Rites of the Starling (Shield of Sparrows, #2) by Devney Perry PDF

Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry continues the epic fantasy saga of the Shield of Sparrows series. The story follows Zaira, who must navigate a treacherous landscape to save her sister from a soul-devouring curse. With the help of Thane Valkor, a sorcerer with a dangerous reputation, Zaira faces unimaginable challenges in The Shallows, a realm filled with magic and peril. This gripping novel explores themes of trust, sacrifice, and the struggle for redemption, making it a must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure. Perfect for readers who enjoy complex characters and intricate world-building, this installment promises to deepen the lore of the series and captivate its audience.

Key Points

Follows Zaira’s quest to save her sister from a soul-devouring curse in The Shallows.
Introduces Thane Valkor, a sorcerer and assassin with a mysterious agenda.
Explores themes of trust and betrayal in a landscape filled with danger.
Continues the narrative from the first book in the Shield of Sparrows series.

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Author:Devney Perry

489 pages

Language:English

Type:Novel

Fantasy

newtopiccyclegrowin

Author:Devney Perry

489 pages

Language:English

Type:Novel

Fantasy

295

Prologue

parrow Wolfe’s fate rested in the hands of five men.

The five kings of Calandra.

They stood around an oval table, their focus on the treaty splayed

across the grooved wooden surface. The ink on the parchment was still wet.

The cleric who’d penned the document hurried to collect his belongings,

then scurried out of the room now that his task was complete.

The underground cellar was cloaked in shadow. The scents of dank rock

and acrid smoke filled the air. One of the lamps was sputtering out, the oil

in its reservoir nearly gone after hours and hours of negotiations.

Sparrow stood against the stone wall as a silent observer of the

discussion. A fire crackled in the hearth, but its heat could not chase away

the cold that had crept into her bones. She clenched her teeth to keep them

from chattering.

A numbness was taking hold of her body, creeping into her fingertips

and toes. With the Goddess Daria’s luck, that numbness would soon dull the

ache in her heart.

Not one of the five kings paid her any attention, not even her father.

They were too busy debating who she would marry.

The Voster High Priest hovered behind the men. His bare feet hadn’t

touched the floor since he floated into the cellar. The dim light leached any

hint of color from his pale white skin.

His eyes, those solid, dark pools, stayed locked on the treaty. The

moment the kings came to an agreement, he’d seal their oaths in blood.

The priest’s hands were clasped in front of him, and the thick, dark-

green nails protruding from his fingers were so long they curled into his

robes, the burgundy fabric as dark as the storm cloud over her heart.

The kings were dressed in bold fabrics, reds and greens and blues and

teals, each proudly representing their respective kingdoms in color and the

emblems stitched into their clothes.

Sparrow was dressed in gray, a shade as empty as she was of hope.

This treaty was a necessity. She’d told herself that countless times. It

would end the wars that had plagued their continent for generations. It

Overview

Rites of the Starling (Shield of Sparrows, #2) by Devney Perry

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295

Figures

Rites of the Starling (Shield of Sparrows, #2) by Devney Perry — Figure 1

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FAQs

What is the significance of the treaty in Rites of the Starling?

The treaty in Rites of the Starling is a pivotal agreement among the five kings of Calandra, aimed at ending the wars that have plagued their continent. It binds the kingdoms together through marriage and blood, specifically by marrying Sparrow Wolfe, the princess of Turah, to Tanis Oak, the king of Genesis. This treaty, known as the Shield of Sparrows, represents a desperate attempt to ensure peace and stability, even as it sacrifices Sparrow's personal freedom and desires.

How does Sparrow feel about her arranged marriage?

Sparrow Wolfe feels a deep sense of dread and sorrow regarding her arranged marriage to Tanis Oak. Despite understanding the political necessity of the treaty, she grapples with the loss of her free will and the fear of being tied to a man who harbors animosity towards her family. Her dreams of finding love wither as she realizes she is being treated as a token for peace, which leaves her feeling empty and hopeless.

Who are the five kings involved in the treaty?

The document does not specify the names of the five kings involved in the treaty, but it emphasizes their roles in the negotiations surrounding the Shield of Sparrows. Each king represents a different kingdom within Calandra, and they gather to agree on the terms that will bind their realms together through the marriage of Sparrow Wolfe to Tanis Oak.

What role does the high priest play in the treaty?

The high priest plays a crucial role in the treaty by officiating the agreement between the kings and Sparrow Wolfe. He seals the oaths in blood, symbolizing the binding nature of the treaty. His presence adds a layer of magical authority to the proceedings, and his actions ensure that the kings and their heirs are bound to uphold the treaty's stipulations, with dire consequences for breaking their oaths.

What does Sparrow's father think about the treaty?

Sparrow's father is depicted as a conflicted figure regarding the treaty. He understands the necessity of the agreement for the survival of their kingdom, yet he feels pity and sorrow for his daughter's fate. His emotional response is evident when he looks at Sparrow before signing the treaty, conveying a sense of regret for the sacrifice she must make.

What are the consequences of breaking the treaty?

The consequences of breaking the treaty are severe, as it is stated that to break their oaths would mean death. This highlights the gravity of the agreement and the lengths to which the kings are willing to go to ensure peace among their kingdoms. The treaty binds not only the current rulers but also their future heirs, emphasizing its long-term implications.

What does Sparrow hope for her future after the treaty is signed?

After the treaty is signed, Sparrow Wolfe harbors a mix of despair and faint hope for her future. She contemplates the possibility of being treated poorly by Tanis Oak, the king she is now bound to, and worries about the fate of her family. However, she also clings to a hope that after bearing a son, she might be left alone, indicating her desire for some semblance of autonomy in her new life.