth.”

Byrdfyre Covenant is an interesting historical speculative fiction with a little dark fantasy and a tiny sprinkle of romance.

Old Gods, a ghost ship, saining (I had to look this one up!), and bargains are what I found most interesting.

This is a really intriguing perspective on what may have happened when the plague spread to Norway via a ghost ship. We experience the Black Plague with Astrid as she does what she can to survive the Black Plague, save her family and help as many village people as she can. There is a lot of death and suffering. Mob mentality is so fascinating to me. The things people will do when their fear takes over seem unbelievable. I also found it interesting to see the adaptations people made in a time when Christianity had just swept away the Old Gods.
Young Will Green is such an admirable character and Astrid is pretty relatable. Although sometimes I wanted to snap my fingers in her face and say open your eyes 😂.

I liked the flash forward letters written by archaeologists and researchers in a more modern time as they discover relics and speculate on their meaning.

Also, I have to say that I love the cover so much 💛

Fav tropes:
Old Gods 👑
Norse mythology 🔱
Plague 😷
Betrayal 💔
Bargains 🤝

Fav quotes:
“Still smells like sorcery,”

“I am what answers when the desperate cry out, Little Byrd. I am the door that opens when all others are barred.“

Thank you so much to the author, NetGalley and Agency Press for the advanced copy.

ARC Review – 3⭐️

Summary:
Set during the Black Death in 14th century Finland, Brydfyre Covenant blends historical fiction with a thread of magical realism. The story explores grief, survival, and sacrifice as an old god quietly watches a town unravel under the weight of plague and despair.

Review:
From the title and cover, I was expecting a romantasy—but what I got was more of a slow-paced historical fiction with light magical realism. The presence of the old god felt somewhat like Death in The Book Thief: observing, sometimes intervening, but always lingering in the background.

I really enjoyed the framing device used in the second section—where a professor introduces the historical narrative as part of a lecture. It gave the story a fresh perspective and grounded it in the modern world. I wish that format had continued throughout the book—it added a thoughtful structure that made the rest of the sections feel more fragmented by comparison.

The romance between Astrid and Will didn’t fully land for me. Their relationship felt underdeveloped, especially considering the stakes Astrid takes on for him. We’re told she’s willing to sacrifice everything, but we see very little of their actual connection on the page—it lacked the emotional weight it needed to make that believable.

That said, I appreciated learning about the Black Death from a Finnish perspective, which is rarely explored in historical fiction. The atmosphere is heavy and immersive, and the magical realism adds an eerie, almost mythological tone.

Bottom line: If you’re looking for slow, thoughtful historical fiction with a folkloric thread, this might work for you. Just don’t expect romance to be central, and know that the story asks for patience. Not what I expected—but not without merit.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The way this is written will captivate you. It’s very detailed, the history extensive, you feel like you’re really there.
It’s a slower paced book but I feel it’s necessary with the nature of what’s taking place.
Astrid, the fmc, is a force to be reckoned with. She has so much strength and even though they don’t deserve it she cares very deeply for all of the people.
She has to do hard things and make hard decisions but she perseveres.
There’s a lesson to be learned from this book.
Be careful what you ask for.

Byrdfyre Covenant is a gorgeous story that weaves historical events, Norse myth, hope, desperation, and intrigue. Though I was a bit wary at first, the story is instantly engaging and leaves behind a feeling of wonder and curiosity. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing as each character developed and changed as they adjusted to their circumstances. I loved seeing how Astrid remained strong even as the odds were against her. She fought and I’m curious to see if there will be a continuation or if this is the end of her story. At the same time, I’m curious as to whose story this really is. With alternating narrators, the story maintains a mysterious energy as there are clearly more factors at play.

There was never a dull moment and there are so many notes and quotes that I took from the novel. To a point, Byrdfyre Covenant almost feels philosophical as it explores notions of religion and society, but that might actually be me reading into it too much. As I write this, I am still in awe and wonder of the book and I have a feeling that it will linger because of how deeply I felt over parts of the story.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Jayne Starwing for the gifted ARC. All opinions are my own