‘Shielded’ is an action-adventure fantasy with magic and a slow burn clean YA romance. Highly recommended.

Our main character, Princess Jennesara, is easy to like and relate to; she’s strong, skilled at fighting, and compassionate. Far from a powerless damsel, which is a joy to read. Interactions with her peers are delightful; witty banter with her brother, teasing and protective friendships with the Turia royal children, and a slow budding romance with her betrothed. Looking forward to continuing this series!

‘Shielded’ will be available on July 21, 2020. I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

I’m waffling between a 3.5 and 4 star rating! Slow to get off the ground, but about a quarter of the way in, it got pretty good. Unfortunately towards the end, it got murky with too many betrayals and stupid decisions. It felt very clunky and more editing could have really fixed a lot of that. There was some world building but it could have done with more. All in all, I enjoyed the story and appreciated the clean romance side of it as well.

I was provided with an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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

I absolutely adored this book. Any fan of Sarah J. Maas will love this story. I read it within a day-and-a-half and it inspired me to create a playlist for it (see blog post). I get fired up when reading about a confident, kick-ass female character - and especially one that carries a sword.

This story sucks you in and nothing feels forced. The characters seem almost tangible as they are relatable and multi-faceted.

Jennesara is determined and loyal and I love the world and magic that Ms. Flanders created. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!

This was such an enjoyable book. I finished the book within a few days. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed Graceling or Throne of Glass series. There were some worldbuilding in the book, and some well developed characters. I am looking forward to book 2!

*I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

There were so many things to love about this book. The setting was beautiful and explained so carefully. The Wild seemed truly terrifying and magical. There was just enough time in the "before" "Wild" and "battle" settings that the pacing felt true. One thing I was never quite sure about what the magic system. However, I think that is part of what makes this a great first book in a series. It makes sure that we are still looking for the answers to come about how the magic works in this world. I also really enjoyed that characters. Jenna was a great heroine and leader. She had the fear that pushed her on, but didn't leave her cowering. The love interest felt a little forced toward the end, but the trust between them led me to understand how it could develop.

I would definitely look forward to the next book.

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.

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.

I really enjoyed Shielded! It harkens back to more traditional YA fantasies that I love: like the works of Tamora Pierce or Sherwood Smith.

Jenna is a plucky, headstrong heroine and it is hard not to root for her. I anxiously awaited the moment she would meet Prince Enzo, and while the twist there didn’t surprise me, I still enjoyed it.

From a pacing perspective, it is a bit slow in the beginning, and it feels like the story doesn’t really start until around the 50% mark. BUT, Jenna is fun to follow and KayLynn Flanders’s writing is eminently readable, so I flew through the first half anyway. Then, the pace picks up and never slows down until the action-packed ending.

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 wagon is attacked and she is stranded in a magic forest. Jennesara escapes, is picked by up the royal guard and taken to the castle of her betrothed. Under a false name, she does her best to save her kingdom and the prince she comes to love. The rest of the action follows these events.

I enjoyed this story a lot. There is not enough to be said about the magic system in this book. It was unique, special, intriguing and fresh. The plot was simple and predictable at times but the way it was written kept me interested. I fell in love with these characters and I easily connected with them. I loved the magic forest and Jennesara's relationship with it. The author did an excellent job of creating villains by giving each of them an individual voice. The book was fast paced, the political elements were interesting and the action kept me locked in. I'm looking forward to reading book two.

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.- Goodreads

This book is directed for fans of Sorcery of Thorns. As I didn't like that book, I may have/should have stayed away from this one. It was okay. Just like Sorcery of Thorns. I was sucked into the world and the appeal of some really deep and thoughtful characters as well as magic but none of that delivered for me.

Jenna was boring and a bit entitled. Half of the book is spent with her trying to get out of The Wilds (magical forests) and nothing exactly happens other than her getting lost and occasionally meeting something that makes her fight for her life and remember who she is.

Jenna was a princess who has a bit of magic but never took the time to develop it or find information. She was a skilled solider that wasn't allowed to fight in a real battle and she reminded the reader of that every chance she could get be it her actions or words.I completely understand that not everyone wants to build their skills or have the drive to do more but like you're a princess who has magical powers, who also has a brother with powers why aren't y'all sneaking away to train? Baffles me.

But the book was slow and boring and I expected a lot more action, excitement and development. I can see why it appeals to some people but there is nothing there for me to gasp over. 

Overall, 

2 Pickles

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the opportunity to read and review Shielded by KayLynn Flanders. What a great debut with a wonderful plot and characters! Defiantly will be recommending this read to my young adult customers!

*This copy was given to me by Net Galley and the publisher to review. All opinions are my own.*

Shielded is an amazing debut novel by Flanders! The main character Jenna is torn between helping her family and discovering a dark magical secret that could help the entire country. It could also help her learn more about her secret magical powers as well.

When she is forced to disguise herself as someone else in potential enemy territory and begins to make friends she soon realizes ties that bind are more than family relationships.

With the help of her new friends she soon has the enemy on the run, but will it be too late?

This was such a joy to read and the characters from antagonist to protagonist were well rounded and a delight to read. I have only a few complaints. The break in the chapters with "what's going on elsewhere" while needed, could have been done better. It was a tad distracting and a bit confusing at times. Otherwise I loved the plot, atmosphere, characters (especially Mari) and I can't wait for the next book. We have to find out what's next!

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

The kingdom of Halendi is in trouble. Its borders are under attack, there are rumors about an ancient library and about a new and dangerous threat. Even though she's very skilled and she wants to help her kingdom to fight, Jennesara is the second heir of the throne and she's a princess, a woman.
There are certain things people expect from her, her father included. Unlike her brother, she doesn't have magical ability (or she shouldn't have), so the king decided to arrange her hand in marriage to the kingdom of Turia, to get the help they need in their war.
When, on the journey to reach her new home and kingdom and future husband, her caravan is ambushed Jennesara finds herlsef involved in a plot bigger she would have thought.

Even though the first part of the book is a bit slow paced, I liked Shielded. Jennesara is brilliant and brave and hide a dangerous secret, able to change everything. She's very close to her family, her brother above all, and so curious about everything. I liked reading about her thoughts and adventure. The story is full of plot twists and discoveries.
I loved how the author writes about Jenna's relationship with her brother, Ren. They are very close and I liked a lot their bond, their affection. The writing style is very captivating.
A beautiful and intense book! Jenna is a fantastic main character!

I really liked this! I feel like I have been on fantasy overload lately but this refreshing tale drew me right in from the start. I was excited when I was approved for this ARC after seeing it on every DISO list out there. I was invested in every main and secondary character that made their appearance. The world building was well done and laid out in the first few chapters in such a way that it stuck with me until the end. I am excited to see what happens next! *I possibly may add more to this once I go back and review my highlights and notes from reading*

This book can best be described as a coming of age story. I really enjoyed Princess Jennesara, she to me is the typical “I’m more than a princess” it is an empowering book. Jennesara is more interested in fighting than what a being a princess entails—especially when that something has to do with an arranged marriage. Jenna has a dangerous secret which is an exciting aspect of the story. This story is perfect for girls middle grade to even high school. The storyline is interesting and keeps you invested. Four stars!

While I am an adult, and this book is clearly geared towards a younger generation, I must say that this is exactly the sort of story I would have enjoyed as a young girl. It has all the elements I love in a coming-of-age fantasy story and it’s simplicity concerning plot and dynamic is typical of a story for middle grade children. But, it still lacked true depth and so much was given away within the first few pages. I’m sure many won’t find any issue with it and love the story for what it is, but sometimes the “telling” and not “showing” ruins a book for me. This was one. Most of the pertinent information comes from the author telling us and not from the storytelling and showing itself. Overall, not terrible, a fun and easy read but not one that will leave an impression.

If you loved Sorcery of Thorns then you’re bound to enjoy this. We’ve all been put into a situation that we didn’t want to be in right, meet Jen, forced into a marriage she doesn’t want only to find her kingdom under attack and her “tethers” broken. I really enjoyed how strong she becomes by the end of the book. ALSO, the prince? Hello, sounds like such a good guy. I’m really excited to see what the second book has in store for us. Kaylynn really brought the world to life in this book, very descriptive and easy to follow all the while addictive to the point I stayed up half the night reading. 😅 I hope all the best for this author and hope to see her become more mainstream so that her work can be appreciated!

Shielded can best be described as a true YA fantasy novel. It’s predictable, with romance featuring heavily in the plot: handsome prince, fierce princess, etc. however, the dialogue and plot are unsophisticated to a more experienced and older reader, and it’s difficult to remain engaged throughout the story.

My my my!!! What a ride! Jenna is everything I need in a princess. Social awkward and kicks ass! Woo! I loved how this book has like the perfect balance in action and tender moments. I could not put this book down because I was get to a scene like how is she gonna get out of this!?! I would hands down suggest this to any and everyone.

As an adult reviewer for YA, or really as a reader in general, I have gotten to a point where it is extremely, extremely hard to surprise me. But this one kept me on my toes. I had suspicions, but I was never sure. I kept thinking, ah so this is what’s gonna happen, only to be taken another direction. I appreciated that.

For me Jennesara was such a star. She had a sense of hustle that was incredible to me. The sheer instinct to survive was fabulously done. Some of her decisions might have led to more trouble, but I could always understand why she chose to make them.

The side characters were also full of energy and personality. The sibling relationship in this story is as heartbreaking as it is sweet. There is a surly-out-of-loyalty friend and guard. A touching royal family bond. A lot of these details were just absolutely lovely and enhanced the world.

The comps are solid to me. This has just the adventure and soft boy that A Sorcery of Thorns had, (And Mages. Love me some mages.) but I would also compare it to some fantasy classics, the atmosphere and prose bring Kristin Cashore’s and Robin McKinley’s works to mind as well