Shielded

Shielded is a fast-paced, adventurous read with strong characterization and beautiful world building. This was a book I could not put down.Shielded is one heck of a debut, and I say that in a really good way. I loved this story so much. The world is phenomenal, the magic is unique and interesting, and the characters and relationships are wonderfully constructed. Plus, I loved the epic journey Jennesara went on to get to her destination. The author's writing is breathtaking and a breath of fresh air. I have nothing but absolute praise for this fantasy debut.The character development for the main character is so well-crafted. Jennesara is easily a likeable and relatable character. She's strong and puts her family and kingdom above anything else. Though she originally refuses the arranged marriage to a neighboring kingdom, she ends up accepting it when her father explains how it will help save her kingdom. She's brave and skilled in sword fighting (I loved the intense fighting scenes), which comes in handy, especially as she finds herself in constant danger with unimaginable magical beings. She's also been hiding a dangerous secret for almost her whole life, a secret that could turn the tides of the war, but also puts her and those she loves in the front lines of danger, which she is not willing to risk. Jennesara is easily the embodiment of what a true heroine should be.Jennesara isn't the only character I loved. To be honest, I loved almost every character, even the villains (yes, you heard that, there's multiple villains and it's amazing and I'm here for it). I loved how the author included some chapters from the villains' point of view; it allows the reader to see their backstory and understand why they're the villains in this story. It also allowed the reader to see just how cruel each villain could be. Besides the villains, the side characters were amazing additions. I especially loved Chiara and Mari, sisters who would do anything to protect one another and Jennesara. It was beautiful watching all the relationships form.And the romance is so swoon-worthy. It's kind of (but not entirely) an insta-love story, but it works so well. It felt real and the attraction between Jennesara and her love interest was undeniable. I looked forward to every scene between the two characters; I could not get enough of them (and I'm beyond excited for more of them in book two!). It's the romance like this in fantasy books that I look for - indisputable attraction, an instant yet fierce connection, and one worth protecting.The world building absolutely blew me away. The world is magnificently crafted and beautifully described. Though this book was action-packed, the author took her time introducing the readers into new parts of the world, which I really liked. It wasn't overwhelming at all and really molded well with the story. And the magic system was so unique. Not everyone is born with magic, mainly those part of the royal line and usually the first born. But what hooked me with the magic is how different it was from most magic systems. I loved the history of the magic and how, by the end of the book, it all came together. This book truly was a sensational read in every way.Overall, Shielded is easily a favorite read of mine for 2020. It's a strong and remarkable read, which left me feeling so much love for these characters and, of course, left me feeling in need of book two. If you are looking for an epic fantasy journey filled with intense action, believable characterization and strong relationship development, then definitely check out Shielded.

I absolutely adored this book! Shielded presents us with a strong female character who not only evolves throughout the novel, but who remains true to her self and to her values. Jenna is smart, compassionate, thoughtful, tough, selfless, and determined. Her ability to push past limits and boundaries that seem out-of-reach is inspiring, and once she goes through that refiners fire, she emerges as a force to be reckoned with. The supporting cast of characters have received this freshman author's magical touch and came to life for me. I appreciated the underlying theme of family love and loyalty. While so many stories squish the notion of happy family relationships, this novel refreshingly shows the importance of strong familial bonds. The play between good and evil is portrayed through dark magical temptations, secrets, betrayals, lies, treason, and intrigue. The bit of romance woven through was *lovely* and I can't wait for the sequel to explore a specific relationship further (hopefully an artfully described wedding is on the way?!?!). The author leaves the reader wanting more (my inner Thor says, "I'll have another!") and yet satisfied in the ending and the good-feels that will hopefully last until Summer 2021. I don't usually re-read a novel unless it was exceptionally good, and this one falls in that camp. Can I justify ignoring my husband and children again so soon? ;) Many thanks to KayLynn Flanders for the tears and smiles, anxieties and thrills, anticipations and pleasures. I can't wait for Untethered!

Nobody warned me about this book, so I will warn you. I did not expect to have such strong feelings and so soon. It was an emotional rollercoaster! This book held me captive. My poor kids suffered and so did my sleep. It has been a long time since a book has been so much a part of me. I didn't want to put it down!There were some familiar tropes, but put together in an unfamiliar way. Even when I tried to guess what would happen, I'd be wrong. Each tiny thread had its resolution.I found myself immediately connecting with Jennesara. There is a love interest (though it isn't heavy-handed), a quest (but not a long, boring one), and a lot of hard questions and situations that I thought for sure wouldn't be resolved. Amazingly, Shielded delivers. It has a wonderful quality of writing that drew me in and kept me there. The pacing was right on. I never felt the need to skip pages and the action was well-balanced.This was well worth the money and such a great read. Now, hurry and finish the second book!

Taking a page from the Goose Girl, this has everything positive, from loyalty to love of family to love of friends to fighting for what’s right. Jenna is the princess. Her father and brother love her and care for her. You get that sense of love of family right away, so it’s an emotional read all the way through. As in the Goose Girl, she is attacked on her way to marry the unknown prince, and she is betrayed along the way. What makes this book amazing is Jenna is the most skilled fighter and most loyal sister and friend. She loves hard and trusts her instincts. And yes, she had MAGIC! This story was captivating, and most of all a page turner. There is violence, and some kissing but overall a clean read but exceptional story. This is definitely going in my classroom library for my 8th graders!

Shielded embodies everything I LOVE about fantasy/adventure books! I identify with the characters and got lost in the story... you know when you completely forget your actually reading a book and it’s not real life. The slow burn romance still gets my heart rate up, and I will never think of going into the woods the same after fighting my way out of The Wild with Jenna! Overall a DREAM read! ❤️

This book is great for younger readers such as teens (young protagonist, young love that is rated PG-13, and an enjoyable but not overly convoluted plot). I really enjoyed the first portion of the story: getting to know the world and the characters, Jenna's journey to Turia and through the Wild, and her first encounter with Turia's locals. The world building was done effortlessly; it never really felt like I was grueling through big info drops. The writing was smooth and easy to read through. I could understand and sympathize Jenna's thoughts and decisions. Once Jenna met Teren, it felt like I could support and sympathize with Jenna's decisions less as the story continued. It just felt like insta-love between the two and I felt like Jenna stopped feeling the urgency to complete her first objective (to stop the maje who attacked her and her travel companions, as well as help find the traitor back home) and began to focus too much on Teren and his family. I liked Teren's family as characters, they were the quintessential perfect family, making you love them instantly, but she just kind of ignored all the people dying in a war she could stop. The dialogue became a little cheesy (but still had me smiling) and the plot became quite predictable as we got closer to the end (it became "good versus evil" and I prefer a bit more shades of gray in my characters and storytelling, but as I said, this would be great for younger readers). I did enjoy how strong Jenna was (both through inherited and aquired traits) and how much she fought for those she cared for after growing and learning herself a bit (though she could be a little cocky (and cheesy) at times). The end felt a little rushed, though I seem to find this with a lot of fantasy novels lately, but did end with some loose ends allowing for a sequel. The world was easy to understand and easy to get into. Overall a very enjoyable light read.

I had seen this book on the shelves at chapters a couple times and never got around to picking it up. Then the author came across my FYP on TikTok a whole bunch and I thought why not?This book has everything I wanted-Secret Identities-Magic-Easy to grasp world-building-Unique societies-Family and found family-Betrothals-Love that felt realYou will fall in love with Jenna’s journey and her courage.The book kept me enthralled every page.My only regret would be buying it on my kindle instead of a hard copy.

I can absolutely 100% recommend this book! I loved the main character so so much, she easily became on of my favorite book characters just now. And the love story was Soo good and so well written! I think I am in love with this book. Go and read it!!!

Okay I just finished this book and I’m speechless!! It’s so good! 😍😍 I just can’t wait to read the next one! Honestly if you like Sarah J Maas and Jennifer L Armentrout you would totally looove this book! Totally recommend ❤️

So well written, and the story flowed. The descriptions were clear and gave depth to the book. The main character ACTUALLY went through a growth phase and characters existed to fill a role without it feeling forced.