Hi Cara,
Today review is regarding the debut novel by Deborah Hewitt, The Nightjar.
Alice has been haunted by visions of birds all her life.
Till one day a mysterious parcel was left on her doorstep. This parcel attracts strangers to her. One, in particular, is a mysterious man named Crowley. Crowley reveals that the birds that Alice see are Nightjars – the miraculous birds which guard our souls. As this gift is rare, a shadowy faction wants Alice for their own dark motives. Forced to go on the run, Alice follows Crowley to an incredible alternate London, to learn about her talents. But in a world of betrayal, twisted loyalties and magic, who can Alice really trust?
The NightJar is a truly magical fantasy, where Deborah Hewitt has created a magical world that sits so close to our own.
I love reading books that bring different cultures mythology to my attention The Nightjar bought my attention to Finnish mythology, which intrigued to learn more.
The way that Deborah Hewitt has weaved the mythology with religious text showing that the same story can be told in many different ways.
It seems I have a soft spot for characters called Crowley. I am also very wary of them, but I am rooting for them in the same breath. There is something about Crowley that makes me want to know more about him.
The magic system is fascinating in the Nightjar Having the family lineage connected to particular gifts and with many intermarriages, people have a mixture of abilities and powers. I want to learn about them all.
Alice abilities in the book are rare, she sees the soul birds of every person alive. The bird can tell you a lot about the person more so with training. Throughout the book, we learn about Alice gift as she is learning about them. As well as the alternative London “The Rookery”. The Rookery long stopped changing to match London so it’s jarring compared to modern London. I like that you can go back in time without going back in time.
Some of Alices choices I dont agree with but they were gripping/ entertaining. Its enjoyed the fact even when she is in a stressful situation, there is still a comical moment, (some unintentional) comments about eagles or people abilities.
I am looking forward to seeing what happens in next to Alice and Crowley.
My rating for The Nightjar is 4.5 out of 5.
Thank you to @JamiedoesPR and TorUK for sending me an ARC copy The Nightjar for a fair and honest review.
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Thanks for reading,
