What do you think?
Rate this book
Rare Birds
Alchemy meets Agatha Christie in this dazzling Jazz Age fantasy when an archaeology student faces myth and monsters to protect her family and break a blood curse.
As 1920s London swelters in the grip of Egyptomania, archaeology student Rom Godden wishes she was anywhere else. Lectures are dull, spring makes her restless, and the dog she inherited from her grandfather is acting stranger by the day. But when the dog saves her from a monstrous attack, Rom sets out to investigate—and uncovers a deadly family legacy.
Along with her dearest friend, Rom joins forces with her sceptical brother to navigate an underworld of shapeshifters and blood magic. Deception stalks them. Their precocious young stepbrother hides secrets of his own. If everyone plays for themselves, who can be trusted?
One wrong choice could threaten everyone she loves, and Rom will have to bargain for her freedom as she confronts the truth of her inheritance: every promise has its price.
As 1920s London swelters in the grip of Egyptomania, archaeology student Rom Godden wishes she was anywhere else. Lectures are dull, spring makes her restless, and the dog she inherited from her grandfather is acting stranger by the day. But when the dog saves her from a monstrous attack, Rom sets out to investigate—and uncovers a deadly family legacy.
Along with her dearest friend, Rom joins forces with her sceptical brother to navigate an underworld of shapeshifters and blood magic. Deception stalks them. Their precocious young stepbrother hides secrets of his own. If everyone plays for themselves, who can be trusted?
One wrong choice could threaten everyone she loves, and Rom will have to bargain for her freedom as she confronts the truth of her inheritance: every promise has its price.
344 pages, Softcover
First published July 25, 2024
About the author
L.B. Hazelthorn
1 book2 followersL.B. Hazelthorn (they/them) is an editor, artist, and author of strange fictions. Born in an Australian cane town and home-schooled by fanatical doomsdayers, they spent the first few chapters of their future memoir learning Latin and becoming way too interested in medieval guilds.
Their short works and poetry are published and forthcoming in various corners of the universe, such as Aniko Press Magazine and Aurealis. They currently live in lutruwita/Tasmania with multiple offspring and a kitchen full of long-suffering ferns.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 9, 2024
A fun mystery fantasy book about the archaeology student Rom Godden that try to solve the mystery around her dog Pixie. She will navigate an underworld of shapeshifters and blood magic, and understand her grandfather secrets. Morgan was my favorite character, Rom´s stepbrother is a rebelious kid but have a soft side too. His interactions was the most fun to read.
April 24, 2024
I requested this book, as the title and synopsis were intriguing.
Our main characters are introduced right up front, Rom and Pixie.
Her dog, inherited from her grandfather "JT"; she an archaeology student. After a night out with her friend/love Ditto, she notices a "skein". So begins the adventure.
Reading it was somewhat a challenge in the beginning; trying to understand the dialect limited the flow for a bit.
There are multiple plots and twists during the story, so it definitely keeps you engaged. I admire JT for trying to conceal the "rare birds", but despise him for his promise… beheld to Rom. The plot centers around a family secret, magic, and saving the world. Rom is not your typical heroin, but she and Pixie are my favorite characters. Pixie is ever protecting and has a secret of her own. Rom is determined and focused to fix everything write. With the help of Morgan, Alec, Selwyn, Ditto, and Mr. Prideaux.. order is maintained.
As this is book one, I do look forward to book 2.
I gave three stars as it was difficult to understand in the beginning. At times, it also seemed to jump around a bit and I had to figure out what was going on at that time.
My first read from Author L.B. Hazelthorn; definitely not my last.
If you enjoy queer fantasy with mystery and intrigue; set in the jazz age with memorable characters, this is one for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Our main characters are introduced right up front, Rom and Pixie.
Her dog, inherited from her grandfather "JT"; she an archaeology student. After a night out with her friend/love Ditto, she notices a "skein". So begins the adventure.
Reading it was somewhat a challenge in the beginning; trying to understand the dialect limited the flow for a bit.
There are multiple plots and twists during the story, so it definitely keeps you engaged. I admire JT for trying to conceal the "rare birds", but despise him for his promise… beheld to Rom. The plot centers around a family secret, magic, and saving the world. Rom is not your typical heroin, but she and Pixie are my favorite characters. Pixie is ever protecting and has a secret of her own. Rom is determined and focused to fix everything write. With the help of Morgan, Alec, Selwyn, Ditto, and Mr. Prideaux.. order is maintained.
As this is book one, I do look forward to book 2.
I gave three stars as it was difficult to understand in the beginning. At times, it also seemed to jump around a bit and I had to figure out what was going on at that time.
My first read from Author L.B. Hazelthorn; definitely not my last.
If you enjoy queer fantasy with mystery and intrigue; set in the jazz age with memorable characters, this is one for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 22, 2024
I really liked this book - not despite its slight strangeness, but because of it.
I found the writing very good, it really took me deeply inside the plot through feelings more than action and words. When Rom was confused - trying to understand and belive the unbelivable - it felt disjointed, like searching through a fog. And at other times, there are these clever words bringing clarity or wisdom to ancient mysteries, or well thought metaphors describing truths which fit perfectly into the human psyche.
It's really hard to put it all into words, this living and breathing inside a troubled young woman, vacillating sometimes between endless wisdom and unbelivable stupidity, sometimes between self-sacrifice and selfishness, but always honorable and ultimately good. The other characters are searching for happiness or just trying to find themselves and their path in life, and the sibling relationships are a fabric trying to dress the intriguing world of myth and legend with the reality of survival in a mysterious and very hard to understand parallel spiritual world.
You won't be able to guess what's next, and the plot twists and turns under the alluring fascination of the Fiat Lux - there will be light in the end, and it is the light of hope. Well done!
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I found the writing very good, it really took me deeply inside the plot through feelings more than action and words. When Rom was confused - trying to understand and belive the unbelivable - it felt disjointed, like searching through a fog. And at other times, there are these clever words bringing clarity or wisdom to ancient mysteries, or well thought metaphors describing truths which fit perfectly into the human psyche.
It's really hard to put it all into words, this living and breathing inside a troubled young woman, vacillating sometimes between endless wisdom and unbelivable stupidity, sometimes between self-sacrifice and selfishness, but always honorable and ultimately good. The other characters are searching for happiness or just trying to find themselves and their path in life, and the sibling relationships are a fabric trying to dress the intriguing world of myth and legend with the reality of survival in a mysterious and very hard to understand parallel spiritual world.
You won't be able to guess what's next, and the plot twists and turns under the alluring fascination of the Fiat Lux - there will be light in the end, and it is the light of hope. Well done!
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 17, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really liked the sound of this book from its description. When I started reading it, I understood the Agatha Christie comparison, but for the most part, it just didn't work for me. I didn't really warm to or connect with any of the characters, and the story just didn't hold my attention. I didn't find any of the characters likeable and thought they were a little odd.
There was definitely a story there to be enjoyed, it just wasn't really for me.
Thank you to Booksirens and the author for a free copy to review.
I really liked the sound of this book from its description. When I started reading it, I understood the Agatha Christie comparison, but for the most part, it just didn't work for me. I didn't really warm to or connect with any of the characters, and the story just didn't hold my attention. I didn't find any of the characters likeable and thought they were a little odd.
There was definitely a story there to be enjoyed, it just wasn't really for me.
Thank you to Booksirens and the author for a free copy to review.
June 9, 2024
Egypt is swarming with archaeologists making new discoveries. Rom Andromeda (Rom) Godden just wants to finish her degree and get back into the digs. Jasper Teague ordered that his assets, library and papers be burned to the ground upon his death. To Rom, his eldest grandchild, he bequeathed his dog Pixie. Fortunately, the family decided not to follow the Last Will and Testament to the letter, as the only way to save Rom from a blood curse is to discover the truth behind her grandfather’s research.
Rare Birds is a beautifully crafted novel brimming with delightfully drawn characters, from the showy to the discreet. Rom is a somewhat dowdy, second generation suffragette, steadfastly forging her own path in a man’s field. One of the more ‘real’ FMC I’ve read in a while. Unappreciated and underplayed, akin to the women in archaeology she was no doubt modelled on (if you’re interested Amelia Edwards, Kate Bradbury-Griffith, Lady Hester Stanhope). The counterpoint to Rom, our MMC, is “[the] Darkest Bright. The opposite of a star, …. Or a star turned inside out, a poisonous constellation. A falling sky-full. Life in death, end, beginning.” Also known as Mr. Prideaux. Just when I thought I had him pegged, he slipped away again. Points to note: the fae are not friendly and not all Gods (if any) are good.
Hazelthorn anchors the characters in the economic, political and socio-cultural aftermath of WWI, through circumstance (influenza pandemic, Lord Caravan’s Mummy Curse), characterisation (The Bear), and costume. Over this scene they layer fae-lore and contracts, “a random sting of fate”, and the Gods.
These layers add an enormous amount of detail to the novel, ultimately detracting from the pace and tension expected in the murder mystery genre. I found it difficult to give my full attention to Rare Birds until I was maybe 40% through the story. Despite this, superb dialogue (e.g. “The things you know could be engraved in 24-point Baskerville on the back of a penny.’) and reported exchanges throughout kept me cheering for my favourite characters.
Try this book if you liked Murder Your Employer: The McMasters Guide to Homicide. There's a touch of Agatha Christie too (with Gods and Fae). Just take it out for a whirl. It's definitely worth it!
One final note: a few of the birds fluff their feathers at appropriate intervals, expect FF, MM, FM. Spice level: 2
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Rare Birds is a beautifully crafted novel brimming with delightfully drawn characters, from the showy to the discreet. Rom is a somewhat dowdy, second generation suffragette, steadfastly forging her own path in a man’s field. One of the more ‘real’ FMC I’ve read in a while. Unappreciated and underplayed, akin to the women in archaeology she was no doubt modelled on (if you’re interested Amelia Edwards, Kate Bradbury-Griffith, Lady Hester Stanhope). The counterpoint to Rom, our MMC, is “[the] Darkest Bright. The opposite of a star, …. Or a star turned inside out, a poisonous constellation. A falling sky-full. Life in death, end, beginning.” Also known as Mr. Prideaux. Just when I thought I had him pegged, he slipped away again. Points to note: the fae are not friendly and not all Gods (if any) are good.
Hazelthorn anchors the characters in the economic, political and socio-cultural aftermath of WWI, through circumstance (influenza pandemic, Lord Caravan’s Mummy Curse), characterisation (The Bear), and costume. Over this scene they layer fae-lore and contracts, “a random sting of fate”, and the Gods.
The gods walked between the animal world and human forms, fluid as the Nile. Just as simple to believe in a hundred gods as one, if you’re going to believe in something, and even the Greeks—who questioned all things seen and unseen, space and time and existence—they sat down to eat, and bowed their heads to the household shrine. You have to believe something, even if it’s only for a moment.
These layers add an enormous amount of detail to the novel, ultimately detracting from the pace and tension expected in the murder mystery genre. I found it difficult to give my full attention to Rare Birds until I was maybe 40% through the story. Despite this, superb dialogue (e.g. “The things you know could be engraved in 24-point Baskerville on the back of a penny.’) and reported exchanges throughout kept me cheering for my favourite characters.
He spoke like a clean incision, an inflection that might have been French and might have been mockery. He returned to his work. It wasn’t that he didn’t have anything to say, she realised. He simply had nothing to say to her.
Try this book if you liked Murder Your Employer: The McMasters Guide to Homicide. There's a touch of Agatha Christie too (with Gods and Fae). Just take it out for a whirl. It's definitely worth it!
One final note: a few of the birds fluff their feathers at appropriate intervals, expect FF, MM, FM. Spice level: 2
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 10, 2024
Rare Birds is a good read for those looking for an adventurous, fantastical, and historical mystery. It had many twists and turns, as well as layers. The story follows Rom and her crew, with our story fully beginning after a strange incident involving Rom's dog, Pixie. The story goes full speed ahead from there. I struggled to follow what was happening in the first chapter and at a few other points in the book, but managed to catch enough to continue following the story. I also got a few of the characters confused a bit based on their frequency and how they were being referred to, but again, I was generally able to figure it out. Overall, I would say this book is a solid read and look forward to more titles that may come from the author!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 24, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book confuses me. I really enjoyed it, but at the same time it almost sent me into a reading slump. I loved the characters but couldn't quite figure out the nature of some of the relationships, specifically between romantic and platonic relationships. Now as an avid hater of random pregnancies in books (especially if they are irrelevant to the plot like in this case) I had to deduct some points from the book.
I'm still not entirely sure what the plot was, but the vibes were good, and I really enjoyed it as ancient history nerd. I was confused about the way it concluded, but I had fun. I believe this book is the first in a series which may explain my confusion about some things, but at the same time I don't think I will be continuing the series .
It was a good book and the vibes were immaculate, but I don't think I would fully be able to explain to anyone any of what happened.
This book confuses me. I really enjoyed it, but at the same time it almost sent me into a reading slump. I loved the characters but couldn't quite figure out the nature of some of the relationships, specifically between romantic and platonic relationships. Now as an avid hater of random pregnancies in books (especially if they are irrelevant to the plot like in this case) I had to deduct some points from the book.
I'm still not entirely sure what the plot was, but the vibes were good, and I really enjoyed it as ancient history nerd. I was confused about the way it concluded, but I had fun. I believe this book is the first in a series which may explain my confusion about some things, but at the same time I don't think I will be continuing the series .
It was a good book and the vibes were immaculate, but I don't think I would fully be able to explain to anyone any of what happened.
May 10, 2024
A rather strange book that I found at times hard to follow but given its other worldly theme showing the author has a wonderful imagination. The characters are completely individual and descriptive, and we soon fall into some kind of comradeship with them. I especially loved the archaeology and its relevance to the story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 19, 2024
I found Rare Birds to be a frustrating read. It started off with a lot of set up and by page 50, I still was unsure what the plot was going to be.
The main character, Rom, was not my favourite character (her nephew, Morgan was), and despite all of the backstory and set up at the beginning, I didn't find her to be fully formed as a personality. I was mostly distracted by her friend/roommate, who seemed to have more personality than Rom.
I was initially intrigued by the setting; 1920's London; the new age of flappers, influenced by the suffrage movement, but yet none of this setting actually seemed to influence the story at all and I started to think that this story could be told in any time period.
The story jumps scenes without any indication or advance warning, just suddenly you're in a lecture hall, and I found myself saying 'Wait, what?' and flipping back a page to see if I'd missed the reason why we were in a lecture hall, but it didn't matter because soon we were somewhere else.
I think that because there wasn't anything about Rom that I liked, I didn't feel any attachment to her and found it difficult to care about her investigation. I couldn't connect with mostly anyone involved and despite some of the more exciting scenes, I found it a bit of a bore.
I think that with so many pages devoted to set up, most of that could have been better utilised connecting me to the main character and making her more endearing, believable and three-dimensional. Looking back, it feels like those were wasted pages.
This book, which I had initially thought would be right up my alley, ended up not being the book for me. I'm sure others will find it interesting, but I'm afraid I wasn't satisfied. I hope that reading this intrigues you that you find the story interesting enough to invest the time, because it really is a good story behind it all.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
The main character, Rom, was not my favourite character (her nephew, Morgan was), and despite all of the backstory and set up at the beginning, I didn't find her to be fully formed as a personality. I was mostly distracted by her friend/roommate, who seemed to have more personality than Rom.
I was initially intrigued by the setting; 1920's London; the new age of flappers, influenced by the suffrage movement, but yet none of this setting actually seemed to influence the story at all and I started to think that this story could be told in any time period.
The story jumps scenes without any indication or advance warning, just suddenly you're in a lecture hall, and I found myself saying 'Wait, what?' and flipping back a page to see if I'd missed the reason why we were in a lecture hall, but it didn't matter because soon we were somewhere else.
I think that because there wasn't anything about Rom that I liked, I didn't feel any attachment to her and found it difficult to care about her investigation. I couldn't connect with mostly anyone involved and despite some of the more exciting scenes, I found it a bit of a bore.
I think that with so many pages devoted to set up, most of that could have been better utilised connecting me to the main character and making her more endearing, believable and three-dimensional. Looking back, it feels like those were wasted pages.
This book, which I had initially thought would be right up my alley, ended up not being the book for me. I'm sure others will find it interesting, but I'm afraid I wasn't satisfied. I hope that reading this intrigues you that you find the story interesting enough to invest the time, because it really is a good story behind it all.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
April 6, 2024
A thrilling jaunt through 1920s Britain, weaving dark monstrous fantasy into history brimming with life and turmoil in equal measure.
Rom Godden, an archaeology student, is a very sympathetic character, caught up in her family's secrets and the unnerving truth of her reality: gods and monsters are real, and they have a chilling connection to her.
The plot is rich and exciting, taking you deeper and deeper into this fantastical world steeped in mythology, science, and philosophy. The more Rom and her family and friends get tangled in it, however, the steeper the price becomes.
The only downside to Rare Birds is its narration. Overall, the book is well-written in a creative style, but this sometimes makes passages tricky to understand. Dialogues are affected, too, as lines of reasoning become muddled in what seems to be an effort to sound natural and contemporary.
So, while I really enjoyed the story and its characters as a whole, I found it difficult to immerse myself and feel invested in everyone's fate. Regardless, I'd keep reading the series for its vibrant themes and messages.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Rom Godden, an archaeology student, is a very sympathetic character, caught up in her family's secrets and the unnerving truth of her reality: gods and monsters are real, and they have a chilling connection to her.
The plot is rich and exciting, taking you deeper and deeper into this fantastical world steeped in mythology, science, and philosophy. The more Rom and her family and friends get tangled in it, however, the steeper the price becomes.
The only downside to Rare Birds is its narration. Overall, the book is well-written in a creative style, but this sometimes makes passages tricky to understand. Dialogues are affected, too, as lines of reasoning become muddled in what seems to be an effort to sound natural and contemporary.
So, while I really enjoyed the story and its characters as a whole, I found it difficult to immerse myself and feel invested in everyone's fate. Regardless, I'd keep reading the series for its vibrant themes and messages.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 16, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I have mixed feelings about this book. At one hand, I really loved the concept and the worldbuilding, shifters and the way magic functioned in this book was so interesting, so it made me sad that I simply couldn't get myself into the book. Especially the first half made me feel almost frustrated, because the pacing just wasn't satisfying for me. I liked some of the characters, mainly Morgan and Prideaux, but overall felt that they were not fleshed out enough for me to connect with them. The second half of the book was in my opinion better, but still left me a bit dissapointed. I can't say it was a bad book, because there were definitely parts I liked, but I just wasn't enjoying reading it that much.
I have mixed feelings about this book. At one hand, I really loved the concept and the worldbuilding, shifters and the way magic functioned in this book was so interesting, so it made me sad that I simply couldn't get myself into the book. Especially the first half made me feel almost frustrated, because the pacing just wasn't satisfying for me. I liked some of the characters, mainly Morgan and Prideaux, but overall felt that they were not fleshed out enough for me to connect with them. The second half of the book was in my opinion better, but still left me a bit dissapointed. I can't say it was a bad book, because there were definitely parts I liked, but I just wasn't enjoying reading it that much.
April 14, 2024
I received this DRC from Book Sirens.
This was ok, not great. It just seemed like a lot of characters were introduced and then would disappear. Or if they stayed, they just seemed flat. The relationships between the characters also felt flat. One of the twists at the end was odd, but I guess didn't ultimately matter. I also just didn't like the way the little brother was used. He seemed like the only one that knew anything, but was only brought into the story when the plot needed to be pushed forward. Maybe there were just too many ideas included which made it so too much time was used in explaining them rather than building characters and intrigue.
This was ok, not great. It just seemed like a lot of characters were introduced and then would disappear. Or if they stayed, they just seemed flat. The relationships between the characters also felt flat. One of the twists at the end was odd, but I guess didn't ultimately matter. I also just didn't like the way the little brother was used. He seemed like the only one that knew anything, but was only brought into the story when the plot needed to be pushed forward. Maybe there were just too many ideas included which made it so too much time was used in explaining them rather than building characters and intrigue.
April 3, 2024
It's not every day books deliver what was promised.
This one did.
We meet Rom Godden in 1920s London, who longs to get away until her family legacy is uncovered.
Along with her friend, Rom joins forces with her skeptical brother to navigate an underworld of shapeshifters and blood magic.
One wrong choice could threaten everyone she loves, and Rom has to bargain for her freedom as she confronts the truth of her life.
Rare Birds is an atmospheric debut fantasy bubbling with dangerous alliances and intricate deception.
This one did.
We meet Rom Godden in 1920s London, who longs to get away until her family legacy is uncovered.
Along with her friend, Rom joins forces with her skeptical brother to navigate an underworld of shapeshifters and blood magic.
One wrong choice could threaten everyone she loves, and Rom has to bargain for her freedom as she confronts the truth of her life.
Rare Birds is an atmospheric debut fantasy bubbling with dangerous alliances and intricate deception.
April 6, 2024
Jazz Age meets the sinister world of demons. Interesting book but not my cup of tea. I found that much of the story was confusing and difficult to follow. However, the writing is well done and contains a very interesting mix of characters. While I was looking forward to this book, I can’t say I enjoyed it.
My ARC was provided by BookSirens and the publisher, the opinions expressed herein are strictly my own.
My ARC was provided by BookSirens and the publisher, the opinions expressed herein are strictly my own.
April 3, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1920s London Rom godden is an archaeology student.
When her dog saves her from a snake attack whom she inherited from her grandfather, things become strange.
Rom starts to investigate her grandfather and uncovers a legacy she wasn't expecting, a blood curse.
Full of myths, monsters, and fantasy.
1920s London Rom godden is an archaeology student.
When her dog saves her from a snake attack whom she inherited from her grandfather, things become strange.
Rom starts to investigate her grandfather and uncovers a legacy she wasn't expecting, a blood curse.
Full of myths, monsters, and fantasy.
Want to read
March 15, 2024"Alchemy meets Agatha Christie in this dazzling Jazz Age fantasy when an archaeology student faces myth and monsters to protect her family and break a blood curse"
say less!
say less!
June 18, 2024
Oh god, this book. THIS BOOK. I have so many thoughts. Review to come!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews