A romanticfantasy novel by Devney Perry has claimed the top spot on the latest USA TODAY Best-selling Booklist, making it the most sold book in the country this week.
Shield of Sparrows now sits at No. 1, based on combined print and digital sales tracked across major retailers.
The ranking, released April 15, 2026, reflects book sales collected from Monday through Sunday of the previous week. USA TODAYgathers this data from bookstore chains, independent sellers, online platforms and mass merchandisers to determine its weekly Top 150 titles.
This achievement marks another major milestone for Perry, whose first venture into the romantasy genre continues to gain strong momentum nearly a year after its release.
Shield of Sparrows, published in May 2025, quickly became a standout title in the growing romantasy category, a blend of romance and fantasy that has surged in popularity among readers.
The novel follows Odessa, a princess forced into a political marriage, who becomes entangled in a dangerous mission involving monsters, alliances and forbidden feelings.
The book’s rise to No. 1 on the USA TODAY list adds to its already impressive track record. It previously debuted at the top of The New York Times Hardcover Fiction Best Seller list and earned nominations for major awards, including Audiobook of the Year and a Goodreads Choice Award for Romantasy.
The book’s success reflects a broader trend. Romantasy titles have dominated conversations in publishing, especially following the popularity of other genre hits. Shield of Sparrows stood out in 2025 as one of the most memorable releases, praised for balancing romance with high-stakes fantasy elements.
The continued buzz around Shield of Sparrows is driven in part by its expanding universe. Its sequel, Rites of the Starling, was released on April 7, 2026, bringing readers back into Odessa’s story as she faces new dangers while protecting a young girl and trying to reunite with the Guardian.
Beyond bookshelves, the story is also heading to the big screen. A film adaptation is currently in development under Amazon MGM Studios, with screenwriter Derek Kolstad attached to the project. The adaptation signals growing demand for fantasy stories with strong romantic arcs, especially those with built-in fanbases.
With Shield of Sparrows now leading the list, it highlights not just the success of one author, but the continued rise of romantasy as a dominant force in publishing.
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