Shielded is a fast paced and fairly straight forward fantasy book. Everything happens extremely fast, so if you want a quick read with straight forward characters set in an interesting world, this is good choice. The summary provided covers pretty much all you need to know going into the book. You have got a determined and capable in her own right who has a mission and some personal decisions to make.
There is very little guess work with the characters. If you think someone is a villain, they probably are. If you have got a guess on who the prince might be or how a relationship is going to form, you are probably right. I would have loved for there to have been more character and relationship development, but as this is the first book in the series, that may come more so later.
The love portion of the story comes on super-fast, so there is some high-speed romance going on, and it was pretty easy to guess from the first time the characters interacted that that would be the case.
The setting itself is interesting, and I could have gone for some additional world building and detail. Again, because this is the first book, more of that may come later, but it would have been nice to have a greater understanding of that world in general. I am a great lover of detail, so I always want more of that in the books I read.
Overall Shielded is a fast, enjoyable, and easy fantasy read. I enjoyed the read overall, and would be interested in following the characters.

If you love Young Adult Fantasy, you're going to love this book. By far one of my favorite books I've read in 2020. SHIELDED by Kaylynn Flanders follows the story of a young princess, Jenessara who has been betrothed to the prince of another kingdom in order for their kingdom to receive more aid in the face of an imminent battle. When her traveling party is attacked, Jenessara is left to her own devices to traverse through treacherous country and hope she can find help and discover who attacked her and who betrayed her, before they find her and kill her.

Filled with magic, intrigue, and romance(!!!!!!) this is a fantastic 2020 debut and definitely something you want to pick up when it releases. I for one am going to be raving about this book for a while. Where is the sequel? I need it now! ;)

This is a nice fantasy. It didn’t have the most complex characters or plot. It was very black and white. Good vs evil. Our main character, Jennesara, was likable. The romance was just ok for me. It wasn’t insta love but was a little too fast for me to really enjoy it. The pacing of the book was a bit inconsistent. One moment so much was happening then next pretty much nothing. I had a hard time keeping interest through the entire book but the ending was good. Overall, this was a good fantasy but I wasn’t always captivated from beginning to end.

The library needs this. I need this. YA Fantasy readers need this. The writing is full of beautiful descriptions and the characters are engaging. A fantastic addition to YA fantasy!

I was unaware of the fact this was the start to a duology or series. I thought it was a standalone.
The book itself was exciting and I enjoyed the plot. I do think it could have lost 1/3 and been fine. The upper middle grade/low ya was amazing.

2.5/5

Lord of the Rings meets Frozen in KayLynn Flanders' debut novel Shielded, in which a young princess from a kingdom in the North investigates political conspiracies, powerful mages that want her family dead, and the strange budding romantic feelings towards her would-be betrothed.

Shielded is told from the point of view of Jennesara, the 17-year-old princess from the kingdom of Hálendi, which takes on some of the common Nordic stylings with the blonde haired, blue eyed folk that navigate the cold Plateau. She has the ability to use magic, something that is only supposed to be inherited by the first born of the royal family in Hálendi, and had already been displayed by her older brother. In order to stave off rumors and concerns, Jennesara spends her life hiding the physical marking that displays her magical capabilities - a streak of white hair in her otherwise golden locks.

There will be some spoilers beyond this point!

Aside from the white in her hair, which is something I will get back to, there were a few things about this book that gave me pause as I read. The most notable thing to me was the writing - there was an incredibly large amount of exposition, and as a reader I felt that I was explained every detail, rather than being left to infer anything. This, combined with the fact that we had to participate in every single one of Jennesara's thoughts and actions, began taking a toll during her time in the Wilds. A surprisingly large portion of the novel is dedicated to her wandering through these Wilds in an attempt to make her way to Turia after her royal caravan is attacked, and her party killed. The sheer amount of story we get in the Wilds, where nothing is happening outside of Jennesara wandering and thinking to herself, was slightly offputting. After making it to Turia, Jennesara continually interacts with others which breaks up a bit of the monologue, but the theme of over explanation continues, and almost no details (no insignificant details, anyway) are skipped over. Conversations in which we learn new information are often repeated, so other characters can be informed, and then repeated again, especially in the later portion of the novel.

The magic system is also something that I didn't fully understand. In the novel, there were four mages that had been banished to the Ice Deserts before the events of the story took place. We learn that they are planning on taking over the Continent, and have a personal grudge against the royal family of Hálendi, because they are the descendants of the person who originally sealed the mages away to protect humankind. We are aware that the mages have magical ability, and that Jennesara's father and brother do, due to their familial connection to their ancestor (as well as a family connection to the Grey and Black mages, because as it turns out, the Black mage was the brother of the first king, so... the grey mage is technically Jennesara's cousin). All other magic in Hálendi is never discussed, which is why Jennesara takes such precautions to hide her visible reminder of magical aptitude. Magic takes form differently in every person, which I found to be an interesting element, although Jennesara ends up using her magic for healing most of the time anyway, which is the same power as her brother. We also learn that Turians have magic, though the how's, what's and why's are not brought up - only that, unlike Hálendi, magic is open and accepted in their kingdom.

This brings me to Jennesara's white streak of hair, her telltale sign of magic. We don't get much explanation as to why this is the signal for magic (although it definitely continued to give me Frozen vibes throughout the story) in the Hálendi royal line. One of the more confusing things that happens during the story is when Enzo finds out Jennesara's true identity (as she had been pretending to be a regular Hálendian warrior, using her maid's name), by her hair. Her hair that she had taken extreme precautions in braiding, which is regularly mentioned, so the white streak hasn't been visible to any member of her family. No one knows about her streak except her brother, so why is it the reason that Enzo is able to recognize her? Does everyone who uses magic have some kind of physical marking? Is it different depending on family, or region of birth? The white streak seemed to have absolutely no importance, despite it being made out to be one of the more important secrets Jennesara keeps. A secret that, in the end, nobody cared about.

Shielded is a novel that really brought out the "young" in "young adult" for me; as I was reading, I realized this story is exactly something I would have wanted to read when I was 15/16. A princess, who is also a warrior, who has innate magical abilities, on a journey to protect her kingdom and avenge her family, getting in a little romance along the way - it's a great setup for a story I would have loved as a teen. The execution, however, left me wanting, due to the long passages without plot-driven events and the consistent telling, rather than showing. Events that were of little consequence were given full explanations and details, while important scenes were often brushed over (since Jennesara wasn't conscious during the siege to take back the castle in Turiana, I guess we don't get to experience it either...). What I thought would be set ups for plot twists ended up being nothing more than one line musings and the actual plot twists that occurred were solved within a page or less (eg. General Leland). Overall, this story had some interesting ideas behind it, a main character that I really wanted to like, a lot of world building potential, but was overshadowed by writing that did little to draw readers into the story.

Finally got a chance to read this book and I must say: WOW!!!!! I tried an excerpt online and was interested but not sold. I am so glad I requested it. It has fully lived up to what I wanted in a fantasy about a kicka$$ heroine. The writing is strong and the pacing of the novel flows like a quiet river with no dams. The character development is completely actualized and it’s been a fun experience getting to know the major players, as well as the minor ones too!

This was a quick read for me and im still not so sure how I feel about it.
Overall it was an okay story, and I hope the author continues to expand more of this world and story.

3.5- What a gorgeous cover! Shielded is a fast-paced, enjoyable fantasy adventure. The story follows Jennesara, a princess who is unknowingly betrothed to a prince in the neighboring kingdom. To save her kingdom, she agrees to fulfill her father’s betrothal agreement. On her journey, her group is brutally attacked and Jen is forced to flee into a magical forest, the Wild. Betrayal and conspiracy infect the kingdom and it becomes clear that Jen’s life is in danger. Jen decides to hide as a servant in the neighboring kingdom. While there, she meets her intended betrothed, his family, and a mysterious group of villains.

Jen is a very brave and daring character, she was one of the main reasons that I felt invested in the story. I would have loved to see more development and explanation of the magic system, including the Wild and Jen’s powers. In terms of the plot, there were areas where things seemed a little too convenient or didn’t make logical sense. My personal pet peeve was that Jen has a white streak in her hair that immediately would identify her as having magic, and the only solution she has is to hide it in a braid. Can she cut it off, can she dye it, etc? The braid almost failed Jen so many times!

Overall, this was a fast-paced and enjoyable adventure. If you like classic YA tropes, fierce princesses, and adventure, then check out Shielded! While marketed for YA, I would say this is on the younger side of YA or upper middle grade. I will definitely be looking forward to the sequel and seeing how Jen’s adventures continue! Shielded releases on July 21, 2020. Thank you to KayLynn Flanders, Delacorte Press, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my gosh I love this book! This would be a perfect book for a Tamara Pierce fan who liked her Tortall universe books. Or the Patricia Wrede Enchanted Forest Chronicles. It’s a great girl’s adventure fantasy with light. romance.
The heroine is a just turned 17 princess and second born who is told that she has a betrothal with the prince of the neighbor kingdom. After her initial wait what? reaction she doesn’t whine about doing her duty (and is told if she gets there and there’s a problem she can break the betrothal). She heads off in her procession with her maid and guards and then all sorts of spoiler filled adventure happens!
For any parent reading this review there is genre typical but not explicit violence. Someone does have their throat cut in front of her and she is quite distressed and when she has to fight and kill it is in self defense or defense of others and it is shown as being emotionally very hard as it would be even when justified. No sexuality beyond kissing.

I adored this Viking fantasy! It kept me on the edge of my seat from page one and I could not put it down. Cannot wait for what comes next.

Star Rating: 3.75/5 Stars

Shielded is a story very familiar to the adolescent fantasy market: a sheltered princess, hidden magic, an unwanted betrothal, and a centuries old war returning to the surface. While this book does not break any new ground, it is still an enjoyable read for those who still enjoy the classic fairytale wrapped with the plot of Saturday morning cartoon series. This book is marketed as a YA, but I would definitely say on the lower end of the YA age-range, arguably middle grade in its suitabilities.

Jennesara is a princess who, while in the beginning does come off a bit "not like other girls", is different for her hobbies and eccentricities in the eyes of her court, and she very much lifts up the women she meets throughout the story. While she is a notable fighter, she is not the dark and edgy heroine of many YA Fantasy novels and definitely more suited for those looking for the sweet, determined princess archetype with their fighting prowess. Her characterizing trait is easily the love she has for her family. This driving force is what pushes her through her travels, goals, and plot. Her later, budding relationship with Enzo is sweet in the way that a first teen romance can be.

My largest complaint for the book was its ease. The physical hardships of her solitary travels were grueling, and the book is mostly more realistic than not in its portrayal of how these hardships and injuries can affect the body, even with the aid of magic. The pace of the story just seemed to float along, which made it easy reading, but also made all plot revelations and changes very easy to breeze through, hence my recommendation for younger audiences. For older readers, teen or otherwise, the turns the story takes will be seen miles away.

Shielded was an easy read and while adding nothing new to the genre, it's still a good fit for younger audiences still seeking some of the comforts of a euro-centric fairytales of their youth while still keeping it age appropriate. It is best seen as a Throne of Glass (pre-Fae arcs) for the pre-teen and early teen reader.

Going into this book, I expected a lot of overused tropes. A princess hiding her powers, warring countries, and forbidden love. When I started reading it, I was scared there was also going to be a love triangle. Thankfully, I was proven totally wrong. The princess is hiding her full identity, and it makes total sense in relation to what is happening. The romance developed naturally, with both of them meeting in one of my favorite ways (neither knowing who the other is). There is no love triangle, and my only complaint comes from the other man. I wanted to have more characterization and back story. I wish the choice he made could have made sense for the readers, but I had no idea what drove him to do what he did. The story is fast-paced and a lot of fun. The characters are lovable, and I found myself never getting exasperated, which for me, happens a lot. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially seeing as it's a debut novel, and I definitely suggest reading it.

This was a joy to read! It started out kinda slow with a lot of information, but once I was like 25% in, I was sucked in! I loved Jennesara and I liked that she wasn't angry/dark/edgy or anything- just an all-around awesome princess. I've seen this compared to Throne of Glass and The Remnant Chronicles and I would definitely agree with that! I will be on the lookout for book 2 for sure!!

Jenna was a really great character. I enjoyed reading her immensely. She wasn’t spoiled and bratty like sometimes princesses are.

The pacing was fun and I felt like we were on a wild ride the whole time which is great. And the romance was good too. Overall was a great book and I will enjoy more in the future

An entertaining read, full of magic, mystery, and a little bit of romance. Some plot aspects were foggy in reasoning and details, but I found the chapters in the Wild to be very compelling. A return to that dangerous place in the sequel would be fantastic.

A fantastic adventure! I enjoyed this heroine and her discovery of who she is and what she is capable of. I was captivated by the characters. I relished spending time in this world with these characters.

I received an ARC through NetGalley for review.

Rating 4.5

I was really surprised by this one.
We meet Princess Jennesara on the eve of her 17th birthday.
While she is excited about celebrating, her father drops it on her that he has accepted an offer for her betrothal to a neighboring prince, without her knowledge and she will leave the day after her birthday.
But it's not just a case of him being unfeeling and selfish, the King fears there are people working against him in his own council, and between a skirmish with a neighbor that has bubbled into a full war- they desperately need soldiers to hold their kingdom. And did it all in secret. The same day she leaves, he sends her older brother, the heir along with her, to ferry him off somewhere else. And out of the Palace.
Ancient things are rising, and they're hellbent on revenge.

At first I had thought this was going to follow the standard, princess who wants to fight, plot line. But it went way off of that. I found her to be very smart, and brave, and willing to go though more trials to protect other people from what was following her. She wasn't just ready to jump right back into being a spoiled princess at the first chance. It was not first thing that defined her character, it was the last.

There is a journey, battles, fighting, magic, mages, betrayal, grief, heartbreak and even a bit of romance. I don't want to say anymore, because I don't want to blow this plot for you.

I really enjoyed this one!

I thoroughly enjoyed Shielded, and I'm so glad I got the chance to read it.

I was hooked right away with this one, and while there was a point early in the story when I thought it was all going to fall apart for me, it didn't! I was so thankful for that because I've been struggling with books keeping my interest lately, and I wanted to love this book.

The characters, primaries and secondaries alike, were interesting and readily likable. The world building was on point. The magic and mystery was intriguing.

I do wish we got Enzo's point of view, but that's just because I'm a dual POV kind of girl.

Also, I SO appreciate that Shielded ended without a cliffhanger. While there is still plenty to be unveiled and resolved in the next installment(s), there is an HEA for now. Again, I appreciate the heck out of that.

***I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley.***

Wow I loved this book! If you're looking for a solid fantasy with secret magic, enemy mages, a slow-burn romance, disguised royals, a warrior princess, and an intriguing plot, look no further. Shielded is super entertaining and fun to read and reminded me a lot of Sorcery of Thorns and Kiss of Deception. It echoes a lot of YA tropes and conventions, which make it familiar and perhaps a little predictable, but I still think it's worth the read. I can't wait for the next book.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Delacorte Press and NetGalley, for the review copy!