Shielded (Shielded, #1) by KayLynn Flanders

Feb 01, 2020 Sheena ☆ Oh, the Sheenanigans! rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: friends-to-lovers, fantasy, magic, series, instant-love, enemies-to-lovers, young-adult, marriage-or-marriage-arrangement, armed-forces-or-military, royalty

“Shielded” tells the tale of Princess Jennesara, who sent off to marry her betrothed to 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 let’s ...more

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Jan 27, 2020 Maddie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Recommends it for: Fans of 'Snow Like Ashes'

Shelves: ya-fantasy, series-i-might-finish, reviewed-2020, arcs

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 ...more

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Jan 27, 2020 AJ rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

”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.”

This is one of my favorite books that I’ve read in a while. Amazing and interesting world building, unique magic, characters that are interesting enough for you to get attached to etc.

Jennesara was honestly a amazing main character. She wasn’t a damsel in distress, she wasn’t full of anger or rage from a troubled past, she was just a bad ass princess ...more

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Jan 21, 2020 julie marked it as arcs-tbr

Shelves: young-adult, fantasy

ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Sep 26, 2019 Kathryn Thompson rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I read an early copy of this book and was completely swept up in the characters and world building. A completely magical read. I can’t wait for KayLynn Flanders’ talent to be released into the world. Amazing debut. Where is book 2?!

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Feb 10, 2020 Kate (katereads13.blogspot.com) rated it liked it · review of another edition

Huge thanks to Random House Children and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I know this story is suppose to be in comparison to Sorcery of Thorns and Furyborn but don't think that is an accurate comparison. The story didn't put an emphasis on libraries and there were more characters involved rather than the protagonist heavy Furyborn.

This was such a fun simple story. Jennesara is a princess born with magic she was never suppose to inherit. On the way to her betrothed, her ...more

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Jan 25, 2020 Amber rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley-reviews, 2020grreadingchallenge

I received a complimentary copy of this Ebook ARC from the author, publisher, and netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Jenesara is a Princess who is soon to be 17. When her father the King tells her that she is to be wed to a Prince in another nation, Jenesara is saddened and submits to her father's wishes even though she wishes to help save their kingdom with her magic. It is only when she is attacked by a shadowy figure that her life is in danger. Can she escape those that wish to harm ...more

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Jan 21, 2020 Nia •ShadesOfPaper• marked it as tbr-unreleased

Shelves: arcs, 2020-releases, 2020-arcs

Thank you Random House Children’s and Delacorte Press for the ARC.

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Nov 08, 2019 shre ♡ marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: arc

curse my weakness to beautiful covers, CURSE IT.

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Sep 13, 2019 ♠ TABI ♠ marked it as to-read

so many good tropes in this blurb also helloooooo cover

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Jan 28, 2020 Morgan rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

First, I'd like to thank NetGalley, Random House Children's, and Delacorte Press for providing an eARC copy of this book for my honest review.

This book... broke me. Not in a bad way, either. But... I am shattered nonetheless.

First of all, the description of this book does NOT do the story justice. It's so innocuous and vague, and I get that's what the blurb is supposed to be like, but holy heck, this book is just AMAZING. The cover art is also gorgeous, and I think it depicts Jenna very well! ...more

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Jan 28, 2020 Amanda rated it it was ok

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

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Feb 16, 2020 Sarah rated it it was amazing

I usually find the world-building chapters of a new fantasy setting quite slow paced and lecture-like. But not this time. KayLynn Flanders' debut novel is a fully developed fantastical world that is unfurled to the reader full of rich descriptions and magical tradition without bogging down the journey that Princess Jennesara must face in order to stay alive and come into her own.

Forced to hide her magic because of royal tradition, Princess Jennesara trains herself in martial skills instead. She ...more

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Jan 22, 2020 Victoria rated it liked it

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an early copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review: I really wanted to love Shielded, but I felt only one emotion for the majority of the book: confusion. There is so much world building and the system of magic is so unique, which can be hard to come by when YA fantasy is such a saturated genre, but there was so much about the world and the magic that I didn’t understand which made it difficult to follow the story. I ...more

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Jan 20, 2020 Jane rated it it was amazing

I received a free DRC from Edelweiss+ I can't even begin to say how great this book is. A strong female character who doesn't need to be saved because she does the saving! I really enjoyed reading this. It seems like there will be at least a second book since the story ends with a few things unfinished. I am not sure I can wait so long to find out what happens.

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Feb 17, 2020 Meaghan rated it really liked it

Ok, I need book 2 now.

Truth be told, I almost DNF this book. It took a while for it to pick up, but once it did I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed all of the characters and cant wait to see more of them. I'm excited to see where else this story is going to go.

Also, that cover is gorgeous!

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Feb 10, 2020 ⋆☆☽ Kriss ☾☆⋆ marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: arc-books

I got approved for an ARC of this. Ahahahahahah, yes.

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Feb 05, 2020 Kate (BloggingwithDragons) rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Shielded is the debut novel of author KayLynn Flanders. It follows warrior Princess Jennesara of Hálendi on her quest to save not just her family, but the world. Informed that she is betrothed in order to save her kingdom from a magic battle on their border, Jennesara is whisked off on her first dangerous adventure outside of the palace walls. ...more

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Nov 07, 2019 Taschima marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Wait, what is this book about again? I was blindsided by the GORGEOUS cover art.

Another one for the TBR pile :P

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Feb 24, 2020 The Bookish Ballad marked it as to-read

Shielded was a magnificently torturous and wildly thrilling YA fantasy novel written by debut author Kaylynn Flanders that I was so excited to lose myself in while reading! Flanders brings a refreshing new voice to the genre and I'm excited to proclaim that I've added another strong female character to my list of badass heroines. Princess Jennesara is a force to be reckoned with and definitely deserves to be up there with other leading ladies like Yrene Towers, Vhalla Yarl, and Jude Duarte! Shielded was a magnificently torturous and wildly thrilling YA fantasy novel written by debut author Kaylynn Flanders that I was so excited to lose myself in while reading! Flanders brings a refreshing new voice to the genre and I'm excited to proclaim that I've added another strong female character to my list of badass heroines. Princess Jennesara is a force to be reckoned with and definitely deserves to be up there with other leading ladies like Yrene Towers, Vhalla Yarl, and Jude Duarte! Shielded is filled with magic, deceit, revenge, a steamy, slow-burn romance, betrayal, friendship, family bonds, and epic battle scenes. This is a debut novel you do not want to miss!

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 the horizon have surfaced. Princess Jennesara knows her skills on the battlefield would make her an asset and wants to help, but her father has other plans.

As the second-born heir to the throne, Jenna lacks the firstborn's--her brother's--magical abilities, so the king promises her hand in marriage to the prince of neighboring Turia in exchange for resources Hálendi needs. Jenna must leave behind everything she has ever known if she is to give her people a chance at peace.

Only, on the journey to reach her betrothed and new home, the royal caravan is ambushed, and Jenna realizes the rumors were wrong--the new threat is worse than anyone imagined. Now Jenna must decide if revealing a dangerous secret is worth the cost before it's too late--for her and for her entire kingdom.

The first half of Shielded begins with Jennesara on a journey to Turia for her arranged marriage with Prince Enzo, whom she's never met or seen before, and when her caravan is ambushed by killer mages, she must flee for her life within the magical and dangerous forests of The Wild. Just like Jennesara has to fight to survive in The Wild on her long trek to Turia, I had to fight my way through the first half of this book. In all honesty I'm not usually a fan of reading about lone journeys the main character has in a book because I tend to get quite bored. However, there was always some little detail and magic in the words that helped me hang on; that propelled me further into this book to find the treasure that awaited me. I checked the percentage of my reading progress and it was right around 54% that I fell madly in love with Shielded and due to the numerous revelations in this book I am unable to tell you why because....SPOILERS!* But I like to think I have built trust among you, book loves, so if you take my recommendations seriously than I promise you the wait for something amazing to happen is so worth it!!! And now I must endure more torture as I wait for the second book to be published.

A beautiful cast of characters emerges as Jennesara reaches Turia under the disguise of her maid's name, Aleinn. You'll find that it is infuriating that Jenn keeps her identity a secret even when it could solve so many problems but I guess I'm a reader who likes to torture myself. If I'm being one hundred percent honest with myself, I craved the romance above everything else. It was perfect. It had me holding my breath and got my heart racing. I remember taking a break and seeing a huge grin on my face in the mirror and that is when I know a book has curled up and claimed a spot on my heart.

Get ready to be swept up in a whirlwind of emotions and drama as well as the five glorious stars I award to Shielded! It is a brilliant read and I couldn't be more happy for Kaylynn Flanders and this huge accomplishment.

Sending all my love and appreciation to Delacorte Press for granting me early access to read Shielded in exchange for an honest review! ...more

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Feb 12, 2020 Britta rated it really liked it

Up front, I love a good YA/Fantasy romance. Bonus points if it involves some of my all-time favorite tropes: A princess who isn’t a dainty, delicate flower, a roguish love interest, strong familial ties, mistaken identities and elaborate world building.

Shielded hits each of these notes and more, playing within those tropes we’ve come to expect and flipping a few of them on their heads. Our princess is not one for balls and fancy gowns, she’d rather be in the dueling ring with the guards. Not due Up front, I love a good YA/Fantasy romance. Bonus points if it involves some of my all-time favorite tropes: A princess who isn’t a dainty, delicate flower, a roguish love interest, strong familial ties, mistaken identities and elaborate world building.

Shielded hits each of these notes and more, playing within those tropes we’ve come to expect and flipping a few of them on their heads. Our princess is not one for balls and fancy gowns, she’d rather be in the dueling ring with the guards. Not due to the standard “not like other girls” excuse, but rather in cause of the fact that her kingdom is one filled with warriors and battle. Her people destined to defend the border of their kingdoms against a mysterious threat to the north. Our girl Jenna is a sword-wielding badass out of necessity, rather than a need to stand-out.

Establishing this play on the trope early on, Flanders continues to surprise with the twists and turns of the Halendian world and surrounding kingdoms. Betrayal is imminent and mages lurk in the background spinning lies into the ears of Rulers who really should know better.

Where Shielded truly shines is in its exploration of human relationships, be they romantic, familial or friendly. It is always fun to see siblings in a fantasy setting, and Flanders adeptly proves her understanding of such a relationship as she gives us Ren and Jenna - a brother/sister team balanced on respect, love and no tiny amount of good-natured teasing. Each acts as the foil to the other, and a grounding line to some of the more rash decisions throughout the novel.

Now, if interpersonal relationships aren't the way to entice you, Shielded certainly has enough work put into the world-building to keep one entertained. Through Jenna’s eyes, we are treated to a rich world of peoples and traditions. Halendi and Turia stand apart as neighboring kingdoms crafted to reflect the land and histories of the people Flanders has created. From their everyday attire to the way her characters show affection, she succeeds in fleshing out what otherwise could have risked being a flat fantasy landscape. Peppering the text with colloquial terms (often drawn from real world languages given a nice fictional twist), and unique personalities fed by cultural beliefs and concerns, one believes in these characters as fleshed out peoples. A success not many YA novels can claim.

There also exists a neat balance between the magic systems at play, creating a sense of fairness in the world which keeps any one character from seeming too overtly OP. Where one person may have a magical strength useful to them in battle, another is able to ‘see’ magic in a manner that allows for otherwise non-magical defense. It’s neat, it’s clean, and it keeps the characters relying on each other’s strengths in order to succeed.

There are a few deus ex moments, what book is without them? But even then, Flanders makes it a point for our characters to suffer the consequences of their actions and decisions, no matter how poor or fitting they may be. Not one person bounces back with a laugh and a smile, they groan and shamble until fully recovered. They are haunted by past mistakes and constantly second guess themselves, always asking, “Is this for the greater good?” - an authorial decision that could quickly take Shielded and its sequels from YA to NA status if Flanders carries on as strongly as she’s begun.

If you’re looking for a new series to follow, and hungering for a strong heroine to rally behind, look not further than Shielded and Jennesara. ...more

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Feb 04, 2020 Andromeda rated it it was amazing

First of all, before I even get into the book itself, the cover is absolutely GORGEOUS. I'm not going to lie, sometimes I judge a book by its cover (but don't we all?). When I saw the cover of Shielded, I was immediately intrigued. The artwork is amazing and depicts the main character, Jenna, really well! Kudos to whoever designed the cover because it is awesome.

If you Google this book, the synopsis that can be found on Goodreads and Google Books does Shielded no justice. From the online First of all, before I even get into the book itself, the cover is absolutely GORGEOUS. I'm not going to lie, sometimes I judge a book by its cover (but don't we all?). When I saw the cover of Shielded, I was immediately intrigued. The artwork is amazing and depicts the main character, Jenna, really well! Kudos to whoever designed the cover because it is awesome.

If you Google this book, the synopsis that can be found on Goodreads and Google Books does Shielded no justice. From the online synopsis, it sounds like your typical run-of-the-mill YA fantasy. Don't get me wrong, I always love a good YA fantasy. However, some of them tend to blur together. The same tropes are used constantly. Shielded is different. On a Facebook group, I was asked what book or series that it compares to. Honestly, I don't think there are any. Shielded is different. It doesn't follow all of the same stereotypical YA fantasy tropes. The system of magic that Kaylynn Flanders creates is entirely unique and original.

Shielded is a YA fantasy novel set to be released in July 2020. It is Kaylynn Flanders' debut novel and let me just say, she is starting off with a bang! Shielded follows a warrior-like princess named Jennesara (or Jenna, for short). On the eve of her seventeenth birthday, her world is flipped upside down when her father announces her betrothal to a prince she has never met. However, things get even more twisted. On her way to meet her betrothed, her caravan is attacked. Jenna is faced with the reality of her country's situation; a situation a thousand times more dire than she previously believed. I can't really say much else without spoiling the book, and that would not be fun!

Flanders' writing style is amazing! She writes in a first person narrative that is detailed and captures the reader's attention. I love the world building and effort that went into the story as well. Despite the danger, I would love to live in the magical world that Flanders has created. Although, I would likely steer clear from the Wild...

One thing that I really love about this book is the relationships between the characters. I am a huge sucker for family relationships. Jenna's relationship with her brother is the definition of GOALS. Their interactions are heartwarming and make me wish that I had a Ren of my own. She also develops relationships with two girls named Mari and Chiara, but I cannot say much about those in case I reveal too much. I can say this: the trio is absolutely lovable! The romance in the book is breathtaking. There is no love triangle (thank goodness, I never know who to root for in those) which makes the romance twenty times better in my opinion. Jenna and her love interest are perfect for each other!

Honestly, there were no cons to the book. I absolutely loved it and could not put it down! Even as a broke and unemployed high school student, I think it is definitely worth purchasing! I highly, highly, highly recommend this book! You should definitely read it. Book two cannot come soon enough!

I received this book as an eARC on Netgalley in return for a 100% honest review. Thank you so much Netgalley and Kaylynn Flanders for the eARC! I really enjoyed reading and reviewing this novel! ...more

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Feb 10, 2020 Madison Schaeffer rated it liked it

I've read a lot of truly engaging, innovative fantasy in the last year, and A Sorcery of Thorns was one of those books, so I was excited about the comparison. I figured I'd try this one! It sounded fun! I totally appreciate arranged marriage stuff! It could be awesome!

Sigh. It wasn't awesome. This book was just sort of a cliché slog with a baffling magical system (read: not in the good way), cardboard characters, and a singularly boring protagonist.

The book starts when Jenna, cliché super great I've read a lot of truly engaging, innovative fantasy in the last year, and A Sorcery of Thorns was one of those books, so I was excited about the comparison. I figured I'd try this one! It sounded fun! I totally appreciate arranged marriage stuff! It could be awesome!

Sigh. It wasn't awesome. This book was just sort of a cliché slog with a baffling magical system (read: not in the good way), cardboard characters, and a singularly boring protagonist.

The book starts when Jenna, cliché super great fantasy heroine with secret magical abilities that no one can know about, gets shipped off to a neighboring kingdom to marry their crown prince. Halfway there, she nearly gets killed, her father and brother do get killed, and everything kind of goes to hell in a handbasket. Why, you ask? Because it is at this point that everything stops making sense.

There's some kind of mystical forest thing that she wanders around in for an excessive period of time (which makes no sense and never reappears), she kind of stays with some villagers (unclear on why that plot segue was necessary), and eventually finds her way to hanging out with some random soldiers from the neighboring kingdom that is apparently now at war with hers, for completely unclear reasons. (I mean, you'd think the obvious reason would be that the king and heirs to the throne were killed, but it kind of seems like Other Country is just as mad at her country, which makes no sense.)

I'm going to guess that if you have ever read any fantasy literature whatsoever, you can figure out who the solider is - that's right, the prince in disguise! There is a bunch of drama about her hiding her identity, which mostly seems to involve carefully braiding her hair, and the usual "I am a princess but I can defeat all these evil thugs with no issues" trope.

The only redeeming part of this novel (and the reason it earned 3 stars instead of 2) is Jenna's relationship with Chiara and Mari, the prince's sisters. They are so sassy and cute! Mari is THE BEST. You gotta admire a princess who knows every single hiding place in the castle. The several chapters of this book where Jenna is helping keep them safe and hiding in a fireplace are pretty great.

But, in general, this is just too cliché, too slow, and any book that has me constantly going, "Oh god, how much longer until I finish this and can start something else," is not really worth a reread. Solid effort, but I would not really recommend.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. ...more

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Feb 19, 2020 Jenna rated it liked it

Shielded by KayLynn Flanders started off as a slow read for me, but ultimately picked up by the end. The novel follows Princess Jennesara--the secondborn child in the kingdom of Halendi. In Halendi, only the firstborn child is supposed to inherit magic. So as secondborn, Jenna was not supposed to inherit magic, but, alas, she did. Jenna is prepared to enter an arranged marriage to help her family through a war. On her way to her betrothed, Jenna's caravan is attacked, causing the princess to Shielded by KayLynn Flanders started off as a slow read for me, but ultimately picked up by the end. The novel follows Princess Jennesara--the secondborn child in the kingdom of Halendi. In Halendi, only the firstborn child is supposed to inherit magic. So as secondborn, Jenna was not supposed to inherit magic, but, alas, she did. Jenna is prepared to enter an arranged marriage to help her family through a war. On her way to her betrothed, Jenna's caravan is attacked, causing the princess to have to flee. Unsure who is friend and who is foe, Jenna has to hide her identity while also trying to find out who was trying to assassinate her.

The biggest problem I had with this book was the amount of time the author spent describing the protagonist's travels. A lot of what was mentioned could have been cut drastically and we the readers would not have been lacking for it. To put a positive look on it, Flanders did a great job personifying the forest--called the Wild--that Jenna was lost in. However, during Jenna's travels from her kingdom to the kingdom of her betrothed, nothing noteworthy happened except for the caravan getting attacked. During this seemingly endless section of the book, I considered not finishing it.

The characters themselves were generally likeable. I loved Jenna's relationship with Enzo's (her betrothed's) sisters, Marietta and Chiara. I also loved her brother, Ren. I read reviews that complained of insta-love between Jenna and Enzo, but I have to disagree with them. I despise insta-love, and have a tendency to either DNF or poorly rate books that have it. I could see how some people might have interpreted the relationship as insta-love but I think it was more of insta-attraction that morphed into love as Enzo watched Jenna interact and protect his sisters.

I liked that the King/royal family in general wasn't evil, as I feel that is an easy character for writers to make corrupt. It was refreshing to see royal parents that actually loved their kids and wanted to help and gave others the benefit of the doubt.

Shielded wasn't a bad book. I enjoyed a few aspects of it, did not like some others. The cover is beautiful, and when I first saw it, I got Avatar: the Last Airbender vibes. Specifically, Katara vibes--blue cover, snow falling, long braid. The book did not have anything to do with Avatar, of course, but I still enjoyed those images the cover evoked. ...more

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Feb 20, 2020 Just Another Bookish Blog rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Today I come to you with a review of an ARC! I am talking about Shielded, by Kaylynn Flanders. Before you continue, click on the link and add this book to your TBR. It's that good. And don't worry, this review will, naturally, be spoiler free!

Note: This book was given to me by Delacorte Press via Netgalley. This does not, in any way, influence my thoughts and opinions.

Shielded is so much more than I was expecting. With every sentence you can feel the world and characters being built, with every Today I come to you with a review of an ARC! I am talking about Shielded, by Kaylynn Flanders. Before you continue, click on the link and add this book to your TBR. It's that good. And don't worry, this review will, naturally, be spoiler free!

Note: This book was given to me by Delacorte Press via Netgalley. This does not, in any way, influence my thoughts and opinions.

Shielded is so much more than I was expecting. With every sentence you can feel the world and characters being built, with every plot twist you realize how insanely detailed Flanders's idea for this series is. There are so many twists and turns and unexpected moments that the book was very difficult to put down, and even harder to stop thinking about.

For those who have followed my blog for a while you know that nothing makes me happier than a good character-driven novel. I become even giddier when the plot matches the characters in intensity. Shielded absolutely delivered in these aspects. Every single character, main, side and backstage alike, were thoroughly fleshed out and had personalities that stood out. Jenna - our main character - wasn't flawless, Enzo - the prince - was absolutely adorable (imagine if Will and Jem had a lovechild who was very protective, but also dorky and smart and smells like apples and books... *sigh*...). I absolutely adored Ren, Chiara, Mari and Luc. (Mari MVP, just saying!). They were each so unique I could hear their voices in my head as I read.

And the plot! I cannot say much about it, but I adored how descriptive Flanders was about the Wild, the feeling left after being hurt, and even simple things like the way the sun felt on people's skin. The plot itself feels as insane as something that could be played out in a fantastic campaign of D&D. The magic system is so alive, and evil of the antagonists is just dripping from the pages.

I have to stop here, lest I go fully into spoilers because THINGS HAPPENED, OKAY!? I'm giving this book 5/5 stars, and I simply need book 2. Right now. Even if it's just an outline of it, or an idea that Flanders came up with and quickly wrote on the back of a shopping receipt. I want more from this world and its three kingdoms! ...more

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Feb 14, 2020 Yels rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2020, arc, fantasy, ya

Shielded follows Jennesara, princess and magical heir who is betrothed to a prince she does not know. Jenna agrees to go in order to help her land, her brother, and to hide the magic that she is not supposed to have. While on her way to her new home, her party is ambushed and through a series of events, she escapes. Jenna finally makes it to her new land but everyone is now at war, she has to hide who she is, and the soldier who found her is not who she thinks he is.

The book was fine. I liked a Shielded follows Jennesara, princess and magical heir who is betrothed to a prince she does not know. Jenna agrees to go in order to help her land, her brother, and to hide the magic that she is not supposed to have. While on her way to her new home, her party is ambushed and through a series of events, she escapes. Jenna finally makes it to her new land but everyone is now at war, she has to hide who she is, and the soldier who found her is not who she thinks he is.

The book was fine. I liked a lot of it even if I struggled through some parts. The beginning was fast paced and I loved the relationship between Jenna and her brother as well as Jenna and her father. Jenna might be a princess but she trains with the guards and loves every second of it. I love this about her so Jenna is ok by me. I struggled in the middle with everything that was going in because there were a lot of moving pieces and I found it to be a little predictable. I knew something was going to happen before it did. I wasn't mad at it but I just knew. I wish that the magic system was explained a little better since I still have no idea how it works or really why. Jenna figures out a lot by just going to the library and it is wild to me that no one and I mean no one thought it would be a good idea to know more about the enemies they vanquished many years ago. There are stories that Jenna is not told because men but there also aren't others who might be willing to share or something that marks what happened during the great war.

My main gripe is that there were so many characters to keep up with that I barely remember any of them. Aside from Jenna, Ren, and Enzo everyone else is a blur. Even the trio aren't entirely memorable since we don't know much about them. The romance was meh and this is coming from someone who doesn't mind instalove in books. I wish there had been more interactions between Jenna and Enzo full of banter. I am glad that Flanders didn't do Jenna dirty when it came to Ren so yay! Would read book 2.

Side note: Is this Frozen fanfic? Or is that just me?

Shout out to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in advance in exchange for an honest review.

...more

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Feb 24, 2020 Kirsten Dresker (read.breathe.repeat) rated it really liked it

Shelves: middle-grade-level, arcs

Princess Jennesara is resilient, loyal, would do anything for her people, and has a secret that can’t get out. When her father suddenly surprises her with an arranged marriage for a much needed alliance, she does what any princess would do and leaves all she cares for to travel to a new kingdom in hopes of helping her people. The journey isn’t easy, and Jennesara must think quickly to fight off an adversary she knows almost nothing about while avoiding traitors pulling strings around her. Hiding ...more

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Feb 15, 2020 Michelle Aschenbrenner rated it really liked it · review of another edition

ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

Ever since I first saw the cover floating around, I was intrigued. Upon seeing the summary, I was extremely intrigued!

Flanders brings such a magical world and wonderful heroine in her debut novel. The strong world-building and unique magic system proves that Flanders took the time and research to make all of the ideas work together. The magic doesn't feel thrown in there for the sake of there being magic, and ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

Ever since I first saw the cover floating around, I was intrigued. Upon seeing the summary, I was extremely intrigued!

Flanders brings such a magical world and wonderful heroine in her debut novel. The strong world-building and unique magic system proves that Flanders took the time and research to make all of the ideas work together. The magic doesn't feel thrown in there for the sake of there being magic, and it's original enough that it can stand on its own and not be easily compared to other magic we've seen before.

Shielded does have a bit of a slow beginning, but once you're past the initial set-up of the world and characters, the book hits the gas pedal and keeps you hooked until you've finished it without realizing you read all day! One feature that kept me reading was Flanders' own twist on tropes we've seen time and time again. There are the usual tropes -the girl who isn't like other girls because they're strong, and the like- but Flanders puts her own twist on them that helps keep the interest going with the characters. The main character, Jenna, has to struggle and fight through so many situations, but her anxieties still shine through her strength, which goes to show she's human just as anyone else and can't be strong 24/7.

The only gripe I have with this book is the very odd phrases and wording, such as “the air tasted like a soup of tranquility and dust." There's more odd phrasing like that, and it can be jarring to read because I had to pause and think "wait, what?" after reading these kinds of sentences. Thankfully, it's not very common throughout the book, so if you can get past it then the rest of the book is a smooth read. Also, some of the plot twists and betrayals were a bit predictable, but if we ignore the fact I'm an adult reader and have read my fair share of plot twists and betrayals, I feel the plot twists will go over better and add more shock value with younger readers.

Overall, Shielded was a wonderful read and a great debut for Flanders! If you're looking for a new series to get your hands on, definitely pick up this book! ...more

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Feb 23, 2020 cassberrie rated it liked it · review of another edition

Received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Shielded by KayLynn Flanders follows the adventure of Jennesara, the secondborn of the kingdom of Halendi, who has trained all her life to be a great warrior to stand alongside her brother, Aletheren, who is slated to become king as he has inherited their family's magic. To aid their kingdom in a time of need, Jennesara is sent to marry the crown prince of the kingdom of Turia, Prince Enzo, but on her way there her party is ...more

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Feb 10, 2020 Jenna rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: arcs

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Shielded by KayLynn Flanders started off as a slow read for me, but ultimately picked up by the end. The novel follows Princess Jennesara--the secondborn child in the kingdom of Halendi. In Halendi, only the firstborn child is supposed to inherit magic. So as secondborn, Jenna was not supposed to inherit magic, but, alas, she did. Jenna is prepared to enter an arranged marriage to help her family through a war. On her ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Shielded by KayLynn Flanders started off as a slow read for me, but ultimately picked up by the end. The novel follows Princess Jennesara--the secondborn child in the kingdom of Halendi. In Halendi, only the firstborn child is supposed to inherit magic. So as secondborn, Jenna was not supposed to inherit magic, but, alas, she did. Jenna is prepared to enter an arranged marriage to help her family through a war. On her way to her betrothed, Jenna's caravan is attacked, causing the princess to have to flee. Unsure who is friend and who is foe, Jenna has to hide her identity while also trying to find out who was trying to assassinate her.

The biggest problem I had with this book was the amount of time the author spent describing the protagonist's travels. A lot of what was mentioned could have been cut drastically and we the readers would not have been lacking for it. To put a positive look on it, Flanders did a great job personifying the forest--called the Wild--that Jenna was lost in. However, during Jenna's travels from her kingdom to the kingdom of her betrothed, nothing noteworthy happened except for the caravan getting attacked. During this seemingly endless section of the book, I considered not finishing it.

The characters themselves were generally likeable. I loved Jenna's relationship with Enzo's (her betrothed's) sisters, Marietta and Chiara. I also loved her brother, Ren. I read reviews that complained of insta-love between Jenna and Enzo, but I have to disagree with them. I despise insta-love, and have a tendency to either DNF or poorly rate books that have it. I could see how some people might have interpreted the relationship as insta-love but I think it was more of insta-attraction that morphed into love as Enzo watched Jenna interact and protect his sisters.

I liked that the King/royal family in general wasn't evil, as I feel that is an easy character for writers to make corrupt. It was refreshing to see royal parents that actually loved their kids and wanted to help and gave others the benefit of the doubt.

Shielded wasn't a bad book. I enjoyed a few aspects of it, did not like some others. The cover is beautiful, and when I first saw it, I got Avatar: the Last Airbender vibes. Specifically, Katara vibes--blue cover, snow falling, long braid. The book did not have anything to do with Avatar, of course, but I still enjoyed those images the cover evoked. ...more

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