KayLynn Flanders

*Thank you NetGalley, the author, and publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review*

Hello Fellow Readers,

I will admit that I was a bit cautious going into this, mostly because YA fantasy that has romance typically puts me off. This is mostly due to the romance aspect, but Shielded surprised me. Yes, there is romance, which we will get to, but it was not the main focus. Jenna and the actual plot were the focus (yay!), something that seems to be show more lacking in YA fantasy romance. Much of the book was of Jenna and her struggle to survive, seek knowledge about magic and her enemy, and get back to her home in order to avenge those who have fallen.

I really enjoyed Jenna, she stayed focus even when they introduced her love interest. I actually enjoyed the romance, because it was secondary. Plus, he was actually likable, not some mysterious rude fantasy character that is problematic. Most of the characters in this were actually really likable, I don't think I disliked anyone (except for the obvious baddies). There are a couple of drawbacks to this book, however, the first being that Jenna actually seemed a little overpowered. The beginning of the book was not like this and I actually enjoyed that but then suddenly she just seemed too badass? Surprisingly, this didn't actually take away from the story though because Flanders is just that good despite this being a debut novel.

Another drawback was that I predicted a lot of what was going to happen. Normally, this would be problematic and I would typically get annoyed but I still very much enjoyed the story. I can't wait to read the next book! show less

A bit more difficult to get into than some sequels I've read, but once I got up to speed and remembered who was who, it grabbed me and took me on a most satisfying ride. The complexity of the story during the last two thirds of the book is very nicely done with some real toe curling near the end that had me wondering how the good folks were going to prevail. Grab a copy and see how that happens. Great ending BTW.

*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Princess Jennesara is hiding her magic abilities from everyone but her brother. As the Heir to the throne he is supposed to be the only successor to the King. With a Battle against mages raging in the north. Jenna’s father, the king, sends her to Talaria, betrothed to the Prince there. All this in hopes that more troops may be negotiated to help in their battle. Along the journey to her new prince something happens that changes show more all her plans.

I appreciate books that have research in them. I love learning about a worlds history while the characters in it are also learning about their worlds past. I am hoping that the sequel has a little bit more of this aspect in it as they will be trying to decipher a location.

The battles in this book have been phenomenal. The use of language that really portrayed the difficulty of battle physically, and mentally weather it was physical fighting or with magic. I was able to follow these fighting scenes in my mind without having to re-read them for comprehension.

I am absolutely in love with the bond with chosen family that Jennesara has formed. I find it very relatable and inspiring. When you lose your family due to death or personal relationships it is motivating to know that family does not have to be blood. People can love you just as fiercely when you spend the time end effort to build a relationship of love.

I was extremely hooked on this book right from the start. There was never a moment when I felt the energy and suspense lacking. I love the world that has been build and the unique dimensions that this book has brought throughout the story. There are still some things that I feel are unresolved from this book, but I am sure that they will be addressed in the next book. This is keeping me in suspense, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in The Shielded Series. show less

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

And show more let’s just say that during the course of the read, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this despite some flaws that typically turn me away *ahem*instant love*ahem* and minor weak heroine moments that had my eye twitching but rest assured, there is some decent character development and I am sure future installments will further empathize on that.

Nevertheless, “Shielded” helped guide me out of my funky reading slump so kudos to the author because you must be doing something right seeing how I would definitely consider this ideal choice for any reader looking to start 2020 in the right foot.

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