Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry

I honestly didn't expect much going into Shield of Sparrows, especially after falling into some popular and disappointing recommendations... but wow, this book completely blew me away! The world-building feels so fresh and creative, not just another recycled fantasy setting, but something genuinely unique that had me wanting to explore and learn more of it. What really hooked me though was the protagonist. She starts off not really knowing who she is, but her sheer determination to grow, help others, and refuse to be helpless is incredible. She's smart, thinks for herself, and never gives up even when everything seems impossibly hard. Watching her journey from uncertainty to strength was absolutely captivating, and the slow build really allowed me to connect with her on a deep level.The supporting characters are all so well-developed and layered, nobody feels like they're just there to serve the plot. And can we talk about the Guardian? He's emotionally intelligent, genuinely supportive, and interesting in a mysterious kind of way that keeps you hooked. The romance develops naturally and is a slow burn, without overshadowing the main story, and honestly, gets one so invested in them as a couple. The plot twists kept me guessing throughout, and everything felt earned rather than cheap or manipulative. There were love scenes that felt natural and progressed the plot of the book, they did not feel forced or put in to titillate for no reason.The action is also a slow progression, but I like that, as it makes us know the characters better and get invested in their reactions naturally when some of the main plot points of the book start happening later on. Big action at the end, and it does end in a lite cliffhanger but that is sometimes to be expected by books in a series and does not take away from the book as a whole.This is exactly the kind of romantic fantasy that reminds me why I love the genre. It has heart, genuine character growth, creative world-building, and relationships that feel real and meaningful. I can absolutely see why so many readers have fallen in love with this book, and I'm already dying to read the next one in the series. If you want a fantasy with a determined heroine, a strong but sensitive hero, great character dynamics, and a romance that will make you swoon, definitely give this one a shot!

From the very first chapter, Shield of Sparrows completely swept me away. This was a five-star plus listen through and through intense, mysterious, emotionally loaded, and oh-so-addictive. Devney Perry gave us a slow-burn romantic fantasy laced with danger, longing, and a heroine I absolutely adored.Odessa was the heart of this story and what a character. The forgotten, cast-aside older sister, living in the shadow of her royal younger sibling. When a prince shows up to claim her sister’s hand, no one expects Odessa to be the one he ends up marrying. But as political tensions rise and secrets unfold, it becomes clear there’s much more to this arrangement than anyone is letting on and Odessa is at the center of it all.But the real tension? It ignites with the Guardian who travels with the prince. The way the slow-burn between Odessa and the Guardian builds had me hanging on every single word. You could feel it simmering beneath the surface a spark that kept crackling through moments of danger, whispered truths, and forbidden glances. Add in the creeping presence of monsters and the constant sense of being watched or hunted and you’ve got a plot that stays sharp and suspenseful until the very end.Now let’s talk audiobook, because it absolutely elevated this story.Samantha Brentmoor was phenomenal as Odessa. She was Odessa, every moment of fear, frustration, longing, strength, and heartbreak poured through in her voice. I didn’t just hear Odessa’s journey, I felt it. She brought so much depth to her performance that I forgot I was listening to a book. It felt like I was living it.And then there’s Jason Clarke. Oh. My. God. That last chapter? When we finally get his POV? I was not prepared. The switch flipped, the stakes got higher, and his voice brought an entirely new intensity to the story. When he stated, “To find my wife,” I just about melted. So hot. So commanding. I was immediately hungry for more of his side of the story! I need book two ASAP.This audiobook was everything I wanted and more a gothic fairytale feel with modern romantic tension and a touch of slow-burn spice. If you love fantasy romance with mystery, monsters, and unforgettable characters, Shield of Sparrows is your next listen.

II enjoyed this book so much more than I expected! Shield of Sparrows felt genuinely exciting, and great to read. The world-building was unique, the character dynamics interesting, and the slow build really paid off.📖 Quick summary:This is a story about a determined, strong female protagonist. I really love how this character although she doesn’t really know herself at the beginning she has a real determination to truly improve, help others and not be a damn distress. She who refuses to give up, no matter how tough things get. But she also is smart and thinks for herself. Her journey of growth, resilience, and learning is at the heart of the book, with unexpected twists and complex relationships woven throughout.💖 What I loved:• An engaging and creative world.• A truly strong heroine who pushes herself to grow and improve.• Great character complexity—many felt layered and interesting.• The slow build allowed me to really connect and care.• Some fun plot twists that kept me guessing.• The love interest deserves a special mention: although not perfect he was overall emotionally intelligent, easy to love, and one of his lines made me instantly cry because it was so beautiful. I loved the relationship overall, and honestly, I found myself desperate to get inside his head—and hear his POV.✅ Final verdict:I can see why so many readers have embraced this one, and I absolutely can’t wait to read the next book in the series. If you want a fresh-feeling fantasy with a determined heroine and great character dynamics, and a great love then this is worth your time!