There are many aspects to a book that draw readers in; for some it’s the tropes, for some the cover or author, or perhaps even a review they read about the book. For me, it’s nearly always the blurb. What the blurb both, reveals and conceals, is always the first metaphorical handshake between the reader in me and the book. Often it is that interaction that either invites me to take a step forward into, or a step away from, the world created by the author.
There’s not a single person I know, thus far, who’s read the blurb for Shield of Sparrows and not been intrigued by it. I will say, however, that the book is quite possibly a million times more than what the blurb promises it to be … and then some.
The way a book begins—given that it is what draws a reader in—is nearly as essential as how it ends. Perry has truly achieved the perfect balance in managing multiple elements together. This book begins with one, the introduction of a character; two, a peek into the world building; and three, the reveal of the tone of the story. The world Perry has created is vast but the author does a fantastic job breaking it down into perfectly consumable crumbs, that form a neat trail for the readers to follow, deeper and deeper into the dense and dangerous woods that makes up Shield of Sparrows’ world.
The best way to build a world is to introduce it anew to the character for the reader to learn along with them. But writing a character who is already immersed in the world, but on the precipice of awareness, without them seeming ignorant is always a challenging task. Additionally, making them loveable and relatable with all their flaws and beauty? Therein lies the true test. I would say that both—in the set up of her world and her main character—the author has outdone herself. You can tell Perry knows exactly what she’s doing and will likely be long remembered for her work, especially for this one.
Despite the many aspects of this book that work greatly in its favour, nothing is better than the writing. Even the weakest of stories can be the greatest adventure when the storytelling is outstanding. Given that nothing about Shield of Sparrows is weak, the strength of the author’s writing only gives it wings. Most readers have now seen quite possibly all ways a story could twist and turn, and are rarely taken by surprise anymore. Perhaps the author knew this, because she used the greatest, most powerful trick in her book: misdirection. Just as the reader presumes they know the turns that the author is about to take and feels a sense of achievement and pride when the author does take them; we forget to see the actual twists that come our way until maybe just before the author is about to take them. Shield of Sparrows is the perfect experience even for the most adept of readers. If you wish to feel like a young reader again, with all the wide-eyed innocence and blind trust that comes with being new to something: read this book.
The first thing I always do before starting a book is check the page count because I know that how I feel about it before starting might not be how I feel about it at the end. Even the thickest of books feel ‘not-enough’ when they’re fantastic and I always go in hoping for that every time I see a larger page count. Shield of Sparrows is no small book, but the pace is brutal and keeps you both rooted to the pages and flying because of how swift it is. Every single time I looked at the progress percentage I was surprised by how much further I was than when I’d last checked.
I’ve spoken before about books with high intensity moments and the double edged sword it can be. My take on it is that, as gripping as it can be, it can be equally saturating and tiresome after a point, if overdone. However Perry manages to find the perfect harmony between the slower, softer moments and the faster, action filled scenes. There is a moment in the book where the protagonist practices dancing as part of getting better in another aspect of her life. It is almost like the author took that advice for herself and taught the many elements of her book to dance, so that they can work in perfect rhythm with each other when the time comes.
The plot in this book is hard to separate from the characters, the writing, the pace or the world. Perhaps the reason for that is how well the author has hidden the truth of it beneath all the other elements, only allowing us the slightest of peeks. Even just those keyhole glimpses are enough to reveal just how promising and important the stage that the author has set is going to be. As much as this first book reveals, it is just the beginning. I cannot wait for the author to invite us into her world once again, for I think it is going to be an emotionally and experientially explosive read.
Shield of Sparrows is everything I love in a book. It acts as a portal that has the strength to suck you in and drop you in a world of its choice and leaves you thinking about it long after you return home.
Shield of Sparrows was a 10 out of 10 for me. As always, please do check trigger warnings as this book has themes in it that can be difficult for some.
Shield of Sparrows is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.
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Synopsis | Goodreads
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?
