The pacing was slightly slow but this one was so clean--especially in terms of romance.

4 Stars

Tropes: betrothed couple

Content: some fight scenes, injuries, non-detailed kiss ( )

*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 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! ( )

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.

“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 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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An excellent first book. It has many elements I want in a fantasy-strong female protagonist, evil magicians, a well designed world, scary places, treachery and intrigue, lots of action and a satisfying ending readying readers for the sequel. I'll definitely pre-order it as soon as I can. ( )