Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry | A Fantasy of Monsters, Magic & Self-Discovery

Devney Perry’s Shield of Sparrows combines epic world-building, complex relationships, and emotional growth in a fantasy that’s as haunting as it is heartfelt.

Pierce Brown’s Red Rising is a phenomenal dystopian sci-fi that hooked me from the very first chapter. I read it as part of my Sci-Fi Fantasy Book Club at Barnes & Noble Fort Lauderdale, and honestly—I don’t know why it took me so long to pick it up. It’s fast-paced, addictive, and layered with fascinating themes of class, power, and survival.

World-Building & The Krux

The story’s greatest strength lies in its world-building. Every generation, a catastrophic migration of monsters—known as the Krux—sweeps across the realm. These creatures, born from the jealousy of the gods’ children toward humankind, wreak havoc on the world and its magic. This concept adds depth and urgency to the plot, creating rising tension that carries through the story.

As the Krux approaches, some monsters begin bleeding green ichor and acting unpredictably. Even the Guardian becomes infected, adding layers of mystery, danger, and emotional complexity to the narrative.

💫 Characterization & Growth

Now, let’s talk about Odessa. I loved her character arc. As the firstborn daughter, she’s expected to fulfill the traditional role of a princess—but instead, she’s dismissed, doubted, and quietly neglected by her family. Her stepmother doesn’t hate her, her sister loves her, but no one truly believes in her.

When she’s unexpectedly chosen as a bride—a role meant for her sister—Odessa is thrust into a world she’s completely unprepared for. What follows is a compelling journey of self-discovery. She teaches herself to fight, to speak up, and to claim her own worth. By the end, Odessa no longer seeks validation from others—she’s learned to believe in herself. Watching her transformation from overlooked daughter to empowered heroine was deeply satisfying.

❤️ The Romance

Where the book faltered for me was the romance between Odessa and the Guardian. It’s a slow burn, but at times it felt too slow. While I appreciated how their relationship began as reluctant allies and grew into genuine friendship, the romantic development took so long that I lost emotional investment in it.

I also found the repeated inner monologues—especially Odessa’s frequent comments about the Guardian’s muscles—a bit tiring. It’s a common fantasy-romance trope, but the repetition felt unnecessary and occasionally pulled me out of the story. Personally, I would have preferred more emotional depth or dialogue-driven chemistry instead of physical admiration on loop.

That said, their friendship dynamic worked beautifully. Their connection built on trust, understanding, and shared struggle felt real and grounded, even when the romance aspect didn’t fully land for me.

Final Thoughts

Despite my mixed feelings about the romance, Shield of Sparrows shines in nearly every other area. The world-building is immersive, the side characters add meaningful depth, and the pacing builds tension perfectly. Perry leaves readers with a cliffhanger that completely caught me off guard—and now I’m genuinely excited to see where the story goes next.