Scan barcode
A review by wendy327
Shielded by KayLynn Flanders
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.