Samantha brentmoor is such a perfect casting for odessa!!! and then getting to hear Jason Clarke at the end for his pov chapter was such a treat

WOOOW this book is simply phenomenal.

enemies to lovers, arranged marriage fantasy (will be a trilogy).

I am not an avid fantasy reader so I always worry about my ability to understand the world — NO WORRIED HERE. it’s so easy to understand, even easier to get swept up in, and easy to binge.

the whole story of adventure and romance and the monsters?! everything is so vivid.

enjoy the ride!!!

5 stars!!

- fantasy romance
- slow burn
- magical creatures
- marriage contract
- outcast
- secret identity
- enemies to lovers
- grumpy growly mmc x strong resilient fmc

ok first of all, the imagination it must've taken to dream up these magical creatures! I was so fascinated and impressed.

this has been one of my very favorite fantasy romances that I have read, i feel like it was a fun new take on a fantasy romance that DOESNT have fae (I love fae but something new every once in awhile is nice)

i had so much fun reading this, and the cliff hanger had me screaming for the next book.

I loved listening to this audiobook - the narrators really embodied the characters.

Well done, Devney!! <3

This book took me on such a ride! It was a bit slow in the beginning but I could not put it down. Obsessed? Yes!

if you’re looking for an enemies to lovers, arranged marriage romantasy with the most rewarding slowww burn filled w tension and banter for days??? this is the one 🙂‍↕️ (and tbh even if you’re not looking for that, you should still read this). shield of sparrows is easily my favorite book of the year so far!!

the world created within the pages of this book was so intriguing and majestic despite the dangers lurking at every turn. it was truly riveting from start to finish. i just know my heart rate was through the roof on multiple occasions tho 😮‍💨 it’s hard to say much without spoiling anything, but the romance was phenomenal, the plot had me on the edge of my seat, and i couldn’t have loved it more!! devney perry did her thing with this one and it was magical!!! (literally). a romantasy that felt fresh and new and so exciting, but still had the devney charm we know and love from her small town books. love love love!!!

samantha brentmoor is forever my favorite and she was perfect for this book!! and a glimpse of jason clarke at the end was the cherry on top

I went into the book with high expectations because the author is a longtime favorite, and everything she’s written has been amazing. For her first Romantasy novel, Devney Perry delivers an epic, action-packed thrill-ride, with a swoon-worthy love story and a mind-blowing finale that had me begging for the next book!      
     
I’m trying to think of what I can say without giving away massive spoilers, and I’m not coming up with much. 🙈 I will say that I figured out part of a huge plot twist from the beginning, but it’s one of many jaw-dropping revelations throughout the narrative, so there were still plenty of surprises along the way. 🤣 I definitely recommend going in knowing as little as possible, because piecing together the clues as the book progressed kept me riveted and paying close attention to every minute detail.      
     
The bare minimum of what you need to know is that the story follows Odessa, a princess who’s unexpectedly thrust into a life she never planned for, entering a potentially life-or-death situation, traveling to places she’s never been to, with people she doesn’t know. Having been sheltered and kept in the dark for most of her life, Odessa is suddenly experiencing the fantastical world around her, and attempting to satisfy her seemingly unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Her journey of self-discovery is simultaneously aided and thwarted by the Guardian, a man who pushes and challenges her, but whose penchant for secrecy keeps them suspicious of each other’s intentions.      

With a slow-burning, tension-building, mystery-laden narrative filled with magical creatures and potential danger lurking around every corner, Shield of Sparrows is an addictive page-turner, and I greedily devoured every word! By the book’s end, my eyes were bugged out and I gasped aloud several times, I was rereading sentences to confirm exactly what I just read, and I was frantically running through all the information that was revealed, as well as all the questions I still needed answers. Devney Perry had me hooked with Shield of Sparrows, and I’m already impatiently awaiting the next book in the series! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This audio was TOP TIER, and the story line and characters…phenomenal.

I literally do not want to spoil one thing, BUT if you love strong heroines, honorable heroes, fantastic worlds and monsters…read it. Download, listen on audio. It was so good!

I LOVE AND AM OBSESSED with this world that Devney Perry created!!! OMG. I can't stop thinking about it!!!⁣
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I seriously want to say more, but at the same time I don't because you NEED to experience this book for yourself. I am so in love. It's DEFINITELY MY FAVORITE READ OF THE YEAR!!! All the stars!!! It is so addictive, and I cannot stop reading it. Literally at the edge of my seat!! So many twists and turns. The characters, the angst, the sexual tension 🤭, the monsters, the banter, the magic, the mysteriousness of everything, it was PERFECTION!! ⁣
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Even if you're not a huge romantasy reader, you do not want to miss out on this. I REPEAT, YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS OUT ON IT. 😂 ⁣
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How am I supposed to wait for the next book?!? 😭

I gobbled up Shield of sparrows like it was my last meal- an enemies to lovers romantasy that gripped me from the first page with the promise of gods, monsters, and princesses. I was captivated by the world building and the even better tension and banter. The actual shield of sparrows is a marriage treaty that’s meant to keep peace within these 5 kingdoms. And although Odessa is the King’s oldest daughter, he’s chosen her sister as the sparrow, set to marry the crown prince. But that’s not what ends up happening. The journey this story takes is so full of twists and turns, it keeps you guessing
I was actually so gagged like multiple times!!!

I genuinely haven’t had this much fun reading a book in so long. . I would lay my life down for these characters. The ending left me utterly speechless. I need the next book stat!

I didn't know how much I needed Samantha Brentmoor to narrate and audiobook until now. 10/10 performance.

my top book of the year so far. wow as someone who does not read romantasy- I was very excited to read this one because I absolutely love Devney's writing. this enemies to lovers slow bur was everything I didn't know I needed. the world building was so freaking good. the tension and banter was top tier. this story was addicting, captivating, and gut-wrenching. I was kicking my feel giggling and then ugly sobbing over so many different elements about this story. there were so many twists and turn throughout the story that it kept me on my toes. I loved this story with my whole heart that I started it over again immediately. I could not love this story more and I am going to be anxiously counting down until the next one.

THE SAMANTHA AND JASON COMBO IS ELITE

dare i say my favorite romantasy of the year?!?! This truly is the blueprint for the perfect romantasy in my eyes. The perfect balance between romance, unique plot and fantasy elements! I love Devney’s writing and small town romances, so when she announced a romantasy book, I knew I was going to be obsessed! And I want correct 🤭

What to expect:
-romantasy
-arranged marriage
-enemies to lovers
-plot twists
-spice, banter & tension
-slow burn
-magic, monsters & myths
-adventure & intrigue

So as I already mentioned: NEW FAV ROMANTASY BOOK UNLOCKED 🔓 Devney entered her romantasy era and left absolutely zero crumbs. I was hooked from the first chapter and didn’t want to put it down. Not only was I obsessed with the characters, I was also sucked into the plot and immediately theorizing. I did a hybrid read with the audio and HIGHLY RECOMMEND. We know Devney can write an addictive contemporary romance, but add addictive romantasy writer to her resume! The plot is something I feel like you have to kinda go in blind for the best reading experience! The plot twists will have you on the edge of your seat. The enemies to lovers romance was CHEFS KISS!! I was obsessed with the banter and tension between the two main characters. Who doesn’t love a fierce fmc and a grumpy mmc combo??? Also adored all the side characters. I really think a new fantasy reader and a seasoned fantasy reader would love this one! My jaw was on the floor at the ending and I’m going to need that second book immediately!!

Thank you so much Devney & team and Redtower for the ARC and ALC of Shield of Sparrows!

“You are not a pawn, Odessa. Not to me. You are the Sparrow. You are my wife. You are the future queen of Turah.”

Consider me OBSESSED!!! I was absolutely engrossed in this story and have to say it absolutely CONSUMED me. I could not stop thinking about it, every twist, every turn, every secret revealed, this story was everything I love about reading books. It transported me to another world where a princess was used as a bargaining chip in a centuries old magical treaty to keep the kingdoms from war. But all was not as it seemed as Odessa began her journey to her new home, each stop along her journey revealing something to make her question everything she thought she knew. Her resilience and strength was tested at every turn and I loved watching her grow into something so fierce, even her new husband couldn’t help but be impressed. With every utterance of “my queen”, I absolutely melted and as the book progressed the sarcastic tone changed into something of reverence and I knew there was no turning back for either of them.

“Love shouldn’t come with this many lies “

Whether you are a reader who is well versed in the Romantasy genre or you are a contemporary reader who wants to start their fantasy journey, this book is a must read! The story is character driven so that the fantasy world building feels natural and not overwhelming, a true testament to Devney’s storytelling. Be ready to become obsessed!! I think my jaw is still on the floor from that ending!

Samantha’s narration in the audiobook was stellar, she portrayed Odessa’s strength and resilience perfectly and made me fall hard for the prince. Her differentiation for the cast of characters gave a great amount of depth to the audiobook and made this a standout performance for me!

For once, you can believe the hype, my friends. OBSESSED. ENCHANTED. MESMERIZED. AND !00% ADDICTED. Shield of Sparrows is undoubtedly one of the best reads of the year! I was swept away into this alluring romantasy world of monsters and cursed kingdoms, intrigue and secrets, the most delicious slow burning romance, and a heroine so endearing and charming that you can’t help but fall madly in love with her. Did I devour this book/audio or did it devour me?! Either way I am wildly in love with this story and AM DESPERATE FOR MORE.

The spare princess- everyone’s pawn. The girl who hides parts of herself, while others are overlooked and forgotten. What a compelling and lovable heroine Odessa is. I loved her softness and her fire, her strength and vulnerability, her curiosity and her cleverness. Deveny immerses us so brilliantly in this character- the interiority, the character voice, her big beautiful, brave heart. I just adored her! The character growth, the emotional journey, it’s just chef’s kiss. And oh my did Samantha Brentmoor SLAY the narration. She brings so much emotional nuance and gripping expression to the performance. She brings Odessa to live

The world building is so deftly and artfully created. I felt swept away into these magical settings full of mythical monsters and so much palpable danger! As an infrequent fantasy reader, I found everything so inviting and immersive, beautifully constructed that truly transported me to this amazing world, as if Devney has written a thousand romantasies before.. I don’t want to say too much about the plot or the love story because you just have to dive in blind- but the banter, the angsty longing, the romantic tension EATS YOU UP. It is a slower burn…and it has a bit of a travel/danger pattern vibe in the middle that did move a little slower, but it’s because I wanted answers and also was waiting to figure out just WHO was our hero- but once things become clear I was even more hooked. And the adventure and jaw dropping twists- some I predicted and some I never saw coming. And the last 30%?! Let’s just say I was CONSUMED and gasping for more at the end.

Truly a mind blowing romantasy debut for seasoned story teller Devney Perry- still with ALL of the hallmarks we love about her writing- amazing settings, explosive enemies to lovers chemistry, a full cast of charming characters, and a tender emotional affecting story. But now with monsters, and myths, and curses, and lore, and SO much magical fantasy charisma. Hands down my favorite Devney book of all time (gasp) and one of my favorite romantasies ever. AND THAT ENDING?! SOMEONE HOLD ME. Brava, Devney- Brava.

Audio Review:
Samantha Brentmoor is always amazing, but this is perhaps her best narration ever. She’s phenomenal. The emotional range, the vulnerability, the expressive nuances she brings to the table. Odessa is such a dynamic character, and with the majority of the book in her POV, she does some heavy lifting as a character and with her character arc. And Samantha effortlessly and perfectly brings it to life. I also loved how thoughtfully she voices the other characters in Odessa’s POV. And Jason Clarke is yummy as always- we only have a smidge of him, and while I was THIRSTY for that POV, given the plot and twists and storyline it makes sense we don't get our hero’s interiority until the end. And Jason comes in and slays the moments he has. This is a longer story (and a long audio) and it flew by- I could not stop listening..


👑Romantasy
⚔️Enemies to lovers
👑Arranged marriage
⚔️Magic, monsters & myths
👑Plot twists
⚔️Tension, banter and light spice!
👑Very slow burn
⚔️adventure, secrets, & intrigue
👑Forced Proximity
⚔️Travel
👑She learns to fight/is discovering her power
⚔️Found Family

TOP TIER READ🎧🤭
5⭐️
5🎧
.5🌶️
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: romantasy, arranged marriage, enemies to lovers, slow burn, tension, magic, ends on a cliffy
𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝟐
𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤: Samantha Brentmoore + Jason Clark

THIS BOOK WAS TOP FREAKING TIER. I simply will not and cannot get over that cliffy. Like what am I supposed to do having to wait for the next book?!

The fantasy romance girlies are getting FED this year and I am EATING. IT. UP.👏🏻 The tension and chemistry between these two was FIRE.🔥 While I did feel like there is a good balance between fantasy elements and romance, this is what I would say a little heavier on the romance. So don’t go into this expecting romance as a subplot because it simply is SHINING in this one okay? And we love it because oh my gosh I am kicking my feet with how much I love them.

This is one of those stories where you just need to dive in and don’t look back. Devney did a beautiful job of creating a beautiful world what you really do just want to get lost in.

The ending to this one is giving MAJOR I need this book yesterday energy because WTF! I need everyone to join in on my pain of having to wait for the next book.

HUGE thank you to Devney & Red Tower for a physical arc and stunning t shirt to read in💚🫶🏻

WOWOWOWOW i am speechless after reading this!! you would never guess this was devney’s fantasy debut, reading this felt like reading a seasoned fantasy author. this book is the epitome of everything i love about romantasy books, great banter, digestible world building/fantasy elements, slow burn enemies to lovers, a fierce fmc, a swoon worthy mmc, unique plot that holds your attention (seriously could not out this down), and amazing side characters that make the story feel well rounded🫂

here what i love:
👑 already loving the world building seems really easy to follow and understand
🏹 already obsessed with odessa, she is feisty & fierce!!
👑 the vosters are kinda creepy, idk if i trust them idk if i trust anyone but odessa,
🏹 the guardian & zavier are hot🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️
👑 i LOVE seeing odessa wearing colors!!!
🏹 that scene had my heart RACING!! the marroweels seem so scary
👑 so many theories are swirling in my head
🏹 odessa & the guardian having top tier banter!! i love their back & forth so much🙂‍↕️
👑 love seeing odessa wanting to learn how to fight & defend herself & i love even more that it’s the guardian who’s teaching her
🏹 obsessed with the journey aspect in this one
👑 THE TENSION PLEASE JUST KISS ALREADY!!! the slow burn is slow burninggggg
🏹 the monsters are SO cool (but also scary) and i love the art devney posted, it helps me be able to visualize them so well!!
👑 “MY QUEEN” crying!!!
🏹 i don’t know who’s sassier odessa or the guardian
👑 “praise is for the bedroom, cross. not the training ring” OKAY GUARDIAN I SEE YOU
🏹 i love the guardian so much he’s so protective of odessa
👑 enemies to lovers hitting so good😮‍💨
🏹 I WAS NOT EXPECTING THAT
👑 i love how determined odessa is
🏹 the monster scenes make my heart RACE
👑 omg how could you not love evie!! i’m obsessed with her
🏹 they’re so down bad for each other
👑 HIS NAME
🏹 i love faze🫂
👑 my heart hurts for odessa right now - heavy on the mirrorball vibes in this scene
🏹 I FREAKING KNEW IT OMG IM SO HAPPY RIGHT NOW - me when i guess one of the twists right
👑 my heart is bursting
🏹 “my choice is you”🥹🥹
👑 my face right now 😮😮😮
🏹 oh my goddd what is happening?? so much chaos what is going on, i’m scared!!!
👑 jaw is literally on the floor
🏹 THE ENDING!!? i knew that was going to play an important part but i didn’t think it was THAT?!?
👑 I NEED BOOK 2 OMFGGGG

i listens to the alc and followed along in my arc and seriously had the best time!! the production was phenomenal it felt like i was watching a movie!! i can’t believe o have to wait for book 2 now, the ending of this one has me spiraling i have so many questions but also so many theories. i got to experience reading this with a group of friends who all had arcs and we had the best time bouncing thoughts & theories off each other! this is EASILY one of my top reads of the year! if this is devney’s fantasy debut i can’t wait to see what else she has up her sleeve for the rest of this series and for future fantasy books. this book has gotten a lot of praise so far and honestly, it deserves even more because this book was seriously just that freaking good!!!

STRONG contender for my favorite book of the year!! I’m still obsessing over this book a week after reading it!⁣
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What to expect:⁣
✨ Magic and myths⁣
🩶 Enemies to lovers⁣
✨ Arranged marriage⁣
🩶 Slow burn⁣
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I was completely immersed in this new world that Devney built! Sometimes all the information can be overwhelming in the beginning of a series, but that wasn’t the case here. Everything came together seamlessly! ⁣
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The characters…oh, the characters! I loved them! Odessa as a main character really came into her own as the story unfolded. I knew I was going to love her from that first chapter. ⁣
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Did I adore the MMC? Yes. Incredible. No notes. 😍⁣
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The monsters in this series were amazing, and I love that Devney released photos of them so we could see them before/as we were reading! And the Voster…I need to know more!! As creepy as they were, they’re one of my favorite parts of this book!⁣
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Overall, the characters, the banter, even the characters I wanted to punch in the face, made this story for me! You don’t want to miss this incredible start to the series!⁣
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For the audiobook fans - Samantha Brentmoore completely knocked this one out of the park!! Absolutely fan-freaking-tastic performance! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 She’s my favorite for a reason!⁣ Samantha AND Jason Clarke? Best pairing ever!!
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Thank you to the author and Red Tower Books for a physical arc and Tantor Audio for an ALC. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given.

My new go-to fantasy romance book recommendation!

If there were ever a time I wished time travel existed, it would be now, just so I could go back and experience this book for the first time all over again. I'm very jealous of everyone who still gets to read it for the very first time. EASILY one of the best new fantasy books that I have read in years.

Shield of Sparrows is the author's first fantasy book, and OMG...I am so impressed. It has everything that I love in a fantasy romance novel: delicious enemies to lovers tension, an arranged marriage dynamic, monsters, secrets, magic, banter, brooding men, and an amazing female main character.

What stood out most to me was just how fresh and original the story felt. The fantasy world of Calandra was introduced in a way that felt natural and easy to follow (without being dumbed down), and there was no info-dumping. I found myself constantly looking for breadcrumbs and trying to guess twists. There were moments when the tension had me so far on the edge of my seat, it’s honestly a miracle I didn’t fall off my couch.😂😅

I loved the female main character, Odessa, and found the side characters equally intriguing. This book had the same “feel” as Devney’s small town romance books, but in a completely new and magical way.

This book is a must-read for fantasy romance fans. Seriously…please read it ASAP and then we can all sit and stare at the ceiling together, unable to move on with our lives until book 2 comes out.🙃

I listened to the audiobook and WOW WOW WOW. My favorite audiobook of the year. Thank you so much to Devney and Red Tower for the advanced copies.

Devney Perry's transition from romance to romantasy felt natural and effortless. Everything you love about Deveny's writing is present in this story, with the added element of it being set in a very accessible fantasy world. Shield of Sparrows was a romance forward story with palpable tension, heartfelt friendships, and a beautifully personal growth story line for our FMC. In addition, the world Devney has created truly feels one of a kind. Despite the fantasy elements being easy to understand, the story and conflict remained complex. Every time you think you know what is coming next, you are met with another twist that keeps you turning to the next page.

To me, this was unputdownable. When I was not reading Shield of Sparrows I was thinking about Shield of Sparrows, and even now, as I have finished the story, it remains on my mind.

Samantha Brentmoor brought this story to life with a phenomenal first person single POV narration performance. She was able to perfectly embody each character and provide another level of connection to the story.

If I have not made myself abundantly clear, this book was beyond a five star read for me. Shield of Sparrows...welcome to my Roman Empire.

All I can say is: WOW. Devney Perry absolutely blew me out of the water with her romantasy debut. From beginning to end, I was absolutely invested in Odessa's story.

Shield of Sparrows follows Odessa Cross, the underestimated, undervalued princess who is suddenly thrown into an arranged marriage against her will. She travels across the continent to a kingdom far different from her own; One filled with dangers that she has yet to understand. Shield of Sparrows is gripping, action-packed, and filled with beautiful world-building and storytelling. The twists & surprises within this story had me so deeply intrigued in how the story would unfold.

Odessa is an incredible female lead with a wonderful character arc. Her development throughout the story was so special. Getting to see her strength, witness her bravery, and explore her incredibly caring & intelligent personality was absolutely wonderful.

The romance in this story was beautifully done. The tension and chemistry was off the charts, absolutely radiating off the pages. I absolutely cannot wait to see where Devney goes with the rest of their story!!!

This audiobook was so incredibly well done. Both Samantha Brentmoor and Jason Clarke's narration was done incredibly well & they both truly embodied the characters for me. I felt fully immersed in the story and really enjoyed getting to experience the story through the audio.

Devney Perry has long been a powerhouse in the romance genre, but her foray into romantasy with Shield of Sparrows is nothing short of spectacular! Chefs kiss! She didn’t just dip her toe into the genre, she dove in headfirst and absolutely nailed it.

Shield of Sparrows is everything a romantasy should be. The world-building is immersive and vivid, layered with political intrigue, thrilling action, and yes, monsters that are just the right mix of terrifying and fascinating. And let’s not forget the broody, complex MMC we all instantly fell for.

What sets this book apart are the jaw-dropping revelations. Devney masterfully kept us in the dark alongside our heroine, delivering twists that truly shook me. It’s rare for an author to blindside readers so effectively, and she did it with precision.

The characters are another standout. Each one feels so real. They are flawed, layered, and easy to get attached to. Their arcs develop organically, and you find yourself deeply invested in every moment. Odessa, once seen as the “spare” sister, comes into her own with strength, resilience, and heart. She’s a force to be reckoned with. And The Guardian? There’s something endlessly compelling about him. He is mysterious, richly developed, and impossible not to be intrigued by.

I am already counting the days until books two and three release (we don’t have dates yet…but I’m eager!) If Shield of Sparrows is any indication, Devney Perry is well on her way to claiming the crown as the new Queen of Romantasy.

I’ve almost read through Devneys backlist and obsess over her small towns …. So you can imagine I was PUMPED when she announced she was writing romantasy!

You can not tell this is her first book in her Romantasy era, and I am so excited for more to come. The banter & angst were top tier. The world building sucks you into this story right from the start.

And the twists had me literally shook. I was so shocked and sad it was over. I can’t wait for the next one!