A Slow-Burn, High-Stakes Romantasy That Delivers on Every Front!
If you’ve been waiting for your next fantasy obsession, one with epic world-building, slow-burn romance, mythical monsters, and a fierce heroine reclaiming her power, Shield of Sparrows just might be your new favorite read!
I’ll be honest I was worried Shield of Sparrows might be overhyped.
You know that feeling when everyone in your feed is raving about the same book and you start to wonder if it can really live up to it?
Well, a few chapters in, I was completely hooked. The world-building, the banter, the slow-burn romance, the tension! This book had me flipping pages late into the night! And once I turned that last page, all I wanted was more!
Shield of Sparrows is book one in a trilogy by Devney Perry and is currently in development as a feature film with Amazon MGM Studios, with screenwriter Derek Kolstad (John Wick) attached to write the script.
Book Summary (No Spoilers)
In a realm ruled by gods and shattered by ancient treaties, monsters now roam freely to remind humans who holds the power.
Odessa has spent her life doing what was expected: kneeling to the gods, following her father’s orders, and preparing to be nothing more than a symbol of compliance.
But everything changes the day she is chosen—offered up as a pawn in a political alliance with a kingdom she barely knows, to marry a prince she's never met. She suddenly finds herself traveling across treacherous lands, accompanied by a hardened monster hunter who sees her as little more than dead weight. Bound by duty, betrayal, and secrets, Odessa must choose between becoming the queen they demand… or the warrior she was never allowed to be.
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My Review
Let’s just get this out of the way: I’m obsessed. This book was a perfect blend of action, magic, political tension, and so much angst-laced banter.
If you’re someone who loves being slowly immersed into a fantasy world without being overwhelmed by exposition, this is for you.
What really worked for me:
- The slow-burn tension between Odessa and the MMC had me screaming. Their dynamic is full of layered emotions, complicated loyalties, and sizzling chemistry!
- The world-building is so rich! Forests, oceans, cursed lands, and creature lore are revealed exactly when needed.
- The monsters were such a refreshing twist! Unique, terrifying, and deeply woven into the lore.
- The pacing was pitch-perfect. It’s a long read, but never slow. Every chapter gave me just enough to keep me hooked.
- And that CLIFFHANGER?? RUDE. I need book two yesterday!
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The Audiobook
I also got the audiobook of Shield of Sparrows and I’m so glad I did because the narration by Samantha Brentmoore and Jason Clarke is seriously phenomenal! Listen now with a free audible trial!
Shield of Sparrows Character Guide
(Spoiler free)
Main Characters
- Odessa Cross The less-favored daughter of the King of Quentis, Odessa has lived her life in the shadow of duty never meant to rule, never trained to fight. But everything changes when she’s unexpectedly chosen as the bride prize in an ancient treaty. Thrust into the politics of a foreign kingdom and a life of espionage, Odessa must learn to navigate a dangerous world she never asked to enter and figure out who she really is in the process.
- Prince Zavier of Turah Zavier shocks everyone by invoking an ancient rite to claim Odessa not her trained-for-diplomacy sister as his bride. With his kingdom suffering under a mysterious illness and increasing monster attacks.
- The Guardian / Ransom Wolfe Zavier’s brooding and fiercely loyal protector. Ransom has a mysterious past and a complicated connection to Odessa’s family. Tasked with guiding and training Odessa in her new role, Ransom is as much a threat to her heart as the monsters stalking their path.
Supporting Characters
- Mae Cross: Odessa’s younger half-sister. Groomed to be The Sparrow and trained in espionage, Mae was meant to be Zavier’s bride. Her talents and secrets run deeper than Odessa ever knew and her loyalties may not be what they seem.
- Banner: is Odessa's former fiancé, a general of Quentis, driven by loyalty, pride, and a thirst for revenge against the Guardian for his brother's death.
- Brielle: Odessa’s handmaid and trusted confidante. Grounded, practical, and deeply loyal, Brielle acts as Odessa’s emotional anchor when everything else is falling apart.
- Josalyn: Odessa's other handmaid who accompanies her on her journey but is secretly a spy.
- Tilia: a loyal Turan warrior who also serves as Odessa's primary combat trainer and a key source of information about Turan customs and dangers. She is married to Halston.
- Evangeline (Evie) Banner: Zavier’s adopted daughter with ties to the Turahn royal family’s deepest secrets. Wise beyond her years and fiercely observant, Evie brings both heart and mystery to Odessa’s new world.
- The Voster High Priest: A powerful and ominous figure who serves the gods and holds the keys to the blood magic and treaties that shape the fate of kingdoms. His presence signals danger, secrets, and divine manipulation.
- Luella: Ransom's mom is a fiercely intelligent alchemist whose love for her family drives every decision she makes. Guided by a mix of brilliance and desperation, she’s a complex figure whose past choices cast long shadows.
- Cathlin: Luella's best friend who acts as a confidante for Odessa. Bound by a blood oath, she cannot directly reveal the truth but she strategically helps Odessa uncover it herself.
- King Ramsey: King of Turah and a book burning tyrant consumed by grief, jealousy, and utter paranoia.
- King of Quentis: Odessa's father who orders who to spy on her new husband and the kingdom of Turah.
- Margot: Queen of Quentis and Odessa's step-mother who had been a ladies maid to her late mother. She is the mother of Mae.
Devney Perry shared this artwork by Whiskey Ginger Design depicting the Monsters of Shield of Sparrows!
The Monsters in Shield of Sparrows
Crux: fear of and prep for their migration is a central issues through out Shield of Sparrows. They are intelligent with a sharp beak, claws, and spiked wings.
Marroweels: featuring four eyes, turquoise tipped scales, iridescent fins, and a large bone protruding from its head.
Tarkin: violet eyes, pearly white fangs and claws, pink and red stripes, and armored scales along its back.
Grizzur: featuring an elongates snout, large spikes along the back, and coarse fur the color of cinnamon.
Lionwick: described as having smooth leathery coat and black barbed nails and claws.
Bariwolf: The size of a pony, communicates with clicking sounds. Back have solved with scales and spikes.
Is There Spice In Shield of Sparrows?
Yes, Shield of Sparrows is a slow-burn romance with mild spice. I would give it a 1.5/5 on the spice scale!
Books to Read If You Loved Shield of Sparrows!
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
A gothic fantasy with dark magic, eerie atmosphere, a strong female lead, and a romance that smolders—perfect if you loved The Knight and the Moth's tension and creepiness.
For the Wolf by Hannah Whitten
As the first Second Daughter in centuries, Red must be sacrificed to the Wolf of the Wilderwood to save her world. But when she enters the forest, she learns the legends have lied the Wolf is a man, and her magic is key to saving them all. Dark, romantic, and steeped in lush, folkloric magic. An absolute must for lovers of haunting fantasy.
The Knight and the Moth Rachel Gillig
Follow Six, a diviner bound to an ancient ritual. Each day, she’s drowned beneath temple waters to summon omens for the faithful. Her life of isolation and forced servitude takes a turn when a mysterious visitor begins to unravel the walls around her. Perfect for fans of dark magic, quiet rebellion, and tender strength. Full Review!
If you love gorgeously written fantasy with dark magic, slow-burn romance, and unforgettable side characters Shield of Sparrows is a MUST read!
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