Shield of Sparrows — Devney Perry

If you're not terrified, you're doing it wrong

Long ago, the gods unleashed monsters upon the five kingdoms of Calandra to remind us that humans are insignificant -- that we must pray to the gods for mercy throughout our fragile, fleeting lives.

I didn't need a deity to remind me I was powerless. Being a princess had never been more than a performance -- twenty-three years of empty titles and hollow traditions. My sister revels in the spectacle, basking in the attention and flawlessly playing her part. I was never asked to be part of the charade.

Until the day an infamous monster hunter sailed to our shores. The day a prince walked into my father's throne room and ruined my life. The day I married a stranger, signed a magical treaty in blood, 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. That lies and legends are often the same. And that the only way to kill the monsters we fear was to become one…