Tag: High Fantasy Romance

Review: Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry

Rating: 5⭐️

In a recent group of highly anticipated and majorly media-hyped romance releases, Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry is one that lives up to its promise and excitement.

I’m unfamiliar with the author and wary or is it weary now of the various books being “super pushed , highly gushed about “ on many media platforms, especially prior to release.

These books are often compared to other books and series that are well established , very well written and already have enormous fan support, rightly or wrongly.  Maybe the soon to be published books fit in the genre, maybe they don’t. But pre-slotting them into a category does the book or author any favors. 

Rant over.  Onto this amazing book. 

Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry does a fantastic job of capturing a unique world of fantasy and horror, of Kingdoms and magical beasts, of princesses marrying to maintain a balance that’s not exactly what it seems. 

And princes to die for. 

The only thing I’m upset about is I don’t have the sequel in my hands already. 

Devney Perry’s world building is extraordinary, from the perilous waters their ships sail over and the creatures that lurk underneath to the realistic, harsh and beautiful nature of the Kingdom most of the novel takes place in. 

Perry’s descriptions and locations are visually stunning, imaginative and beautifully written. They capture our imagination and its people our hearts moment by moment, as Odessa learns more about her new life and the people around her. 

The characters, especially the main character of Odessa, is engaging and wonderfully layered, leaving her fully aware of her struggles and able to develop her strengths as she grows more aware of the challenges and realities of her situation. 

Less said due to spoilers about the male characters the better as they figure greatly in the narrative plot elements and twists. I’m sure many readers will see the surprises coming but it’s still a very real moment for the story and characters. And worked through with a terrific backstory. 

Is this “spicy” romance? That’s a term I feel is being used now for a wide range of sexual content in a romance novel, including some I find offensive like SA. This story is a long novel that features a true slow burn romance with a kiss and finally some sexual romance towards the end. That’s it. 

Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry has left plenty of room for the magical elements and mythology to expand with the next novel. I can’t wait to see what the author has planned for the characters and their journey. 

Highly recommended!

Cover design by LJ Anderson Edge design by Bree Archer

Buy link 

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comShield of Sparrows (Deluxe Limited Edition): Perry, Devney

Blurb 

 Now in development as a feature film with Amazon MGM Studios, with John Wick screenwriter Derek Kolstad attached to write the script!

Don’t miss out on the stunning DELUXE LIMITED EDITION while supplies last. This breathtaking collectible is only available on a limited first print run in the U.S. and Canada, a must-have for any book lover.

Shield of Sparrows is a slow-burn, high-stakes romantasy perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros―where enemies become lovers, monsters stalk a cursed realm, and a forgotten princess finds the strength to tear off her crown and become the warrior she was never meant to be.

The gods sent monsters to the five kingdoms to remind mortals they must kneel.

I’ve spent my life kneeling―to their will and to my father’s. As a princess, my only duty is to wear the crown and obey the king.

I was never meant to rule. Never meant to fight. And I was never supposed to be the daughter who sealed an ancient treaty with her own blood.

But that changed the fateful day I stepped into my father’s throne room. The day a legendary monster hunter sailed to our shores. The day a prince ruined my life.

Now I’m crossing treacherous lands beside a warrior who despises me as much as I despise him―bound to a future I didn’t choose and a husband I barely know.

Everyone wants me to be something I’m not―a queen, a spy, a sacrifice.

But what if I refused the role chosen for me? What if I made my own rules? What if there’s power in being underestimated?

And what if―for the first time―I reached for it?

  • Publisher: Entangled: Red Tower Books (May 6, 2025)
  • Publication date: May 6, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 666 pages

— Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry

Entangled Publishing LLC

A Free Dreamer Review : In Pain and Blood (Spellster Series Book 1) by Aldrea Alien

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

It wasn’t meant to be like this.

Dylan’s life in the spellster tower has everything he should want: magical knowledge, safety from the King’s Hounds and frequent clandestine affairs with women. All at the cost of his freedom. So when the chance to leave the tower—even as a leashed weapon for the King’s Army—arises, he seizes it.

When his first scouting mission goes awry, Dylan is left alone in a hostile world with the tower a distant beacon of safety. Only the flirtatious Tracker, an elven man whose very presence awakens Dylan’s long-repressed desire, can help him return to his old life before the crown discovers his unleashed status.

But the risk of being branded a deserter may be the least of his concerns as whispers of an armed presence in the North threatens his home. Dylan must rely on Tracker to protect him even as everything he thought he knew begins to unravel around them.

 “In Pain and Blood” is a mix of epic high fantasy and romance. I mostly picked the book for its gorgeous cover but found the content to be quite enjoyable as well.

It’s a very long book and that’s something I’ve always liked about books. That does mean things are a bit slow to get started. Tracker doesn’t even show up for the first 20% or so. For a while, I wasn’t sure if I’d misread the blurb and this was actually a m/f romance. I never read the blurb right before I start a book. There’s also at least one rather explicit scene between him and a woman. Personally, I don’t mind that but I know some people really dislike this.

Dylan is a bit on the naive side. He’s had sex with quite a few women but he’s never been in love before. And he’s never been with a man before either. He’s also naive in pretty much every other aspect of life. He’s spent his entire life locked away in a tower and was only allowed out in the gardens. At times, he also seemed a bit dumb, tbh. He was a bit annoying at times.

I liked the world this book was set in. Dylan’s country has been at war with its neighbour for decades, if not centuries. Spellsters (magicians) like Dylan have to spend their life in a huge tower. The only way for them to ever be allowed to leave is with a magic-suppressing collar to fight in the army. This way, they’re only able to use magic when their commander gives them permission. Otherwise the collar won’t let them.

In the neighbouring country, the spellsters are allowed to run rogue. I was never quite sure which side was worse. The enemies are slave owners but are Dylan’s people really that much better? The spellsters definitely aren’t free. I love it when there’s no clear good or evil.

The story could have used another round of editing. There was the occasional spelling mistake and a tiny plot hole or two. Nothing too horrible or glaringly obvious but definitely there.

Overall, I quite enjoyed “In Pain and Blood”. It’s not an easy read and definitely not a quick one either. But it’s definitely worth its time, even if I did have some minor issues with it. I’m definitely interested in the next part and will need to check out the author’s other books in the meantime.

If you’re into good fantasy mixed with a solid love story and don’t mind a longer read, then go for it. If you’re looking for something quick and easy, however, you’d better keep looking.

The cover is really pretty. It’s actually quite simple when you take a closer look but it fits the story perfectly. Dylan sure likes his lightning.

Buy Links ~ Available on KU

Amazon US

Amazon UK 

Book details: Kindle Edition, 867 pages

Published December 15th 2017 by Thardrandian Publications