Read for: Requested Review/ Netgalley/ Anticipated Release
Synopsis: "For fans of Sorcery of Thorns and Furyborn comes a thrilling new fantasy about a kingdom ravaged by war, and the princess who might be the key to saving not only those closest to her, but the kingdom itself, if she reveals the very secret that could destroy her.
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."
My Review: When I read the synopsis for this book I was really excited, I was looking forward to being sucked into a dangerous and magical world. I ended up struggling to stay focused on the story. I enjoyed the characters but wasn't super invested in them. It took quite a while to get the story moving along and the pacing was a bit all over the place, sometimes rushed and other times very slow moving. The world was interesting but it took quite a while to develop. Based on the writing, I would recommend this for younger YA reader just getting out of the Middle Grad books. I did love the sibling relationships throughout the story, the close family bonds were great to see. This is also clearly a first book in a series with a lot of open story lines.
My Rating: I think this might be a great book for those just getting into YA books, it has a little more simple story structure than most of the YA fantasy books I have read, and the writing style is a little more simple as well, but the story is still interesting. I give it a rating of Two Paws and a Stump Wag.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. The above is my honest review and opinion.
This is KayLynn Flanders' debut novel and you can find out more about her on her Goodreads Page or Website.
Shielded was just released on July 21st so you can now obtain your own copy in print or digital format from Amazon or Barnes & Noble or request it at your local bookstore or library
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