One fantasy series is completely taking over readers’ shelves in 2026.
Shield of Sparrows by bestselling author Devney Perry has been ranked among the most-read books of the year in the United States, according to Goodreads user data. Even more impressively, its sequel, Rites of the Starling, also landed on the list, solidifying the series as one of the biggest romantasy phenomena of the year.
The books have exploded in popularity thanks to their mix of fantasy world-building, emotional storytelling, romance and high-stakes adventure. Readers across Goodreads and social media platforms have embraced the series for its immersive setting and emotionally charged character arcs, helping propel both novels into must-read status.
Set in the fictional world of Calandra, Shield of Sparrows introduces readers to a dangerous realm shaped by political unrest, monsters and the looming idea of destiny. The sequel, Rites of the Starling, expands the story even further, following characters through increasingly perilous circumstances as the series deepens its mythology and emotional stakes.
“The characters in each book are always the driving force behind the story,” Perry told Publishers Weekly in 2024. “But I love to make each book in a series unique, whether that’s by adding an element of mystery or various tropes. I love writing a series of interconnected standalone books so I can revisit past characters while at the same time keeping the storylines fresh and different.”
The overwhelming response to the books has only increased anticipation for what comes next.
“The Deluxe Edition Paperback for Shield of Sparrows is coming September 15th!” Perry announced on Friday via Instagram. “It has sprayed edges, custom end pages and an all-new bonus scene.”
But, that’s not all the author has up her sleeves.
In April 2026, Perry announced that the third installment in the series will be released on March 9, 2027, a meaningful date that also marks her 10-year publishing anniversary. The announcement immediately sparked excitement among fans already heavily invested in the world she has created.
Perry had already established herself as a bestselling romance author before entering the romantasy space, but the Shield of Sparrows series has elevated her profile even further, helping her become one of the genre’s standout names, not to mention of the bestselling authors this year.
With two novels already among the country’s most-read books and another highly anticipated installment on the horizon, Devney Perry’s fantasy world shows no signs of slowing down.
Related: Best-Selling Author’s Novel Ranked ‘Best Book of This Century’ on Goodreads
This story was originally published by Parade on May 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
