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Shielded
(Shielded #1)
by
For fans of Sorcery of Thorns and Furyborn comes a thrilling new fantasy about a kingdom ravaged by war, and the princess who might be the key to saving not only those closest to her, but the kingdom itself, if she reveals the very secret that could destroy her.
The kingdom of Hálendi is in trouble. It's losing the war at its borders, and rumors of a new, deadlier threat on ...more
The kingdom of Hálendi is in trouble. It's losing the war at its borders, and rumors of a new, deadlier threat on ...more
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Hardcover, 424 pages
Published
July 21st 2020
by Delacorte Press
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Abbey
Front matter in the book states: Jacket art copyright 2020 by Alex Dos Diaz. I love the cover too! And the book is awesome!
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30

Start your review of Shielded (Shielded, #1)

This is another surprisingly amazing installment with its mind-bending, intriguing world-building, well-crafted character development, riveting story-telling, heart throbbing progression and satisfying ending! And let’s not forget to praise the brilliant illustration! Lately the covers of the books are breathtaking and thankfully there are such amazing artists out there to support fantastic reviews with their skilled imaginative minds!
I’m not gonna write a long review and take your precious time ...more
I’m not gonna write a long review and take your precious time ...more

With the kingdom of Halendi at war, and rumors of an even deadlier threat looming on their borders, the King makes a deal for protection.
The price is high, however, as he promises his daughter's hand to the Prince of the neighboring kingdom of Turia.

With the engagement, Halendi will get the additional troops they desperately need to stage a better defense.
Princess Jennesara is disheartened to learn of her father's deal, which was made without her consent.

Jenna has a warrior's heart and she know ...more
The price is high, however, as he promises his daughter's hand to the Prince of the neighboring kingdom of Turia.

With the engagement, Halendi will get the additional troops they desperately need to stage a better defense.
Princess Jennesara is disheartened to learn of her father's deal, which was made without her consent.

Jenna has a warrior's heart and she know ...more

Omg! I got this book in my FairyLoot! I’ve wanted to read it! I love everything in my box! As usual, click under the picture to see all of the GOODIES!

GOODIES LINK: https://melissa413readsalot.blogspot....
This book!! It’s so damn good and my heart just broke. I also like to listen to relaxing epic fantasy music when reading lately. This music hit the mark on many parts. I’ll see if this link works to it.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6nRFaOF...
This book was everything! I fell in love with Jenna ...more

GOODIES LINK: https://melissa413readsalot.blogspot....
This book!! It’s so damn good and my heart just broke. I also like to listen to relaxing epic fantasy music when reading lately. This music hit the mark on many parts. I’ll see if this link works to it.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6nRFaOF...
This book was everything! I fell in love with Jenna ...more

I received this complimentary ARC from the publisher, courtesy of NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
This is a 3.5 star rating rounded up to 4 because...Goodreads is allergic to half-star ratings, it seems.
So, this wasn't even on my radar this year. In fact, I hadn't even added it to my shelves until Laur bullied me into requesting the ARC xD ... but I'm so glad that I listened to her!!!
This was pitched as Furyborn (which I can't attest to, as I DNF'ed that :P) meets Sorcery of Thorns, ...more
This is a 3.5 star rating rounded up to 4 because...Goodreads is allergic to half-star ratings, it seems.
So, this wasn't even on my radar this year. In fact, I hadn't even added it to my shelves until Laur bullied me into requesting the ARC xD ... but I'm so glad that I listened to her!!!
This was pitched as Furyborn (which I can't attest to, as I DNF'ed that :P) meets Sorcery of Thorns, ...more

In the original mini-review I posted right after finishing this book, I compared reading Shielded to eating your favorite meal at a chain restaurant. For YA Fantasy fans, the flavors you expect are there so it’s fairly enjoyable, and there are even a few intriguing touches throughout the story; however, it ultimately doesn’t really offer anything new. That being said, if you’re looking to lose yourself in a typical YA Fantasy, you will likely enjoy this book.
Our 1st person POV protagonist, Prin ...more
Our 1st person POV protagonist, Prin ...more

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.

I think the beginning and end of this are two totally different books.
The first half of this book seemed like a really, really slow version of Shadow and Bone. Thankfully, once the setting shifted, things got a lot more interesting, and a lot less familiar. Once Jenna met Mari, Chiara, and Enzo, I actually found the book really enjoyable. I’m a sucker for found family tropes, and the relationship Jenna has with all of them was really sweet. The characters were definitely the best part, and I hop ...more
The first half of this book seemed like a really, really slow version of Shadow and Bone. Thankfully, once the setting shifted, things got a lot more interesting, and a lot less familiar. Once Jenna met Mari, Chiara, and Enzo, I actually found the book really enjoyable. I’m a sucker for found family tropes, and the relationship Jenna has with all of them was really sweet. The characters were definitely the best part, and I hop ...more

Mar 08, 2020
Holly (Holly Hearts Books)
rated it
liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
review-copies
A very simplistic but charming read. I enjoyed this. It reminds me of Throne of Glass and The Kiss of Deception in a way. The magic system captured my attention throughout the story and I really liked the different cultures described between the two main kingdoms, one is more snowy/cold with fair skin and light hair while the other is warm with bright colors, darker skin and darker hair but it’s not without its flaws.
The story is set at a cat and mouse pace. It’s a lot of hiding. Characters wait ...more
The story is set at a cat and mouse pace. It’s a lot of hiding. Characters wait ...more

Rating ~3.5
An entertaining, somewhat familiar, fantasy adventure.
The Main Characters: Let's start off by making it clear that while our heroine and hero are truly their character archetypes. If you're looking for more morally gray characters, you will not find that here. Like, at all.
Jenna is a likable heroine. She is strong, determined, loyal. And while she can certainty fight like a warrior, she is not prone to violence. All she wants is to be with her family, to serve her country. So, altho ...more
An entertaining, somewhat familiar, fantasy adventure.
The Main Characters: Let's start off by making it clear that while our heroine and hero are truly their character archetypes. If you're looking for more morally gray characters, you will not find that here. Like, at all.
Jenna is a likable heroine. She is strong, determined, loyal. And while she can certainty fight like a warrior, she is not prone to violence. All she wants is to be with her family, to serve her country. So, altho ...more

”Dark triangle tops of evergreens framed the canvas of the sky. The stars were mere pinpricks of light, yet they bathed the world in their glory.”
Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in exchange or an honest review!
This is one of the best books I’ve read in a while. Amazing and interesting world building, unique magic, characters that are interesting enough for you to get attached to, a swoon worthy romance and action that will have you on th ...more
Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in exchange or an honest review!
This is one of the best books I’ve read in a while. Amazing and interesting world building, unique magic, characters that are interesting enough for you to get attached to, a swoon worthy romance and action that will have you on th ...more

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
HOLY COW GUYS! I can't even comprehend what I just read. Wow, oh wow. Loved this book from start to finished and now I need to somehow cope with not being able to dive into the second book right now.
Seriously guys, Shielded was so freaking good. My love for Enzo and Jen will forever grow. I will admit the beginning was a little slow for me but after the first chapter, I was hooked. You couldn't pay me to put the book down b ...more
HOLY COW GUYS! I can't even comprehend what I just read. Wow, oh wow. Loved this book from start to finished and now I need to somehow cope with not being able to dive into the second book right now.
Seriously guys, Shielded was so freaking good. My love for Enzo and Jen will forever grow. I will admit the beginning was a little slow for me but after the first chapter, I was hooked. You couldn't pay me to put the book down b ...more


“Shielded” tells the tale of Princess Jennesara, who sent off to marry her betrothed, the prince of neighboring Turia, in exchange for resources needed to save her Kingdom and when she is in route, a surprise ambushed alters the course of her life forever. Filled with betrayal, world-building, romance, fantasy, magic, and strong family ties (surprising to say the least), the reader is thrown in epic adventure that will have you turning pages faster than you had ever imagined.![]()
And ...more

DNF @ 70%
Y'all, I cant with this book. I notice the top reviews are waxing over how incredible and beautiful this was- I can't. Did we read different books.
Imagine it- the most generic YA premise ever. A princess who is defiant and lives in a just sexist enough universe to be frustrating universe- but also not quite sexist enough to cause her trauma. She has magic, but its a secret! Forced marriage! Traveling! More traveling. More...wait...what?
So heres my issue with this one. It took until abo ...more
Y'all, I cant with this book. I notice the top reviews are waxing over how incredible and beautiful this was- I can't. Did we read different books.
Imagine it- the most generic YA premise ever. A princess who is defiant and lives in a just sexist enough universe to be frustrating universe- but also not quite sexist enough to cause her trauma. She has magic, but its a secret! Forced marriage! Traveling! More traveling. More...wait...what?
So heres my issue with this one. It took until abo ...more


Shielded is YA fantasy done right. I am so happy that the beautiful cover (which I definitely need in my bookshelf) matches the FANTASTIC story inside the pages. I love the characters, their relationships and development, the dialogue, the steady pace, the plot, the romance, and the world building. That's is 5 stars right there!
The heroine, Jenna, is both strong yet vulnerable. She is an eccentric princess who uses her brain in tough situations and doesn't take the easy way out. After a lot of b ...more

Feb 18, 2020
Jessie Sedai of the Black Ajah🥀🐍
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
This. Was. EXCELLENT.
This checked SO many boxes for me.
Rich, dense character development.
Beautiful, accurate depiction of combat.
Refreshingly unique, believable magic system.
A heroine who is a TRUE FREAKING HEROINE, an embodiment of VALOR and GRACE. A leader, a nurturer, a fierce warrior in every way.
Just the cutest romance, so cute I didn't even care it was a little insta-lovey.
This was everything that I, as a lover of epic fantasy, truly adore in my books. I LOVE slow burn, slow buildup narr ...more
This checked SO many boxes for me.
Rich, dense character development.
Beautiful, accurate depiction of combat.
Refreshingly unique, believable magic system.
A heroine who is a TRUE FREAKING HEROINE, an embodiment of VALOR and GRACE. A leader, a nurturer, a fierce warrior in every way.
Just the cutest romance, so cute I didn't even care it was a little insta-lovey.
This was everything that I, as a lover of epic fantasy, truly adore in my books. I LOVE slow burn, slow buildup narr ...more

Holy crap I loved this! From the first chapter I was hooked and the whole book was fantastically written. Jennessa is a great character, she's a fighter and loves her family more than anything. Her adventure was so much fun and I liked the various friendships she made along the way. Enzo is a cutie and his sisters were fun characters. The world building was well done, I understood what happened without feeling overloaded. Great pacing and the romance was sweet. I can't wait for this to come out
...more

Jan 21, 2020
Christie«SHBBblogger»
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
ya,
advanced-copy,
magic,
debut-author,
fantasy,
heroine-worship,
part-of-a-series,
arranged-marriage,
july2020

Title: Shielded
Series: Shielded #1
Author: KayLynn Flanders
Release date: July 21, 2020
Cliffhanger: yes
Genre:YA fantasy
This book was everything I look for in a fantasy and more. This is such an exciting debut from new author, KayLynn Flanders! I can't get over the quality of the plot and characterization in this novel. I've read many books by seasoned authors that weren't even close to this caliber. I was particularly impressed with Jennesara, the main protagonist, and the way the intricate world ...more
![laurel [the suspected bibliophile]](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1546974316p2/7494844.jpg)
Princess Jennesara knows that she's just as good of a warrior as anyone else in her country's army, but her father refuses to send her to the front to fight. Instead, she's sent off without fanfare or warning to wed the heir of another kingdom—while her brother goes to the front and her father prepares for trouble at home. When her caravan is ambushed and her family killed, Jennesara knows that it's up to her to save her kingdom and uncover the truth.
This was an enjoyable, if pretty standard, YA ...more
This was an enjoyable, if pretty standard, YA ...more

This was a great YA Fantasy! I enjoyed the fast-paced action packed adventure.
Jenna is ambushed with a marriage she didn’t know about and then ambushed again on her way to meet the poor sap. She didn’t want to get married but understands that she’s not the heir and despite her wish to marry for love she is bound to follow what is expected.
When she’s ambushed on her way to meet her betrothed she finds out that the impending war is much worse than expected and now it’s up to her to save her kingdo ...more
Jenna is ambushed with a marriage she didn’t know about and then ambushed again on her way to meet the poor sap. She didn’t want to get married but understands that she’s not the heir and despite her wish to marry for love she is bound to follow what is expected.
When she’s ambushed on her way to meet her betrothed she finds out that the impending war is much worse than expected and now it’s up to her to save her kingdo ...more

Jan 27, 2020
Maddie
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Fans of 'Snow Like Ashes'
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Firstly, let's take a moment to appreciate this beautiful cover. I thought I hated every cover with a face on it but clearly no. Like, is this not the most gorgeous cover? That's what I thought.
Okay, now with what I thought of the book itself.
What an amazing start to a series!
This story, at its core, is about the bitter-sweetness of leaving your childhood behind as you enter into adulthood. It's about the fear, as w ...more
Firstly, let's take a moment to appreciate this beautiful cover. I thought I hated every cover with a face on it but clearly no. Like, is this not the most gorgeous cover? That's what I thought.
Okay, now with what I thought of the book itself.
What an amazing start to a series!
This story, at its core, is about the bitter-sweetness of leaving your childhood behind as you enter into adulthood. It's about the fear, as w ...more

Sep 28, 2020
ℓуηη, ℓσкιѕℓутнєя¢ℓαω
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
fantasy-ya,
first-in-series,
favorites,
duologies,
annual-tbr,
debuts,
own,
owned-unread,
2020-releases
I knew this one would be good! It was definitely on my high anticipation list for the year and it didn't disappoint!
A couple small things brought the rating down by half a star, but this book is still soooo good! And it helped drag my sorry arse out of a slump that started at the beginning of the month. So I'm so grateful to this fun read for saving me!
Our heroine is brave and courageous with a sword, and pushes on despite the odds heavily stacked against her. You have to admire that. I know I w ...more
A couple small things brought the rating down by half a star, but this book is still soooo good! And it helped drag my sorry arse out of a slump that started at the beginning of the month. So I'm so grateful to this fun read for saving me!
Our heroine is brave and courageous with a sword, and pushes on despite the odds heavily stacked against her. You have to admire that. I know I w ...more

I received a free ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Princess Jennesara is the second sibling and therefore is not in line for the throne of Halendi. She's had some freedom to train how she likes and is highly proficient with a sword. However, things aren't looking great for her country and since she's not the firstborn, she's not allowed to have magic, but she does. Jenna does all that she can to hide her abilities, even if they are small, so that her b ...more
Princess Jennesara is the second sibling and therefore is not in line for the throne of Halendi. She's had some freedom to train how she likes and is highly proficient with a sword. However, things aren't looking great for her country and since she's not the firstborn, she's not allowed to have magic, but she does. Jenna does all that she can to hide her abilities, even if they are small, so that her b ...more

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Children's Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Summary: The kingdom of Hálendi is in trouble. Jennesara "Jenna" has magic, but has kept it a secret from everyone except her brother. He also has magic, but this is acceptable as he is in line to inherit the throne. Jenna's future is simpler, she is betrothed to a foreign king and must continue to keep her secret. But things are not always what they seem, and as she is on her way to this new land, ...more
Summary: The kingdom of Hálendi is in trouble. Jennesara "Jenna" has magic, but has kept it a secret from everyone except her brother. He also has magic, but this is acceptable as he is in line to inherit the throne. Jenna's future is simpler, she is betrothed to a foreign king and must continue to keep her secret. But things are not always what they seem, and as she is on her way to this new land, ...more

Sep 27, 2020
Tasha Ní Mhiacháin
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
book-box-books
“Chin up. They lose their power when you stop giving it to them."
4.5 ☆
I’m still reading my way out of an awful slump. This story had just a little of everything I love to keep me going.
Magic, secrets, battles, mystery, cute characters and ancient evils.
I really enjoyed Kaylynn's style of writing – I didn’t find it difficult to get swept away into the story, even with my slump looming over me.
I liked and disliked the pages between chapters. I thought it was a really clever way of giving insigh ...more
4.5 ☆
I’m still reading my way out of an awful slump. This story had just a little of everything I love to keep me going.
Magic, secrets, battles, mystery, cute characters and ancient evils.
I really enjoyed Kaylynn's style of writing – I didn’t find it difficult to get swept away into the story, even with my slump looming over me.
I liked and disliked the pages between chapters. I thought it was a really clever way of giving insigh ...more

Jun 20, 2020
Frankie Lovely
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
2020-release
4.5 stars
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Holy wow that was sooo sooo good!!!! I saw someone else say "for fans of Snow Like Ashes" (of which I am) ... and also greatly agree.
What I liked
Well, everything!
Seriously, I adored this book in its entirety. The world building was intriguing, easy to understand and unique. The political intrigue was spot on. There were twists and turns that I did not see coming (although I have some theories on a few things). And the ...more
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Holy wow that was sooo sooo good!!!! I saw someone else say "for fans of Snow Like Ashes" (of which I am) ... and also greatly agree.
What I liked
Well, everything!
Seriously, I adored this book in its entirety. The world building was intriguing, easy to understand and unique. The political intrigue was spot on. There were twists and turns that I did not see coming (although I have some theories on a few things). And the ...more

I'll begin by telling you that I had no expectations whatsoever from this book. I just dived into it.
• Jennesara is a strong heroine. She's a fighter and knows how to hold her own, a survivor, a good strategist and she can be really funny 😹
Just an honest opinion: I would've liked it more if she wasn't trying to convince herself of things that aren't true or lying when she didn't have to.
These are the things that made me give her one star less and a scene I found a bit ... rushed and not on my li ...more
• Jennesara is a strong heroine. She's a fighter and knows how to hold her own, a survivor, a good strategist and she can be really funny 😹
Just an honest opinion: I would've liked it more if she wasn't trying to convince herself of things that aren't true or lying when she didn't have to.
These are the things that made me give her one star less and a scene I found a bit ... rushed and not on my li ...more

After too many YA Fantasy flops in a row, I finally found one that I actually enjoyed! Can you believe it?
Shielded hooked me from the start and while the reveals and the direction of the plot was pretty predictable, I liked it nonetheless. Shielded doesn't re-invent the wheel but gives you a good story with a nice touch of romance (which I really liked) to keep you entertained. The characters in here were really well done. I was rooting for them and I teared up a little at one particular scene. ...more
Shielded hooked me from the start and while the reveals and the direction of the plot was pretty predictable, I liked it nonetheless. Shielded doesn't re-invent the wheel but gives you a good story with a nice touch of romance (which I really liked) to keep you entertained. The characters in here were really well done. I was rooting for them and I teared up a little at one particular scene. ...more

Ever since this book got announced I've been looking forward to it! So you could say it was an absolute delight and privilege to get an ARC. It has all of my favorite tropes, especially political intrigue, hidden identities and a betrothal for the good of the kingdom.
I LOVED this book! I read it in two days! The relationship in here is everything I love about YA fantasy romance and the protagonist is everything I love about strong heroines. Jenna has an interesting magical ability you don't see ...more
I LOVED this book! I read it in two days! The relationship in here is everything I love about YA fantasy romance and the protagonist is everything I love about strong heroines. Jenna has an interesting magical ability you don't see ...more
topics | posts | views | last activity | |
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Books and cookies: BOTM: Shielded | 14 | 24 | Sep 06, 2020 10:03AM | |
Fans of Fairyloot: Shielded | 1 | 3 | Sep 01, 2020 04:00PM | |
Challenge Corner: Shielded by KayLynn Flanders -> Starting on March 5th, 2020 | 42 | 6 | Mar 11, 2020 07:28AM | |
YA Buddy Readers'...: Shielded (Shielded #1) by KayLynn Flanders - Starting March 5th 2020 | 21 | 18 | Mar 11, 2020 07:00AM |
KayLynn Flanders is a graduate of Brigham Young University, with a degree in English Language and a minor in editing. When she’s not writing, she spends her time playing volleyball, reading, and traveling. She lives in Utah with her family, and thinks there’s nothing better than a spur-of-the-moment road trip. Her debut novel is Shielded. To learn more about KayLynn, go to kaylynnflanders.com or f
...more
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