By the end of Starminster Book 1, Astrid had learnt that she was a Librae and had been taken away to London Overhead to the school of Starminster to await the fledging of her wings and to learn how to fly. Here in the sequel, the wings have appeared but Astrid can’t get them to work and if she doesn’t learn how to fly, she will be asked to leave Starminster. Her best friend, Pent, has not yet fledged at all.
The two flightless friends are the subject of jokes and taunts, but hope appears in the form of a competition run by the Birthday Folk, who visit London Overhead for a month each year with amazing rides, food and performances. The prize for winning the party games is their dearest wish so despite being told no students should sign up, Astrid, Pent and some of their friends do.
There are numerous twists and turns in this action-packed plot with its series of competitions, and the world of London Overhead is vibrantly described. By the end, Astrid has learnt what species of bird her wings are but she still can’t fly, although Pent has fledged and can take off. There is obviously another book coming!
Starminster: The Month of Birthdays is an excellent, imaginative fantasy series for middle grade readers and the book concludes with a list of characters and the bird species of their wings.
Reviewed by Lynne Babbage
Age Guide 8+
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Megan Hopkins is a Northern Irish writer who lives in Kent with her husband and three small and delightful rascals. She is a secondary school English teacher, reluctant cross-country supporter, and collector of succulent plants. Megan writes new worlds that overlap with our own, with its troubles and inherent, undeniable magic.
Megan has an MA in English Literature and Creative Writing from the Open University and is a member of the Sevenoaks Bookshop Writing Group. She was long-listed for WriteMentor’s Novel in Development Award 2022. Her books include the Starminster series.
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