Shield of Sparrows
Reading Order.
Start Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry with "SHIELD OF SPARROWS", then follow the publication sequence. This order preserves the intended narrative twists and world-building progression.
The complete reading order for the Shield of Sparrows series by Devney Perry. Below you'll find the authoritative guide on how to read the books in order, including publication dates and chronological timeline placements.
Short Answer:
Start with "SHIELD OF SPARROWS"
To experience the narrative as intended, read the main sequence in Publication Order.Ignore novellas and side stories until you finish the first 3 core novels. This resolves all timeline confusion and preserves every major twist.
Community Consensus
"The comments appear to be discussing Mary Doria Russell's 'The Sparrow' (likely the book referenced by 'Shield of Sparrows') and its sequel. The first book is generally praised as powerful, thought-provoking, and a significant accomplishment, leaving a deep impression on readers. However, the sequel is highly divisive, with many readers expressing reservations, noting that the plot (specifically the main character's journey and themes like colonizer apologism) loses focus and quality."
The recommended reading order is chronological: Start with 'The Sparrow' (Book 1) and then proceed to the sequel (Book 2). However, readers are explicitly warned that they may want to stop after the first book, as the sequel is considered a substantial disappointment by several commenters.
At a Glance
- First Book:SHIELD OF SPARROWS
- Latest Book:SHIELD OF SPARROWS
- Timeline:2025 - 2025
Why This Order Is Confusing
Many reading lists for Shield of Sparrows conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.
Can I skip the short stories?
Technically yes, but we strongly advise against it for Shield of Sparrows. The shorter volumes often establish the core character motivations and world-building that the main saga assumes you already know.
I watched the show/movie first — where should I start?
Ignore the screen adaptations' timeline. Start with "SHIELD OF SPARROWS" to see the original depth of the world. The books offer a significantly different (and usually more complete) experience than the on-screen versions.
Why do people disagree on the order?
Disagreement usually stems from the conflict between purely chronological order and publication order. Most long-term fans recommend publication order to preserve the emotional arc and mystery reveals.
Recommended Reading Order Strategy
The authoritative way to read the "Shield of Sparrows" series is in Publication Order. Start with the first published book. It's the way the author intended the world to be revealed.This ensures you experience character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.
Complete Series Reading Order
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Is it okay to skip books in the Shield of Sparrows series?
We recommend ignoring novellas and short stories until you finish the core sequence. However, main sequence novels should never be skipped as they contain critical character development and plot progression.
What is the best order to read Shield of Sparrows?
The final answer for the best experience is to start with "SHIELD OF SPARROWS" and proceed in publication order. This sequence preserves character developments and plot reveals exactly as Devney Perry intended.
Can I read Shield of Sparrows books in any order?
No. The main narrative is strictly sequential. Skipping volumes or reading out of order will lead to significant plot spoilers and confusion regarding character arcs.
Are there spin-offs or companion books?
Yes, the Shield of Sparrows universe includes several companion works. These are marked as 'Optional' in our guide and can be read at any time without disrupting the main storyline.