Book Review- Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry
Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️ + ½
Tropes: Slow burn romance, enemies to lovers, forced marriage, forced proximity, plot twists, betrayal
My Spoiler-Free Review
I recently finished Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry, and I cannot stop thinking about this book. Even though it was only very recently released (May 6, 2025), it seems to have become an overnight success. I believe that this will become the next big romantasy series, akin to ACOTAR or the Empyrean Series (Fourth Wing). If I could have awarded it a higher rating than five stars, I absolutely would have. There were a number of plot twists, some of which were predictable, and some of which weren’t.
Currently, Amazon MGM Studios is developing this book into a feature film adaptation. Given the immediate success of the book, I’m hardly surprised.
My Spoiler-y Review
This story centers around Odessa, a princess who lives in a castle with her slightly younger half-sister, much younger half-brother, father and stepmother. She is engaged to her father’s general whom she doesn’t love. Odessa appears to be meek on the outside, but given her propensity for cliff diving and sneaking out of the castle, we immediately know that she will be getting into some trouble.
Odessa is called into a meeting with her family and Prince Zavier from a neighboring kingdom, who is betrothed to her sister. Through a complicated series of unfortunate events, Odessa ends up married to the prince that very day and must leave her family. Before she goes, her father gives her a laundry list of seemingly impossible tasks he needs from her in order to spy on the Prince and his second in command, The Guardian. Their world is full of terrible monsters and Odessa’s father wants to protect his family and his kingdom using the information she discovers.
Upon leaving her home and kingdom, Odessa finds that she is met with terrors, distrust, and a loveless marriage while she develops a friendship with the gorgeous, arrogant, smirking Guardian. At first Odessa hates his cockiness and teasing, but after the most excruciating of slow burns she finally starts to admit her feelings for the man. By the time any type of actual romance starts, you’ll be panting and screaming for it.
The Guardian quickly became one of my favorite book boyfriends. He gives Rhett Butler vibes with his mannerisms, good looks and quick jibes. I love how we empowered Odessa and encouraged her to break free from who her father and stepmother demanded her to be.
Unfortunately, the book ends with a cliffhanger that will leave you with a hell of a book hangover. As this was my first Devney Perry book, I’ll have time before the next installment is released to check out some of her contemporary romance novels. (Luckily I’ve developed a hankering for cowboy romances just in time for summer.)
Shield of Sparrows Book Review- Summary
If you haven’t read this book yet, it needs to go straight to the top of your TBR pile. You’ll love Odessa’s character arc, the side characters, and especially the MMC (male main character). Devney Perry did not disappoint with this one, and I’m anxiously waiting for the next book in the series.
Shield of Sparrows Book Club Questions
Spoilers! Do Not Read Unless You Have Completed the Book!)
- How did your perception of Odessa change over the course of the book? Were there moments you related to her choices—or disagreed with them?
- Why would Margot dye Odessa’s hair?
- What could Mae have done as a spy that Odessa did not/ could not?
- Why was the king was burning books—to hide information from his subjects, to hide information from other kingdoms, to anger Luella, or for another reason?
- What were Brielle’s true feelings about Odessa?
- What do Odessa and Ransom owe to their own families and kingdoms? At what point should they prioritize their own identities?
- Odessa was betrayed multiple times in this book. Which betrayal do you think was the greatest?
- Do you believe there is a connection between Odessa and the fallen crux at the end of the book? (Page 510) If so, what is it?
- If you could ask the author one question about the book, what would it be?
- Do you feel that there were any plot holes? What were they?
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