Best-Selling Author’s Novel Ranked ‘Most Read Book’ in United States

A new romantasy novel has quickly become one of the most sought-after reads in the country.

Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry has earned the title of the most-read book in the United States on Goodreads this week, according to user data, an impressive feat for a sequel that’s only just arrived.

Released on April 7, the novel is already a New York Times bestseller, signaling major momentum among readers. It also marks the second installment in Perry’s bestselling Shield of Sparrows series, continuing a story that has quickly built a devoted fanbase.

Described as an epic, heart-pounding follow-up, Rites of the Starling expands its fantasy world with higher stakes, deeper emotion and a sweeping sense of adventure. The story follows a princess navigating a cursed realm in search of the truth about her family only to discover that her journey is tied to the fate of a lost warrior.

As the five kingdoms of Calandra stand on the brink of destruction, a looming migration threatens to upend everything. In the aftermath of a devastating attack, the heroine finds herself separated from the man she loves, alone in a dangerous world filled with monsters, uncertainty and betrayal. Along the way, she is pushed to her limits: kidnapped, hunted and forced to protect a young girl depending on her survival.

But what begins as a desperate fight to endure soon becomes something more. As secrets unravel and her strength is tested, she is faced with impossible expectations—queen, spy, sacrifice—and must decide who she is willing to become. In a story where love, danger and magic collide, her choices could determine not only her fate, but the future of an entire realm.

“The characters in each book are always the driving force behind the story,” Perry told Publisher’s Weekly in 2024. “But I love to make each book in a series unique, whether that’s by adding an element of mystery or various tropes. I love writing a series of interconnected standalone books so I can revisit past characters while at the same time keeping the storylines fresh and different.”

With its blend of romance, high-stakes fantasy and emotional depth, Rites of the Starling is already striking a chord with readers. Perry has already taken to social media to announce the third book in the series.

“Shield of Sparrows #3 is coming March 9th, 2027!” she wrote on Instagram. “This date marks my 10 year publishing anniversary, and when Red Tower tossed it out as a potential release date, I said YES! I can’t think of a better way to celebrate 10 years of books than with the conclusion of this trilogy and Odessa’s story.”

Its rapid rise on Goodreads and the bestseller list suggests it’s not just a hit, but one of the defining books of the moment.

Related: Best-Selling Author’s Hit Novel Ranked Among ‘Best Books of the Decade’ on Goodreads