Dive into Shield of Sparrows: A Must-Read Slow Burn Romantasy
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Let me start with a confession: I never start a fantasy book series that doesn’t already have at least two books out. Kindle Unlimited has absolutely ruined my patience. I’m the binge-reader who wants to devour an entire fantasy romance series like a Netflix season. Yes—I’m also that person who still hasn’t read Fourth Wing. (I know, I know.) I’ve been waiting for the series to be completed because I can tell, I won’t handle a cliffhanger very well…
But since launching Mom Needs a Chapter, I’ve made it my mission to try new releases as they hit shelves—so I can help you decide if they’re a read or a skip.
Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry
Available on Kindle Unlimited
Spice Rating: 2.5/5 (more tension, smolder, angst than actual steam)
Tropes:
Enemies to Lovers – The Guardian does not want to like her. She doesn't want to trust him. We eat that up.
Arranged Marriage – Odessa is forced into a political marriage for reasons far beyond her control.
Reluctant Royal / Hidden Power – She's the overlooked daughter of the king… until the crown wants to use her.
Cursed Kingdom – The realm is under threat from monsters and ancient treaties written in blood.
Broody, Morally Gray Protector – Strong, silent, and deadly. And oh no, he's catching feelings.
Slow Burn Romance – Longing. Tension. Just barely brushing hands. (WE. LOVE. TO. SUFFER.)
Warrior Princess Transformation – From pawn to player. Odessa goes from obedient royal to sword-wielding threat.
Political Intrigue & Rebellion – Secrets, betrayals, spying, and a heroine caught between two kingdoms.
Training Montage / Power Awakening – She’s not just learning how to fight—she’s learning who she is.
Emotional Angst > Physical Spice – Think heartbreak and yearning over open-door heat.
Verdict: Shield of Sparrows is a READ READ READ.
Whether you're waiting for the full series to binge later, or you want to dive in right now to see what the romantasy hype is about, this book needs to be on your TBR.
Shield of Sparrows — No-Spoiler Summary
In a twist of fate, Odessa Cross—eldest daughter of the throne, but always overlooked—is suddenly forced into a political marriage with the quiet prince of a rival kingdom. But her heart isn’t pulled toward her new husband. It stirs for his fiercely loyal protector instead: the Guardian, a broody, legendary warrior who haunts her every move.
Odessa is ordered to spy on her new kingdom, but she’s caught between loyalty and longing. As tensions rise and enemies close in, she must choose: obey her father or rewrite her own destiny?
If you love enemies to lovers fantasy, political intrigue, and forbidden slow-burn romance, this one’s for you.
My Thoughts on This Enemies-to-Lovers Fantasy
Devney Perry, best known for her emotional small-town romances, crushes her fantasy romance debut. Shield of Sparrows is packed with:
Enemies-to-lovers tension
High-stakes political drama
A deeply relatable heroine on a journey of self-empowerment
A romance that smolders with every glance, touch, and forbidden moment
Odessa is a stand-out heroine: fierce, underestimated, grieving, and brave. Her emotional growth is as compelling as the cursed world she travels through. Told predominantly from her point of view, the story pulls you deep into her mind—her fear, her fire, and her defiance.
And then there’s him. The Guardian. If you like your love interests morally gray, dangerous, and loyal to the bitter end, this guy is about to become your newest book boyfriend.
Even though the tropes feel familiar (ahem, arranged marriage, grumpy/sunshine, hidden magic), the execution is fresh, immersive, and addicting. Think Sarah J. Maas vibes, but tighter pacing and a heroine who feels refreshingly real.
If you love a story with maximum angst and minimal spice, this is your jam. The tension? Off the charts. The steam? More of a slow, smoldering burn that stays just this side of PG-13.
If you’re looking for your next romantasy with slow-burn tension, cursed kingdoms, grumpy protectors, and a heroine who claws back her power—start here. Shield of Sparrows is the kind of book that reminds you why you fell in love with fantasy romance in the first place.
Best for fans of:
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen
Add it to your enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance collection now.
About the Author: Devney Perry
Devney Perry is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author known for crafting deeply emotional love stories with strong heroines, unforgettable small towns, and slow-burn chemistry that simmers off the page.
She made her mark in contemporary romance with fan-favorite series like The Edens and Runaway, beloved for their heartfelt plots and realistic characters. But with Shield of Sparrows, Perry steps boldly into the world of romantasy, delivering magic, monsters, and a fierce warrior princess who refuses to be controlled. In a genre as saturated as romantasy—yet endlessly in demand—it’s a bold move to pivot so sharply from contemporary romance. But Devney Perry doesn't just hold her own—she absolutely knocks it out of the park!
Whether writing cowboys, sheriffs, or cursed guardians, Perry excels at building tension, character growth, and worlds you want to escape into. Her ability to blend romance and stakes—without losing emotional authenticity—makes her a must-read author across genres.
Sip in the Mood: The Moonlit Mirage Cocktail
Every great book deserves a great drink to match its vibe—and Shield of Sparrows delivers all the moody emotion, healing, and romantic tension that inspired our custom cocktail: the Moonlit Mirage.
This delicate yet complex drink combines floral honey-lavender syrup, fresh lemon juice, your choice of gin or vodka, and a hint of crème de violette. It’s soft, mysterious, and a little bittersweet—just like the quiet strength of this story.
Get the full recipe and serve it at your next book club: Moonlit Mirage Cocktail Recipe + Printables
You’ll also find a free printable cocktail sign to elevate your bookish gathering or cozy reading night. Cheers to healing, hope, and a touch of lavender.
Let’s Talk: Shield of Sparrows Discussion Questions
This book has feelings—the slow burn, the quiet ache, the emotional weight of starting over. Whether you're reading solo or with your book club, these questions are designed to help you unpack the deeper themes, character choices, and emotional undercurrents that make Shield of Sparrows such a powerful read. Ready to dive in? Let’s discuss.
1. Odessa begins the novel feeling unseen and undervalued. How does her perception of herself evolve, and what or who contributes most to that change?
2. The Guardian is a complex character. What did you make of his loyalty, and how does it conflict with his growing feelings for Odessa?
3. Discuss the arranged marriage trope in this book. Did Perry subvert your expectations? How does the marriage impact Odessa’s sense of agency?
4. Who do you believe is the true villain in this story—and why? Do any of the antagonists seem justified in their actions?
5. How does Perry use the setting (from cold castles to war camps) to reflect the characters’ emotional journeys?
6. Enemies-to-lovers stories often rely on tension. What were your favorite moments where Odessa and the Guardian pushed against the boundaries of their roles?
7. Were there scenes you wanted more from? (You know the ones!) What would you love to see expanded in the sequel?
8. Odessa’s feelings toward her sister and father are complicated. How does her relationship with her family affect her ability to trust and love?
9. What do sparrows symbolize in this story? How does the title resonate after finishing the book?
10.Perry plays with themes of sacrifice and identity. What moments stand out to you where these ideas were most powerful?
Free Printables to Elevate Your Shield of Sparrows Reading Experience
At Mom Needs a Chapter, I’m all about turning a good book into a full-on experience—and Shield of Sparrows absolutely deserves it. To help you soak up every moody, emotional, small-town moment, I’ve created a set of free printables just for this book!
Included in this bundle:
Moonlit Mirage Cocktail & Mocktail Recipe Cards – Custom-crafted drinks inspired by the atmosphere of the book, perfect for your next book club night or solo reading session.
Book Club Discussion Guide – Thoughtfully designed to spark meaningful conversations (or just let you process all that angst and emotional payoff with a friend or two).
Whether you're hosting a book club or just want to treat yourself, these printables bring an extra layer of connection to your reading time. Download them now and make your reading night one to remember!
Follow the Conversation
Join #ShieldOfSparrows threads on TikTok and Instagram for fan reactions, art, and theories.
Check out these in-depth reviews:
Follow Devney Perry on Instagram for behind-the-scenes insights and updates on the next book.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're a long-time Devney Perry fan or new to her work, Shield of Sparrows is a stunning start to a new fantasy series full of tension, heart, and magic. It’s got all the elements of a perfect book club pick—character depth, emotional grit, and just enough spice to keep things fun.
Have you read it yet? What did your book club think? Drop your favorite quotes or questions below—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
About the Author
I’m a mom of two spirited girls and one oversized Saint Bernard. I have a degree in English from the University of Wisconsin. By day, I work in health care as a Health Literacy expert; by night, I’m off wandering swoony fictional worlds, chasing plot twists and happily-ever-afters. I’ve been in love with the romance genre for as long as I can remember—I've read thousands of love stories and even had my own meet-cute with my library director husband… in a bookstore, of course.
-Frances
Mom Needs A Chapter
