Shield of Sparrows + Rites of the Starling | Spring Book Club

Summary

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I'll Read What She's Reading

Episode: Shield of Sparrows + Rites of the Starling | Spring Book Club

Hosts: Mikayla, Reggie, Kennedy
Date: May 27, 2026

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Episode Theme & Purpose

This episode is a lively Spring Book Club discussion covering Devnee Perry’s Shield of Sparrows and Rites of the Starling. The hosts—Mikayla, Reggie, and Kennedy—reflect on both books, sharing personal ratings, favorite (and least favorite) moments, listener reactions, literary analysis, and predictions for the series’ conclusion. There's particular focus on emotional twists, dual timelines, character development, and the satisfaction (or frustration) of Perry’s narrative choices. Expect major spoilers and deep dives, all in their signature, relatable bookish banter.

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Shield of Sparrows: Re-Read Ratings & Discussion

Star Ratings from Hosts

• Reggie: Stuck at 4.5 stars for reread ("Maybe like a little bit lower just because it's a reread and I didn't feel like anything was like better the second time...but I still loved it.") [01:31]
• Kennedy: Bumped up to 4.5 stars ("I can appreciate it a little bit more...just because the way you can just tell she [Perry] had everything planned out.") [01:58]
• Mikayla: Officially moved from 4.5 to 5 stars for the reread; listened to graphic audio but found it "a little cheesy." [02:50]

Listener Poll

• 48% rated it five stars, 44% rated it four stars — strong reader enthusiasm. [03:14]

Favorite Moments

• Meeting Face and finding the baby monster [03:56]
• The ending reveal: “The ending when the crux had red hair. ...I was like, things are about to get wild.” — Mikayla [04:16]
• Brutality of the ending—multiple shocking character deaths and a head chopped off (“My jaw was literally, like, unhinged from my face.” — Reggie) [04:19–05:21]

Least Favorite Moments

• Some found the sex scenes awkward (“Someone said the sex scenes. Oh, all right.” — Kennedy) [06:13]
• Xander sleeping around [06:28]
• Heartbreaking losses: Luella dying, Xavier’s near-death [06:48]
• Prince’s double being "very predictable" [07:18]

On Predictability & Plot Twists

• While certain twists were guessed early, the execution provided satisfaction — “It’s the most satisfying reveal. It’s not shocking, but you’re just like, I knew it.” — Kennedy [09:03]
• Appreciation of Perry’s purposeful world-building and plotting: “She had everything planned out...very intentional.” [08:38, 09:02]

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Rites of the Starling: Initial Impressions & Ratings

First Impressions

• Reggie: 4–4.25 stars. Loved the book, but wanted a “bigger, crazier ending” and more action/battle scenes. [10:25–12:21]
• Kennedy: 4.5 stars, up from a planned 4; the ending raised her rating ("…that leaves me wanting more!"). [19:36]
• Mikayla: 4–4.5 stars; ending bumped her score, valued author’s “perfectly timed” reveals. [24:47]

Listener Ratings

• 46% gave it 5 stars, 46% gave it 4, 7% gave it 3. "Pretty split down the middle, and that's really good ratings." [27:03]

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Deeper Dive: Rites of the Starling

Favorite & Impactful Moments

• Caspia's Sacrifice: “Her leaving, saying goodbye to her baby, knowing what Andreas was going to do to her...that was a gut punch.” — Reggie [28:06–29:26]
  • "My wife is cold." scene: universally devastating for hosts
• Odessa’s Growth: Appreciation for her “not needing” her father’s approval anymore—significant character development. [29:52]
• The Power of Visions: Kennedy praised the vision sequences for building tension and anticipation—“The visions in general were just such a good additive to the story.” [30:19]
• Parental Backstory Delivery: Rather than default to a prequel, Perry’s use of half the novel to actually show Caspia’s story adds depth and uniqueness. [33:42–33:56]

“This is Caspia’s story...it all started with her.” — Reggie [27:44]

Favorite POV (Point of View)

• Overwhelming favorite: Caspia (59% from poll; all hosts in agreement by the book’s end). [45:14]

Surprising Reveals

• Caspia being Odessa’s mother became apparent mid-novel to some, but surprised many listeners [45:51–47:15]
• Sibling reveals: Odessa’s "siblings" aren’t biological, “which was kind of... tender.” [46:06]
• Crux revealed as a woman—major twist from Book 1 [46:38]

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Notable Quotes

• “The ending of that first book was so surprising to me...authors play it really safe with endings...not this time.” — Reggie on Shield of Sparrows [04:19]
• “I just had higher expectations...I think I was wanting a little bit more maybe with the ending...” — Reggie on Rites of the Starling [10:27]
• “He dies, she dies, someone’s head’s chopped off...I was, like, not expecting that at all...” — Reggie on Spark of Sparrows [04:19]
• “I was actually getting so annoyed with it...him not telling her he loved her was actually driving me crazy.” — Reggie on Ransom’s reticence [13:08–14:09]
• “I never finished the book!” — Mikayla, mid-episode, realizing she missed the last chapter [15:13]
• “You could go back and reread Shield of Sparrows with a completely different perspective...” — Kennedy on the brilliance of Perry’s structure [34:05]

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Main Discussion Points & Literary Analysis

Romance & Frustrations

• Ransom’s refusal to say "I love you" is a recurrent debate—possibly a magical or narrative trigger? (“What if ‘I love you’ triggered the shift?”) [16:41–18:07]
• Romance in Book 2 less satisfying for several hosts, mainly due to this narrative choice.

Dual Timelines & Structure

• Skepticism about dual POVs/timelines at first, but ultimately a highlight. Caspia’s sections won over the hosts by the end.
• Host preference for the “reveal-unfolding” method Perry uses (“Her writing is purposeful...”) [34:05]

Pacing & Criticisms

• Early-to-middle sections dragged, too many travel scenes—many felt these sequences could have been trimmed [20:14, 40:40]
• Some listeners disliked the sex scenes’ writing style [43:32]
• Repetitions: “By the Grace of the Divine” notoriously overused (“35 times...three times on one page!” — Kennedy) [23:24]

Worldbuilding & Unanswered Questions

• Unresolved mysteries: orbs, the Bone Forest, priests/canon, seven Voss, Lysa illness and its cure [42:00–54:44]
• Listeners speculate a cure for Lysa is coming and that certain scenes serve as clues (“Where there's a poison, there's always a cure.” — Mikayla referencing a snake scene) [54:12]

Character and Family

• Andreas’ transformation and parental trauma particularly discussed [31:06–32:31]
• Depth of emotional devastation: “I was a mess...” — Reggie [28:06]

Theories & Predictions for Book 3

• The end-of-book vision: hosts debate whether it’s Odessa or Caspia’s vision—possible destiny or fate to be averted? [48:22–52:17]
• Many expect Odessa to try and change the future now that she sees it coming
• Speculation about a visit to the other continent; a cure for Lysa; and further exploration of starling secrets [53:12–55:48]

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Fancasting & Adaptation Hopes

• Odessa: Sadie Sink, Abigail Cowen; Emma Stone considered for mother-daughter visual (but age is a concern) [57:11–58:09]
• Ransom: Struggled to cast—David Corenswet floated as an option, not perfect (“It's really hard to cast male main characters in fantasy books.” — Reggie) [58:17–59:33]
• Eagerness for adaptions, with CGI "not looking like poo" [60:38]

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Listener Feedback & Community

• Praise for Fable book club discussions—the hosts love reading listeners’ theories and notes
• Polls for next book club selection teased (fantasy and non-fantasy options forthcoming) [61:16]

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Memorable/Chaotic Moments

• Mikayla realizing she literally hadn’t finished the book, live on air [15:13]
• Joint reliving (and explaining) the emotional ending for her [16:22–16:41]
• Extended, good-natured debates about visions, pronouns, and narrative intent

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Key Timestamps

• 01:31 – Hosts rate the Shield of Sparrows reread
• 04:16–05:21 – Shock and brutality of Shield of Sparrows ending
• 10:25–12:21 – Reggie and Kennedy discuss Rites of the Starling initial impressions
• 13:08–14:09 – Ransom’s “I love you” drama
• 19:36 – Kennedy upgrades rating after hearing the ending
• 27:44–34:05 – Favorite moments in Rites of the Starling + narrative structure
• 40:40 – Critiques on pacing (traveling, point of view)
• 45:14 – Caspia declared favorite POV
• 48:22–52:17 – Theories and debates about the book’s prophetic vision
• 53:08–55:51 – Listener theories (next continent, Lysa)
• 57:11–60:38 – Fancasting and adaptation discussion

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Overall Tone & Takeaway

The discussion is equal parts heartfelt, chaotic, and critical—balancing fangirl energy with thoughtful analysis. The hosts appreciate Perry’s intricate, intentional plotting and her deft use of reveals—even as they critique the romance and pacing. The emotional punch of both novels is clear, especially in parental relationships and tragic moments. Anticipation is high for the series finale, with theories and hopes flying.

“Whether you're a casual reader or in a full-blown situationship with your favorite fictional man, come hang with us…We’re here to make your reading life more fun, more chaotic, and definitely more relatable.” — show ethos encapsulated.

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Transcript

[A]

Foreign. Hi guys. Welcome back to I'll read what she's reading. I'm Mikayla.

[B]

I'm Reggie.

[C]

And I'm Kennedy.

[A]

And today we're talking about our spring book club book, Shield of Sparrows and Rights of the Starling by Devnee Perry. And we, we are going to talk about your guys's responses about Shilda Sparrows. But we do have a in depth book club episode about Shield of Sparrows because we this was our book club book for July of 2025 when it originally came out and we sadly don't have it on any of the podcast platforms besides YouTube. So when we post about this, we will link the Shield of Sparrows YouTube podcast episode. We had some technical difficulties a while ago when we were switching over platforms and for some reason it deleted a few episodes. So sadly we don't have it. But first we're gonna get into but we all reread Shield of Sparrows before we read Rights of the Starling. So maybe let's talk about what we rated our reread of Shield of Sparrows.

[B]

Okay.

[C]

Yeah, love that. Reggie, go first.

[B]

My original rating I think was 4. 5. And then I never went and changed my rating on Goodreads. But then I would tell everyone I rated it 5 stars. My reread rating would probably be a 4.5. Maybe like a little bit lower just because it's a reread and I didn't feel like anything was like better the second time reading it. But I still loved it.

[C]

Yeah. So Kennedy, the first time I read it, I rated it four stars. And I think I'm gonna bump it up to like 4.5. Not because anything was shocking, but just because I feel like I can appreciate, I can appreciate it a little bit more. I mean, while it was predictable the first time and the second time during my reread, there was a lot of things that I forgot and thought to myself, oh, this is really cool. Like this is cool that she did this or did it this way. And then also this is having some rose colored glasses on after finishing Rites of the Starling. I also feel like I needed to bump it up just because. And I can get into this a little bit more later. But the way you can just tell she had everything planned out. Yeah, you can just tell. So 4.5 stars for me, I think

[A]

when I read this the first time I said like 4.5 and I was telling also everyone I was, I rated it 5. So after reread I officially bumped it up to 5 stars. I did Listen to the graphic audio. And I didn't love the graphic audio as much. I feel like it made things a little cheesy.

[C]

I didn't love Ransom's voice in the graphic audio.

[A]

Yeah, I didn't like it either, but I just knew from the first book that Daphne Perry had things cooking, like she was just brewing her brew with these books. So, yeah, I. I really enjoyed Shilda Sparrows. And by your guys responses, 48% rated it five stars and 44% rated it four. So you guys really liked it as well. Okay. And then a few of your favorite moments from Shilda Sparrows. Who wants to read? Some

[C]

someone said meeting face and another person said finding the baby monster.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah, I love little Face. I. Yeah, I love these. And then I really like this one. The ending when the crux had red hair. Red hair. Did I say that?

[C]

Weird.

[A]

I feel like from there, and I was like, things are about to get wild.

[B]

The ending of that first book was so surprising to me. Not even because of just the plot twists, but I think that, like, I mean, people in most fantasy books, the last hundred pages or so are always just so exciting. But I think I wasn't prepared for how brutal the ending of that first book was going to be. It was like, he dies, she dies, someone's head's chopped off. Like, I was, like, not expecting that at all because I feel like sometimes authors play it really safe with endings of books, especially with, like, I don't know. And so that was shocking to me. Like, I know I probably referenced this TikTok a million times, but, like, I filmed in my reaction to the ending of the first book, my jaw was literally, like, unhinged from my face. Like, I could not. I just was not expecting that. And I think the ending of that, as great as the book as a whole was, there was just something about reading that ending for the first time that was just, like, so exciting and surprising.

[A]

I kind of forgot how brutal the ending was. Yeah, Yeah, I just kept reading. I was like, oh, oh, I forgot. Oh, I forgot about this. So I think the ending definitely, like, got better because for some reason, I

[B]

just forgot about it.

[A]

Besides, the crux turning into a female with red hair, I remember that very vividly. But like everything else before, I was like, I totally forgot about this.

[C]

Like, her killing banner.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Forgot about that. Yeah, I really, truly forgot. I thought I remembered so much. And then I reread it and, yeah, I'm really, really glad I reread the book. Before starting Rites of the Starling Me too.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

I feel very solid in my decision for that. Yeah.

[A]

Least favorite moment from Shield of Sparrows.

[C]

Someone said the sex scenes. Oh, all right.

[B]

I don't remember the first one being that spicy.

[C]

I think there was, like, two or three.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Scenes.

[B]

Yeah. But I don't feel like it was as spicy as I remembered it being. Like, when I read.

[C]

Reread it, but someone said, xander's sleeping with multiple people. Why?

[A]

Your guess is as good as mine.

[C]

I don't know.

[B]

I remember, like, not expecting that because he just seemed like, just like, you

[C]

know, a little quiet guy.

[B]

And then all of a sudden, it was like, boom. Yeah.

[A]

I feel like everyone's like. Least for parts are things that I feel like was necessary. Like, a lot of them are like, Luella dying, Xavier almost dying. You know, Like, I get that those. I think everyone hates death of characters they like, but sometimes I feel like it's more impactful.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

To have that at the end of

[B]

books, it gives characters a little more

[C]

purpose, gives them a reason to fight.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Someone did say the Prince double. Very predictable. We do talk about that in our original episode. And I think that's one of the reasons why I rated it four stars. The first time was I felt the first book was easily predictable.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Until the very end. The end was crazy. Yeah. Very crazy.

[B]

Because there's also the twist of her handmaid. Her lady's maids.

[A]

Betrayal.

[B]

The betrayal.

[C]

Oh, I also did not see that. I didn't see that. Jocelyn.

[A]

Yeah, Jocelyn.

[B]

And also, what's the sister's name? Being a sister and not his actual daughter.

[C]

Oh, Evie. Evie. I also did not see that coming.

[B]

Yeah. Either. So. Which was crazy.

[A]

Yeah. I. I think Shield of Sparrows, there were things that are very predictable, which I feel like is to be expected with books that are fully fleshed out. Like.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

You know what I mean? Like, I mean, obviously, we left this book with questions, but, like, I didn't have questions about, like, the political system or, like, the world itself.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

And I feel like she's very purposeful

[A]

with the things she like, the information she gives you.

[C]

I think, one, I'm not hopping into Rites of the Starling, but this is one of my favorite things about either of the books, is while her quote, reveals and plot twists might not be the most shocking I've ever read, what I can appreciate is the one, the way she unravels them.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

And two, once you have this inkling of something that's happening, obviously with Shield of Sparrows, you have this inkling that The Guardian is actually the Prince. But then as she reveals more, once you get that actual solid, yes, the Guardian is the Prince. It's the most satisfying reveal. It's not shocking, but you're just like, I knew it.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

That's kind of what I love about her. And I think honestly, her writing mystery prior to this. Right. Because she write. She wrote mystery. Yeah. No. Yes.

[B]

No, I. I always thought people, like, people said that. And from what I mean, I haven't read both her. Let's see, I can't remember how many series she has within her, like interconnected, whatever there. I wouldn't say they're very heavy on the mystery from what I've read.

[C]

Oh, okay. But then X na on what I was just going to say, because I was going to say I think her writing more mystery probably helped her make such an interesting fantasy book.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

So.

[A]

Yeah, I agree.

[B]

Well done.

[C]

Okay.

[A]

I think let's move into rights of the Starling. Yeah.

[B]

We got stuff to unpack.

[A]

Lots to unpack.

[B]

We have not discussed anything.

[A]

No.

[B]

So this is exciting.

[C]

Who wants to say what they rated it? Let's go in the same order we did before.

[B]

Reggie.

[C]

What?

[B]

I rated it.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

I like have had some time to sit with this because I finished it a while ago and I really loved the book. I think I just had higher expectations for some reason. I don't know. I'm going to think. I think I'm going to just go with four stars, which is still a good rating. Maybe it would be like a 4.25 for being like technical. But as I was approaching the end of the book, I was like, I just had. I don't know, I just had this feeling while I was reading it that I was like, I don't think this is going to be a five star read for me. But nonetheless, like, loved it. I still really loved it. I think that I was wanting a little bit more maybe with the ending, maybe because of how the first book ended and it just being this like big crazy thing. Not that anything crazy didn't happen, but I think it was just because I saw where the ending was going for the most part and there weren't a ton of surprises and I kind of wanted something a little more intense. But I do think that we will get that in the next book. So, like, I'm still satisfied with the ending, but it wasn't the ending I was maybe anticipating. And so a part of me was kind of let down in a sense. Like I wanted a lot more action and I don't feel like we got the action that I was hoping to get from this book.

[C]

I wanted a.

[B]

More battle.

[C]

But do you feel like she didn't do that? Because then it would have been a repeat of the last book's ending.

[B]

I don't know. I just feel like the ending of the book I was anticipating, except for like that last line, if that makes sense. Like I was anticipating all of that stuff to go down. I kind of knew that that was coming. And even though it was still like really good and done well, I just.

[C]

I don't know.

[B]

I don't know what I. For some reason I just was wanting more. And I don't really know what that was because I'm still like satisfied with the ending at the same time. But I don't know. I don't know. There was just something about it that wasn't a five star read for me. But yeah, I still really enjoyed it. I. At the beginning of the book, I was not expecting there to be different point of views and different timelines because I was trying to figure that out at the beginning. And at first I was like, oh, I don't know if I'm gonna like this. But I ended up loving that element to it. And I was getting really annoyed with Ransom.

[C]

That's his name? Yeah.

[B]

Why was I so, like, unsure of that for a second? I don't know. Ransom was really driving me crazy during this reread or not reread.

[A]

Sorry.

[B]

During rights of the Starling, the whole. And I know there's got to be reason for it. Him not telling her he loved her was actually driving me crazy.

[C]

Crazy.

[B]

There's.

[C]

I don't know if you guys. Some vow.

[B]

I've watched my. Yeah, like watching.

[C]

Reading the truth to somebody else.

[B]

I don't know. But he's married. I don't know. Like, I think it might have to do with. Yeah. The. Is it the vow? Is that what they call the.

[A]

The shield of sparrows with.

[B]

Yeah. Like, what's the place that they're trying to get to? He's made that. Is it a vow?

[C]

Oath. Oath. Oh, to the Alice. No, not Alasaria. Yeah, the place where he lives.

[A]

The city that no one's allowed to talk about.

[C]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[B]

I feel like maybe it has to do with that. But then he does tell her. And at the very end. At the end, I don't know. Like, I was actually getting so annoyed with it and then I was like, oh, there's gotta be a reason for it. But then with him saying it at the end, I was like, wait, I

[A]

actually didn't notice until I looked at your guys's fable.

[C]

And I was like, it was actually.

[B]

But the thing was is it felt like so intentional that he wasn't. And then she makes comment of it towards the end of the book. She's like, I. Like, I love him, but I. Why has he not said it to me? Like, the fact that it was like, there's a part in the book where she says, I love you. And then he says something back that's like, you mean everything to me or something. And then she says it again like, I love you. And then he still says like, I know. And I'm just like, I was getting so frustrated and I was hoping for maybe more of a reason as to why that was. Maybe there's a reason for. I feel like there's got to be a reason for it. I just wanted a little bit more of an answer with that. Because if it's something that has nothing to do with it, I'm gonna actually. What?

[A]

What? Guys, I'm so sorry. What? You were talking about, like, the last line in the book. And I'm like, I don't remember what the last line was. Like, what do you mean?

[C]

I never finished the book. What?

[A]

What? I had 10 minutes left to listen to it.

[C]

How did you never finish?

[B]

I thought you finished.

[A]

I thought I finished it and I didn't. So the whole vision. The whole chapter. This whole last chapter. Hold up.

[B]

Do we need to read it?

[A]

Oh, straight up. This is so embarrassing.

[C]

I literally ended on.

[B]

Oh, So did you go read the last line of the book?

[A]

Yeah, but I didn't read the last chapter.

[B]

The very last chapter.

[C]

I literally have 13 minutes left in this book.

[B]

Do we need to do a quick pause?

[C]

I think it's just the last chapter.

[B]

We're like, were you listening? What does it say?

[C]

I was listening.

[B]

The last chapter is only two pages. 64. Odessa, where they're sitting on the cliff.

[C]

Yeah, no, see, like, so the chapter where she gets the thrums. She's starting to get the thrums.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Didn't know that happened. And this silver eyed warrior falls to his knee as the ground trembles. Yeah, I didn't read.

[A]

Didn't hear that. Wait.

[C]

I have now finished the book, everybody.

[A]

Don't worry.

[B]

She's finally. It's. The dots are now connected.

[C]

So sorry.

[B]

Okay. So sorry on this. I know this was like, I'm supposed to just be talking about my review, but now that Kennedy's finished the book and we're talking about the I love you thing. Kennedy.

[C]

Wait, who?

[B]

Was it you that said it?

[C]

No, it was Kennedy. Yeah.

[B]

Kennedy said.

[C]

What if I love you triggered the.

[B]

The shift.

[C]

The shift.

[B]

Why would that be, though, is my question. Like, why would. Because he wouldn't know that he would. Or would he, though?

[A]

I feel like there's some things that we still don't know.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

But then the whole I love you thing is. It's a red flag.

[B]

It's. Yeah, but the thing is, is if he were to know that it would trigger something with her. He should never say it.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And he should have to explain that to her. Like, I can't.

[C]

What if he can't? What if he can't? Because he's under oath.

[B]

Yeah. But then he still said it. I'm like, if you love some. Yeah. I don't know.

[A]

What if he's been. I don't know.

[C]

It's.

[A]

That is very interesting because. But I feel like it has to be purchased.

[C]

Let me ask you this question. This makes no sense in the context of the situation. He goes, I love you, Odessa Wolf. And then she goes, yes, you do. Don't forget. Oh, just kidding. Never mind.

[A]

I read.

[C]

I read the sentence.

[B]

It doesn't feel like an oop. Like a mistake.

[C]

No.

[B]

It sounded very intentional.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

What if he's bad?

[B]

I don't know. I just. I was getting so annoyed. Like, I think that, like, the romance part of this book for me just was not satisfying. And I don't know, maybe it's because of that, but it just was so. There were so many times she was saying it with him just being like, yep, you do.

[C]

There's got to be a reason. There is a reason.

[B]

So. Yeah. But then he tells her, but see, look. Yeah, you're right. Because it goes. She says, yes, you do. Don't forget. He says, never. Let's go before it rains. And he goes to pull her away from the cliff. And something tugs in her. The thrums beyond.

[C]

That's what I'm saying.

[B]

And then we have in the eye the vision that says, a silver eyed warrior falls to his knees. The ground trembles. He stares at the monster, sets down his blade. Before the warrior meets his end, he whispers, my queen, you want to know the end?

[C]

Here's the thing. It was way more fun to finish the book right here, sitting with you guys watching this.

[A]

That was way more fun than me

[C]

finishing it by myself. That was.

[A]

That's. Yeah. So that's the ending. But she's over here talking about. Yeah, the last line. And when he says I love you and I'm over here just sitting, like. I don't remember that.

[B]

So that's so funny that you ended it with her basically just getting him out of the cage.

[C]

Yes, but.

[B]

And not getting her answers. I.

[C]

So I was listening in my car and then I pulled into my garage and I was like, I gotta finish this book. And then I just forgot.

[A]

You just didn't. I just forgot.

[C]

And then I went on my goodreads today and I was like, why did I mark this as finished? Well, it's all making sense now. You wanna know what's funny? Did I give my rating for this book yet?

[A]

No, you haven't.

[C]

I'd give it four and a half.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Before I was gonna give it four, but the ending, that's. That's crazy. That leaves me wanting more.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Like wanting more.

[B]

So maybe I should give it four and a half. Honestly, now that like. Yeah, it's not a five for me, but it's very close.

[A]

You know how when you finish a romantasy and you just need the next thing immediately? Hatch made that a thing.

[B]

It's called Ophelia. An original audio drama inspired by Hamlet where Ophelia finally gets to be the main character. Forbidden magic, a crumbling kingdom, a slow burn love triangle with the prince and his very guarded, very intriguing best friend. The kind of love triangle where you will absolutely pick a side and you will not be quiet about it.

[C]

Book one of the three part series is now available for free wherever you stream with new chapters dropping every Tuesday. For books two and three, check out Hatch co Ophelia. Stay until the end of the episode for the full trailer of Ophelia by Hatch. And the reason I'm not giving it 5 is just because the middle portion really was kind of dragging on for me. I do think it could have been cut down a little bit. However, maybe in the next book it will make more sense why there was so much traveling. Like some with both POVs.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

And maybe the people they meet along the way are going to make an appearance later on or make more sense. The people that her mom had met. Maybe we'll meet Odessa and it will all make sense. But right now that's just not. I just wasn't obsessed with that. I think this is one of those books that the further on in the series you look back very fondly on. I can think of a lot of series that have books like that. I think my initial like reading comparing Shield of Sparrows to rights of the Starling I think I liked Rites of the Starling better just because I think it was maybe a little bit not less predictable, because I did guess, like, I guess you could say the large twist with the timelines and it being her mom. But I feel like the lead up was just a lot more. I felt a lot more anticipation. Like, I didn't know for sure if I was right. I just thought that I was right. But in Chill the Sparrows, I knew for a fact the Guardians, the Prince, so. And also, I just think that she did such a good job at getting you to be attached to the new point of view. After a certain point. I will say, though, and I did Marco Polo, Reggie, this. I did get the spoiler that Caspia would die. I caught on very quick. I got a spoiler Tik Tok that said something like, my wife is cold. That whole monologue. I got a spoiler of that. And so in the context, once I got into the book, I was like, oh, well, there's only one person I can think of that this would be about. So I knew she would die, but then I also knew it was her mom, so I knew she would die. So it was this whole thing. But I just really enjoy Deveney's writing style. I think that it's entertaining. I think she writes her characters very well. I think the world is really interesting. I think Lysa is really interesting. I think the Starling are great overall. I just think it feels like a unique fantasy book while still having plot points and elements that feel familiar and that you love. Also, I'm docking off half a star because, you guys, the amount of times that by the Grace of the Divine was used in this book. There was one chapter where, I'm not kidding you, she said it, like, five times in a row. Did you guys catch on to that or was it just me? I don't know if it's because I listened to most of the book, but I swear. Let me look on my Kindle to see how many times it was used, because I swear it was used so often to the point where it got really distracting for me.

[B]

You guys. Did you both listen to the whole thing?

[A]

Yeah. Okay.

[C]

It's not used as many times as I thought. 35 times. That's still a lot. But it's used three times on one page, so I just was like, okay, I can't do this anymore.

[B]

Yeah, I feel like things like that are easier to catch on to when you're listening for sure.

[C]

Twice on another page. Twice on another page. Twice on another page. She used it so often that I kind of was like, okay.

[A]

Was that in the context of the Caspia, the Foster?

[C]

No, it's like she believes it's like by the Gris. Yeah, okay, okay. But yeah, overall, just so good. And I think, like I said, the way she unravels her plot twist is just so satisfying. And you know, like I said, you know, she's thought all this out. You know, she has a direction. And sometimes with some of these popular Romantasy books, sometimes I'm like, do you know where this is going? Are you sure? But I knew she knows exactly where it starts and where it ends.

[A]

Yeah, yeah.

[C]

And now we have the context that.

[B]

Is there only supposed to be one more book?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Okay.

[C]

That's what I swear. If we get like, I don't know what it's called where they mirror each other. Like, if it's kind of the exact same situation with Odessa and Caspia where they're freaking like they shift and then their loved one has to kill them.

[A]

I can talk more about that later. Okay.

[B]

What's your rating, Michaela?

[A]

I think like 4.4.5. I definitely knows how to write an ending. Like, truly, because honestly, most of the book I was like, this is a four star book. This is a four star book. And then when I read the ending, I was like, okay, that bumped it up a little bit in the my rating. I think, like I said about Shield of Sparrows, she's very intentional, which I absolutely love. Like, the time at which she gives you the knowledge of things is perfectly timed.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

You know what I'm saying? I do think I like Shield of Sparrows maybe a little bit more because it felt a little more action packed. But I feel like this book was very necessary for all of the knowledge. And I hope that after book three, everything is going to be tied up in a little bow because of everything we have gotten knowledge wise in the past two books have been purposeful and intentional with the way we have questions about things or like, you know what I'm saying? I. Yeah, I really kind of similar to you guys. I was very skeptical about Caspia's point of view. I was like a point of view, a new one that I. We of course had to like learn about. But I slowly became to really like it. Especially as soon as Andreas. Andreas was in the picture in the cabin. I was like, okay, this gets interesting. Especially the language barrier. I did see someone on Patreon say she learned the language way too quickly.

[B]

I do feel like things Kind of moved pretty quick once they got together.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I think that's what started to make me Question. Made me pick up on her being her mom.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Because I was like, this is. I don't know, but we can get to that in a second.

[A]

Yeah. But anyways, so I really. I really enjoyed it. I wish there was a little bit more action because I feel like there wasn't a ton.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But, you know, I feel like the next book is gonna be just like, action packed. Crazy. So you guys, as listeners, rated this. 46 rated it 5, 46 rated it 4.

[C]

Wow.

[A]

So pretty, like, split. And then 7% rated it 3. But that's pretty, like, split down the middle. And that's really good ratings.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So I'm glad you guys enjoyed it, as most of you guys enjoyed it as much as we did, too. Let's talk about our favorite moments. From Rise to the Starling, or favorite moment.

[B]

There were a lot, honestly, just everything that's finally, like, revealed in the ending. Like, I wouldn't say it's necessarily a favorite moment, but it was just so emotional. Like, I was a mess with everything with when Cassia realizes she has to leave. And just like everything she left for Odessa. And just like her knowing what was going to happen and doing it. Any. Like, that was. Someone, like, left a comment on the chapter with all that saying, and this is, I think, what I liked about the story, even though I wouldn't have anticipated myself feeling this way after the book. But someone was saying that they loved how this book ended up being more of Caspia's story than it was Odessa's. And I think that's what I really liked about this book, because I wouldn't have been able to say that in the beginning of this book, but by the end of it, I feel like that's just so true. Like, this is Caspia's story because it all started, you know, with her. And I just. I just had so many feelings with that whole. Her leaving, saying goodbye to her baby, knowing what Andreas was going to do to her. Like, that was all just a gut punch. And I feel like I saw it coming, but it was just still. So I don't know. I just feel like Devnee did such an incredible job writing those few chapters. Andreas having to. Oh, my gosh. I just can't literally.

[A]

Give me my.

[C]

Give me a blanket. My wife is cold.

[B]

My wife is cold. And like, him being the person responsible for that, but doing it because he loved his daughter so much. Like, such a hard position for him to be in, but knowing, like, I mean, I would hope that if I was in that situation, my husband would do the same thing for my kids. You know what I mean? Like, as hard as that would be, like, oh, my heart. I just was really impressed with the emotion that Devni got out of me.

[C]

I really loved, like, the heart to heart that Odessa had with her dad at the end. But kind of what I loved the most about it was she has this thing that she says in her inner monologue, something about, like she appreciated the recognition she was getting, but almost that she didn't need it anymore, like from her own father. Do you know what I mean? So I thought that was really cool. It showed a lot of things, character development from Odessa, but I think my favorite. And it. It's more so a plot device than a specific moment. But I really loved the visions. I think that added so much. What's the word I'm looking for? Yeah, like anticipation, because you knew something was going to happen. And also just the fact that. Yeah, just the visions in general were just such a good additive to the story. Because I think if it wasn't for those, I don't think I would have liked the book as much as I did. I also just love Faze. How Faze saved her multiple times. The sweet angel. What else?

[B]

Oh, I was gonna say I liked. I, like, didn't like it at first, but it was just a really interesting. Everything with her sister, May.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah. I felt like I liked that we got to see more of her and learn more about her. And also the. I just think I. There were a lot of things revealed in this book that I wasn't expecting to be revealed that I really liked. Everything with her stepmom and just. I don't know, I really. Just the. The characters themselves in this book were just really fascinating to me. Andreas's whole character was just so interesting to me. To go from like this big, lovey dovey, mushy guy and then he just turns into this, like. Someone, like, wrote a really good explanation for you on.

[A]

Oh.

[B]

Andreas's love was so fierce, but showed none of that to his child. Was so heartbreaking. How much it hurt both of them. The shell of a person he became and how he cast such pain onto his own child and how, like, you just wish he could have given. I don't know that there were just so many things unfolding within her family. Some of it I wasn't expecting, some

[C]

of it I was.

[B]

But it was just still very satisfying to read at the Same time. I don't know. I just love how Devnee, like you've said Kennedy, just how she. Everything unfolds. It's very satisfying.

[A]

Yeah. I think my favorite moment. I mean, I really liked the reunion between Ransom and Odessa because I was like, finally, they're back together. But I also really, honestly, I think my ultimate favorite part is I feel like with fantasy books and parents having a backstory, it's told. But Devny showed because you. I feel like there's always, like, this happened with your mother, but she. Literally half of the book was setting up the story about Odessa's parents. And I feel like that is very unique, and that doesn't happen very often where she showed the readers what happened. So I thought that was really, really cool.

[C]

I also appreciate that she didn't do it in a prequel.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

She straight up could have just released Caspia's whole story in a book and done it in a prequel. And had it been under labella. I like that it was within the second book.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Because it was more interesting.

[A]

Yeah. I agree. Amazing.

[C]

Wait, I have one more thing I'm gonna say really quick.

[A]

Go for it.

[C]

I think it's kind of going back to what you had said. Like, her writing is purposeful, whatever. But I think what I also really like about this second book is just the fact that not that second book sometimes can feel pointless in fantasy books. But I think what's cool about this one specifically is the fact that after you read rights of the Starling, you. You could go back and reread Shield of Sparrows with a completely different perspective, just to go back and see how her dad and her stepmom treated her and just even just everything, I feel like this Shield of Sparrows is a completely different book now. Yeah. Having read rights of the Starling, and I think that's so incredibly amazing that Devony has the talent to do that.

[A]

Yeah. So I'm starting to question everything right now.

[C]

Literally. Like, what's real?

[A]

Like, why did.

[C]

Never mind.

[A]

I was gonna say why did Ransom.

[C]

Was that intentional way to Ransom?

[A]

What, like, pick her instead of May?

[C]

Well, he's. What he said was because he saw her die off the dive off the cliff.

[A]

I know, but now I'm starting to question everything.

[C]

Is it the light? Is the Lysa also attracted to the starling blood? Because think about it. The beasts are attracted to Odessa. So is it, like, some sort of blood?

[A]

Anyways, that's not like. That's what's making me question everything right now. Anyways, some of your guys's favorite moments were Xavier and Eve. Evie reuniting. That was so tender.

[B]

So tender.

[A]

When Odessa and her dad finally talk. Someone said the twist ending. OMG. I set up in bed at 3am like a spring.

[C]

So, you know it's a good book. Yeah.

[A]

Um, someone said the entire thing. Caspia giving her life to protect Odessa. Ugh. There's just so many, like, good parts. Because there were a lot of, like, slower moments. I just feel like they're intentional.

[B]

Yeah, but the good parts make up for the slower.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Well, once again, it's because I had never read a book by her before. You learn an author's writing the more you read about them. And so now I'm kind of thinking, all right, all those slow parts at the beginning of this book, is she gonna make a callback next book and then it's all gonna make sense? Yeah, maybe. Probably.

[A]

Ooh. Yeah.

[B]

I feel like when it comes to dislikes, I mean. Yeah, maybe a few parts kind of dragged. I do feel sorry. Are we fine to jump into that?

[A]

Yeah, go for it.

[B]

I do feel like. Oh, I was so annoyed because. And I realized towards the end of the book, like, before we got the reunion with Xavier, I was like, doesn't. Wouldn't Ransom know if he was still alive? Or did he just really bolt that quickly to go find Odessa? It's in Rites of the Starling because. Right. I kept. I kept wondering the whole book. I'm like, is Xavier alive?

[A]

He doesn't know.

[C]

He.

[B]

He didn't. Yeah, he leaves. But I was like. I feel like he would have, like, known for sure if he was dead or not. So that was driving me crazy. I was like, is Xavier alive? I'm like, he has to be.

[C]

Well, I think Odessa knows that he's alive because it's made comments that she doesn't. She specifically doesn't tell Evie just in case he doesn't make the voyage.

[A]

No, she only finds out once they're reunited.

[C]

Yeah, Evie, but, you know, doesn't know.

[B]

No, no, but she finds out.

[C]

Doesn't she make a comment that she's not going to tell Evie?

[A]

Yeah, they're not going to tell Evie until he gets there.

[B]

He gets there, she finds out that I think he's coming on the journey.

[C]

Oh, but she doesn't know he's alive.

[B]

I think. I think Odessa maybe knows he's alive. But she doesn't.

[C]

She doesn't.

[A]

She does not know until they're reunited. Ransom and Odessa.

[C]

But Ransom didn't know.

[A]

Well, he did know, because I know for a fact that she did not know, because I remember the beginning of the book that they were both crying.

[B]

Yeah, well. And, like, she won't take. Evie wouldn't, like, take off that.

[C]

Like, sure, I know Evie didn't know,

[A]

but Odessa didn't know.

[C]

But I swear, Odessa specifically says she won't tell Evie. Is it that he's dead or is it that he's alive?

[A]

That's alive.

[C]

So Odessa knew.

[A]

No, not until Ransom and Odessa reunited.

[C]

That's when he told her that Xavier was also.

[A]

Ransom knew when they reunited. Yes.

[B]

And he.

[A]

Because he got word. He got word.

[C]

Okay. Okay. Okay. Yeah.

[B]

The timeline of it was just, like, kind of frustrating for me because I was just like. And it was just. Maybe it was just, like, a silly thing to be worried about, but I was just like, if he is alive, like, I need to know right now. If he's dead, I need to know right now. Like, I just felt like maybe that was intentional for us to be, like, on our toes about it. Very nitpicky thing, the I love you thing still. I'm still a little annoyed about it, but it might make sense. I think if I were Odessa, though, I would be kind of more annoyed that she was. She was like, I know he's gonna

[C]

say it to me.

[B]

Like, I've been waiting for him to say it, but it was kind of driving me crazy. My Patreon vlog, I was literally screaming at my camera and at my book. I'm like. I literally was, like, rereading and giving examples. I'm like. She says, I love you, and then he says, I know you do. I was just, like, so angry with him. I'm like, come on, dude.

[C]

Anyways,

[B]

yeah, I think those are my only gripes, really, with the book. And that might not be anything like. And maybe you guys are like, that's not enough for you to give it five stars.

[C]

But, no, I think that's you Justified.

[B]

Those are my. Those are my things. But, yeah, it was. It was very well done,

[C]

I think. I mean, I kind of already said my least favorites was the Traveling, and then I had another thing. Why did you slip my mind? This wasn't what I was originally gonna say, but I don't know if you guys felt like this, but I feel like the point of views were split pretty evenly, which I don't always love, because I think there were some Odessa chapters that probably could have been cut just because I think at some point, Caspia's point of view is a little Bit more interesting. So that would also be me just being really nitpicky.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

As far as things that I didn't love, is it just like, some things could have been cut out, but once again, knowing Devin Perry, nothing can be cut out because it's gonna get a callback.

[B]

I hated when they had to leave Evie alone for so long when they go in the cave. I was so upset. I was like. Like, we're. She's like, she's got to come with us. He's like, nope, she's got to stay here. I'll buy herself with the horse under this waterfall.

[A]

I was like, did have phase, which

[B]

I feel like I know Face would take her, but I was like, I was so worried.

[C]

I will also.

[B]

She's a little, what, four, five years

[C]

old, and she's just a baby.

[B]

Like, I could not leave my child just, like, on the side of a mountain by a waterfall. See you later. I know they had no choice, but that was just so.

[C]

When she killed her horse.

[B]

Oh.

[C]

And then ransom shows up 30 seconds

[A]

later, I was like, she didn't kill it.

[C]

She. Yeah, she slit its throat.

[A]

Well, she had to. Yeah.

[C]

No, no, I'm not saying she, like, did it.

[A]

Oh. I was like, yeah.

[B]

So sad.

[C]

And then literally, ransom shows up 30 seconds. I'm like, couldn't you have, you know, knight in shining armor a little bit faster?

[B]

But, yeah, I was really sad about that. Yeah.

[A]

Least favorite part.

[B]

What are some of the listeners least favorites?

[C]

Do you have one, Mikayla?

[A]

Oh, I'll say mine real quick.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Sorry. I feel like the orbs were maybe not a least favorite, but I have so many questions about.

[C]

Yeah. You know, the priest thing and the canon thing is still a little fuzzy in my brain.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

But I'm just expecting it to make sense in the next book.

[A]

Like the. Yeah. The Bone Forest, the seven Voss.

[C]

The stones that help them have power.

[A]

I don't know. But anyways, that will. I'm sure that will make more sense in the next book, but it's probably

[C]

just me being nitpicky. Okay. I remember another thing that I was gonna say that I didn't love. Okay. I get why we only had one chapter from Andreas. That makes sense to me. Why did we get one single chapter from Ransom? Like, why was it just one at the beginning?

[A]

I did want more from him.

[C]

It should have.

[B]

Like, why?

[C]

Either don't include it at all or add another POV chapter from him. It just felt so random to me that we get this one random chapter at the beginning. And then never again.

[A]

Yeah. Because there's only one chapter from him at the end, too.

[C]

Right. Of. Of Shield of Sparrows, and then beginning of rights at the Starling. Now it's making me want to go reread that chapter to see if there's any sort of like some sort of little Easter egg that shows maybe why he doesn't say I love you or something weird going on with him. But that's also probably intentional, let's be honest.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Some of the things that people are saying was like the first 30%, which. Yeah. The beginning, I feel like, was a little slower. The sex scenes, how they're written. She said, once again, didn't like how the sex scenes were written.

[C]

So.

[A]

And so I feel like Ransom got a little weird in the second book. You're not the only one, Reggie. I don't know, but it was making me want Odessa to end up with Jodie. What did he.

[C]

What did he keep calling her? Not babe.

[B]

Oh. Oh, yeah. I can't remember.

[A]

I just like.

[C]

Come on, man.

[A]

Long travel scenes, the traveling. I feel like a lot of people are saying traveling. Some people didn't like the back and forth timeline. I didn't mind it.

[C]

I didn't either.

[A]

I feel like it added a little. A little juz. Anyways, who was your guys's favorite pov? I think I know the answer. I mean, wrong way answer.

[B]

Anyway, there were times that, like, during Cassia's point of view, I was like, okay, let's get back to Odessa. Like, let's get this story going. But by the end, I think I like Caspia's better.

[C]

Yeah. For this book. Yeah.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I had a feeling that would be the case because, you know, like, I think I've just learned when a new point of view is introduced, I've learned that I knew I was going to end up liking it by the end of the book from past reading experiences.

[A]

So that was most people's favorite point of view was Caspia's. It was 59%. Well, yeah. Oh, sorry. That was mine, too.

[B]

Did you say yours?

[A]

Yeah. Okay.

[C]

Okay.

[A]

What reveal was the most surprising to you? I guess from either book?

[C]

I mean, once again, I don't feel like anything. Well, that's a lie. I don't feel like anything necessarily. Was like, blew my socks off. Because I found pretty quickly that I thought that Caspia was her mom once she met Andreas. I was like, okay, this is where it's going. And also, once they got in the castle, I was like, this is glaring. They're not seeing each other. Like, obvious. This has to be a different timeline because they're not seeing each other and they're both in the castle.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

So

[B]

also, like, maybe this was surprising to me, but not really, but just everything that's revealed about, like the whole. How they. Her siblings aren't her siblings.

[A]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

Like, Andres was a loyal, loyal man. And I was thinking that he probably. I don't know, I was kind of thinking that her siblings were her half siblings, but they're not at all close.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

That was kind of.

[A]

I thought that was really sweet. Tender.

[C]

I just lost my brain.

[A]

No, no, I had it and then I lost it. I think.

[B]

What other plot twists were there?

[C]

I mean, I think out of the two books, the most surprising one was when the crux was a woman.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

For me, I was like, what?

[A]

Yeah. That and just the abruptness of the. What do they call it? The migration.

[B]

Yeah. Just like how people on our fable were really surprised by Odessa's mom or Caspia being Odessa's mom.

[C]

I think I figured it out, but

[A]

I was trying to convince myself out of it.

[B]

Like. Yeah, maybe I'm wrong.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Yeah. A lot of people were, like, surprised by that. Which I love for you. It's always like a good thing to be.

[A]

It just wasn't like the dual timeline. It wasn't just. It wasn't matching up.

[C]

Like, they're not seeing each other. They're not like.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, that's what I was meaning. Like, I was at first thinking, okay, these two are going to cross. And I was like, when that never happened. I was like, okay. I think very much so.

[B]

That.

[A]

Because what I think threw me off was her vision of her sister dying at the hands of Ransom. But it was such a far into.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Future one that I think that's the only thing that kind of like threw me off. And I was like, trying to convince myself. Like, is it.

[B]

Yeah. A few people in our. In the fable thought that Caspia was Odessa's sister. That's what I thought at first. Making them sisters. So. Yeah. So they thought it was within the same timeline. I think that is what was throwing people off was the vision of Ransom.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

That dang silver eyed warrior.

[A]

Dang ransom. Yeah. Theories for the next book.

[C]

Can I just.

[A]

Can I just spout it out?

[C]

I know you've been waiting for this.

[A]

I've been waiting, okay. With the whole vision thing.

[C]

Like the end of it.

[A]

The vision. The end vision. I don't think it's going to happen just because of Caspia. Having visions and being able to change the outcome of them.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So I think she'll start having visions more frequently, but I feel like she's going to figure out how to change it.

[C]

Do you guys see? Here's my question. The last vision, did you interpret it as Odessa having a vision or Caspia having a vision?

[A]

Odessa having a vision of him killing her. Okay. That's how I.

[B]

That's how I saw it.

[C]

Okay.

[B]

Okay. I mean, I don't know. Now I'm like, if I read it

[C]

again, because since I listened to most of it. Did the visions that Odessa read in the journal, were they also italicized like that?

[B]

I think.

[A]

No, they weren't visions in the stories. The book. It was a story.

[B]

Yeah, like, she didn't know.

[C]

So Odessa's never seen the vision book? No, no, she.

[B]

No, she did, but she hasn't had a vision till that very end.

[A]

Okay, sorry.

[C]

So, no, there was no italicized diet. Italicized text in Odessa's chapters.

[B]

Sorry, say that again.

[C]

There was no italicized text in Odessa's chapters where she was, like, sitting the book, reading it. She figured out.

[A]

Sorry. When he gave her the book. Like, the two librarians. I can't remember the name in kos,

[C]

but she also has a conversation with

[A]

them that, like, oh, these were visions that my mom had, not just stories that she wrote. But when Andreas saw them, he thought

[C]

she was just writing stories. Right, but, like, when Odessa. Because doesn't Odessa read the vision book? Yeah.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So I know their visions, though.

[C]

I know. But when she reads it in her chapter, are the. Is it italicized? Do you know what I'm saying? This is so nitpicky. It doesn't matter. Odessa is probably having the visions.

[B]

Yes. I'm just having a hard time finding. I'm only seeing italicized things in Caspia's.

[C]

So maybe it's just Caspia's.

[A]

Are you saying that she was actually having the vision of it?

[C]

Like, it's Caspia's vision in the book? Like, Odessa didn't have. Odessa didn't have the vision. It's actually Caspia's vision, for example. Yeah, like, Odessa isn't having vision.

[B]

Yeah, but then, like, later in the chapter, she'll be, like, telling Evie about. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[C]

So it could potentially be Caspia's vision at the end of the book.

[A]

No, it's Odessa's.

[C]

I mean, because the way I interpret it when I read it was. It was Caspia's vision. It wasn't Odessa. That had the vision. That's like one of the visions in the book that she read.

[B]

It could. It could be.

[C]

Because if it's Odessa's vision, why wouldn't she just say Ransom? Why don't she just say. Because she knows exactly who he is. Why would she just say. Ransom looks at me.

[B]

That's true. Yeah. Because it just says. Because he says, to her death, is something wrong? She stares into Ransom's eyes, as green as the turtle.

[C]

So it is for her. She says Ransom's name.

[B]

Well, no, no, that's not the vision. It's. She's like, no, it's nothing. He says, there's something wrong. She says, no, it's nothing. Then it has three dots and then it's a vision, but it doesn't say.

[C]

Does it say. Ransom says?

[B]

Nope, it says, a Silver Eyed warrior falls.

[C]

So you would think if it was her vision, she would say Ransom.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

This is me just being real nitpicky. But also.

[A]

Yeah, I don't think any of Caspia's visions were in first person, though. They were all in third. Yeah, like she was an outside. Even if she was seeing herself.

[C]

Is that in first person?

[A]

No, that's in third person. Yeah. So even if it was Odessa or if it was Caspia, it would be third person no matter what. Like, because Cassio was having visions about herself, but she was seeing it as, like another individual, right?

[C]

I don't know. I think it's Caspian's vision. You guys think it's Odessa's? We'll find out.

[B]

I don't know. I'm open to either.

[C]

I'd be stoked with either.

[A]

Yeah, I'm open with either. Do you guys have any other theories?

[C]

You guys have theories? No, I really.

[B]

I just feel like something just feels a little shady with Ransom.

[C]

I kind of want it to be a little shady.

[A]

I think they're gonna become crux together in the. Probably they're just gonna hold wings as they fly away.

[C]

What if, like, herb. Because she gives her spit to the medicine person? Yeah. What if, like, somehow her blood's secure for Lysa or something, or. Yeah. No, that doesn't make sense. I'm just working this out because the cousins, the reason he has Lysa, were theorizing.

[B]

What did the listeners say? They have any theories? Theories?

[A]

Yes. It says, hoping to see them go back to Caspia's hometown to find the illness.

[B]

Oh, she could talk to her grandma.

[C]

Someone said Odessa is going to travel to the other continent to avoid the vision coming true. So it's very interesting that they literally

[A]

have no information about that continent.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Zero. I'm like, what?

[A]

That's so.

[C]

That's wild to me.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I feel like they're going to be visiting that.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Somehow

[A]

I feel like everyone is saying about Odessa going to the other continent, which would make sense.

[C]

Someone said Alasaria being the key to understanding the starling, how they impact Calandria. Yeah. Because I feel like that also has

[B]

to do with the priest. What do you guys think about Lysa? Because it sounded like there's no cure, but like, there's gotta be.

[A]

There is a cure, 100%. Because I think the snake scene was very intentional. Do you remember?

[C]

Okay.

[A]

The girl was bitten by the snake when she was with the Voster in the forest. And there was the flames and it was really smoky. And they walk over and she says, where there's. Where there's a poison, there's always a cure.

[B]

Oh.

[C]

And they burnt the snake and she

[A]

like put it on the bite. I think that scene was very intentional.

[C]

What if they have to kill the cousin and then it cures Ransom of Lysa? Like they have to kill.

[A]

Where it's both their originator.

[C]

That could be interesting. Or something to do with. I don't know.

[A]

I think there is going to be a cure because I feel like that scene was intentional.

[C]

I think there's gotta be a cure too. Think about it. We've been searching for a cure for two books.

[A]

Yeah. There's gotta find it.

[C]

What if, like, when he travels back to Olisaria. No, the place where the starlings are at. I can't remember what it's called because they don't have Nephenix. Yes. Thank you. They don't have this problem that the starlings have. What if she takes Ransom back there and his Lysis cured while he's there

[A]

and she also won't have the problem?

[C]

That's too easy.

[A]

That's too easy. It's too easy.

[B]

I don't know.

[C]

What if he is like, what if because he has Lysa, that means he also can shapeshift?

[B]

Like, he'll also have a. I mean, I could see that happening.

[A]

Yeah, it will be.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

It will be interesting because looking at this theories thing, it's very interesting because some people are like, she'll have to tell Ransom about the visions that she's having. So I feel like it could be.

[B]

There could be some parallels either way.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Well, yeah, there could be some parallels with her.

[C]

I think it would be more interesting if she's having visions. I think it. Once again, I love the vision aspect. So the way I interpret it was. It was Caspia's but I think it would be more interesting if she also is having visions now. Yeah.

[A]

Because it wouldn't make sense for Caspia to having visions because I guess she hasn't finished the book.

[C]

Yeah, that's right.

[A]

She didn't ever finish the.

[C]

But also you would think that if Odessa was having visions, she would have had visions prior to that because her. Her mom was having visions before she was even almost shifting triggered it.

[A]

I don't know.

[C]

I'm telling you. I'm telling you that I love you thing triggered something. Something that that is gonna have. If not, I'm gonna be annoyed. I think that it was way too missed opportunity for Devini Perry to have that not mean something.

[B]

I feel like it's gotta mean something because I was paying such close attention to it because while I was vlogging and it was like I was kind of losing my mind for anyone who saw the vlog and I literally was like having to go back and like recount every time she would say I love you. Like I was paying such close attention to it.

[C]

So fancast.

[A]

I really don't have one and I feel like I would stick pretty close to what I. What we said for

[C]

children sparrows in the first book. I will say I do kind of love this to parallel. Unfortunately, they're the only two redheaded actresses. I feel like in Booktok space someone did say Sadie Sink as Odessa and Abigail Cohen as Caspia, which I do kind of love. I also feel like Sadie Sink and Emma Stone looks similar. I think that could be also a really cool mother daughter vibe. However, Emma Stone is a little old.

[A]

I would love Abigail Cohen to be.

[C]

She'd be great Odessa, but I feel

[A]

like it'd be hard to find. I just think City Sink is a little too young because Odessa's supposed to be mid 20s, you know, and I. City sink is mid 20s. So I feel like she definitely has a younger look to her. Yeah, maybe in a few years.

[C]

Yeah, because I did get picked up, y'.

[A]

All. I don't mind that at all. So yeah, that's a great, great parallel.

[C]

Let's see. Who did you guys cast as Ransom?

[B]

I wish I could remember. I wish I could remember who I picked. Dave in Corn Sweat It Songs got.

[C]

It's got.

[B]

He's got to be a little.

[C]

David's too cute. He's like two of his pretty. He's too cute. He needs to be a little bit more rugged. David Corn Sweat. He plays Superman in the new Superman. You know, I could kind of see it.

[A]

I haven't seen him in literally anything.

[C]

I didn't watch the new Superman. I don't have a good ransom.

[B]

I just feel like it's really hard to cast male main characters in fantasy books.

[A]

It really is.

[B]

It's really hard.

[C]

Someone said Ed Skrine. Who's Ed Skrein?

[A]

It's Crane.

[C]

I don't know who it is. Interesting. He's a former rapper.

[A]

He's in.

[C]

I don't know who that is. He's in Deadpool.

[A]

As who as? I don't know.

[C]

Let's see.

[A]

He looks older age. He's 43.

[C]

Everybody's saying Ken Yamin. Yeah. Not my fave. Okay. Out of the ones I'm seeing, David Corn Sweats the best. But I don't think that's a great option.

[B]

I don't know.

[A]

Does fit the vibe.

[B]

It's hard to be like, who's Zaden? Who's Rhysand? Like, it's just those dark, broody, hot male main characters are just.

[C]

He's just gotta be like. Yeah, a little bit more rugged.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[C]

But can he act?

[A]

He.

[B]

He.

[A]

He's an actor. He's just. Doesn't speak English. I'm pretty sure he's a Turkish actor. I'm sure he does, but I don't know. That could make him interesting, though. But, like, because doesn't Ransom supposedly have a little bit of a different accent than Odessa, I would assume, just because

[C]

he's from a different part of the.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So, Lambs.

[C]

That could be.

[A]

If he speaks English and it's just, like, accented. It could be not bad. You know, I don't know.

[C]

I just.

[A]

I. I just. I am impatiently waiting for these things to be adapted.

[C]

I'm impatient. But also, take your time. I don't want the CGI looking like poo.

[A]

Poo.

[B]

Poo.

[C]

Poo. Yeah.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

All right, you guys, is there anything else we wanted to discuss? I'm very excited for the third book. I think it comes out next year. Next March.

[C]

Is there a release date?

[A]

I think so.

[C]

March something. We gotta look it up. Yeah.

[B]

It's early next year.

[A]

I want to say March 7th.

[C]

Let's see if this will work.

[A]

I may have been pulling that off my butt.

[C]

March 7th. Let's see. March 9th.

[A]

You're close.

[B]

I was close.

[C]

No title yet, so.

[A]

Yeah, I'm very excited. We most likely will be talking about it when it comes out.

[B]

So yeah.

[A]

Awesome.

[C]

Okay.

[A]

As far as the summer book club book goes, we will have a poll on our story for you guys to pick. We're going to be reading for summer. We're going to have a few different options. Fantasy, non fantasy. Just so we can like switch it up. If you guys are wanting to switch it up. But we don't mind keeping the same with fantasy. Just want you guys to know that's the fan favorite.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So yeah, go to the poll if you're listening right now. Hopefully it will be up and vote for what you want to read and if you haven't joined our fable for these book club books. The fable is so great. I, I love hearing what you guys say and just like the things you catch on maybe that I haven't caught on to which is so fun and just like your commentary is so funny and I get a giggle out of it. So if you haven't joined join fable. It's a fun time. We have a good time. Anyways, I think that's it. We'll see you guys next week.

[C]

Bye.

[D]

Welcome to Ophelia, a Shakespeare After Dark series from Hatch. Inspired by Shakespeare's Hamlet, this romantasy reimagining gives Ophelia the story and the fate she never had. Ophelia's story will be told over three books, with each chapter fitting within 20 cozy minutes. Ophelia has always been expected to be small, but on the eve of her 21st birthday, something ancient awakens inside her. As she reconnects with the charming Prince Hamlet and his brilliant guarded friend Horatio, Ophelia finds herself caught between love, loyalty and a power she cannot ignore. So warm yourself by the hearth and enjoy the tale of Ophelia.