This is one of those rare, fun-loving, heart-breaking, terrifically plotted books that suck you right in from page one. Jenna is a top-notch heroine; brave, level-headed, and strong. And don't me started on the cover. I can't wait to hold the finished copy in my hands and take lots of bookstgram pics with it because that is what I do with pretty books. I love them and squeeze them and make sure the world knows about them.

Jennesara, who is our protagonist, has a head on her shoulders. She loves to sword-fight, but her father, the king, frowns upon it. When he marries her off to a neighboring kingdom, she swallows her stubbornness and obeys, if only for the good of her kingdom. She's brave in more ways than one in that she puts her kingdom before her own well-being. But when it is time to fight for her own life, she does so without hesitation. She's tough in a way that is self-taught and not overly done. She's not a warrior. She's just a princess with a secret passion for weapons.

I won't spill too many details but let's talk about the romance. When the romantic interest was finally revealed, I was totally knocked off my seat. That twist though! I actually thought one character would be the love interest, but the author took it a different direction. When the feels began, it was OH SO SWEET! I want to just hug them both until they beg for mercy. MY LITTLE CINNAMON ROLLS!!!!

KayLynn Flanders has a unique way with words. While she does not go overly flowery, her writing flows well and sucks you in.

So, my four-star rating is because of the pacing. I found myself without breath at some points, with no real room to take it all in. I understand this is a fast-paced book and there's A LOT going on. I only felt it was smushed together too tightly.

While the themes and the basic structure of the book are the same as a million others, there's something different about this one that I can't pinpoint. Mostly, I think it's because it reminds me of an early book I once wrote about a defiant princess with secret magic and a handsome boy who fight together against the baddies who want them dead.

Maybe I should dig that story out and revamp it. KayLynn, you have inspired me!

But other than that, SHIELDED is an addicting book that YA fantasy fans with devour.

Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc.

I received an e-ARC of this book from KayLynn Flanders, and Random House Children’s Publishers through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Fantastic debut novel from KayLynn Flanders! I thoroughly enjoyed the journey that Jenna took throughout this book. An accomplished swordsman with the strength and speed to take down most opponents; I liked that Jenna was able to find her inner strength during her struggle to save her kingdom. I cannot wait to read book #2 to find out what happens next.

I could not get past the second chapter, which is disappointing because it had so much potential, A Female lead, magic, mystery, and family. However, the writing was just so bad, I was so confused about what was happening, she was waking up. How can you make getting out of bed that complicated and convoluted? I tried to keep going but after running into the same wording and run-on sentences, I just had to stop.

A strong, female protagonist is always something I love to see in fiction. Jenna is smart and a fierce warrior dedicated to protecting everything she holds dear. I love this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for providing a free copy for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book was stunning! I haven't been this immersed in a book in a long time! It was intriguing, the magic system was complex and creative, and you couldn't help root for the main characters! If you liked Uprooted by Naomi Novak, you'll probably like this! I am genuinely surprised by how amazing this was, especially as a debut novel! I hadn't heard anything about this book before requesting it on netgalley and I was not disappointed! I am intrigued to find out what happens next! Can't wait for the next book!

Shielded was a refreshing new read. It’s perfect for fans of “Throne of Glass” if you’re looking to pick up a new YA fantasy series dealing with magic, arranged marriages, kingdoms with secrets, and more. Jenna will remind you of Celaena Sardothien in so many ways such as her persistence, her strength and her fire, and most importantly, her need to save the world. This book is worth reading and I cannot wait for the sequel.

*I received an e-arc from the author and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
4.5/5 Stars
I truly enjoyed this story and thought it was a great debut! It hooked me in right from the beginning.  I thought there was great world building, action, betrayal, epic battle scenes, a unique magical system, romance, and some amazing characters, including some villains of course.

I especially love the main character, Princess Jennesara. She is one of my new favorites! She's a very likable heroine. She's not a princess in jeopardy or someone with an overly troubled past, she's just a girl that's doing her duty for her kingdom. Her father tells her she must marry the Prince of Turia for the good of the kingdom, and she obeys. I thought that spoke volumes of her character, that she was willing to sacrifice her desires for the security of her kingdom. She leaves the innocence of her childhood behind, to face her fears and the unknown. I enjoyed the journey and watching her come into her own.

I think the only part of the story that I found a little confusing were some of the sections about the villains, especially toward the end of the book. Some of the scenes seemed a little rushed. I'm hoping that we learn more about these villains and what exactly makes them tick in the next book. Is it only power and revenge fueling them, or is there more to it?

A great start to a series! I laughed, I cried, and I cheered along as I read this book. I felt that the ending was satisfying and I can't wait to see what happens to Jenna and company in the sequel.

Right off the bat, this is a very innocent book. When I say that, I don't mean about sex specifically, although, being a YA book written by a first-time Mormon author, nothing beyond one "deep kiss" at the end of the novel occurs, but in the sense that this is a book written by an author who clearly lacks the life experience necessary to write a compelling piece of fiction. That sounds harsh, so let me put it simply: this is a book that knows that something called "pain" exists, but not one that has ever felt it itself. And I do mean the book - I wouldn't presume to know about the author's experiences

No character in this book suffers, or fails, or makes mistakes. If our protagonist needs to find someone, she magically finds him on the next page. If characters need materials, they locate them immediately without any struggle. If characters create a plan, it works without question. All of the conflicts in this book occurs from external forces - there's no tension or interpersonal conflict, and no one does anything that could be seen as unkind or even unpleasant. I honestly can't think of a single instance when anyone even disagreed with each other, and for a book that's meant to be about an oncoming war, that's just... not acceptable.

This feels like a very juvenile piece of fiction. It has nothing to say beyond the surface-level events of its plot; it has no lessons to impart other than Good is Good and Bad is Bad; it has no deeper meaning, no intrigue, no tension. This is an incredibly dull piece of work that will undoubtedly find its way to the discount shelves of secondhand bookstores within months of its publication. It isn't a horrible book. There were even a few moments I liked. But God is this such a waste of print.

Shielded is a phenomenal YA fantasy debut. Princess Jennessara lives in a troubled kingdom with war at its borders and an even deadlier threat looming ahead. To make matters better, her father chooses to marry her off to a neighboring kingdom in exchange for resources. On the journey, her caravan gets attacked and Jennessara must flee. The threat is greater than anything they imagined.

The world-building is outstanding and detailed creating a lush, gorgeous setting you can easily picture in your mind. The magic system is creative and unique. It makes sense and only makes the story that much more intriguing. The characters are well-crafted and fully developed. The relationship between the main characters is exploding with chemistry. Although, it is a bit of a slow-burner. It is unreal how much chemistry they have. It will have readers dying for them to get together.

I truly cannot recommend Shielded enough. Highly recommended to all fans of YA fantasy. This is one not to be missed!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

This book was gooooooodddd. Jennesara is the princess of a frozen line of warriors, forced to hide her magic as it threatens her brother right to rule, on the eve of her seventeenth she is promised to another prince and snuck out of the castle when her father suspected something amiss within his lands.

Jenna was a great character, she wasn’t spoiled, but she wasn’t the typical princesses who knew everything because of all her training. Jenna was sent into the Wild, a forest brimming with magic that holds no survivors and learned her and struggled her way through her magic.

The romantic aspect of the book was equally well done. You could understand her reluctance and her anger at being married off to a stranger, but as she meets people of the neighboring kingdom she develops a respect for the kingdom of Turia.

There was a big portion of the book that was I bored reading, and that was her trek through the wild. On her own that was nothing but pages of descriptive sentences and it really dragged after a bit. But I loved the magic system and the world of the kingdoms. I liked how the book ended with things still needing to be resolved, but not a cliffhanger so I can sleep easier at night.

Oh and Prince Enzo, a total babe

This was my first book by this author, It was pretty enjoyable. I would give this book a 4.5 star rating! It was a pretty Quick and easy read!

Shielded follows the journey of Princess Jennesara after her retinue is ambushed on the way to the kingdom of Turia, where she is to wed a prince and secure an alliance for her homeland of Hálendi after a lightning-quick surprise betrothal.

This read was an entertaining if predictable beginning to a YA fantasy trilogy. I enjoyed the Norse-influenced aesthetic of Hálendi. I particularly appreciated that Jenna herself served as an exemplary example of a strong female protagonist; she was strong, compassionate, resilient, brave, and caring, and her character makes you want to root for her throughout the events of the novel. The absolutely gorgeous cover is sure to please and delight many a potential reader.

However, there were too many of the tropes prevalent across YA fantasy that I’m not a fan of for me to love this one. A patriarchal universe, arranged marriage, dead/absent mothers, plot movement that depends on unnecessary/over complicated secret identities, insta-love romance, and a lack of diversity were some of the elements that took away from my enjoyment. I’m also not sure I would put this in a class with Sorcery of Thorns—aside from the protagonist also loving books and there being a plot thread involving a magical library, there isn’t much similarity.

Ultimately, Shielded is a solid, well-written debut. It will be a good fit for many readers of YA fantasy who enjoy the more pervasive types of characters and tropes seen in the genre, but it wasn’t the right fit for me.

Very fast, intriguing, riveting, and mind-bending story telling!! Flanders has created an amazing group of diversified characters, as well as a detailed and flowing time line.
The world building was magical and lush.
Most of all the heroine of the story and her unique and magical story!!
Lots of subject matter; lies, betrayal, family, friendships, and romances all laced up with ribbons of magic!!
A wonderful and gripping first installment!!

(This review contains minor spoilers, proceed with caution)
This book was such a fun read, it packed a good punch. Even though the twists and betrayals were a little predictable I enjoyed seeing the characters' reactions to them. I can see this book being a little boring for people who are used to reading extremely complicated plots, characters, worlds, magic systems, and constant action, so this may not be for everyone. I loved this book regardless. It had action, character development, family relationships, a simple and well-done romance, and mystery.

First, let's talk about the main character. Jenna was an amazing character to read. This is what I ask for when I want a badass, strong female character. Jenna wasn't like those problematic, 'badass' female protagonists that constantly spend endless inner monologues reminding the reader that she isn't like other girls but that she is a tomboy who is also badass, good at everything, breathtakingly gorgeous, smart, a bookworm, and everything you are not. Jenna is smart, fast, resourceful, kind, and understanding. Despite being a strong warrior, she knows her duties and her role towards her kingdom. She doesn't throw a fit when she learns she has to marry a prince she never met; she's saddened by it, but she knows her father needs her and disheartenedly complies. Even after she escapes the Wild, has clearly been through trauma, and must pretend to be the very girl who died for her, she doesn't act unnecessarily stone-cold and guarded around everyone. She is hesitant and stand-offish initially (for her and her kingdom's safety), but once they earn her trust she is kind and loyal. Jenna faces every problem head-on and uses her brain to solve problems while also using her skills to fight. Jenna grows throughout the novel, she becomes stronger in every way and I loved getting to notice that change as I read the book.

I loved reading her interactions with the Turian royal family. Mari and Chiara were so fun to read and a good relief from the imminent danger looming over Jenna's head while she was trying desperately to get more information and save the kingdoms. Both girls were resourceful and important on their own. Many times, authors throw in children into the story to provide some relief but that is the extent of their purpose. However, Mari's secret passageways and stashes were useful. Watching Chiara grow and become a strong, protective woman was amazing to read.

Let's talk about the romance. Enzo was extremely charming but also kind, smart, and protective. The romance that grew between her and Enzo seemed natural and unforced. It was a little insta lovey when they first met and it was a little weird how she was getting bothered by Enzo picking a bride since everyone thinks Jenna is dead even though they didn't know each other that well, but honestly it wasn't that bad. I am so tired of characters professing their undying love for each other at the end of the first book even though they barely know much about each other. Thank goodness that did not happen in this book. At the end of the book, the two of them acknowledged they had a spark and a thing for each other that they were willing to explore and grow. That is what I want.

The magic system in this book is a little confusing. I don't really understand how it works and its limits. But I believe that is because we are reading from Jenna's perspective and she doesn't know much about magic either. From what I gathered, the magic in this world is an energy that can be used to manipulating other energies, some people are more gifted at manipulating certain things more than others. But honestly, the information that was given was enough for me to not be totally lost when magic was involved in the book but I was still a little confused. I hope the author expands on this magic and gives us some more in-depth explanations on the magic systems, how Jenna has magic, the Turian family's magic, the Wild, the artifacts, mages, etc.

The structure of this book was so intriguing. Every now and then, there would be a chapter separate from Jenna's perspective where the reader learns bits and pieces from the people behind all of the plotting. It was so fun getting to put the pieces together and knowing that the main characters are going to be in danger, but not knowing exactly how because the author didn't reveal that much. It certainly kept me entertained and on the edge of my seat.

My only major quips were the slow build and the loosely explained magic; the story didn't actually pick up/get to the point until 50% into the book.

Overall, I definitely recommend this book, especially if you are looking for a simple fantasy read or if you are someone trying to get into YA fantasy. This was a good introductory book to what I hope will be a fun and complex series.

- 4.25 stars -

Thank you to Net Galley for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story! It had very well crafted world building and character development. Jennesara is a decent MC. This book fits the par for what has been released recently in YA. The only thing I wasn’t a fan of was the pacing of the book. It seemed almost like it had two books worth of story squeezed into one! Overall, 4 stars for the story, the world building, the characters, and the love interest.

I received an e-arc from the publisher through NetGalley.

Jennesara, the second born of the Halendi royalty, was not supposed to inherit magic, but she did. Amidst a looming war, Jennesara finds out she is to be betrothed to the Turian prince, Enzo. The real adventure begins when a mysterious man claims that the king of Turia sent him to kill the Halendi royal family. Jennesara has to fight for her life as she tries to figure out who betrayed her family and what exactly happened on the road that day.

The world-building and magic system in <i>Shielded</i> were amazing. The only thing stopping me from giving it 5-stars is that it didn't pick up until around 50%, but once everything started moving, I couldn't put the book down. I'm super excited to see how the second novel goes and will be excited to read anything by KayLynn Flanders in the future. Her writing style and world-building skills are phenomenal.

Jennesara is truly a heroine akin to that of Celaena Sardothien. We follow Jennesara through her endeavors to save her kingdom, through which she displays her ability to remain strong in the face of danger, using her physical and emotional strength to battle physical and mental demons.

This book was truly one of the easiest five stars I've ever had the pleasure of awarding. I was gripped from the first chapter on, and there were definitely moments that had my heart racing. There were moments that I thought would be easily predictable, but every single instance where I doubted her prose, Flanders came and threw something deliciously unexpected my way.

Standouts:
1) Jennesara's journey. Gripping, edge of my seat, fan-freaking-tastic. There were so many 0-100 moments that were truly a visceral experience.
2) The love interest- an insta-love trope done oh so well. Almost kisses. Longing looks. Everything you could want in a ship. I am so incredibly excited to see where Flanders takes them.
3) The action scenes were top-notch, so descriptive that I felt I was experiencing them first-hand.
4) Flanders' experience as an editor truly shows through her writing. It had everything I wanted, and lacked everything I didn't. Her control of language was magnificent, so much so to where the content of the book could have been a wilderness guide and I still would have enjoyed it.

Overall Shielded was a first-class level fantasy debut that will leave you wanting more. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys YA Fantasy, as it will not disappoint.
* I received an eARC of Shielded in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Thanks to NetGalley and Delacorte press for the opportunity to review*
*A full, in-depth review can be found on my blog https://diligentreads.wordpress.com on July 7th, 2020*

**Disclaimer: I was given a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.**

Title Shielded

Author KayLynn Flanders

Description from Amazon

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.

Release Date July 21, 2020

Initial Thoughts

I was excited to be approved for this book in NetGalley. I loved viking-inspired stories and had heard really good things from my friends on bookstagram.

Some Things I Liked

Viking inspiration. I really loved the world KayLynn Flanders created and I loved the inspiration. I thought the cultures were unique and interesting and I want to know more.
Side characters. I also enjoyed the side characters. I think they have a lot of sequel / spin-off potential. I hope to see a lot more of Enzo’s sisters and grandmother in the next book(s).

Some Things I Wasn’t Crazy About

Slow build. I started this book in March and finished in May. I just couldn’t get into this book and it really didn’t pick up until around 55% of the book. I wish the story had hooked me more.
The romance. I felt like it lacked depth. It was kind of insta-love but not really since the main characters were hardly around each other but then they “realized” they were in love near the end. I just didn’t buy it.
The names of the villains. I thought they lacked originality. Greymere, the Grey Mage? I would have preferred one or the other, using both name and title felt redundant.

Series Value

I would definitely continue with this series. As mentioned above, the story was slow to start but did ramp up toward the end. I would like to see how this plays out.

Final Thoughts

I liked this book. I didn’t love it but I think it has good bones. I can see myself revising this rating depending on how the rest of the series continues. Right now, I’m struggling to see the whole vision but, I do see potential.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Recommendations for Further Reading

Winter by Winter by Jordan Stratford – if you liked the viking themes in this book and the idea of a strong female lead, try this new series.
Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young – again, if you liked the viking vibes, a pinch of magic, and the politics of warring nations, try this book by Adrienne Young.
The Star Touched Queen by Roshni Choshki – if you enjoyed the arranged marriage aspect as well as the warring nations, definitely check out this series.

Shielded, was what I would call a classical fantasy novel. Now I say this because of the fact that it gave me the feeling of the books that I loved to read when I was younger. Now I basically read this book in 24hrs, I did have to sleep for a bit but I was hooked on this story. The plot was one I kinda knew but was different from all it's one. I will say that this book reminded me of goose girl, warrior, or the wild and sorcery of thorns.

4.5 out of 5 for this book.

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 bad things happen to her, one right after the other, she still manages to find her strength within to keep her going. She is also a bookworm, in fact a lot of these characters are and I AM DOWN WITH THIS. We spend the entirety of the first half of the book with basically only Jenna for company so she needs to be a pretty good character in order to shoulder the novel. We don't even get to meet the love interest until about 43% into the novel, and then when we do it is full steam ahead! I loved not only Jenna, but the side characters too like the prince of Turia and his entire family.

Some things were a bit convenient and made things a little more painless--the author could have made us suffer a lot more than she did (and she did make us suffer) but I am just grateful she made the decisions she did cause I don't think my heart could have taken much more hardship.

The romance is...JUST UGH SO GREAT. The characters work well as a team and support each other's endevours--a team that works well together is bound to make me happy. There is also a case of mistaken identity (well, a couple of cases of that) and it just makes the tension even better cause...

I love those. They just have this connection that is undeniable, but does not feel forced in the least. Feels completely organic and meant to be <3

The magic system is interesting. We have magical weapons and artifacts, a lost/hidden library full of treasures and knowledge, the race to uncover magical secrets...It is all very thrilling. The heroine is not well versed in the magic, and this is not a case in which she is totally OP (over powered). She has a decent magic source that she slowly learns how to use to her advantage. The "rules" aren't many yet, for example I don't know the limits to the heroine's ability (what can she do, what can't she do) but I think, and hope, this is something that will be further explored in the sequel.

WHICH I CAN'T WAIT FOR if you haven't noticed.