Starlings by Amanda Linsmeier: Review

Starlings is a wonderful fantasy, leaning into all the fantastic tropes that Young Adult fantasy/horror is best known for. It’s set in the mystical town of Rosemont, a beautiful yet sinister location. Our protagonist, Kit, goes to Rosemont to visit her grandmother, whom she believed was dead for most of her life, until letters begin arriving after her father’s passing.

From the get-go, this novel embraces foreshadowing and symbolism to really hook the reader instantly. With a dark mystery at its centre, we are also exposed to the themes of family, of legacy and of identity. It’s a beautiful story to connect to as a young person, but still allows the escapism and disconnect from reality we all crave from fantasy fiction. The town of Rosemont is a perfectly disconcerting location to set such a twisting story. Kit’s understanding of her family, and the forces which have shaped this strange town, begin to shift as the story progresses, as does a reader’s perception of the outward normalcy of Rosemont. Whilst leaning into the conventions of fantasy and folk horror, the novel is still genre-bending, and keeps us engaged with the characters who are so naturally and entrancingly developed.

The explorations of grief keep a reader grounded and connected to their own sense of self throughout this dark tale. Overall, its place as a YA novel lies beyond categorical definition, and will appeal to readers of all interests.

Sarah Fitz