BookBrowse Reviews Nightbirds by Kate J. Armstrong

BookBrowse:

Nightbirds is the first of a series introducing the rich fantasy world of Eudea, where secret magic and power reside in young women.

In Nightbirds, Kate J. Armstrong introduces seemingly disparate characters with predictably clashing temperaments. Sayer, Æsa and Matilde are teenage girls who come from different areas of the Eudean Republic, representing the criminal underworld of Gryffin, the rural shorelines of Illan and the glittering elitism of Simta. They would never have crossed paths if not for the hidden abilities that have brought them together as the Nightbirds — a service that utilizes the girls' magic for wealthy Simta patrons willing to pay the price.

While this practice has been in place for years, growing backlash from Eudea's religious sect against the black market use of magic, as well as political clashes over power, threaten the established order. The main characters must grow up quickly to realize that some of what they have been taught about this order was merely a facade — and learn to harness their powers. There are some hints of secrets and conspiracies underlying the existence and maintenance of the magic black market, which will likely unfold further with additional books in the series.

Armstrong paints a vivid fantasy universe that is sumptuous and abundant in its scope. Delightful details, such as the fictional flora and fauna, set the scene for a community both otherworldly and familiar. The novel evokes current real-life issues regarding the political and religious forces that seek to control women's rights, as Armstrong sets out clear comparisons of the suzerain (ruler) and the religious sect, En Caska Dae, to modern Trumpism. Rather than a simplistic black-and-white examination of these issues, the author conveys the complexities that arise when individual greed for power, money or revenge collides with evangelism and mob mentality. Throughout, she emphasizes the positivity that arises from unity between the girls, while also maintaining the humanity that resides within all the characters — even those who seek to destroy others.

While the book triumphs in its portrayal of the inherent power and magic of young women, and seeks to examine entrenched patriarchal systems and presumptions, traditional storylines still seek to curry favor with mainstream popularity. Each of the girls has an ongoing love story, triangle and/or crush that hovers distractingly in the background. For each display of feminine strength and unity, there is an equivalent dramatic scene in which a boy comes to the aid of a damsel in distress, followed by simmering romantic tension that relies on a familiar but unrealistic trope of love at first sight or true love.

It's easy to imagine this series of books being converted into the next set of Hollywood teenage movies, which would risk losing the depth and nuance of Armstrong's complex and radical message. At the same time, it's always a hard line to walk between integrity and the practical reality of sharing and spreading exciting new ideas and stories. This is definitely one book worth sharing and spreading while waiting in anticipation for the next installment.

This review was originally published in The BookBrowse Review in April 2023, and has been updated for the July 2024 edition. Click here to go to this issue.