Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry - A review

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into Shield of Sparrows. I’m not usually a romantasy reader, but Devney Perry won me over almost immediately. This book is the perfect blend of immersive world‑building, emotional character development, and heart‑pounding monster encounters, all wrapped in a slow-burn romance that refuses to rush.

Odessa begins as the overlooked “spare” princess—ignored, underestimated, and completely unprepared for the role suddenly thrust upon her. When she’s unexpectedly chosen to marry the future king of Turah, she’s also ordered by her father to spy on her new kingdom, stepping into a mission her sister trained for, not her. Odessa is insecure and often out of her depth, but her grit, fire, and determination to rise to the occasion make her an incredibly compelling heroine. Watching her grow—sometimes stumbling, sometimes surprising even herself—was one of the story’s greatest joys.

Then there’s the Guardian. Gruff, stoic, impossibly skilled, and harboring secrets that shift the entire narrative. His dynamic with Odessa is tense, sharp, and wonderfully slow-building. Their romance is the kind that makes you ache a little—in the best way—with banter, longing, and a tension that simmers right beneath the surface. This is a slow burn that earns every spark.

The world of Calandra is another standout. The lore is rich, the politics twisty, and the monsters. Absolutely unforgettable. From sky-dominating beasts to monstrous sea creatures, Perry creates threats that are vivid, horrifying, and exhilarating. The action scenes are intense and cinematic, and because the characters are always on the move, the pacing never dips. Even for a large book, it flies by.

And the twists. My goodness, the twists. Some cleverly hinted at, others landing like a punch to the chest.  It isn’t a harsh cliffhanger, but it absolutely sets the board for what promises to be a wild continuation of the series.

I’m notoriously stingy with five-star ratings, but this one earned it easily. It’s emotional, surprising, atmospheric, and beautifully crafted. And while I tend to lose interest between installments in a series, this ending was so strong and the world so compelling that I’m genuinely excited to see where the story goes next. If anything can keep me hooked from book to book, it’s this series.

If you want a romantasy that centers on real character growth, immersive world-building, unforgettable monsters, and a romance that smolders rather than rushes, Shield of Sparrows is an absolute must-read.

★★★★★

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I checked this title out from my local library, visit your today!