In this episode of Book Bits & Chill, we’re diving into Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry, book two in the Shield of Sparrows series, and asking the real question: is this sequel actually worth the hype or are we in another cursed Book 2 era? We start spoiler-free (promise, not even a whiff), then move into full book club chaos with spoilers, unhinged theories, and gossip. We’re chatting: Spoiler-free review: vibes, pacing, and where it sits on the romantasy spectrumWho should read it now vs who should wait until book 3 is outOur honest ratings: overall, spice, hangover, book club potentialIs this truly romantasy… or fantasy with a side of romance?The curse of book twos (Iron Flame, Brimstone, we’re looking at you)Full spoiler book club section: dual timelines, THAT twist, new characters, side quests, and magic systemsWhy we wanted more for our characters (and maybe a whole novella?)Devney Perry’s fantasy era and what we think book 3 is setting upIf you love romantasy, fantasy romance, girlhood chat, book club-style deep dives, silly but thoughtful hot takes, and deciding your next read based on best-friend banter… you’re in the right place. Subscribe for weekly episodes filled with romantasy breakdowns, spicy (and not-so-spicy) reviews, adaptation chats, and cozy chaos. 📚✨ ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Is Rites of the Starling actually worth the hype? 01:38 The curse of Book 2s (Iron Flame, Brimstone, etc.) 03:39 Spoiler-free thoughts: vibes, pacing, and expectations 05:04 Romance vs plot: is this really romantasy? 07:51 Who should read it now vs who should wait for the full series 08:35 What Devney Perry does really well (worldbuilding, monsters, POVs) 11:19 Ratings: recommendability, spice, hangover, book club potential 14:15 Overall star ratings & the series vs the individual book 17:09 SPOILERS START HERE 19:58 Dual POVs, timelines, and the big plot twist talk 23:14 Caspia, Andreas, and why we weren’t fully sobbing (but kind of wanted to be) 27:29 Should Caspia & Andreas have been their own novella/book? 31:33 Girl power: Odessa, Caspia, and this being a book for the girls 35:09 The mavens, side characters, and missed opportunities 38:16 Being confused in the best (and worst) ways 42:08 Evie, emotional stakes, and why parts felt uncomfortable 48:13 Devney Perry’s fantasy writing style & expectations for book 3 50:02 Final thoughts + next week’s guest: Nisha J. Tuli & Stormbreaker 📖 Books Mentioned Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros Brimstone by Callie Hart Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo Harry Potter Series A Song of Ice and Fire / Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas Trial of the Sun Queen (Artifacts of Ouranos series) by Nisha J. Tuli Stormbreaker by Nisha J. Tuli 💬 Let’s Connect Subscribe for weekly episodes of Book Bits & Chill Follow us on Instagram: @BookBitsClub Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookbitsclub Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BookBitsAndChill