Shield of Sparrows

I can absolutely see the hype for this book. It wasn’t my favorite and it isn’t perfect but I was definitely invested. My biggest gripe is it felt long. And I don’t mean long page wise, because it’s a fantasy and I love a good 600+ pager, but it felt long with the way it was written. What I loved was that Odessa felt more realistic than what we typically see from a fantasy FMC. She’s not the perfect fighter or super stealthy or smart, she was the average/forgettable princess and that made me like her a lot. What bothered me was the amount of questions she asked not just in dialogue but in her narrative as well. It became a bit much and although was a part of who she was it made the story drag at a lot of different points. There was also a lot of buildup so although I felt like I was moving through quickly, not much happened. I saw some things coming but I was invested and entertained so I let myself enjoy them and by the end I had tears, so of course need to read book two!

This book left me on the best cliffhanger ever!!! The writers style captured my attention from the start. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and even more books from this author. The world building was even fun to get into.

Shield of Sparrows might be my favorite read this year. Couldn’t put it down.

🌶️🌶️ but the plot is amazing and the MFC is sarcastic and brave but flawed. I appreciate not making her out to be helpless but also she starts off with not a lot going for her in the talent department.

I’ve finished this book and still thinking about it days later! I can’t wait for the release of the second in this series. Many unexpected twists and the end of this one poised it well for a second.