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The Death Sparrow's Shadow
For Serena Nightshade, the infamous Death Sparrow everything has come down to this. Templarians stole her homeland, killed her people, and outlawed her culture. For nineteen long years, Serena has survived as her homeland's best assassin trying to get close to the King who destroyed everything and have her revenge. However, new invaders threaten the little safety she has.
Samorians are infiltrating Acreage and now the Death Sparrow must trade in her daggers for ballgowns to save it. As if infiltrating the castle of a tyrant is not hard enough, shadows of her harrowing past and the man who broke her heart warn her never to trust again, but war is not won alone. She must team up with the Heir Prince, Daryl Merriweather, and his handsome Captain of the Guards, Wesley Trylo to navigate her precarious position at court. That is if she can keep her meddling heart from getting in the way of her mission. If not, even her skills as an assassin won’t be enough to survive this nightmare, especially if the strange gargoyle-like creatures haunting her reveal her darkest secret.
The Gods may be gone but magic isn’t. Especially not hers.
Samorians are infiltrating Acreage and now the Death Sparrow must trade in her daggers for ballgowns to save it. As if infiltrating the castle of a tyrant is not hard enough, shadows of her harrowing past and the man who broke her heart warn her never to trust again, but war is not won alone. She must team up with the Heir Prince, Daryl Merriweather, and his handsome Captain of the Guards, Wesley Trylo to navigate her precarious position at court. That is if she can keep her meddling heart from getting in the way of her mission. If not, even her skills as an assassin won’t be enough to survive this nightmare, especially if the strange gargoyle-like creatures haunting her reveal her darkest secret.
The Gods may be gone but magic isn’t. Especially not hers.
- GenresFantasy
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2021
11 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 29, 2021
I absolutely loved reading this. I highly recommend reading this book. I couldn’t put it down.
June 3, 2025
I found so much potential in this book that it kept me going through the end. Here are my thoughts on what worked and what didn't for me.
The open scene was pretty riveting. Very engaging and we learned so much about how Serena thinks, assesses, and acts. Her extensive training comes alive right from the first page.
However, I ended up skimming so much. At times, it felt very description-heavy. Those were easy to skim from the start without missing anything major. Now, for some readers this will be amazing because it brings them deeper into the world.
I had a hard time settling into this world. I felt like it was an odd mix of Victorian England and modern day for the society and language. Things felt very proper and then someone would talk about who was "crushing on" someone. Or the f-bombs and b-words. This might be a complete non-issue for readers, as well.
As for the plot, there were some really interesting pieces and then things would suddenly and easily work out. Assassins were trusted so quickly and major agreements happened fast. This is NOT to say that there weren't hard things that happened along the way. The king is a serious piece of work so what some might find to be far-fetched alliances, they were plausible.
The other thing I had a hard time with is something that could very well be a style that I'm particular about... exclamation marks. There were a lot. So many people and even descriptions had them. Again, this might just be a me-thing and other readers might like the passion it gives the scenes and the dialogue.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The open scene was pretty riveting. Very engaging and we learned so much about how Serena thinks, assesses, and acts. Her extensive training comes alive right from the first page.
However, I ended up skimming so much. At times, it felt very description-heavy. Those were easy to skim from the start without missing anything major. Now, for some readers this will be amazing because it brings them deeper into the world.
I had a hard time settling into this world. I felt like it was an odd mix of Victorian England and modern day for the society and language. Things felt very proper and then someone would talk about who was "crushing on" someone. Or the f-bombs and b-words. This might be a complete non-issue for readers, as well.
As for the plot, there were some really interesting pieces and then things would suddenly and easily work out. Assassins were trusted so quickly and major agreements happened fast. This is NOT to say that there weren't hard things that happened along the way. The king is a serious piece of work so what some might find to be far-fetched alliances, they were plausible.
The other thing I had a hard time with is something that could very well be a style that I'm particular about... exclamation marks. There were a lot. So many people and even descriptions had them. Again, this might just be a me-thing and other readers might like the passion it gives the scenes and the dialogue.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 22, 2021
Before I begin my review for The Death Sparrows Shadow (The Assassin of Acreage book 1) by R.L McIntyre, I would personally like to thank the author and Booksprout for the opportunity to read this ARC and I have reviewed it honestly.
Her country is ruled by a tyrant king and Serena is eager for revenge. Known as the Death Sparrow, Serena is a skilled and feared assassin. When the opportunity to avenge her fallen country presents itself, Serena trades daggers and swords for tight corsets and frilly gowns. The Death Sparrows Shadow is an exciting tale for fans of Throne of Glass and Poison Study.
The Death Sparrows Shadow features, but is not limited to, the following themes:
○ Assassins
○ Court/coutiers
○ YA fantasy
○ Enemies to lovers
○ War/battles
○ Kick-ass FMC
○ Tyrant king
○ Magic
My overall rating for The Death Sparrows Shadow is…
4 Stars!
I wish I could give this book full stars, but sadly, some aspects to the tale lost some points. To start with, there were a few inconsistencies during the book that frustrated me. I also found quite a few sentences that were awkward and messy and I felt, during the first few chapters or so, that the tale took a direction way too similar to Throne of Glass. As for the positives, the world-building was spectacular, the characters attractive, and the general tale was exciting and death defying. I look forward to continuing this series.
Her country is ruled by a tyrant king and Serena is eager for revenge. Known as the Death Sparrow, Serena is a skilled and feared assassin. When the opportunity to avenge her fallen country presents itself, Serena trades daggers and swords for tight corsets and frilly gowns. The Death Sparrows Shadow is an exciting tale for fans of Throne of Glass and Poison Study.
The Death Sparrows Shadow features, but is not limited to, the following themes:
○ Assassins
○ Court/coutiers
○ YA fantasy
○ Enemies to lovers
○ War/battles
○ Kick-ass FMC
○ Tyrant king
○ Magic
My overall rating for The Death Sparrows Shadow is…
4 Stars!
I wish I could give this book full stars, but sadly, some aspects to the tale lost some points. To start with, there were a few inconsistencies during the book that frustrated me. I also found quite a few sentences that were awkward and messy and I felt, during the first few chapters or so, that the tale took a direction way too similar to Throne of Glass. As for the positives, the world-building was spectacular, the characters attractive, and the general tale was exciting and death defying. I look forward to continuing this series.
February 10, 2021
Wow! What a great read! I enjoyed this novel tremendously, since it reminded me of The Throne of Glass series, but with a different take. The story is told by Serena, the Death Sparrow, an extremely talented assassin, who grew up without a family and is the only life she knows. She would die for the guild until she is betrayed and forced into a mining prison. But Serena is determined and revenge is a great motivator. Serena changes throughout the novel, for assassin do not develop relationships with others, for it is seen as weakness. But Serena has her own secrets that she must keep and only one person really knows her. Serena begins to work with the Captain of the Guards, Wesley, and Prince Daryl, for both their agendas align. All have suffered in different ways and want to put an end to the tyranny that has ruined their lives. Much is at stake, and trust is not so easy to give, but they need to work together to save the kingdom from the ones within and the ones who invade their shores. Looking forward to the next novel in the series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 25, 2021
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What I loved: Assassins, forbidden magic, tyrant ruler, enemies to lovers romance.
What bothered me: the major similarities to Throne of Glass. Serena? Celaena? Orphaned at a young age due to the king and his tyrant ways? Taken under the wing of assassins? Love triangle? Sent to a prison camp due to betrayal?
The language was also a little confusing at times, it seemed out of place.
Summarize: I think it would be a good book for fans of Throne of Glass, it has a lot of similarities.
What I loved: Assassins, forbidden magic, tyrant ruler, enemies to lovers romance.
What bothered me: the major similarities to Throne of Glass. Serena? Celaena? Orphaned at a young age due to the king and his tyrant ways? Taken under the wing of assassins? Love triangle? Sent to a prison camp due to betrayal?
The language was also a little confusing at times, it seemed out of place.
Summarize: I think it would be a good book for fans of Throne of Glass, it has a lot of similarities.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2021
Top assassin, Serena, aka the Death Sparrow, is trapped after being captured after her lover's betrayal. After escaping captivity, she finds that her land is yet to be invaded by another enemy, leading to her plots of revenge. Taking the phrase ''the enemy of her enemy is her friend'' she joins forces with the original invaders of her land in order to prevent a new enemy invading. This story is well written, with complex characters and relationships. I look forward to more. 4.5/5 stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 26, 2021
This book had some of the things I love about young adult fantasy, the assassins, the tyrant, the invading threats, the tangle of romance, and magic. However, The part of this one reminded me too much of Throne of Glass. There are so many similarities and I think this would’ve been an amazing throne of Glass fanfiction a lot of the characters names are even similar! Because of the similarity I spent most of this book sadly comparing it to Sarah J Maas’s work, and this one just doesn’t Live up to that. I struggled with it in the first hundred pages I couldn’t connect to the characters and wasn’t particularly engaged with the plot. It did improve as the book went on, I liked the castle setting but the wider world needed a lot more world building, but equally some of the fight scenes were pretty descriptive along ... I just gel well with the writing style.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 28, 2021
An enjoyable read
Ok, to begin with I would have said the pace was slow, but I think I've forgotten what it's like to read a full on fantasy book. Once I found myself relaxing into the book it made me feel quite nostalgic and took me back to my early days of reading David Gemmel. It took me a moment to get into as I haven't read a book in the third person in ages.
This book is packed with magic, mystery, political intrigue, action and more but you are not bombarded with information you just feel the world set up around you. The characters have depth and their interactions are written well, I'm looking forward to finding out more about them and seeing them develop further.
I cannot express how excited I am to see where this goes the foundations have been laid so well. Definitely going to read book 2...when's it out?
Ok, to begin with I would have said the pace was slow, but I think I've forgotten what it's like to read a full on fantasy book. Once I found myself relaxing into the book it made me feel quite nostalgic and took me back to my early days of reading David Gemmel. It took me a moment to get into as I haven't read a book in the third person in ages.
This book is packed with magic, mystery, political intrigue, action and more but you are not bombarded with information you just feel the world set up around you. The characters have depth and their interactions are written well, I'm looking forward to finding out more about them and seeing them develop further.
I cannot express how excited I am to see where this goes the foundations have been laid so well. Definitely going to read book 2...when's it out?
February 28, 2021
Honestly, I have mixed feelings about this book. I feel like it had great potential, and the opening scene was sudden and great, but it sort of trailed off from there. The world building was good at times, but then at other times was sort of choppy. It could also be overly descriptive at times. I give this book 2 stars because I liked the idea of it, but it needs some work.
I received a free copy of this book from BookSprout, and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book from BookSprout, and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 9, 2021
I would say solid “good”. Yes, this book has its flaws (like modern slang usage) but it has some good moments too. MC is ok, she did not irritate me nor was I able to connect with her. She is fine. Well, I am team Wesley, but his character was not fully developed. We need to know more about him.
I will be reading the next book because I am genuinely curious what will happen.
I will be reading the next book because I am genuinely curious what will happen.
March 14, 2021
Such a great story! Serena is a very interesting character, and seeing the story develop around her was a pleasure to read. It was engaging, entertaining and gripping from start to finish, and leaves you wanting more. Looking forward to seeing how this story continues.
December 13, 2021
I got this book because i won it.
And defelently recommand this book.
Its the second book ive read of this author.
I couldn't put this one down it hooked me right away from beginning to end.
Easy to read, great worldbuilding, wonderfull charackters.
And you should defently read it
And defelently recommand this book.
Its the second book ive read of this author.
I couldn't put this one down it hooked me right away from beginning to end.
Easy to read, great worldbuilding, wonderfull charackters.
And you should defently read it
July 11, 2022
A solid read, set at a good pace.
November 21, 2024
Me gustó mucho, solo que sufrí mucho con la espera del beso, espero más en el siguiente libro 💪🏻💪🏻
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews