Do you ever just read a book and it blows you away?
Transports you on a journey that you never want to come back from?
Okay, maybe that’s a dumb question, since you here, reading this post. You’re probably a book lover, a story enthusiast and you love falling head over heels into a book. Am I right?
Probably.
Most likely.
But do you ever go into a book, expecting to love it, only to be utterly – and I mean utterly – blown away by how much you love it? Your expectations might be high, or you might not know what to expect (except for a good read) and the book just blows it all out of the water. Then you’re left wanting more…another book…anything?
If you’re like me, then I know the answer is yes.
When I first requested Shielded of NetGalley last year (or maybe in late 2019) I honestly thought this was a Nordic/Viking retelling of some sort. While there are some clear influences, it’s really just this epic fantasy book, with amazing characters, a vivid world, so much conflict, survival, bad assery, and romance. It surprised me in the best way possible. I knew I was going to enjoy it, but I didn’t really expect it to become a favorite.
But before I jump into the books – let me introduce you the author –
KayLynn Flanders has a degree in English Language and editing, and has been a freelance editor and book designer for over twelve years. Her debut novel, Shielded, was published by Delacorte Press/PRH, with the sequel, Untethered, forthcoming. KayLynn and her family live in Utah between some mountains and a lake, and she is directionally challenged without them. She loves reading, writing, traveling, and volleyball, and thinks there’s nothing better than a spur-of-the-moment road trip. Find her online at kaylynnflanders.com.
Every interaction I’ve had with KayLynn has been wonderful and I will never tire of screaming about Shielded and Untethered. Whereas Shielded was basically non-stop from the first moment, Untethered is more of a slow burn with a fiery explosive ending. Everything just keeps building and building with little bursts of action and high stakes to relieve a bit of the mounting pressure. But then you get towards the end, and you just know it’s going to be intensive, explosive, an outcome to change the world…
Shielded left me reeling and desperate for more, and y’all…Untethered delivered. I was fortunate enough to get to read an eARC of the book – it’s out in less than a month – and it kept me up way too late. I was a zombie at work the next day, but damn, it was totally worth it.
But let’s dive into the books – because these definitely need to be on your radar.
SHIELDED 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. (GR)
If you’re curious, you can check out my full spoiler free review here.
I mean, doesn’t that sound amazing? If you haven’t yet picked up Shielded what are you doing with your life? You’re seriously missing out. You should head to your choice of book retailers and pick up the hardcover…though if you’re more of a paperback lover, you’re in luck! The paperback of Shielded just hit shelves – which reminds me, I need my copy for my little collection. Untethered is out July 20th, so you have time to read Shielded and you won’t have long to wait to see what happens next!
ShieldedBuy Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Books-A-Million / Book Depository
Untethered Pre-Order Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Books-A-Million / Book Depository / Signed Edition
UNTETHERED SYNOPSIS:
For fans of Sorcery of Thorns and Furyborn comes the thrilling sequel to Shielded about a world in a deadly magical war and the newly crowned king and feisty princess who must defeat the deadliest of foes before there’s nothing left to save.
Although King Atháren’s sister, Jennesara, saved Hálendi from the Gray Mage, the reprieve came at a steep price–the life of their father. Now Ren rules over a divided kingdom, with some who want him dead, and a Medallion that warns of worse trouble brewing in the south.
As second born, Princess Chiara is the perfect Turian royal–perfectly invisible. She longs to help restore peace on the Plateau, but with no magic and no fighting skills, she doesn’t stand a chance against a mage. So when a member of the Turian royal family goes missing and Chiara finds a clue about the rumored resting place of the mages’ long-lost artifacts, she decides it’s time to be seen.
As Ren’s and Chiara’s paths cross, they find the depth of the mages’ hold on the Plateau is more powerful than anyone suspected, and that they must learn to trust themselves, and each other, before the mages retrieve their artifacts and become too powerful to ever defeat. (GR)
If you’re curious, you can check out my full spoiler free review here.
Ugh, this book was fantastic. I wish I could wipe my mind and read it for the first time all over again. I was a fan before, but now I will read anything KayLynn writes. The way she sucks you into her worlds…the way she makes her characters so realistic…it’s so good and so wonderful and I can’t get enough. Make sure you pre-order! There is a pre-order incentive – and you’re going to want it. You can check it out here – and make sure you save those receipts!
To close this post off – and hopefully I’ve convinced you to pick up Shielded and Untethered when it comes out – I have a little alternate POV scene to share with y’all. This is on KayLynn’s website, but she told me I could share it with y’all. If you want a peek inside Enzo’s head, then this is something you’re not going to want to skip.
There are spoilers if you haven’t yet read Shielded – so read at your own discretion.
I really do hope that y’all check out these books if you haven’t. If you have, then take a moment and scream about them on social media – help raise the hype leading up to Untethered’s release next month!
Writing The Universe 
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