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Hawk & Sparrow
Not yet published
Expected 1 Sep 26Sparks fly in this Gilded Age novel of mystery, magic, and romance by the author of the New York Times-bestselling Beasts of Prey.
Vesper Evans has always resented Basalton’s high society, and the sorcery that provides them with a luxurious life unimaginable to most. Orphaned as a child and rescued by the editor of The Basalton Globe, Vesper is now an ambitious reporter determined to keep her newspaper afloat.
While covering a lavish society gala, Vesper happens upon a shockingscene: the murdered body of a man she had spoken with just minutes before. Several of the powerful magical elite may want the man dead, but the primesuspect is wealthy industrialist Maximilian Kite.
Max soon makes Vesper a tempting offer: Find the culprit and restore his reputation in exchange for a substantial fee. Despite her distaste for Max’s world, Vesper agrees—the money would save the Globe, and the story would be the scoop of a lifetime. There’s only one catch: In order for her to infiltrate society, the two must pose as a courting couple.
Their investigation takes them from the highest echelons of privilege to the seediest backstreets of Basalton. As they unearth the city’s secrets and scandals, Vesper finds herself in grave danger—while falling for one of the most infuriating, arrogant, handsome men she has ever met . . .
Vesper Evans has always resented Basalton’s high society, and the sorcery that provides them with a luxurious life unimaginable to most. Orphaned as a child and rescued by the editor of The Basalton Globe, Vesper is now an ambitious reporter determined to keep her newspaper afloat.
While covering a lavish society gala, Vesper happens upon a shockingscene: the murdered body of a man she had spoken with just minutes before. Several of the powerful magical elite may want the man dead, but the primesuspect is wealthy industrialist Maximilian Kite.
Max soon makes Vesper a tempting offer: Find the culprit and restore his reputation in exchange for a substantial fee. Despite her distaste for Max’s world, Vesper agrees—the money would save the Globe, and the story would be the scoop of a lifetime. There’s only one catch: In order for her to infiltrate society, the two must pose as a courting couple.
Their investigation takes them from the highest echelons of privilege to the seediest backstreets of Basalton. As they unearth the city’s secrets and scandals, Vesper finds herself in grave danger—while falling for one of the most infuriating, arrogant, handsome men she has ever met . . .
352 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication September 1, 2026
About the author
Ayana Gray
6 books2,634 followersAyana Gray is a New York Times-bestselling author of speculative fiction. Her works have been translated in eleven languages across five continents. She currently lives in Arkansas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
May 1, 2026
This was an intriguing and engaging mystery with fantasy elements about power, finding your path, love, and breaking societal norms. Hawk & Sparrow follows Vesper, a reporter in the Gilded Age covering a gala when an inventer of a magical machine is murdered. Vesper makes a deal with Max, a suspect and if she helps clear his name he will give her money. What will happen next?
Thoughts
The pacing was a bit slow in the beginning, but it quickly picked up and I became immersed in this Gilded Age mystery. I loved that this book was a blend of mystery and historical fantasy, it added intrigue to the story. The plot was very interesting and I found myself trying to solve the mystery along with the characters. I had a few theories about who the culprit was, but honestly I was shocked by who it was. There were also some other shocking plot twists that kept me at the edge of my seat. The sorcery magic was very unique and interesting, such as bringing flowers to life, and floating Although I wished the magic was explained in more detail. I enjoyed Gilded Age setting and the descriptions of the clothes and city. The writing was witty, descriptive and flowed well. I appreciated how the author blended important topics in the story without distracting from the plot such as feminism, societal norms, misogyny, and classism. The ending was shocking and exciting. I'm glad most parts of the mystery were resolved, but there was one aspect that was left open.
Characters
I loved Vesper, she was ambitious, smart, brave, hardworking, and determined. Vesper's character development was great, she became more sure of herself throughout the book and opened up to another person. I loved that Vesper didn't give up on the mystery and was determined to find out what happened. I adored Max as well, he was sweet, charming, witty, funny, and brave. Max's character development was excellent, he showed all sides of himself to Vesper. There were several sweet moments between Vesper and Max that warmed my heart. The side characters were intriguing and mysterious such as Ada, Bess, and Richard.
Romance
The romance was great, I loved that it was a subplot but I was also super invested in it. The slow-burn romance was amazing, I'm so glad it took the characters a while to fall for each other. The tension and chemistry was also excellent! I loved the banter between the main characters it made me laugh and smile. I enjoyed that the Max and Vesper understood each other and a great deal in common. The romance was relatable and realistic, which made me enjoy it even more.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a blend of historical fantasy and mystery, great characters and unique magic.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!!
Thoughts
The pacing was a bit slow in the beginning, but it quickly picked up and I became immersed in this Gilded Age mystery. I loved that this book was a blend of mystery and historical fantasy, it added intrigue to the story. The plot was very interesting and I found myself trying to solve the mystery along with the characters. I had a few theories about who the culprit was, but honestly I was shocked by who it was. There were also some other shocking plot twists that kept me at the edge of my seat. The sorcery magic was very unique and interesting, such as bringing flowers to life, and floating Although I wished the magic was explained in more detail. I enjoyed Gilded Age setting and the descriptions of the clothes and city. The writing was witty, descriptive and flowed well. I appreciated how the author blended important topics in the story without distracting from the plot such as feminism, societal norms, misogyny, and classism. The ending was shocking and exciting. I'm glad most parts of the mystery were resolved, but there was one aspect that was left open.
Characters
I loved Vesper, she was ambitious, smart, brave, hardworking, and determined. Vesper's character development was great, she became more sure of herself throughout the book and opened up to another person. I loved that Vesper didn't give up on the mystery and was determined to find out what happened. I adored Max as well, he was sweet, charming, witty, funny, and brave. Max's character development was excellent, he showed all sides of himself to Vesper. There were several sweet moments between Vesper and Max that warmed my heart. The side characters were intriguing and mysterious such as Ada, Bess, and Richard.
Romance
The romance was great, I loved that it was a subplot but I was also super invested in it. The slow-burn romance was amazing, I'm so glad it took the characters a while to fall for each other. The tension and chemistry was also excellent! I loved the banter between the main characters it made me laugh and smile. I enjoyed that the Max and Vesper understood each other and a great deal in common. The romance was relatable and realistic, which made me enjoy it even more.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a blend of historical fantasy and mystery, great characters and unique magic.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!!
March 8, 2026
This adventurous romp through a magical Gilded Age society perfectly pairs a brilliantly twisted mystery with the sweetest of romances. I was captivated and wholly smitten!
remind-me-once-out
February 13, 2026I'm a simple girl, I read the words 'Gilded Age' with mystery and magic, and I'm in.
+ the cover is stunning so that also helps.
+ the cover is stunning so that also helps.
March 7, 2026
Thank you to Ayana Gray and NetGalley for this incredible read. The first page had me hooked! Vesper is a news reporter, so we experience the world through the way she analyzes things. At the same time, we gradually get a sense of how everything works and looks, which I really loved. I immediately noticed there isn’t much world-building at the beginning, but that actually worked really well for this story and likely would have taken away from it.
The story starts off fast-paced, and the mystery kicks in not long after. I really enjoyed the writing style as it’s more straightforward, but it works so well for the story. Vesper is such a unique character with a compelling backstory, a no-nonsense attitude (but not obnoxious), and a big heart, which completely won me over, she deserves the world! She’s also a strong young woman who fights for what she wants while still showing how much she cares, and that really pays off throughout the story.
And Max… he was just perfect, and perfect for Vesper. He’s also a character with depth, a lot of heart, and he genuinely tries to understand Vesper. I love MMCs who show their softer side early on, and he just got her. The side characters are minimal, but they add to the story and help tie everything together. Tom and Ida were my favorites.
It was such a lovely read, cozy but fast-paced, with a murder mystery and magic. I mean, could it get any better? Easily one of my favorite reads of 2026!
The story starts off fast-paced, and the mystery kicks in not long after. I really enjoyed the writing style as it’s more straightforward, but it works so well for the story. Vesper is such a unique character with a compelling backstory, a no-nonsense attitude (but not obnoxious), and a big heart, which completely won me over, she deserves the world! She’s also a strong young woman who fights for what she wants while still showing how much she cares, and that really pays off throughout the story.
And Max… he was just perfect, and perfect for Vesper. He’s also a character with depth, a lot of heart, and he genuinely tries to understand Vesper. I love MMCs who show their softer side early on, and he just got her. The side characters are minimal, but they add to the story and help tie everything together. Tom and Ida were my favorites.
It was such a lovely read, cozy but fast-paced, with a murder mystery and magic. I mean, could it get any better? Easily one of my favorite reads of 2026!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved this book.
I’m not usually a big historical reader, but lately I’ve been slowly getting into it and this book worked really well for me.
The story is set in the late 1800s and mixes mystery, magic, and romance and I really enjoyed how everything came together. The world building was solid and the investigation kept me fully engaged.
This was very bingeable, I read it in one go.
I loved both main characters. Vesper is strong and determined, and Max… I have to say, I really liked him. He’s not just the typical rich, arrogant guy. Yes, he has his moments, but he’s also kind, supportive and actually shows up when it matters.
The fake dating trope was done really well, and I liked how their relationship developed. It wasn’t rushed, they went from reluctant partners, to friends aaand to something more.
Even though the mystery takes the lead, the romance builds nicely in the background.
Also, I appreciated how mature both characters felt, especially considering their age. My only complaint is that... maybe a bit more magic would've been nice.
The ending was satisfying, and overall this was just such an enjoyable read.
⭐ 5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan for the ARC.
I’m not usually a big historical reader, but lately I’ve been slowly getting into it and this book worked really well for me.
The story is set in the late 1800s and mixes mystery, magic, and romance and I really enjoyed how everything came together. The world building was solid and the investigation kept me fully engaged.
This was very bingeable, I read it in one go.
I loved both main characters. Vesper is strong and determined, and Max… I have to say, I really liked him. He’s not just the typical rich, arrogant guy. Yes, he has his moments, but he’s also kind, supportive and actually shows up when it matters.
The fake dating trope was done really well, and I liked how their relationship developed. It wasn’t rushed, they went from reluctant partners, to friends aaand to something more.
Even though the mystery takes the lead, the romance builds nicely in the background.
Also, I appreciated how mature both characters felt, especially considering their age. My only complaint is that... maybe a bit more magic would've been nice.
The ending was satisfying, and overall this was just such an enjoyable read.
⭐ 5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan for the ARC.
April 9, 2026
In a magical version of the Gilded Age, society is sharply divided between the wealthy Hawks and the poor Sparrows, who must rely on cleverness and resourcefulness just to get by. For women, the rules are even stricter. Even if you come from a rich family, your life is rarely your own. Your parents decide whom you’ll marry, and once you do, your husband takes control of your entire fortune. You’re essentially a bird in a golden cage.
Hawk and Sparrow by Aryana Gray is an engaging historical fantasy mystery with subtle magic woven into the background. The story explores the limited choices available to women of that era, especially the tension between privilege and powerlessness. The contrast between the luxurious lives of the Hawks and the harsh reality faced by the Sparrows creates a vivid and compelling setting.
I enjoyed the atmospheric world building and the way magic quietly enhances the intrigue without overpowering the plot. The central question: what a woman might do to break free from societal expectations? It gives the story real depth.
I particularly grew very fond of the main heroine- Vesper Evans. I only wish we had gotten to know her past a little better. The author does interweave short paragraphs about her life every few chapters, but I still felt it wasn’t quite enough. The same goes for Max. Both characters could have gained even more depth and vividness if we had been given a deeper look into their backstories.
Overall, it’s a solid and entertaining read that blends mystery, fantasy, and social commentary in a very enjoyable way. Thank you for the free ARC.
Hawk and Sparrow by Aryana Gray is an engaging historical fantasy mystery with subtle magic woven into the background. The story explores the limited choices available to women of that era, especially the tension between privilege and powerlessness. The contrast between the luxurious lives of the Hawks and the harsh reality faced by the Sparrows creates a vivid and compelling setting.
I enjoyed the atmospheric world building and the way magic quietly enhances the intrigue without overpowering the plot. The central question: what a woman might do to break free from societal expectations? It gives the story real depth.
I particularly grew very fond of the main heroine- Vesper Evans. I only wish we had gotten to know her past a little better. The author does interweave short paragraphs about her life every few chapters, but I still felt it wasn’t quite enough. The same goes for Max. Both characters could have gained even more depth and vividness if we had been given a deeper look into their backstories.
Overall, it’s a solid and entertaining read that blends mystery, fantasy, and social commentary in a very enjoyable way. Thank you for the free ARC.
April 10, 2026
First, i would like to thank NetGalley, Macmillan Publishing Group, and Ayana Gray for the opportunity to read and review this book early
~~~
this book was such a fun murder mystery mixed with fantasy book, and a great romance too!
in Hawk & Sparrow, we follow Vesper Evans, a journalist and reporter for her town’s local newspaper. One evening as she’s trying to conduct some interviews, a murder takes place!! and one of the key suspects, a wealthy young businessman & sorcerer named Maximilian Kite, secretly hires Vesper to find the real murderer and clear his name. but as the two chase clues and dead ends all over town as they pretend to court each other within high society, will they be able to resist their budding attraction and focus on clearing Max’s name?
i think this was a fun and quick read that entertained me from the start. Vesper is a woman in a man’s profession, trying to survive in the male-dominated world of the late 1800s. she first finds Maximilian to be insufferable, but she quickly realizes that despite his copious amounts of wealth, the two are more alike that they may seem. and Max! a true gentleman that i enjoyed right from the start of their partnership, and he definitely had me swooning by the end.
i also liked that the sorcery & magic in this world was subtle. sometimes i forgot this book had any fantasy elements in it, but i enjoyed the novel all the same. i’m glad to have had the chance to read it early, and i definitely recommend this if you want a quick read that just might keep you on your toes.
~~~
this book was such a fun murder mystery mixed with fantasy book, and a great romance too!
in Hawk & Sparrow, we follow Vesper Evans, a journalist and reporter for her town’s local newspaper. One evening as she’s trying to conduct some interviews, a murder takes place!! and one of the key suspects, a wealthy young businessman & sorcerer named Maximilian Kite, secretly hires Vesper to find the real murderer and clear his name. but as the two chase clues and dead ends all over town as they pretend to court each other within high society, will they be able to resist their budding attraction and focus on clearing Max’s name?
i think this was a fun and quick read that entertained me from the start. Vesper is a woman in a man’s profession, trying to survive in the male-dominated world of the late 1800s. she first finds Maximilian to be insufferable, but she quickly realizes that despite his copious amounts of wealth, the two are more alike that they may seem. and Max! a true gentleman that i enjoyed right from the start of their partnership, and he definitely had me swooning by the end.
i also liked that the sorcery & magic in this world was subtle. sometimes i forgot this book had any fantasy elements in it, but i enjoyed the novel all the same. i’m glad to have had the chance to read it early, and i definitely recommend this if you want a quick read that just might keep you on your toes.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an early ARC of Hawk and Sparrow by Ayana Gray.
Vesper is a strong, independent FMC who has endured deep loss and found a sense of belonging at the Basalton Globe. I loved her resilience and cleverness, especially in a world where women aren’t treated as equals. Max, the MMC, was also a highlight—kind, thoughtful, and easy to root for as he and Vesper work together to clear his name and solve a murder.
That said, I wanted more from the fantasy elements. The magic system had an interesting concept but wasn’t explored in enough depth. The pacing also felt uneven at times, with some repetitive sections that slowed the story down.
As this was an ARC, there were a few grammatical issues that will likely be fixed in the final version.
Overall, a compelling premise and a strong main character, even if it didn’t fully deliver in all areas for me.
✨ Tropes:
• Female detective
• Murder mystery
• Found family
• Slow-burn (ish) romance
• Class-based magic system
• Partners to lovers
• Framed for murder
Vesper is a strong, independent FMC who has endured deep loss and found a sense of belonging at the Basalton Globe. I loved her resilience and cleverness, especially in a world where women aren’t treated as equals. Max, the MMC, was also a highlight—kind, thoughtful, and easy to root for as he and Vesper work together to clear his name and solve a murder.
That said, I wanted more from the fantasy elements. The magic system had an interesting concept but wasn’t explored in enough depth. The pacing also felt uneven at times, with some repetitive sections that slowed the story down.
As this was an ARC, there were a few grammatical issues that will likely be fixed in the final version.
Overall, a compelling premise and a strong main character, even if it didn’t fully deliver in all areas for me.
✨ Tropes:
• Female detective
• Murder mystery
• Found family
• Slow-burn (ish) romance
• Class-based magic system
• Partners to lovers
• Framed for murder
March 22, 2026
I absolutely adored this book! Almost gave off a Pinkerton style vibe with period romance flare. I love the magic system and the drama this story brings. The story comes together in a very dynamic way. It is a very clear who-done-it style novel with lots of theories and possibilities woven in throughout the accidents that happen throughout.
The FMC and MMC have a relationship that you want to see come to fruition with a very slow burn, so if you’re looking for something steamy this isn’t that kind of book. You do however get hooked into their story and invested into what happens to them!
I loved the writing! It was engaging and entertaining! If you like these styles of genres/tropes - I recommend this book for sure ♥️
4.75 ⭐️
The FMC and MMC have a relationship that you want to see come to fruition with a very slow burn, so if you’re looking for something steamy this isn’t that kind of book. You do however get hooked into their story and invested into what happens to them!
I loved the writing! It was engaging and entertaining! If you like these styles of genres/tropes - I recommend this book for sure ♥️
4.75 ⭐️
May 1, 2026
This is what happens when murder mystery meets Howl’s Moving Castle. I was absolutely hooked by page one. Ayana Gray wrote a gripping and compelling book with a mix of sorcery and whodunnit. I loved the dynamic between Vesper Evans (FMC) and Maximilian Kite (MMC). Their banter, their slow burn, and their chemistry was just amazing. And that ending??? Chef’s kiss.
April 29, 2026
Overall felt unsatisfied by this book. The mystery storyline was probably the best part but felt like it dragged on and there wasn’t really much too it throughout the book. I also didn’t like the last twist at the end, it felt very unnecessary and just left more loose end which didn’t align with what I’d expect from this kind of book. The romance aspect was fine, nothing really noteworthy about it. I did feel like there were inconsistencies with the setting and societal expectations of the town. And again, a lot of loose ends not tied up which is kind of annoying.
April 5, 2026
✨ARC BOOK REVIEW✨Hawk & Sparrow by Ayana Gray
SPOILER FREE: The premise of the Hawk & Sparrow* by Ayana Gray sounded right up my alley. A newspaper reporter doing her job in a male dominated field with a murder to solve. The writing started off very strong with all of the action happening within the first 10% of the book. By the end of the book I was left more annoyed than anything. There were one too many plot holes still left to be answered.
I pre-ordered the book. I mean the book cover is gorgeous. It took me a little longer than I, Medusa*, also by Gray, to figure out the twist. Not by much though. I needed more yearning between Maximillan and Vesper. I needed more backstory about Vesper. I needed more on what made Maximillain tick.
I just needed more.
✨✨✨My spoiler filled/longer review can be found on my substack.✨✨✨
https://open.substack.com/pub/littlem...
PUBLISHER’S BOOK DESCRIPTION
Vesper Evans has always resented Basalton’s high society, and the sorcery that provides them with a luxurious life unimaginable to most. Orphaned as a child and rescued by the editor of The Basalton Globe, Vesper is now an ambitious reporter determined to keep her newspaper afloat.
While covering a lavish society gala, Vesper happens upon a shocking scene: the murdered body of a man she had spoken with just minutes before.Several of the powerful magical elite may want the man dead, but the prime suspect is wealthy industrialist Maximilian Kite.
Max soon makes Vesper a tempting offer: Find the culprit and restore his reputation in exchange for a substantial fee. Despite her distaste for Max’s world, Vesper agrees―the money would save the Globe, and the story would be the scoop of a lifetime. There’s only one catch: In order for her to infiltrate society, the two must pose as a courting couple.
Their investigation takes them from the highest echelons of privilege to the seediest backstreets of Basalton. As they unearth the city’s secrets and scandals, Vesper finds herself in grave danger―while falling for one of the most infuriating, arrogant, handsome men she has ever met…
Release Date: September 1, 2026
Thank you @netgalley for this ARC.
SPOILER FREE: The premise of the Hawk & Sparrow* by Ayana Gray sounded right up my alley. A newspaper reporter doing her job in a male dominated field with a murder to solve. The writing started off very strong with all of the action happening within the first 10% of the book. By the end of the book I was left more annoyed than anything. There were one too many plot holes still left to be answered.
I pre-ordered the book. I mean the book cover is gorgeous. It took me a little longer than I, Medusa*, also by Gray, to figure out the twist. Not by much though. I needed more yearning between Maximillan and Vesper. I needed more backstory about Vesper. I needed more on what made Maximillain tick.
I just needed more.
✨✨✨My spoiler filled/longer review can be found on my substack.✨✨✨
https://open.substack.com/pub/littlem...
PUBLISHER’S BOOK DESCRIPTION
Vesper Evans has always resented Basalton’s high society, and the sorcery that provides them with a luxurious life unimaginable to most. Orphaned as a child and rescued by the editor of The Basalton Globe, Vesper is now an ambitious reporter determined to keep her newspaper afloat.
While covering a lavish society gala, Vesper happens upon a shocking scene: the murdered body of a man she had spoken with just minutes before.Several of the powerful magical elite may want the man dead, but the prime suspect is wealthy industrialist Maximilian Kite.
Max soon makes Vesper a tempting offer: Find the culprit and restore his reputation in exchange for a substantial fee. Despite her distaste for Max’s world, Vesper agrees―the money would save the Globe, and the story would be the scoop of a lifetime. There’s only one catch: In order for her to infiltrate society, the two must pose as a courting couple.
Their investigation takes them from the highest echelons of privilege to the seediest backstreets of Basalton. As they unearth the city’s secrets and scandals, Vesper finds herself in grave danger―while falling for one of the most infuriating, arrogant, handsome men she has ever met…
Release Date: September 1, 2026
Thank you @netgalley for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rating: 3.5 stars
Ayana Gray’s Hawk & Sparrow is a cute fantasy mystery set against the backdrop of a fictional version of the Gilded Age. Our main character, Vesper, is a reporter for a newspaper, covering the invention of a magical machine, when she stumbles across the inventor’s murdered corpse. Vesper is approached by Maximillian Kite, a handsome young industrialist and sorcerer, to make sure he is not blamed for the murder. Vesper and Max must pretend to court so that they can investigate together.
This story was a lot of fun, with good twists and turns in the murder investigation and a nice build to the mystery. The mystery moves well, with a dramatic scene at our unveiling and a good conflict, and interesting clues throughout. The romance in this story is very fun but definitely a subplot, whereas the murder investigation feels like the main plot line.
The book has a lot of reflections on class and gender, which feel very appropriate for the time period. Max and Vesper are on different ends of the social spectrum and are able to learn from each other, and both have the humility to understand that their own experience is not the only one.
The magic system in this book was interesting but a little thin. Because our main character cannot practice magic herself, there are real limitations to how much we get to know about the magic system and how our character experiences it. I would be curious how deep the magic system is if we got to see it from a different character’s point of view, someone who actually successfully does magic.
The pacing of this book felt a little off, as it felt like our character had lived in the world longer than the audience of this book had experienced. There are casual references to her relationship with the police chief and the head of the newspaper that aren’t really explained, and she has a history that feels grounded but unclear. I looked the book up online to see if I had missed any previous books in the series, and I don’t think I have; I believe this is the first book from this author with this character, but I might be incorrect. Nonetheless, this book felt like there had been context to the character that I had not been given, or was given so casually it felt like an afterthought rather than intentional world building.
Also, there’s a moment that the main character is in grave peril and asks a character not to help her because they might get a bad headache. It was a deeply annoying moment that I wish had been cut from the book, but I’m still annoyed about after finishing the book.
Altogether, this is a fun historically-based fantasy mystery with a sweet romance and good plot. The mystery was engaging, as was the romance, and the characters are engaging. If you like mystery and want a little romance, this would be a fun choice.
This book was marketed as young adult, I think because of the lack of explicit content. The main character is between nineteen and twenty, as is her love interest, and both have jobs and independent homes. This book does not wrestle with the questions of identity, autonomy and belonging that are core components of young adult writing. This book should be marketed as New Adult, not young adult, both because of the subject matter and the ages of the characters. It’s also being marketed as both a fantasy and a romance, but not a mystery, which feels like it misses the contents of the book as a whole.
Thank you to Macmillan Children’s for providing this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ayana Gray’s Hawk & Sparrow is a cute fantasy mystery set against the backdrop of a fictional version of the Gilded Age. Our main character, Vesper, is a reporter for a newspaper, covering the invention of a magical machine, when she stumbles across the inventor’s murdered corpse. Vesper is approached by Maximillian Kite, a handsome young industrialist and sorcerer, to make sure he is not blamed for the murder. Vesper and Max must pretend to court so that they can investigate together.
This story was a lot of fun, with good twists and turns in the murder investigation and a nice build to the mystery. The mystery moves well, with a dramatic scene at our unveiling and a good conflict, and interesting clues throughout. The romance in this story is very fun but definitely a subplot, whereas the murder investigation feels like the main plot line.
The book has a lot of reflections on class and gender, which feel very appropriate for the time period. Max and Vesper are on different ends of the social spectrum and are able to learn from each other, and both have the humility to understand that their own experience is not the only one.
The magic system in this book was interesting but a little thin. Because our main character cannot practice magic herself, there are real limitations to how much we get to know about the magic system and how our character experiences it. I would be curious how deep the magic system is if we got to see it from a different character’s point of view, someone who actually successfully does magic.
The pacing of this book felt a little off, as it felt like our character had lived in the world longer than the audience of this book had experienced. There are casual references to her relationship with the police chief and the head of the newspaper that aren’t really explained, and she has a history that feels grounded but unclear. I looked the book up online to see if I had missed any previous books in the series, and I don’t think I have; I believe this is the first book from this author with this character, but I might be incorrect. Nonetheless, this book felt like there had been context to the character that I had not been given, or was given so casually it felt like an afterthought rather than intentional world building.
Also, there’s a moment that the main character is in grave peril and asks a character not to help her because they might get a bad headache. It was a deeply annoying moment that I wish had been cut from the book, but I’m still annoyed about after finishing the book.
Altogether, this is a fun historically-based fantasy mystery with a sweet romance and good plot. The mystery was engaging, as was the romance, and the characters are engaging. If you like mystery and want a little romance, this would be a fun choice.
This book was marketed as young adult, I think because of the lack of explicit content. The main character is between nineteen and twenty, as is her love interest, and both have jobs and independent homes. This book does not wrestle with the questions of identity, autonomy and belonging that are core components of young adult writing. This book should be marketed as New Adult, not young adult, both because of the subject matter and the ages of the characters. It’s also being marketed as both a fantasy and a romance, but not a mystery, which feels like it misses the contents of the book as a whole.
Thank you to Macmillan Children’s for providing this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
We love some not-so-subtle generative AI commentary in our Gilded Age fantasy/mystery novels.
Hawk & Sparrow is a YA fantasy murder mystery set in a Gilded Age-esque setting that follows a young reporter on her journey to uncover the truth. As of now, it is a standalone, but I think it has the potential to be expanded in the future. I picked this up because I love a good fantasy mystery, but I was quickly entranced not only by the stories and characters but also by how much commentary is packed into this book. There's a lot of discussion of gender roles, but there's also talk of classism, poverty, and what I interpreted to be a critique of generative AI. It reminded me a lot of Sorcery of Thorns, both in the way the characters interact and the world.
After journalist Vesper Evans stumbles across the body of brilliant inventor Francis Galdwell at a gala meant to display his newest invention, she gets roped into acting as a private investigator for Maximilian Kite, a sorcerer who will likely be the prime suspect for the case. The plot keeps a steady pace in its pursuit of the various case leads, though there are also plenty of scenes exploring high society life and Vesper's work as a journalist. The stakes are fairly high throughout as well, though I will say the ending was a bit anticlimactic for me. I think I felt that way because it seems to be set up for a potential sequel, so the resolution we get is somewhat satisfying but could definitely be expanded upon. In terms of the mystery, I did call the plot twist fairly early on, but I enjoyed piecing the evidence together (half the fun is proving myself right!), and there were some other twists I didn't manage to catch. Overall, I think this works well as a standalone; it has action, intrigue, hints of magic and romance, and a mystery with incredibly steady pacing. I hope the author continues to work in this world in the future.
The character dynamics had me hooked from the beginning. I loved Vesper as our protagonist. Her journalistic abilities came in clutch on so many occasions and I just want to rant about how much I appreciate a character who is actually as clever as everyone says she is. Her observational skills were so fun to see, and I loved how she walked the line between abiding by the rules and breaking them when needed. The other lead, Maximilian, is like Anthony Lockwood from Lockwood & Co. and Nathaniel Thorn from Sorcery of Thorns. He's charming, secretive, and has a bit of a sweet tooth. Vesper and Max's interactions were incredibly entertaining, and I liked the pacing of the development of their relationship as well. The side characters exist mostly to be suspects or aides in the case, so I didn't have many strong opinions about any of them, but I didn't mind that. Vesper and Max carried the character interactions on their own.
Hawk & Sparrow is a YA fantasy murder mystery following a journalist on a mission to prove a sorcerer innocent, perfect for fans of Margaret Rogerson's Sorcery of Thorns.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!
4.25/5
Hawk & Sparrow is a YA fantasy murder mystery set in a Gilded Age-esque setting that follows a young reporter on her journey to uncover the truth. As of now, it is a standalone, but I think it has the potential to be expanded in the future. I picked this up because I love a good fantasy mystery, but I was quickly entranced not only by the stories and characters but also by how much commentary is packed into this book. There's a lot of discussion of gender roles, but there's also talk of classism, poverty, and what I interpreted to be a critique of generative AI. It reminded me a lot of Sorcery of Thorns, both in the way the characters interact and the world.
After journalist Vesper Evans stumbles across the body of brilliant inventor Francis Galdwell at a gala meant to display his newest invention, she gets roped into acting as a private investigator for Maximilian Kite, a sorcerer who will likely be the prime suspect for the case. The plot keeps a steady pace in its pursuit of the various case leads, though there are also plenty of scenes exploring high society life and Vesper's work as a journalist. The stakes are fairly high throughout as well, though I will say the ending was a bit anticlimactic for me. I think I felt that way because it seems to be set up for a potential sequel, so the resolution we get is somewhat satisfying but could definitely be expanded upon. In terms of the mystery, I did call the plot twist fairly early on, but I enjoyed piecing the evidence together (half the fun is proving myself right!), and there were some other twists I didn't manage to catch. Overall, I think this works well as a standalone; it has action, intrigue, hints of magic and romance, and a mystery with incredibly steady pacing. I hope the author continues to work in this world in the future.
The character dynamics had me hooked from the beginning. I loved Vesper as our protagonist. Her journalistic abilities came in clutch on so many occasions and I just want to rant about how much I appreciate a character who is actually as clever as everyone says she is. Her observational skills were so fun to see, and I loved how she walked the line between abiding by the rules and breaking them when needed. The other lead, Maximilian, is like Anthony Lockwood from Lockwood & Co. and Nathaniel Thorn from Sorcery of Thorns. He's charming, secretive, and has a bit of a sweet tooth. Vesper and Max's interactions were incredibly entertaining, and I liked the pacing of the development of their relationship as well. The side characters exist mostly to be suspects or aides in the case, so I didn't have many strong opinions about any of them, but I didn't mind that. Vesper and Max carried the character interactions on their own.
Hawk & Sparrow is a YA fantasy murder mystery following a journalist on a mission to prove a sorcerer innocent, perfect for fans of Margaret Rogerson's Sorcery of Thorns.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!
4.25/5
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
HAWK & SPARROW by Ayana Gray is a Young Adult Fantasy novel with a murder mystery with a setting inspired by the Gilded Age with magic and a deliciously slow burn romance, I requested this eARC because Ayana is one of my favorite Young Adult Fantasy authors. Fellow readers, it was so, so good! The world building was top notch, the magic system original, and the romance filled with banter and longing. Before I gush on, here's the setup:
In Basalton, the wealthy can afford an education in magic, and everyone else wishes they had access to it. As a reporter for the The Basalton Globe, Vesper Evans is eager to interview the inventor of a machine that might be able to give everyone access to magic, without the expensive education. Minutes after interviewing him, he turns up dead. Prime suspect number one is Maximilian Kite, the wealthy sorcerer who had the access and the means. To protect his reputation, and his business, he hires Vesper to help him investigate the murder and identify the real culprit. Desperate for funds to help save the struggling Globe which is her found family, Vesper agrees to help the handsome industrialist. On day one, she discovers that they are to pose as a courting couple in order to gain access into the elite society that is hiding secrets that could unmask the killer. Will they successfully navigate Basalton society and the seedy underbelly of the city to find the answers they need? Read this fantastic novel to find out.
What I loved most:
- Vesper Evans is a relatable, smart, caring, and compelling lead. She's been through so much, and yet her curiosity, spunk, and bravery still shine brightly. One of the best parts of this novel was learning about her and watching her transformational journey unfold
- Max Kite, you heartthrob you. From the moment Vesper met him, I was hooked and intrigued. He has facets, and lots of them. Like Vesper, he's been through a lot, and it's wonderful to read Vesper help him see past his past and his current struggles and envision a life that's better than he ever expected.
- I'm someone who loves historic settings, and this book delivers with its Gilded Age-like setting. The pluses (the way people dress, Max's mansion, for example), and the minuses (the sexism, the desperate poverty, for example) of Basalton are compelling and made for excellent world-building.
- Speaking of world building, I really liked the magic system. It's original, not heavy-handed, and there's a cost to magic. I noted some commentary on AI, and it's potential to perhaps replace artists like writers, and I like how it was done. Not heavy-handed, but it was there.
- I'm a sucker for a fake dating trope, and the romance in this novel delivered. There are so many scenes with banter between Vesper and Max, and the topic he keeps trying to bring up is at last out in the open......it's just so romantic. Swoon-worthy.
- The mystery's twists and turns kept the pace of this novel appropriately quick. Combined with everything else, it made this novel fly by for me.
- A special call-out to the fully-formed and awesome secondary characters in the novel: Ada, Bess, Tom, for example.
What didn't work:
- I couldn't think of anything. It all worked so well for me. Bravo!
HAWK & SPARROW is a well-paced, creative, fun, and well-written read brimming with mystery, romance, and danger, with a strong cast of characters and phenomenal setting. I highly recommend it. Run, don't walk, to purchase this fantastic novel!
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Balzer + Bray for providing me with an eARC of this book for my honest feedback.
In Basalton, the wealthy can afford an education in magic, and everyone else wishes they had access to it. As a reporter for the The Basalton Globe, Vesper Evans is eager to interview the inventor of a machine that might be able to give everyone access to magic, without the expensive education. Minutes after interviewing him, he turns up dead. Prime suspect number one is Maximilian Kite, the wealthy sorcerer who had the access and the means. To protect his reputation, and his business, he hires Vesper to help him investigate the murder and identify the real culprit. Desperate for funds to help save the struggling Globe which is her found family, Vesper agrees to help the handsome industrialist. On day one, she discovers that they are to pose as a courting couple in order to gain access into the elite society that is hiding secrets that could unmask the killer. Will they successfully navigate Basalton society and the seedy underbelly of the city to find the answers they need? Read this fantastic novel to find out.
What I loved most:
- Vesper Evans is a relatable, smart, caring, and compelling lead. She's been through so much, and yet her curiosity, spunk, and bravery still shine brightly. One of the best parts of this novel was learning about her and watching her transformational journey unfold
- Max Kite, you heartthrob you. From the moment Vesper met him, I was hooked and intrigued. He has facets, and lots of them. Like Vesper, he's been through a lot, and it's wonderful to read Vesper help him see past his past and his current struggles and envision a life that's better than he ever expected.
- I'm someone who loves historic settings, and this book delivers with its Gilded Age-like setting. The pluses (the way people dress, Max's mansion, for example), and the minuses (the sexism, the desperate poverty, for example) of Basalton are compelling and made for excellent world-building.
- Speaking of world building, I really liked the magic system. It's original, not heavy-handed, and there's a cost to magic. I noted some commentary on AI, and it's potential to perhaps replace artists like writers, and I like how it was done. Not heavy-handed, but it was there.
- I'm a sucker for a fake dating trope, and the romance in this novel delivered. There are so many scenes with banter between Vesper and Max, and the topic he keeps trying to bring up is at last out in the open......it's just so romantic. Swoon-worthy.
- The mystery's twists and turns kept the pace of this novel appropriately quick. Combined with everything else, it made this novel fly by for me.
- A special call-out to the fully-formed and awesome secondary characters in the novel: Ada, Bess, Tom, for example.
What didn't work:
- I couldn't think of anything. It all worked so well for me. Bravo!
HAWK & SPARROW is a well-paced, creative, fun, and well-written read brimming with mystery, romance, and danger, with a strong cast of characters and phenomenal setting. I highly recommend it. Run, don't walk, to purchase this fantastic novel!
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Balzer + Bray for providing me with an eARC of this book for my honest feedback.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.5 stars, and thank you PanMacMillan Export for my very shiny advanced reading copy!
I flew through this book. That's worth saying upfront, because it means something.
Hawk & Sparrow follows Vesper, a young journalist with no money and a lot of nerve, and Maximilian, the heir to a long line of wealthy sorcerers, who could very well be accused of murder. He needs someone to help clear his name. He needs someone to help clear his name. She needs the money to save her newspaper from closing. They make an unlikely team, and Ayana Gray makes it work with a great deal of charm.
The world Gray builds sits somewhere between an industrial revolution and a fantasy novel, with magic reserved for a privileged few, and all the class tensions you'd expect from that kind of setup. Women's rights are limited, the working class is exploited, and wealth protects the people it shouldn't. It's not a subtle backdrop, but it's an effective one, and it gives the story stakes beyond the central mystery.
Vesper and Max are genuinely likeable, which matters more than it sounds. Vesper is sharp, resourceful, and big-hearted in a way that never tips into naivety. Max is charming and more empathetic than his upbringing has any right to have made him. I rooted for both of them, and I rooted for them together. The opposites-attract dynamic is as old as the genre, but Gray handles it with enough freshness that I didn't mind.
The mystery itself kept me turning pages, even when I'd already guessed where it was going. And that's my main frustration: some of the plot twists were visible from some distance, and watching the characters miss them for longer than felt reasonable tested my patience a little. I also wished the magic system had been developed further. It's intriguing enough to make me want more, which is both a compliment and a mild complaint.
I did have to set aside one nagging question: why would Maximilian, with all his resources, hire a young journalist he'd just met rather than, say, a private investigator? The story never quite answers that convincingly. If you can make peace with it, and I largely did, the rest carries you through.
This is YA, clearly and unapologetically. The writing is fresh, occasionally candid in a way that suits the characters, and there's no attempt to be darker or more complex than the story needs to be. Sometimes that's exactly what you want.
I flew through this book. That's worth saying upfront, because it means something.
Hawk & Sparrow follows Vesper, a young journalist with no money and a lot of nerve, and Maximilian, the heir to a long line of wealthy sorcerers, who could very well be accused of murder. He needs someone to help clear his name. He needs someone to help clear his name. She needs the money to save her newspaper from closing. They make an unlikely team, and Ayana Gray makes it work with a great deal of charm.
The world Gray builds sits somewhere between an industrial revolution and a fantasy novel, with magic reserved for a privileged few, and all the class tensions you'd expect from that kind of setup. Women's rights are limited, the working class is exploited, and wealth protects the people it shouldn't. It's not a subtle backdrop, but it's an effective one, and it gives the story stakes beyond the central mystery.
Vesper and Max are genuinely likeable, which matters more than it sounds. Vesper is sharp, resourceful, and big-hearted in a way that never tips into naivety. Max is charming and more empathetic than his upbringing has any right to have made him. I rooted for both of them, and I rooted for them together. The opposites-attract dynamic is as old as the genre, but Gray handles it with enough freshness that I didn't mind.
The mystery itself kept me turning pages, even when I'd already guessed where it was going. And that's my main frustration: some of the plot twists were visible from some distance, and watching the characters miss them for longer than felt reasonable tested my patience a little. I also wished the magic system had been developed further. It's intriguing enough to make me want more, which is both a compliment and a mild complaint.
I did have to set aside one nagging question: why would Maximilian, with all his resources, hire a young journalist he'd just met rather than, say, a private investigator? The story never quite answers that convincingly. If you can make peace with it, and I largely did, the rest carries you through.
This is YA, clearly and unapologetically. The writing is fresh, occasionally candid in a way that suits the characters, and there's no attempt to be darker or more complex than the story needs to be. Sometimes that's exactly what you want.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for this ARC.
This was a fun murder mystery set in the Gilded Age with a touch of sorcery woven in. It follows reporter Vesper and wealthy industrialist and sorcerer Max as they search for the culprit amongst members of high society. This book definitely creates the setting of the Gilded Age with vibes of industrialism and factories, and the limited prospects afforded to women in this age. Despite this Vesper constantly works harder to overcome the challenges and discrimination she faces as a poor female reporter and shows her strong character.
I liked that the magical aspects didn't overwhelm the book and just added more intrigue (as well as another layer of class division). I would have liked to seen it more explained but it fits the perspective of Vesper who isn't a sorcerer.
I liked the murder mystery as there were multiple twists but it was understandable, letting readers solve the mystery alongside Vesper and Max. I did think that the writing was simple: a lot of commentary on topics like gender discrimination were just told outright without much discussion, and Vesper kind of walked readers through her thought process with each new clue discovery- possibly making this more suitable for younger readers. (I really liked the subtle commentary on AI- I think that was well done and more so how I would've wanted the other reflections on class and gender to be like).
I didn't feel a very strong connection to Vesper's and Max's relationship because they were more focused on solving the murder and didn't spend that much time together for the most part. I would like to think that their relationship would develop further after the end of this book. I did like some of Max's witty lines and his gifts for Vesper.
I would recommend this book to readers who want a quick and easy whodunit mystery set in the Gilded Age with only sprinkles of romance and magic.
This was a fun murder mystery set in the Gilded Age with a touch of sorcery woven in. It follows reporter Vesper and wealthy industrialist and sorcerer Max as they search for the culprit amongst members of high society. This book definitely creates the setting of the Gilded Age with vibes of industrialism and factories, and the limited prospects afforded to women in this age. Despite this Vesper constantly works harder to overcome the challenges and discrimination she faces as a poor female reporter and shows her strong character.
I liked that the magical aspects didn't overwhelm the book and just added more intrigue (as well as another layer of class division). I would have liked to seen it more explained but it fits the perspective of Vesper who isn't a sorcerer.
I liked the murder mystery as there were multiple twists but it was understandable, letting readers solve the mystery alongside Vesper and Max. I did think that the writing was simple: a lot of commentary on topics like gender discrimination were just told outright without much discussion, and Vesper kind of walked readers through her thought process with each new clue discovery- possibly making this more suitable for younger readers. (I really liked the subtle commentary on AI- I think that was well done and more so how I would've wanted the other reflections on class and gender to be like).
I didn't feel a very strong connection to Vesper's and Max's relationship because they were more focused on solving the murder and didn't spend that much time together for the most part. I would like to think that their relationship would develop further after the end of this book. I did like some of Max's witty lines and his gifts for Vesper.
I would recommend this book to readers who want a quick and easy whodunit mystery set in the Gilded Age with only sprinkles of romance and magic.
March 25, 2026
𝝜𝝙𝗪𝝟 & 𝗦𝝦𝝙𝝘𝝘𝝝𝗪
by Ayana Gray
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
so thankful for another ARC from @netgalley because as soon as I saw @ayanagrayauthor ’s newest book pop up, I knew I had to read it! I recently read I, Medusa and it was a masterpiece. The way that Ayana writes is so beautiful and tells such a good story that connects with her readers.
——————
Hawk & Sparrow is a YA fantasy set in the late 1800’s (think the Gilded Age) where women (especially in the work force) were looked down upon as lesser and those who were not powerful were seen as weak.
——————
Miss Vesper Evans is a young, talented reporter who has come from a life of grief and trauma but wants to be the best that she can be in order to provide for herself and help her newspaper stay afloat. things take a turn when she’s at a lavish, high-society party writing an expose about a new, life-changing invention and she stumbles upon a murder scene. the victim? a man that she had just spoken with moments before. the main suspect? Maximilian Kite, one of the most wealthy people in her town, who is also one of their most eligible bachelors.
Maximilian proposes a deal to Vesper; she use her skills as a keen-eyed reporter who knows just how to get to the bottom of a good story, to help prove his innocence and find the real murdered. the downside? the only way people wouldn’t start asking HER the questions is to pose as a courting couple.. with Max.
——————
from start to finish, this book was such a fun one to read! there were twists, turns, mystery, and love. since it is YA fiction, there is nothing too spicy in this book, but it made it all the more lovely.
HAWK & SPARROW comes out on September 1st, so you’ve got a little while to wait but I promise, it’s worth it!
{also, there may be a little Medusa reference in the story, hehe}
by Ayana Gray
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
so thankful for another ARC from @netgalley because as soon as I saw @ayanagrayauthor ’s newest book pop up, I knew I had to read it! I recently read I, Medusa and it was a masterpiece. The way that Ayana writes is so beautiful and tells such a good story that connects with her readers.
——————
Hawk & Sparrow is a YA fantasy set in the late 1800’s (think the Gilded Age) where women (especially in the work force) were looked down upon as lesser and those who were not powerful were seen as weak.
——————
Miss Vesper Evans is a young, talented reporter who has come from a life of grief and trauma but wants to be the best that she can be in order to provide for herself and help her newspaper stay afloat. things take a turn when she’s at a lavish, high-society party writing an expose about a new, life-changing invention and she stumbles upon a murder scene. the victim? a man that she had just spoken with moments before. the main suspect? Maximilian Kite, one of the most wealthy people in her town, who is also one of their most eligible bachelors.
Maximilian proposes a deal to Vesper; she use her skills as a keen-eyed reporter who knows just how to get to the bottom of a good story, to help prove his innocence and find the real murdered. the downside? the only way people wouldn’t start asking HER the questions is to pose as a courting couple.. with Max.
——————
from start to finish, this book was such a fun one to read! there were twists, turns, mystery, and love. since it is YA fiction, there is nothing too spicy in this book, but it made it all the more lovely.
HAWK & SPARROW comes out on September 1st, so you’ve got a little while to wait but I promise, it’s worth it!
{also, there may be a little Medusa reference in the story, hehe}
May 5, 2026
UNCORRECTED PROOF VERSION/EARLY RELEASE
A great fantasy romance intertwined with a murder mystery, definitely a fun and easy read. While there were some plot points that fell short and some underdeveloped characters, I thought it was a good young adult read for those seeking a light hearted romance/adventure. I had trouble connecting with Vesper’s background, I felt like her Globe family was underdeveloped and I didn’t feel connected to that motivation for her. It also felt a little off putting that the book was set in the Gilded age but read as if it were written in the modern age with the dialogue. The tension for Vesper to get money for the Globe quickly disintegrated once we knew Max was in love with her (which was obvious from the start), so I wish there was another motivation for her to take the case. I also felt detached from her reporter position, as again, it felt like it was forcing modern day language, jobs, and ideas into the gilded age, and that broke the fantasy element of this story for me. I also wished we had a deeper dive into the magic world, it felt kind of thrown into the book but the world itself didn’t seem to revolve around magic. Almost as if it was a side piece of the greater plot, which made the tension/pressure of finding the machine less intense. The best part was the chemistry of Max and Vesper (although not a fan of the FMC name, seems like the word “viper” if I’m being honest), so I wish we had more tension/in depth to their relationship as it felt like a subplot! Regardless, a good romance and just wish it was more developed/detailed in the charter development, setting description/world building, and more pressure to solve the murder/tension for Vesper to solve it.
A great fantasy romance intertwined with a murder mystery, definitely a fun and easy read. While there were some plot points that fell short and some underdeveloped characters, I thought it was a good young adult read for those seeking a light hearted romance/adventure. I had trouble connecting with Vesper’s background, I felt like her Globe family was underdeveloped and I didn’t feel connected to that motivation for her. It also felt a little off putting that the book was set in the Gilded age but read as if it were written in the modern age with the dialogue. The tension for Vesper to get money for the Globe quickly disintegrated once we knew Max was in love with her (which was obvious from the start), so I wish there was another motivation for her to take the case. I also felt detached from her reporter position, as again, it felt like it was forcing modern day language, jobs, and ideas into the gilded age, and that broke the fantasy element of this story for me. I also wished we had a deeper dive into the magic world, it felt kind of thrown into the book but the world itself didn’t seem to revolve around magic. Almost as if it was a side piece of the greater plot, which made the tension/pressure of finding the machine less intense. The best part was the chemistry of Max and Vesper (although not a fan of the FMC name, seems like the word “viper” if I’m being honest), so I wish we had more tension/in depth to their relationship as it felt like a subplot! Regardless, a good romance and just wish it was more developed/detailed in the charter development, setting description/world building, and more pressure to solve the murder/tension for Vesper to solve it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have been DEEP into my historical fiction/mystery/romance books recently, and Hawk and Sparrow pulled it off perfectly, while adding a fantastic fantasy element! This was my first book by Ayana Gray, but if her other works are anything like this one, I'm sure it won't be my last.
When Vesper Evans, a young reporter covers a high society gala, she stumbles across a murder of a man whom many people have reasons to want dead---especially Maximilian Kite. Kite hires Vesper to find the real culprit in order to restore his reputation. In exchange, he offers an enormous amount of money---enough to save Vesper's struggling newspaper office.
The characters in this novel were incredibly well-written! Vesper is tenacious and ambitious, with the perfect amount of empathy and kindness, making her amazing at deducing information. She was also incredibly likable, and I was cheering for her throughout the novel as well. Maximilian was described to me as "one of the most infuriating and arrogant men," yet I found him to be the exact opposite? Sure, at times he could be a little ignorant of the struggles of those in the lower classes, but he never seemed malicious to me. He was charming and kind, and overall just a very sweet guy. The side characters in Hawk and Sparrow were also well-developed, something I appreciated a lot.
The mystery itself in this novel was also fantastic. I did predict one of the major outcomes, but the plot twists in this book were enough to keep me second-guessing the whole way through!.
If you are a fan of Enola Holmes or any other historical mystery series, this is a must-read for you!
When Vesper Evans, a young reporter covers a high society gala, she stumbles across a murder of a man whom many people have reasons to want dead---especially Maximilian Kite. Kite hires Vesper to find the real culprit in order to restore his reputation. In exchange, he offers an enormous amount of money---enough to save Vesper's struggling newspaper office.
The characters in this novel were incredibly well-written! Vesper is tenacious and ambitious, with the perfect amount of empathy and kindness, making her amazing at deducing information. She was also incredibly likable, and I was cheering for her throughout the novel as well. Maximilian was described to me as "one of the most infuriating and arrogant men," yet I found him to be the exact opposite? Sure, at times he could be a little ignorant of the struggles of those in the lower classes, but he never seemed malicious to me. He was charming and kind, and overall just a very sweet guy. The side characters in Hawk and Sparrow were also well-developed, something I appreciated a lot.
The mystery itself in this novel was also fantastic. I did predict one of the major outcomes, but the plot twists in this book were enough to keep me second-guessing the whole way through!.
If you are a fan of Enola Holmes or any other historical mystery series, this is a must-read for you!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ No Spoilers. Thank you to Ayana Gray and NetGalley for this ARC.
I fell in love with this cute fantasy. A true slow burn with magic and a crazy ending you won’t see coming. This is my first book by Ayana Gray and I will definitely be reading more.
Hawk & Sparrow follows Vesper Evans, a journalist who envies the elites and their ability to practice sorcery. After interviewing an inventor at a gala, that same inventor is murdered later that night. The prime suspect? Maximillian Kite who is an extremely wealthy man and a sorcerer.
Maximillian offers Vesper a deal she can’t refuse: help him clear his name and he’ll pay her. The catch? They have to fake court while investigating the murder.
The banter between the two main characters was hilarious. I loved that this was a true slow burn where we really see the characters develop. The story also explores themes of elite vs poor and men vs women. Showing the underlying message of birds in a cage woven beautifully throughout.
The middle was a little slow, but it clearly builds toward the wild ending. I would say only like 10-20 percent. But this percentage is building the storyline so don’t put the book down because you’re about to be hit with a lot. This is definitely one of those books that gets you at the end.
Overall, I rated this 4 stars. If you like cute romance, whodunits, mystery, romantasy, or fantasy books then this is a great pick for you.
I fell in love with this cute fantasy. A true slow burn with magic and a crazy ending you won’t see coming. This is my first book by Ayana Gray and I will definitely be reading more.
Hawk & Sparrow follows Vesper Evans, a journalist who envies the elites and their ability to practice sorcery. After interviewing an inventor at a gala, that same inventor is murdered later that night. The prime suspect? Maximillian Kite who is an extremely wealthy man and a sorcerer.
Maximillian offers Vesper a deal she can’t refuse: help him clear his name and he’ll pay her. The catch? They have to fake court while investigating the murder.
The banter between the two main characters was hilarious. I loved that this was a true slow burn where we really see the characters develop. The story also explores themes of elite vs poor and men vs women. Showing the underlying message of birds in a cage woven beautifully throughout.
The middle was a little slow, but it clearly builds toward the wild ending. I would say only like 10-20 percent. But this percentage is building the storyline so don’t put the book down because you’re about to be hit with a lot. This is definitely one of those books that gets you at the end.
Overall, I rated this 4 stars. If you like cute romance, whodunits, mystery, romantasy, or fantasy books then this is a great pick for you.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Ayana Gray for this ARC opportunity!!!!
This pulled me in and did not let go. Gilded Age vibes, magic, and a murder mystery is already a winning combo, but the way this story unfolds made it even better.
Vesper was an incredibly strong FMC. Smart, observant, a little stubborn but rightfully so, and I loved seeing the world through her lens as a reporter. She felt grounded and real, especially in a world that could have easily leaned too heavy into fantasy. Max, hmm, yeah, I get it. Charming, layered, a little secretive, but soft where it counts. Their dynamic had that steady build that keeps you invested without rushing it.
The mystery itself was engaging and kept me intrigued.
I didn’t catch everything, but I also didn’t feel lost, which is exactly the kind of balance I want. There’s enough intrigue, enough tension, and just enough twists to keep it fun without feeling overdone.
I also genuinely appreciated the underlying themes woven in around class, gender roles, and power. It added depth without taking over the story, which made the world feel more intentional.
Honestly, I wanted just a little more depth in the magic, more time in certain moments, just a bit more expansion overall. It’s all there, I just wasn’t quite ready to leave it yet.
Overall, this was such a solid read. If you love a smart FMC, a compelling mystery, and a touch of magic with your romance, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
This pulled me in and did not let go. Gilded Age vibes, magic, and a murder mystery is already a winning combo, but the way this story unfolds made it even better.
Vesper was an incredibly strong FMC. Smart, observant, a little stubborn but rightfully so, and I loved seeing the world through her lens as a reporter. She felt grounded and real, especially in a world that could have easily leaned too heavy into fantasy. Max, hmm, yeah, I get it. Charming, layered, a little secretive, but soft where it counts. Their dynamic had that steady build that keeps you invested without rushing it.
The mystery itself was engaging and kept me intrigued.
I didn’t catch everything, but I also didn’t feel lost, which is exactly the kind of balance I want. There’s enough intrigue, enough tension, and just enough twists to keep it fun without feeling overdone.
I also genuinely appreciated the underlying themes woven in around class, gender roles, and power. It added depth without taking over the story, which made the world feel more intentional.
Honestly, I wanted just a little more depth in the magic, more time in certain moments, just a bit more expansion overall. It’s all there, I just wasn’t quite ready to leave it yet.
Overall, this was such a solid read. If you love a smart FMC, a compelling mystery, and a touch of magic with your romance, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
After reading, the blurb, I knew I had to read this book! This is my first novel by Ayana Gray. I was intrigued from the first page and I will definitely be checking out more books by her!
Vesper is a reporter in a man's world during the Gilded Age. She is on assignment when the man she interviews during a gala, is found dead. The MMC, Max is prime suspect number one and Vesper is offered something she can't refuse and works with him to solve the murder.
The world building was captivating and the pacing was perfectly balanced. I enjoyed the sorcery in high society, magic and murder mystery. It was fun trying to figure out who the culprit was and it kept me involved in the story. Vesper fights for what is right and is strong willed and willing to do whatever it takes to get to the bottom of a story.
This engaging and fast paced murder mystery infused with elements of magic is perfect for reading and enjoying at any time. I did figure out the murder mystery, so now it's your turn!
Thank you Ayana and Netgalley for the ARC. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
"... I don’t trust ordinary people with extraordinary power.”
“Sometimes, there’s a reason things aren’t widely accessible. Sometimes, power has to be guarded and protected.”
“Life stops meaning much if you don’t have any time to enjoy it, or anyone to share it with.”
Vesper is a reporter in a man's world during the Gilded Age. She is on assignment when the man she interviews during a gala, is found dead. The MMC, Max is prime suspect number one and Vesper is offered something she can't refuse and works with him to solve the murder.
The world building was captivating and the pacing was perfectly balanced. I enjoyed the sorcery in high society, magic and murder mystery. It was fun trying to figure out who the culprit was and it kept me involved in the story. Vesper fights for what is right and is strong willed and willing to do whatever it takes to get to the bottom of a story.
This engaging and fast paced murder mystery infused with elements of magic is perfect for reading and enjoying at any time. I did figure out the murder mystery, so now it's your turn!
Thank you Ayana and Netgalley for the ARC. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
"... I don’t trust ordinary people with extraordinary power.”
“Sometimes, there’s a reason things aren’t widely accessible. Sometimes, power has to be guarded and protected.”
“Life stops meaning much if you don’t have any time to enjoy it, or anyone to share it with.”
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4 ⭐️
Hawk & Sparrow perfectly blends historical fiction, murder mystery, magic, and yearning.
We’re immediately thrown into a world shaped by magic, elitism, and sexism. Vesper, a fierce journalist in a male dominated society, becomes entangled in a murder case when an inventor she was covering is killed, making her the last person to see him alive. She teams up with Max, the event’s host, agreeing to fake date while helping him find the killer in exchange for money to save her paper and home. Along the way, Vesper uncovers truths about the world she’s been shut out of and finds herself drawn to Max.
Vesper was an incredible and often relatable FMC who constantly challenged patriarchal norms and refused to "stay in her place." The forced proximity between Vesper and Max is layered with yearning as they bridge their societal gaps to solve the crime.
Overall, Hawk & Sparrow had the perfect amount of all the things that made it special: a strong FMC that was likeable, a MMC with something to lose that grows through the story, an interesting magic system with layers, world building and a society to get lost in, and a murder mystery that kept you on the edge of your seat.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for an advanced reader copy of Hawk & Sparrow (publishing September 1, 2026).
Hawk & Sparrow perfectly blends historical fiction, murder mystery, magic, and yearning.
We’re immediately thrown into a world shaped by magic, elitism, and sexism. Vesper, a fierce journalist in a male dominated society, becomes entangled in a murder case when an inventor she was covering is killed, making her the last person to see him alive. She teams up with Max, the event’s host, agreeing to fake date while helping him find the killer in exchange for money to save her paper and home. Along the way, Vesper uncovers truths about the world she’s been shut out of and finds herself drawn to Max.
Vesper was an incredible and often relatable FMC who constantly challenged patriarchal norms and refused to "stay in her place." The forced proximity between Vesper and Max is layered with yearning as they bridge their societal gaps to solve the crime.
Overall, Hawk & Sparrow had the perfect amount of all the things that made it special: a strong FMC that was likeable, a MMC with something to lose that grows through the story, an interesting magic system with layers, world building and a society to get lost in, and a murder mystery that kept you on the edge of your seat.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for an advanced reader copy of Hawk & Sparrow (publishing September 1, 2026).
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I want to start off by thanking NetGalley & Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Gilded Age, Murder Mystery, Fake Dating, Sorcery
My flabbers have been gasted. This was so much better than I was expecting. I’m pretty picky when it comes to YA, as it tends to fall into an annoying pattern, but this mystery kept me on the edge of my seat. I wouldn’t say it has a ton of romance until closer to the end, but I didn’t care one bit. I was here for the plot and felt fully submersed in the book. Ayana Gray has done a wonderful job at immersing you into the gilded age era political environment. I love the representation of intelligent women throughout this book. It was very refreshing to have a strong headed, intelligent FMC who knows what she wants; she wasn’t looking for some man to solve all her problems. I also want to thank the author for throwing a curve ball at me. Just when I thought I had figured it out all along, she threw a drink in my face and I was shocked, but it totally made sense.
Overall, I was surprised at how well this story came together given the page count, and I LOVED IT! Best YA I have read in a long time. I liked “I, Medusa” but “Hawk & Sparrow” gave me the extra oomph I was looking for from Ayana Gray.
Gilded Age, Murder Mystery, Fake Dating, Sorcery
My flabbers have been gasted. This was so much better than I was expecting. I’m pretty picky when it comes to YA, as it tends to fall into an annoying pattern, but this mystery kept me on the edge of my seat. I wouldn’t say it has a ton of romance until closer to the end, but I didn’t care one bit. I was here for the plot and felt fully submersed in the book. Ayana Gray has done a wonderful job at immersing you into the gilded age era political environment. I love the representation of intelligent women throughout this book. It was very refreshing to have a strong headed, intelligent FMC who knows what she wants; she wasn’t looking for some man to solve all her problems. I also want to thank the author for throwing a curve ball at me. Just when I thought I had figured it out all along, she threw a drink in my face and I was shocked, but it totally made sense.
Overall, I was surprised at how well this story came together given the page count, and I LOVED IT! Best YA I have read in a long time. I liked “I, Medusa” but “Hawk & Sparrow” gave me the extra oomph I was looking for from Ayana Gray.
May 5, 2026
oh this book was everything and more! forced proximity slowburn murder mystery set in an alternate victorian timeline?? i feel like a dog being asked if it wants to go for a walk and have some treats.
vesper and max are incredible characters, opposites in every sense of the word but with unrivaled chemistry. I'm usually a fan of enemies to lovers, but they aren't ever quite enemies in this book, nor do they ever hate each other, and i found i quite enjoyed it.
the world-building and character work was incredible, i loved picking out how much of the universe was pulled over from actual victorian england and how much was unique to Gray's writing. and as far as murder mysteries go, this one was TOP. TIER. the plot twist before the Plot Twist 100% had me fooled, it was absolutely incredible. of course, i guessed who the real culprit was about halfway through, but the reveal was incredible and there were so many intricacies i wouldn't ever have guessed.
this was an incredible book and although it was happy endings all around for vesper and max, i'd love to see them in a second book. (married and living happily ever after, one could hope)
thank you so much to NetGalley and Balzer + Bray for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! all opinions are my own.
vesper and max are incredible characters, opposites in every sense of the word but with unrivaled chemistry. I'm usually a fan of enemies to lovers, but they aren't ever quite enemies in this book, nor do they ever hate each other, and i found i quite enjoyed it.
the world-building and character work was incredible, i loved picking out how much of the universe was pulled over from actual victorian england and how much was unique to Gray's writing. and as far as murder mysteries go, this one was TOP. TIER. the plot twist before the Plot Twist 100% had me fooled, it was absolutely incredible. of course, i guessed who the real culprit was about halfway through, but the reveal was incredible and there were so many intricacies i wouldn't ever have guessed.
this was an incredible book and although it was happy endings all around for vesper and max, i'd love to see them in a second book. (married and living happily ever after, one could hope)
thank you so much to NetGalley and Balzer + Bray for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of an Advance Reader Copy from Ayana Gray & Macmillan Publishers.
Ayana Gray never lets me down! This book was so refreshing! The book is set in the Gilded Age but add in Magic and a Murder mystery. It was like Sherlock Holmes but with a sweet love interest. The FMC Vesper is a joy to read. She thinks critically as a reporter. She is grounded and independently strong in a misogynist society. The MMC, Max is also a joy to read about. He's a wealthy gentlemen in higher society with sorcery! Together, they unravel and find the murder, and possibly find something else.
Its nice not to have a FMC who's there to save the world or something. You get a relatable woman in a gentleman's world. You don't get a morally grey MMC, you get a down to earth guy who is smart. They just intellectually click and makes their relationship much more relatable and not be like those instant love.
Ayana Gray never lets me down! This book was so refreshing! The book is set in the Gilded Age but add in Magic and a Murder mystery. It was like Sherlock Holmes but with a sweet love interest. The FMC Vesper is a joy to read. She thinks critically as a reporter. She is grounded and independently strong in a misogynist society. The MMC, Max is also a joy to read about. He's a wealthy gentlemen in higher society with sorcery! Together, they unravel and find the murder, and possibly find something else.
Its nice not to have a FMC who's there to save the world or something. You get a relatable woman in a gentleman's world. You don't get a morally grey MMC, you get a down to earth guy who is smart. They just intellectually click and makes their relationship much more relatable and not be like those instant love.
May 22, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Children’s for the ARC!
Okay so I read this in a day which automatically puts it at 3 stars. This is an easy, familiar world to fall into with an Uncomplicated magic system. What keeps it at a 3 for me is that the plot was extremely predictable (I guessed the bad guy about 40% in), in some parts it’s unbelievable —Two very young people go full Sherlock Holmes and attempt to solve a murder mystery way above their pay grade…eh, and I think it was a little chaotic with all the points it was trying to make about class difference, misogynoir, and labor unions. Just a bit too much happening which then distracted from the larger story. The simplicity of the plot made it very obvious this is a YA novel which is disappointing because I loved this author’s other book “I, Medusa” because the book had so much depth and the characters were so well developed. Womp
Okay so I read this in a day which automatically puts it at 3 stars. This is an easy, familiar world to fall into with an Uncomplicated magic system. What keeps it at a 3 for me is that the plot was extremely predictable (I guessed the bad guy about 40% in), in some parts it’s unbelievable —Two very young people go full Sherlock Holmes and attempt to solve a murder mystery way above their pay grade…eh, and I think it was a little chaotic with all the points it was trying to make about class difference, misogynoir, and labor unions. Just a bit too much happening which then distracted from the larger story. The simplicity of the plot made it very obvious this is a YA novel which is disappointing because I loved this author’s other book “I, Medusa” because the book had so much depth and the characters were so well developed. Womp
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Vesper is a female journalist in a male dominated society. When she witnesses a murder, she is enlisted by the prime suspect, Maximilian Kite, to solve the case and clear his name. Through various near death experiences, Vesper and Max become closer as society pushes them further apart.
The mystery, feminism and blossoming romance will hook readers. Fans of Enola Holmes or the Sinclair Mysteries will absolutely enjoy this riveting novel.
I found the characters enjoyable and enjoyed solving the case with Vesper. While each character is holding secrets, Vesper never gives up herself or the others around her. I enjoyed her positivity even when society was looking down on her. Max made me laugh and I could see his dedication to those close to him. If you want a sweet mystery of a YA romance, this is a great option.
***NetGalley ARC Reader***
The mystery, feminism and blossoming romance will hook readers. Fans of Enola Holmes or the Sinclair Mysteries will absolutely enjoy this riveting novel.
I found the characters enjoyable and enjoyed solving the case with Vesper. While each character is holding secrets, Vesper never gives up herself or the others around her. I enjoyed her positivity even when society was looking down on her. Max made me laugh and I could see his dedication to those close to him. If you want a sweet mystery of a YA romance, this is a great option.
***NetGalley ARC Reader***
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
💫Hawk & Sparrow💫
This took a while to get going and definitely leans on the slower side when it comes to pacing. It wasn’t a bad reading experience, but it did take me some time to really feel invested.
That said, I did enjoy the second half more, especially once the mystery started coming together. The ending was solid and was happy to see the slow burn finaly pay off.
Overall, this didn’t fully hit for me, but I can see the appeal, especially for readers who enjoy slower paced YA fantasy. Solid 3.5 star read.
✨ What to Expect
• Gilded Age fantasy
• Journalist FMC
• Fake courtship
• Murder mystery
• Magic
_ _ _ _
⭐ Final Score: 3.5 Stars
📅 Pub Date: September 1, 2026
Thank you to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
This took a while to get going and definitely leans on the slower side when it comes to pacing. It wasn’t a bad reading experience, but it did take me some time to really feel invested.
That said, I did enjoy the second half more, especially once the mystery started coming together. The ending was solid and was happy to see the slow burn finaly pay off.
Overall, this didn’t fully hit for me, but I can see the appeal, especially for readers who enjoy slower paced YA fantasy. Solid 3.5 star read.
✨ What to Expect
• Gilded Age fantasy
• Journalist FMC
• Fake courtship
• Murder mystery
• Magic
_ _ _ _
⭐ Final Score: 3.5 Stars
📅 Pub Date: September 1, 2026
Thank you to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
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