Shield of Sparrows - An Honest ARC Review

Peter Arnaudo • August 24, 2025

Is it just me, or are romantasy books getting a little predictable?

I get it.


There's a recipe for best-selling books, with certain tropes that readers like me gobble up every time. Still, when you know what the 'plot twist' is going to be for 60% of the book, there's no room for any suspense.


That being said, other than the eye-rolling 'was that meant to be a dramatic reveal?", Shield of Sparrows was thoroughly enjoyable.


It was fast-paced, well-rounded, and admittedly addictive. It sets the scene for an incredible series, with a fascinating magic system that felt pretty refreshing compared to everything else I've read recently, and a world map that's well worth exploring.


The writing was descriptive, the plot was a page-turner, and (some) of the characters were quite loveable. Four-stars!

About The Book


Long ago, the gods unleashed monsters to remind us of our insignificance. But I didn't need a deity to tell me I was powerless. Being a princess had never been more than a performance. Until the day an infamous monster hunter sailed to our shores. The day I married a stranger, signed a magical treaty, and set off across the continent to the most treacherous kingdom in all the realm. That was the day I learned that not all myths are make-believe. And that the only way to kill the monsters we fear was to become one . . .

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