Relax and Read Book Club: Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry

Spabreaks.com’s Relax and Read Book Club gives you the chance to discover new books, learn about the authors, share your opinions and really escape into an inspiring world of literature.

This month we're reading Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry. Described as a high-stakes 'romantasy', the book was an instant Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller, telling the story of Princess Odessa of Quentis, who is unexpectedly chosen as the bride of Prince Zavier of Turah as part of an alliance threatened by monsters and mystery. So ensues a tale of adventure, secrets, and complicated connections. Here, Devney Perry tells us more.

"This was a 5 star read for me!! One of the best books I’ve read all year. The plot twists, the monsters and the banter! All such great vibes, thoroughly enjoyed and cannot wait for book 2 in this series! This was gold." - Amazon customer review

What inspired you to write Shield of Sparrows, and how did you approach blending romance with epic fantasy?

Writing a 'romantasy' has been a dream of mine for years. I have been an avid reader and fan of fantasy and romantasy for ages, so switching genres was always something I wanted to try. I have been writing romance since 2016 and blending the fantasy element into a love story was a fun, new challenge that let me stretch my wings.

Do you have a favourite character in the book? If so, what makes them stand out to you?

Odessa is definitely my favorite character. The growth and confidence she gains in this book was such a joy to write. She’s someone who wasn’t just underestimated by her family, but by herself too. And the strength and courage she discovers as she goes on this epic journey will always be special. I hope readers, especially young women, find her resilience and dedication inspiring.

Could you give us a sneak peek into the central themes of your book, such as identity, belonging, and the power of myths?

Shield of Sparrows is about breaking free of the confines imposed on us by others, defying the odds, and finding your inner strength.

How did your personal experiences influence the world-building and storytelling in this novel?

The settings in this book hold a near and dear place in my heart. Especially Turah, the kingdom where most of the book takes place. As a born and raised Montanan, I wanted to give this fantasy world a tie to my real-life favourite place. So when you’re reading about Turah, it’s a love letter to Montana.

Could you share insights into your daily writing process and how you balance creating such intricate worlds with compelling characters?

Characters are the foundation of my story-telling. It’s what makes writing so interesting for me as the author. Each individual has their own unique voice and personality. So balancing character intimacy with external forces becomes an exercise in truly listening to those characters’ personalities and how they’d react in different situations.

If you could visit a spa anywhere in the world, where would it be, and what treatment would you choose to recharge?

I would love to escape to the mountains, anywhere in the world, for a spa day. A massage is always my top choice with a facial for some extra pampering.

What is your top tip for maintaining creativity and focus during the intense process of writing and promoting a book?

I recharge by spending time with my family and friends. When I need to step away from the words for a bit, I love bookbinding, reading, TV and gardening.