by: Devney Perry
Genre: Romantic Fantasy Adventure
Release Date: May 6, 2025
Publisher: Red Tower Books
Shield of Sparrows is a slow-burn, high-stakes romantasy perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros—where enemies become lovers, monsters stalk a cursed realm, and a forgotten princess finds the strength to tear off her crown and become the warrior she was never meant to be.
The gods sent monsters to the five kingdoms to remind mortals they must kneel.
I’ve spent my life kneeling—to their will and to my father's. As a princess, my only duty is to wear the crown and obey the king.
I was never meant to rule. Never meant to fight. And I was never supposed to be the daughter who sealed an ancient treaty with her own blood.
But that changed the fateful day I stepped into my father’s throne room. The day a legendary monster hunter sailed to our shores. The day a prince ruined my life.
Now I’m crossing treacherous lands beside a warrior who despises me as much as I despise him—bound to a future I didn’t choose and a husband I barely know.
Everyone wants me to be something I’m not—a queen, a spy, a sacrifice.
But what if I refused the role chosen for me? What if I made my own rules? What if there’s power in being underestimated?
And what if—for the first time—I reached for it?
It wasn’t supposed to happen. It should have been her eighteen-year-old half-sister. But in less than twenty-four hours, twenty-three-year-old Odessa finds herself in an arranged marriage to Prince Zavier Wolfe of Turah and sailing across the marroweel-infested waters of the Krisenth Crossing to Turah, a kingdom she knows nothing about.
In Turah, Prince Zavier barely speaks to Odessa and doesn’t spend any time with her, choosing instead to have his second in command, known as The Guardian, interact with her. Odessa’s disdain for The Guardian runs deep. He doesn’t trust her, and she views him as a barbarian. But the more time they spend together arguing and fighting, her attraction to him blooms. Between being attacked by monstrous animals, failing to spy for her father, being taught how to fight and wield weapons, and discovering what Turah is really about, Odessa learns to stand on her own two feet and, for the first time, finds a place where she belongs, one where she’s truly loved.
Shield of Sparrows was so much more than I ever expected. I loved the characters of Odessa, The Guardian, Prince Zavier, and several secondary characters. I'm not sure if I'm truly a fan of enemies-to-lovers, but these characters made me forget about the enemies part pretty quickly. I loved their playful banter that came through whenever they were together. When they finally gave in to their attraction, spicy, passionate moments ensued. Shield of Sparrows provided many great moments, but this isn’t a story for the faint of heart. There’s a lot of blood, gore, and death. There are also loving and tender moments. One of the best parts of this story is all the many plot twists and surprises. I really loved and appreciated that the ending didn't fill me with dread, but actually gave me hope.
I can’t wait to see what happens next.
~ Favorite Quotes ~
“You are strong. Stronger than you realize.”
“A promise is a promise.”
“Love had its way of building us up. And bringing us down.”
**Received an ARC from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed it. Also personally purchased a deluxe hardcover copy.**
Rating: 5
Purchase Shield of Sparrows from:
(Affiliate Links Used)
Places to find Devney Perry:
Fantastic review. I am looking forward to the next book
ReplyDeleteThank you. I know! This book was so good. I have so many questions.
Delete