Shield of Sparrows (Deluxe Limited Edition) Hardcover – May 6, 2025

I am going to keep this short, because there is not a lot I can talk about! This book is FULL of twists and turns. Devney Perry absolutely knocked it out of the park with her first dive into Romantasy/Fantasy. Shield of Sparrows had all of the charm and addictiveness of your favorite Devney Perry romance with all of the fun and adventure of your favorite fantasy book. Honestly, for me this book was a masterpiece. The world-building and magic system was so imaginative and unique; the entire premise felt so fresh. Odessa was such a fun FMC. She didn’t feel like a copy and paste of so many other FMCS; she truly felt like one of a kind and I loved getting in her head. Our love interest is EVERYTHING. The romance is swoony and completely full of tension, yearning, and the slowest of burns. The character development was fully fleshed out and written SO WELL. The last 100 pages had my jaw on the floor! The way the plot all came together was masterfully done. Perry’s writing was immersive and had me fully captivated. I honestly have no idea how I am going to wait for book two. If you love romantasy or fantasy, this book is for you!!

Bingeable, Magical, Fantasy Romance that was packed with adventure, gruesome monsters, intrigue, plot twists, secrets, witty banter and forced proximity tension!I devoured this book in less than 24 hours because once I started, I couldn't put it down. From page one I was immersed in this storyline and it will live rent free in my head until I can re-enter it in book two. Waiting for the release is going to be a special kind of torture.The world building was fantastic; never rushed, she laid the foundation brick-by-brick. It was intricate, incredibly intriguing, intense and had me taking notes trying to solve the mysteries expertly woven into the plotline. When one of my theories (favorite, most wanted) came true I was screaming and giddy with excitement.This was the slowest of slows burns but when that spark caught, it ignited. The tension, witty banter, forced proximity between the FMC and MMC -- no notes, chefs kiss.I really loved everything about this book, Devney can have have all the stars-- every ✨single✨one 💫💒Arranged Marriage⚔️Enemies to Lovers🔥Forced Proximity❤️‍🔥Slow Burn / Fiery Chemistry🧭Adventure🛌One Bed🕵️‍♀️Plot Twists💀 Gruesome Monsters🤌Witty Banter👑Rival Kingdoms / Political Intrigue

3.5 rounded up𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙧𝙚 🎭: fantasy romance𝙎𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙚: 🌶️𝙋𝙖𝙘𝙚 🏃🏼‍♀️: moderate/long𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 🖤: FBAA with less heatSometimes I don't like fantasy FMCs because of how insufferable they can be and they usually have a huge chip on their shoulder but Odessa was actually quite likeable. She could use some therapy for that internal monologue though.The best part = monstersYessss it's been a while since I've read a fantasy that has really good monster world building and a unique theme with the beasts (can't give too much away here)This is legitimately a slow burn so buckle up. Mariana Zapata style pacing.Difficult to rate because there were a lot of elements I liked and some that felt disjointed/off pace but I will definitely continue the series.

I am absolutely obsessed with this book! Odessa is everything I want in a main character—fiery, witty, and so incredibly real. I love how she constantly talks herself out of her feelings, trying to rationalize them away or pass them off as something else. It's such a relatable inner monologue, and it made me connect with her deeply.Devney Perry's writing is flawless. Her style is so easy to devour—effortless yet rich with emotion and detail. I could not put this down.And don’t even get me started on the Guardian. The way he delights in Odessa’s sass? Chef’s kiss. Their banter is electric, sharp, and so fun to read. The chemistry is undeniable, and I was living for every moment of it.Also, can we talk about the tree house town? That setting is pure magic. Such a creative and immersive touch—I’m fully obsessed with the entire vibe of this world.Two more things I loved: the chapters are the perfect length—short and punchy, which made the pacing feel snappy and addictive. And the character names? Bless Devney for giving us names that don’t require a pronunciation guide. It made it so much easier to stay immersed in the story.And the twists? Epic. I’m unwell. I did not see them coming and I need book two STAT.Honestly, the only thing that could have made this book better? A full-color map. I would live for a visual of this world!Devney Perry just earned her way into my top favorite authors list with this one. Five stars. No notes. Just give me more!