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egbert's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
labarrec's review against another edition
3.0
2.75. The magic just didn’t do it for me. The alternative POV really threw off the cadence of the story, and everything was quite convenient for our heroine. Cute couple though.
jasmine_elizabeth's review against another edition
5.0
It was an amazing read; I cannot think of anything I didn't like in this book.
I love the relationship the Jenna had with her brother. I love the romance that built between Jenna and Enzo, and I love the friendships that Jenna makes on her journey.
I enjoyed the villains and the magic system and the world-building.
I love the relationship the Jenna had with her brother. I love the romance that built between Jenna and Enzo, and I love the friendships that Jenna makes on her journey.
I enjoyed the villains and the magic system and the world-building.
artisanreader's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read Shielded in exchange for an honest review.
What wouldn't you love about a delicate magic system, countries at war, mysterious and deadly mages, and two lovers meant to be together?
This book was nothing like Sorcery of Thorns or Furyborn (in my opinion), and I would say it reads a lot like if Dance of Thieves and Bridge Kingdom had a baby. It was just lovely and is a feel good warrior princess novel.
I'm trying to think of any constructive comments, but all I can come up with is that the beginning might be slow for some people. However, it gives you background to who this girl is and why we should be reading about her journey. I really did love every part of this book, and it got me out of my reading slump.
This by far is my favorite read of 2020, and I'm so excited to get my hands on a physical copy in July!
What wouldn't you love about a delicate magic system, countries at war, mysterious and deadly mages, and two lovers meant to be together?
This book was nothing like Sorcery of Thorns or Furyborn (in my opinion), and I would say it reads a lot like if Dance of Thieves and Bridge Kingdom had a baby. It was just lovely and is a feel good warrior princess novel.
I'm trying to think of any constructive comments, but all I can come up with is that the beginning might be slow for some people. However, it gives you background to who this girl is and why we should be reading about her journey. I really did love every part of this book, and it got me out of my reading slump.
This by far is my favorite read of 2020, and I'm so excited to get my hands on a physical copy in July!
thelibraryoflauren's review against another edition
adventurous
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
wendy327's review against another edition
4.0
I received a free copy from Delacorte Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Princess Jennesara “Jenna” from the kingdom of Halendí is unusual. Unlike most princesses, she has been trained to use a sword and finds herself able to best most of the guards in the castle. However, what makes Jenna even more unusual is the white hair at her temple, an indication that she carries magic in her blood, a trait that only her older brother Atharén “Ren,” the heir to the throne, is supposed to possess. Ren helps keep her secret which could upset the entire balance of power in Halendí and the surrounding kingdoms of Turia and Riiga. But when an ancient evil begins to surface on the border of Halendí, Jenna’s father agrees to marry Jenna off to the kingdom of Turia in order to receive their support and troops in the impending war. As Jenna journeys across the kingdom, she begins to discover more about her own powers and those in the kingdoms that have been awakened, finding the fate of not only Halendí but also those of the other kingdoms on her shoulders.
KayLynn Flanders debut novel seems to move both fast and slow. The plot seemed to take about a third of the book to really get moving, but the reader benefits from this pace because there’s a great deal shown of Jenna’s character. Jenna doesn’t just have to say that she’s skilled with a sword and strong-willed since the reader is able to experience the challenges with Jenna as she moves through The Wild, an incredibly dangerous magical forest that often swallows individuals who venture into her depths. Forced to survive, Jenna proves to be likeable, resourceful, and smart as she draws on everything she has been told and the skills that have been ingrained in her to survive. Though this section of the book moved slowly, it set up the action that came afterward and often seemed to come on quickly and unexpectedly.
In addition to Jenna, the characters that surround Jenna are also given their due. Ren and King Shraeus, Jenna’s father, are kind and show their devotion to each other early in the novel. With the death of Jenna’s mother, it is clear that these three have become a unit, even with the duties of running a kingdom. This is echoed when the royal family of Turia is introduced. King Marko, Queen Cora, Enzo, Chiara, Mari, and Yesilia are a bonded family that appears to care about the future and freedom of choice for each individual. All of these characters reveal Jenna’s positive traits: her love, loyalty, and duty.
Though Enzo is the clear love interest and appears halfway through the novel, their connection didn’t frustrate me. The build up to several eventual revelations, including their feelings for each other, seemed to be a natural progression from the time of their first meeting. Thankfully Flanders veers away from the young adult trope of the dreaded love triangle, allowing Enzo and Jenna to show the power of first love.
However, another young adult trope is on display. Jenna appears to be the Chosen One, but unlike other novels, the reader is not bashed over the head with this knowledge. Like Jenna, the reader is taken on a journey as she learns and grows both in the knowledge and powers she possesses and doesn’t completely understand. It’s clear that she has a part to play, but even Jenna is resistant and unsure of what that may mean.
Overall, Shielded was a fun and exciting journey. I look forward to the sequel from Flanders and learning what happens to Jenna and company, particularly since the conclusion of the novel satisfactorily wraps up this installment while still leaving several plot threads hanging.
Princess Jennesara “Jenna” from the kingdom of Halendí is unusual. Unlike most princesses, she has been trained to use a sword and finds herself able to best most of the guards in the castle. However, what makes Jenna even more unusual is the white hair at her temple, an indication that she carries magic in her blood, a trait that only her older brother Atharén “Ren,” the heir to the throne, is supposed to possess. Ren helps keep her secret which could upset the entire balance of power in Halendí and the surrounding kingdoms of Turia and Riiga. But when an ancient evil begins to surface on the border of Halendí, Jenna’s father agrees to marry Jenna off to the kingdom of Turia in order to receive their support and troops in the impending war. As Jenna journeys across the kingdom, she begins to discover more about her own powers and those in the kingdoms that have been awakened, finding the fate of not only Halendí but also those of the other kingdoms on her shoulders.
KayLynn Flanders debut novel seems to move both fast and slow. The plot seemed to take about a third of the book to really get moving, but the reader benefits from this pace because there’s a great deal shown of Jenna’s character. Jenna doesn’t just have to say that she’s skilled with a sword and strong-willed since the reader is able to experience the challenges with Jenna as she moves through The Wild, an incredibly dangerous magical forest that often swallows individuals who venture into her depths. Forced to survive, Jenna proves to be likeable, resourceful, and smart as she draws on everything she has been told and the skills that have been ingrained in her to survive. Though this section of the book moved slowly, it set up the action that came afterward and often seemed to come on quickly and unexpectedly.
In addition to Jenna, the characters that surround Jenna are also given their due. Ren and King Shraeus, Jenna’s father, are kind and show their devotion to each other early in the novel. With the death of Jenna’s mother, it is clear that these three have become a unit, even with the duties of running a kingdom. This is echoed when the royal family of Turia is introduced. King Marko, Queen Cora, Enzo, Chiara, Mari, and Yesilia are a bonded family that appears to care about the future and freedom of choice for each individual. All of these characters reveal Jenna’s positive traits: her love, loyalty, and duty.
Though Enzo is the clear love interest and appears halfway through the novel, their connection didn’t frustrate me. The build up to several eventual revelations, including their feelings for each other, seemed to be a natural progression from the time of their first meeting. Thankfully Flanders veers away from the young adult trope of the dreaded love triangle, allowing Enzo and Jenna to show the power of first love.
However, another young adult trope is on display. Jenna appears to be the Chosen One, but unlike other novels, the reader is not bashed over the head with this knowledge. Like Jenna, the reader is taken on a journey as she learns and grows both in the knowledge and powers she possesses and doesn’t completely understand. It’s clear that she has a part to play, but even Jenna is resistant and unsure of what that may mean.
Overall, Shielded was a fun and exciting journey. I look forward to the sequel from Flanders and learning what happens to Jenna and company, particularly since the conclusion of the novel satisfactorily wraps up this installment while still leaving several plot threads hanging.
marie_magdalena's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
lauraslibraryy's review against another edition
5.0
Such a perfect YA fantasy novel!
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I LOVED the main character; she is strong, kind, and really determined. I loved that the first part of the book really focused on her growth and development while the second half built on her relationships with other. SUCH a fast read - can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel!
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I LOVED the main character; she is strong, kind, and really determined. I loved that the first part of the book really focused on her growth and development while the second half built on her relationships with other. SUCH a fast read - can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel!