Shield of Sparrows

By: Jamie Steinberg

Devney Perry knows how to write a book. The premise for Shield of Sparrows initially drew me to read this one and, I’ll be honest, I was slow to get into it for the first couple of chapters. However, I was quick to change my mind and found myself turning page after page dedicated to finding out what happens to Princess Odessa Cross. As a mix of A Crourt of Throns and Roses, Assistant to the Villain and its own mythical misadventures, this book is one hell of a read.

Princess Odessa Cross was never supposed to be chosen. Her sister Mae was always arranged to marry the prince from the land of Quentis to unite them under the “Shield of Sparrows.” Mae was to be “the sparrow” as well as her father’s spy to report back as to the hidden location of the city of Allearia – the most well held secret in the land of Turah. That is until Prince Zavier Wolfe arrives and throws the King of Quentis’ plans upside down by choosing to marry Princess Odessa instead. Forced to wed Zavier (a man of few words), Odessa finds herself on a boat to Turah with two ladies maids. She’s also stuck on the ship with The Guardian – the best warrior/soldier in this new land – someone for which she holds a deep disdain. Needless to say, he doesn’t hold her in high regard as well. Post ship, Odessa and company must travel by horse on an exhausting adventure to finally make it to her new home only to have their trip interrupted by various mythical creatures looking to attack. These beasts have started unpredictably lashing out and for some reason they have green blood. What could this mean? Also, why is Odessa starting to find herself attracted less to her hubby Zavier and more towards The Guardian? You’ll need to turn the pages of Shield of Sparrows to find out.

Perry packs so much within this fascinating read. You warm up to Odessa along her travels and even feel badly that she’s become a pawn to Turah and Quentis. She’s stuck between a rock and a hard place and then add to that these feelings and concerns and you’ve got yourself a page turner! I wish I had Odessa as a friend because she would have your back in more ways than one. There is a spirit to her that emboldens her to speak her mind and stand her ground. I would say more if I could, but that would ruin the fun of reading each and every word of this book.

Shield of Sparrows is almost “Game of Thrones” meets Dungeons & Dragons with a dash of the previously noted A Court of Roses and Thornes. It’s got mythical beasts, action, adventure, secrets, romance, regrets and so much more. Pick up a copy of this romantasy read and enjoy watching Odessa go from pawn to warrior in more ways than one.