In Simta, magic is illegal. Especially magic created by women. But the great houses have a secret: three girls – Matilde, Aesa, and Sayer – are known as ‘the Nightbirds’. Each has their own magical power that they can gift to others with just a kiss. But they cannot use their magic themselves. Or so they were told. Everything changes the night men come to steal the Nightbirds. It is then that the three girls begin to untangle all the lies they’ve been told and discover just how powerful they really are.

Firstly, I want to take a moment to appreciate just how beautiful the cover artwork is. I knew I had to read it immediately. Secondly, there’s not one, but two maps! I just love a book with a map and these are stunning.

Much like the cover, the world Kate J Armstrong has created is vibrant and engaging. Although the pace is gentle for a lot of the book, the magic system and characters are well thought-out and fully developed. There are a lot of themes explored, including family dynamics, first love, female bonds, and politics, but overall, Nightbirds is about women fighting the patriarchy and standing up for what is right.

The final page ends with ‘to be continued’, leaving the reader excited and curious about what will happen in the next instalment. This is a strong #LoveOzYA debut, perfect for fans of Astrid Scholte and Vanessa Len. For ages 14+.