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The must-read books of 2026

Shield of Sparrows

A TREATY SEALED IN MAGIC. A FATE BORN OF MONSTERS. A LOVE FORETOLD BY LEGEND. 
 
&amp;#x1F525; THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES AND NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER &amp;#x1F525; 
 
The ultimate slow-burn, high-stakes romantasy for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros &amp;#x1F5A4; &amp;#x1F5E1; 
- 
 
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? 
Tropes:<ul><li>Enemies to Lovers</li><li>Magic, Myths and Monsters</li><li>Slow-Burn</li><li>Forced Proximity</li><li>Arranged Marriage</li><li>Hidden Identity</li><li>High Stakes</li></ul> 
Now a Feature Film in Development with Amazon MGM Studios!– 
Critics are RAVING about Shield of Sparrows 
‘The best fantasy romance I’ve read in years. This story is unlike anything I’ve read before’ Giana Darling, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author 
 
‘A riveting world, a twisty plot, and a smoldering romance. I burned through this epic romantasy’ K.A. Tucker, USA Today and international bestselling author of the Fate &amp; Flame series 
 
‘Devney Perry made me want to quit my job and reread this book every day until the next one releases, it’s that addictive!’ CE Ricci, USA Today bestselling author 
 
‘This book is everything! The world-building and main characters were so refreshing and empowering, and that simmering slow burn was so worth the wait’ Shanora Williams, New York Times bestselling author 
 
Readers are OBSESSED with Shield of Sparrows 
‘Shield of Sparrows is a must read!’ 5 &amp;#11088; Reader Review 
‘My favorite book of the year. maybe even my favorite romantasy EVER’ 5 &amp;#11088; Reader Review 
‘My favorite book of 2025 so far, the Romantasy I’ve been waiting for to get me out of my fantasy slump!!’ 5 &amp;#11088; Reader Review 
‘I freaking LOVED this book’ 5 &amp;#11088; Reader Review 
 
‘It’s my new favorite read this year’ 5 &amp;#11088; Reader Review 
‘This book was F*CKING AMAZING’ 5 &amp;#11088; Reader Review 
‘This book was absolutely perfect in so many ways’ 5 &amp;#11088; Reader Review 
‘[T]he ending of this book truly shook me’ 5 &amp;#11088; Reader Review 
‘Devney Perry’s foray into the fantasy genre was a FABULOUS FIVE STARS filled with unique world-building, action-packed plot, and my new favorite characters!’ 5 &amp;#11088; Reader Review 
 
‘If I could bottle the feeling this book gave me and carry it around forever, I would. From page one, I was hooked and I devoured this story like my life depended on it’ 5 &amp;#11088; Reader Review 
Shield of Sparrows, Sunday Times bestseller, August 2025

A thrilling, immersive tale that shows that some bargains demand more than just a crown.

Shield of Sparrows is the best fantasy romance I’ve read in years and my top read of 2025. This story is unlike anything I’ve read before with lush, unique world-building, thrilling adventures, and an epic love story

Giana Darling, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author

A riveting world, a twisty plot, and a smoldering romance. I burned through this epic romantasy.

K.A. Tucker, USA Today and international bestselling author of Fate & Flame

Devney Perry made me want to quit my job and reread this book every day until the next one releases, it’s that addictive!

This book is everything! The world-building and main characters were so refreshing and empowering, and that simmering slow burn was so worth the wait. Devney absolutely slayed it with this romantasy, and I can’t wait to read book two!

Shanora Williams, New York Times bestselling author

This excellent book will sink its talons into you and tear you to pieces before you have a chance to realize what’s happening

Perry does a fantastic job at building a unique fantasy world, developing her characters, and introducing an engaging conflict. Perry's latest release has all the makings of a great romantasy series

Make way for a beautiful, slow-burn romance packed with spectacular world-building in Devney Perry’s Shield of Sparrows!

This book was absolutely perfect in so many ways.

[T]he ending of this book truly shook me.

Devney Perry’s foray into the fantasy genre was a FABULOUS FIVE STARS filled with unique world-building, action-packed plot, and my new favorite characters!

If I could bottle the feeling this book gave me and carry it around forever, I would. From page one, I was hooked?and I devoured this story like my life depended on it.

This book had me in a chokehold from page one!!

Truly one of the best, most addictive romantic fantasy stories I have read!

I just have one word, WOW! I couldn’t put Shield of Sparrows down! I finished this read in 1 day, it was just that good!

I loved everything about this, from the drama to the plot and character development. I genuinely cannot wait for book two!!

This book literally had me on the edge of my seat and heart throughout its entirety and I cannot, I repeat cannot, wait for the next book in this series.

I was blown away! I absolutely think this is a romantasy book that will be talked and thought about for a long time. I know I will be!

I’m absolutely hooked and counting down the days until the next one!

Wow! 528 pages of pure perfection. I devoured this book!

Devney Perry is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author. Born and raised in Montana, she loves writing books set in her treasured home state. After working in the technology industry for nearly a decade, she abandoned conference calls and project schedules to enjoy a slower pace at home with her family. Writing one book, let alone many, was not something she ever expected to do. But now that she's discovered her true passion for writing romance, she has no plans to ever stop.

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 . . .

(The Edens #6)

Sable Peak

Get ready for small towns stirred by mystery and desire in the heart-pumping sixth story in the Eden series . . . 
 
For four years Vera Gallagher's life was anything but normal and she refused to remember the years before that. 
 The past is a painful wound and life is fragile . . . Her mother taught her that. Now, she’s determined not to waste a moment of her newfound freedom. 
 Mateo Eden’s handsome. Charming. Witty. And he loves his family the way Vera loves-with her whole heart. Some could consider her crush on Mateo Eden wasted time. Or call her a fool for loving a man who hasn't shown her a crumb of interest. Still, to Vera, it's Mateo or nothing. 
 Maybe he'll never notice her. Maybe she's just too damaged to find that normal life she desperately craves. Maybe her secrets will always keep them apart. But Vera will love him anyway. Whether Mateo realizes it or not.

Vera Gallagher is chasing constant. For four years, her life was anything but normal. And the years before that she refuses to even remember. Dwelling on the past only hurts. Life is fragile, a lesson her mother taught her well. She's determined not to waste a moment of her newfound freedom. 
 
Maybe some would consider her crush on Mateo Eden wasted time. Maybe some would call her a fool for loving a man who hasn't once dropped a crumb of interest her way. Still, to Vera, it's Mateo or nothing. 
 
He's handsome. Charming. Witty. And he loves his family the way Vera loves-with her whole heart. 
 
Maybe he'll never notice her. Maybe she's too damaged, too broken, to find that normal life she craves. Maybe her secrets will always keep them apart. But Vera will love him anyway. Whether Mateo realizes it or not.

(The Edens #1)

Indigo Ridge

The dramatic introduction into The Edens series. Get ready for small towns stirred by mystery and desire . . . 
 
Winslow Covington believes in life, liberty and the letter of the law. 
 
As Quincy's new chief of Police she has to prove herself to the community. And that means she must earn favour with the Edens. But winning over the town's founding family might have been easier if not for her one-night stand with their oldest son, Griffin. 
 
Sleeping with Griffin was a huge mistake. Winslow does her best to avoid him, but when a woman is found dead on Eden property, the two of them have no choice but to cross paths. 
 
As clues to the murderer lead to one of Quincy's own, Griffin realises Winslow is more than he gave her credit for. 
 
She's beautiful, intelligent, and impossible to resist. For him. And the killer.

Winslow Covington believes in life, liberty and the letter of the law. 
 
As Quincy's new chief of Police she has to prove herself to the community. And that means she has to earn favour with the Edens. But winning over the town's founding family might have been easier if not for her one-night stand with their oldest son, Griffin. 
 
Sleeping with Griffin was a huge mistake. Winslow does her best to avoid him, but when a woman is found dead on Eden property, the two of them have no choice but to cross paths. 
 
As clues to the murderer lead to one of Quincy's own, Griffin realises Winslow is more than he gave her credit for. Beautiful and intelligent, she proves hard to resist. For him. And the killer.

(The Edens #2)

Juniper Hill

Get ready for small towns stirred by mystery and desire in The Eden series, suspense-filled second story . . . 
Memphis Ward arrives in Quincy, Montana, on the fifth worst day of her life. 
 
 Moving across the country with her newborn baby is by far the craziest thing she's ever done. 
 
 But maybe it takes a little crazy to build a good life. If putting the past behind her requires a thousand miles and a new town, especially to ensure a better future for her son. Even if it requires setting aside the glamour of her former life and becoming a housekeeper at The Eloise Inn, living in an apartment above a garage. 
 
 It's there, on the fifth worst day of her life, that she meets the handsomest man she's ever laid eyes on. Knox Eden a chef and her temporary landlord. With his sharp, stubbled jaw and tattooed arms, he's raw and rugged and everything she's never had – and never will. 
 Because after the first worst day of her life, Memphis learned a good life requires giving up on her dreams too. And a man like Knox Eden will only ever be a dream.

Memphis Ward arrives in Quincy, Montana, on the fifth worst day of her life. 
 
She needs a shower. She needs a snack. She needs some sanity. Because moving across the country with her newborn baby is by far the craziest thing she's ever done. 
 
But maybe it takes a little crazy to build a good life. If putting the past behind her requires a thousand miles and a new town, she'll do it if it means a better future for her son. Even if it requires setting aside the glamour of her former life. Even if it requires working as a housekeeper at The Eloise Inn and living in an apartment above a garage. 
 
It's there, on the fifth worst day of her life, that she meets the handsomest man she's ever laid eyes on. Knox Eden is a beautiful, sinful dream, a chef and her temporary landlord. With his sharp, stubbled jaw and tattooed arms, he's raw and rugged and everything she's never had-and never will. Because after the first worst day of her life, Memphis learned a good life requires giving up on her dreams too. And a man like Knox Eden will only ever be a dream.

(The Edens #3)

Garnet Flats

Get ready for small towns stirred by mystery and desire in The Eden series, intense third story . . . 
 
For one year, two months and eleven days Talia Eden loved Foster Madden . . . 
 
And on the 438th day that love died. He chose to marry her best friend and she chose to never think of him again. 
 
Until years later when he has the audacity to show up in her small hometown of Quincy, begging for her help. 
 
The ink on his divorce papers is barely dry, yet he comes armed with apologies and promises. She knows it's all a ploy. Foster is the king of games and secrets. But he's got delusions the size of Montana if he thinks she'll help him train for a world championship fight. 
 
Except Talia has forgotten exactly what made Foster famous. The man has dedicated his life to victory. He's steadfast. He's determined. And he won't stop fighting until he's won her heart.

Talia Eden loved Foster Madden for one year, two months and eleven days. It was on day 438 that her love died. The day he chose to marry her best friend. The day she vowed never to think of Foster again. 
 
Until years later when he has the audacity to show up in her small hometown of Quincy, begging for her help. 
 
The ink on his divorce papers is barely dry, yet he comes armed with apologies and promises. She knows it's all a ploy. Foster is the king of games and secrets. But he's got delusions the size of Montana if he thinks she'll help him train for a world championship fight. 
 
Except Talia has forgotten exactly what made Foster famous. The man has dedicated his life to victory. He's steadfast. He's determined. And he won't stop fighting until he's won her heart.

(The Edens #4)

Jasper Vale

Get ready for small towns stirred by mystery and desire in The Eden series, sexy fourth story . . . 
 
Eloise is so close to her dream she can almost taste it. 
Eloise Eden always knew one day she'd take over her family's hotel, The Eloise Inn, in Quincy, Montana. All she has to do is prove she's responsible to her parents. And that her immature, gullible, and reckless ways are long gone. 
 
But now her ideal future is at stake following a weekend in Las Vegas when she comes home married to a stranger. 
 
 Jasper must have put her under a spell with those soul-deep eyes because after a single night together, they woke up husband and wife. Her only hope is to keep this marriage a secret until it's annulled. Then she'll pretend it never happened. 
 
 Except Jasper begs her to stay married. To fake it for just three months so she can accompany him to a wedding. Maybe she's lost her mind to agree. But her brooding husband seems desperate. 
It's only three months, right? Then she'll say goodbye to Jasper Vale, and with any luck, hello to her new hotel.

Eloise Eden's pride and joy is her family's hotel in Quincy, Montana. Her lifelong dream is to own The Eloise Inn. All she has to do is prove to her parents that she's the epitome of responsible. That her days of being duped and making reckless decisions are history. She's so close she can taste it. 
 
Until after one weekend in Las Vegas, she comes home married to a stranger. 
 
Jasper must have put her under a spell with those soul-deep eyes because after a single night together, they woke up husband and wife. Her only hope is to keep this marriage a secret until it's annulled. Then she'll pretend it never happened. 
 
Except Jasper begs her to stay married. To fake it for three months so she can accompany him to a wedding. Maybe she's lost her mind to agree. But her brooding husband seems desperate. It's only three months, right? Then she'll say goodbye to Jasper Vale, and with any luck, hello to her new hotel.

Devney Perry

The best fantasy romance I've read in years

Calandra’s five kingdoms are on the verge of destruction. The crux migration is coming. And in the wake of a devastating attack, I’ve been separated from the man who owns my heart. 
 
I’m lost. Terrified. Homesick. Hunted by monsters, driven to exhaustion, and kidnapped by a powerful priest, the only thing keeping me going is the little girl counting on me to keep her safe. 
 
It’s my turn to become the Guardian. 
 
Our lives change one fateful night. A night of death. A night of monsters. A night of truths. That night, when I learn the real meaning of fear and the depth of my own strength. 
 
Everyone wants me to be something I’m not a queen, a spy, a sacrifice. But what if I embrace my crown? What if the secrets I uncover save our realm? 
 
What if my sacrifice means salvation for the man I love? 
 
For too long, I’ve feared the monsters we make. 
 
It’s time to discover the monster within.

Devney Perry

Praise for Rites of the Starling

PRAISE FOR SHIELD OF SPARROWS

The best fantasy romance I've read in years

I burned through this

PRAISE FOR SHIELD OF SPARROWS

The best fantasy romance I've read in years

I burned through this

PRAISE FOR SHIELD OF SPARROWS

The best fantasy romance I've read in years

I burned through this

Books by Devney Perry

Series by Devney Perry

Shield of Sparrows2 Books

The Edens6 Books

Articles featuring Devney Perry

The must-read books of 2026

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