There has been lots of ‘buzz’ about “Shield of Sparrows” by Devney Perry. This Romantasy novel hit the N.Y. Times Bestsellers list the day it was published and has been selling out at bookstores. I don’t usually read much in the Fantasy genre, but I really enjoyed this novel – it was just a fun read – and can’t wait to read the second book in this series . . . although that won’t be released until next year.
“Shield of Sparrows” is set in a fantasy world of 5 kingdoms, cursed with the migration of Crux monsters every generation. In order to follow a treaty, Princess Odessa Cross is thrown into an arranged marriage with Prince Zavier of Turah, who is accompanied by his bodyguard, The Guardian. Along with many soldiers, the group travels to Turah by boat and horseback, but are attacked by monsters along the way. Odessa has been tasked with spying on the group and getting information back to her father. But she is a terrible spy and the twists and turns of the journey begin to make her question her loyalties. I loved the slow-burn romance in the story and the world-building was very detailed and made for a great escape read.
This was a long novel (528 pages), but it had great characters, and fun banter in the romance scenes. If you like Fantasy and Romance – check out “Shield of Sparrows!”
(This novel is also being developed into a major motion picture.)