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Landis

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A world consumed by secrets. A group of friends with gifts they've yet to control. A luring darkness that will choose one to do its bidding.
A visionary prince and a vengeful princess are divided by an impenetrable barrier. Benjamin must harness his newfound power to prevent Alunattra from piercing her way back through-lest she return to avenge and reclaim her throne.
Welcome to Landis. Get ready to believe.

332 pages, Paperback

Published November 7, 2023

5 people are currently reading
63 people want to read

About the author

Shelly Mack

7 books52 followers
Shelly Mack is an author of children’s books, including picture books and young adult fiction. From a toddler through to adulthood, books have been a permanent part of her day-to-day life. Her children and faith inspired her writing. Michelle wants to keep books alive in a world that needs escapism and wishes to bring joy to her readers through her books.

As well as writing, she runs a ‘Meet the Author’ programme on Instagram, which has been a great addition to her author career. Michelle is a full-time writer living in Scotland with her husband, two girls and two cats.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for Shelly Mack.
Author 7 books52 followers
April 19, 2024
Even although I wrote this, I have to give it 5 stars. These characters are my family. I'm on a journey with them and they will always hold a piece of my heart.
Profile Image for Nicole Harkness.
30 reviews
November 7, 2023
LOVED this book! Great world building, well rounded characters and I loved the relationships between them all and excited to see how their friendships develop throughout the rest of the series! Shelly has an amazing way of describing Landis and really helps you visualise it! Can’t wait to see where the series goes from here! MUST READ!!💜💜
Profile Image for Elysia Nates.
Author 3 books8 followers
July 16, 2023
Dear fantasy novels,

I was wrong about you.

After reading Shelly Mack’s debut fantasy, Landis, I owe you an apology.

My cynical attitude towards this genre has officially been proven wrong. Yes, a single book has completely changed my mindset and I now want to read every fantasy book I can get my hands on.

Play movies like Stardust, Willow, The Princess Bride or The Lord of the Rings, and I’d be entranced for hours. Mythical escapism was fine for me, just as long as the visual was right there on the screen. Fantasy novels never grabbed me because I was unable to picture an entire make-believe world on my own. Fairies and magical powers were characters and concepts too far removed from reality to register in my brain.

Landis changed that.

I read the first few pages with skepticism, expecting the imagery to go way over my head. My kind of books rely heavily on enemies to lovers, high school drama, female angst and finding yourself tropes. Landis taught me that the words in a book of fantasy, if strung together with talent like Shelly Mack's, don’t stay there: they jump right out at you, straight into your imagination. No screen needed: the visual is enchantingly created for you. These mere words create an engrossing world that can actually feel just like our own, complete with all my favourite tropes! Friendship issues, first love, jealousy and family trauma exist in the fantasy world, too.

Within those first few pages, it became evident that I was privy to something truly unique. I imagine it’s how the first readers of Harry Potter felt: we were witnessing the beginning of something that deserved to be huge, globally. The it factor is strong with this one.

We start with Ben, who has come of age and has finally received his power. His friends are all in the same stage of life; claiming their own powers and figuring out how to use them. There is an underlying comparison here that we can all understand and empathise with, regardless of the ‘magic’ component; becoming yourself and figuring out who you are, is quite a journey.

An evil force named Alunattra is trying to penetrate their world and it is up to this new generation to take over from their parents and protect Landis. But Alunattra needs inside help and weaves her consuming power into the mind of Niall, nurturing his own villainous inclinations.

The story of Landis is told from multiple point of views, predominately from within Ben’s friendship circle. Pick a favourite, I challenge you! I was sure it was Gabriel for me, but then that Severo…

We also hear direct from the mind of Alunattra and feel first-hand the increasingly manic and murderous nature of Niall. I believe this is where Shelly Mack’s true gift of writing shines through. Some scenes were so shockingly powerful and confronting that I was compelled to stop reading for a moment and sit with my thoughts. It was almost uncomfortable being in the mind of someone so evil, but that’s the extent of Shelly Mack’s gift: I literally felt that I was inside Niall's mind, helpless against his corrupt actions. I often read paragraphs with eyes widened, a lump rising in my throat.

The book itself is beautiful, like a piece of artwork. The chapter titles and occasional illustrations evoke a sense of nostalgia for a time when we didn’t feel stressed by bills or overwhelmed with life. Landis took me back to my childhood: that feeling of wonder and intrigue, when my love of reading was first born. Landis already feels like a classic that I will think about fondly, just like all my special favourites.

So, fantasy novels, I apologise. You can thank Landis for that.

Sincerely,
A reformed fantasy snob.
Profile Image for Jules Peart.
29 reviews
February 9, 2026
When Shelly reached out to see if I would read and review her book, as somone who never reads fantasy books, I was a little nervous. But, I think she has converted me!! I really enjoyed Landis and will definitely be diving in to this world again.
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It’s such an immersive world, where the friendships and complex relationships really do have you rooting for this group of teenagers who are desperately trying to save their Kingdom from succumbing to the darkness that Alunatra intends to bring.
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Landis is a peaceful kingdom that is being quietly threatened by the darkness of Alunatra. She has been sun washed someone close to the royal family, Niall, in to doing her bidding!
Prince Benjamin and his friends, Severo, Vara, Gabriel and their fairies are working together to hone their newly acquired powers to fight the evil that threatens their peace.
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I thoroughly enjoyed diving in to this magical world. Shelley not only manages to add in some original magic but she has you captivated by the friendships and complex relationships of these teenagers who want to save their kingdom.
This book is so immersive and I cannot wait for the next instalment. If you like reading about magical lands, fairies and a little bit of mystery thrown in then you will love Landis 💜
Profile Image for Shelby.
524 reviews
November 6, 2023
An incredible book by an incredible person! Landis is nothing short of brilliant. I’m relatively new in the fantasy realm but I must say I have been loving every second of it. After reading Landis, I am beyond excited to see where the rest of the series will go. Shelly Mack did a fantastic job with world building. Sometimes the world building aspect in fantasy can be A LOT. It can get boring or overwhelming. This does not happen here. It’s perfectly done. I found myself fully immersed from start to finish. My favorite part of a story is falling in love with the characters and I simply couldn’t help but love so many of the characters in this book.

A major, major thank you to Shelly Mack for the wonderful opportunity to ARC review Landis. I am so grateful for the opportunity 🫶🏻
Profile Image for Cassandra Black.
1 review1 follower
July 4, 2024
Landis is a story of empowerment even through the toughest of times and the power of self worth when others doubt, shame and punish. Shelly Mack is an excellent writer who keeps your imagination on a rollercoaster as soon as you open the cover. Her writing reflects the respect she has for her audience of 13 to 18 year-olds as smart, savvy, and sensitive. This story is true escapism yet relatable to the real world!
1 review
January 19, 2026
Fantastic book, it transports you to a magical place. The characters are brilliant, I love how each chapter was from a characters point of view, something that depends your connection to each as you read really getting to know them. Loved reading from even the more evil character point of view it makes you understand why she is the way she is. It's full of beautiful descriptions that help bring the world to life. Didn't want it to end so hopeful that this will be a series of books. Can compare it to the likes of Harry Potter. Wonderful book a must in your library and great for all ages.
Profile Image for Sharon Black.
1 review
June 1, 2023
Oh my days, I loved this book. Couldn't put it down amazing. Can't wait for second book oh I hope there is a second book.
Sad that its finished I wanted more.
My fav character is severo what a dude x
Profile Image for Arden Jones.
Author 1 book3 followers
October 16, 2023
If you're a fan of YA fantasy, this book will immerse you in a spellbinding tale that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. Beautifully written, with memorable, loveable and hateable (in the best way) characters and epic world-building, Landis will have you holding your breath from the very start! Amazing! Loved it!

Well done Shelly Mack!
Profile Image for Stacey Bartlett.
Author 2 books18 followers
November 7, 2023
In Landis, Shelly Mack has crafted a story that is epic and enthralling on a big scale! A YA fantasy that whisked me away to another magical world from the very first words, I couldn’t stop reading it until I found out what happened to the prince and his kingdom and his friend group that I loved. The world building in this book is amazing. If you love castles and scary villains and clean romance and magic and fairies, then I can definitely recommend this book to you!
Profile Image for Robin Alvarez.
Author 4 books193 followers
June 29, 2024
I was so grateful to receive an arc of Landis!! It is full of beautiful world-building and intricate character development. Personally, I love a villain and getting insight into Alunattra mind just made the entire book for me! Chef’s kiss 💋🤌 Landis is an exciting page turner, and I cannot wait to see more from Shelly Mack!!!
Profile Image for Kirsty Stanley.
920 reviews77 followers
Read
February 7, 2026
With a cover reminiscent of the Divergent series, this Young adult novel switches factions for fairies and a fantasy setting.

Told from varying points of view, we hear both from the heroes and villains, giving an extra level of insight and intrigue.

At the age of 16 a power is bestowed. One that is not to be used except in defence. But in a land of peace what opportunities are there to play? Imagine being a teenager with the power of invisibility or super strength and not being able to use it? Luckily for our intrepid group, evil comes scuttling along and gives them all the opportunity to develop these special skills.

Whilst also combatting the usual teenage trials of first love, love rivals, bullies, siblings, jealousy, growing up and growing apart, dealing with the weight of expectation and learning who you are and perhaps more importantly who you want to be.

As I’ve read from others the worldbuilding is sumptuous - with bonus wishing fairy companions too. Think sassy Tinkerbells mixed with Jiminy Cricket at you to follow the rules.

As a writer - are you meant to “love” all your characters equally (like children). As a reader we can have favourite(s) and Severo I think was mine - but we will see how that progresses in future books because …there’s a cobweb of more to come.

My one complaint about the book (and the ARC box) - I could have done without all the spiders 😂

Available now on Audio and on 14th February more widely do pick this up if you love the friendships in Six of Crows, the training montages of Buffy and you don’t mind (or are absolutely petrified of) spiders.

Thanks to Shelley/publisher for the #gifted copy. Opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Sharron Joy Reads.
788 reviews36 followers
February 5, 2026
Landis is a land of myth and magic, where powers are bestowed, as the subjects come of age, to benefit and protect the kingdom. Everyone also has their own personal fairy helper. Five friends must come together including the prince of the realm, to save their land from an evil Princess whose imprisonment in the forbidden part of the land is weakening. Can they work together to save Landis.

A YA fantasy that is a pure joy to disappear into. Stunning imagery, epic but accessible world building, friendship, betrayal, and a classic battle of good versus evil. Who do you trust? This is a coming of age story that pulls the main characters through the fire of disappointment and shock as the stability of their lives is shaken.

The characters are wonderful and fully formed, you can visualise them, I loved them all, the teens are all archetypes, the leader, the heart, the joker, the envious and the fearless. I absolutely adored the fairies, they are the helpers and pure magic. The leaders are authoritarian, the bestowers of the gifts are revered but shady and the evil princess is deliciously depraved.

This is an enchanting tale that stays in your heart long after the final word. It feels like an unforgettable visit to a land of wonder that I hope I get to visit again one day. I have no doubt there are so many more stories to be told of Landis.
Profile Image for Jess.
50 reviews
June 7, 2023
"A visionary prince and a vengeful princess are divided by an impenetrable barrier.

Benjamin must harness his newfound power to prevent Alunattra from piercing her way back through - lest she return to avenge and reclaim her throne.

Welcome to Landis. Get ready to believe."

If you love YA fantasy you will love this book. Masterful world building that transports you to another world and characters who stay with you long after you read the last page. Let Shelly Mack whisk you away to an island full of magical powers, gadgets and gizmos you'll want for yourself, and fairies at your beckoning call.

Landis is now available for pre-order!
Profile Image for Leah Ann Brown.
Author 1 book8 followers
June 27, 2023
Absolutely loved Landis by Shelly Mack. Every page pulled me deeper into an amazing fantasy filled with fairies, magic, and suspense. The characters were relatable and the world building beautiful. I enjoyed the twist and turns, and love triangle between the characters.

You will be on the edge of your seat as the villains Alunattra and Niall wreck havoc on the people of Landis, obviously to the evil lurking just behind the veil of security. Will Prince Ben and his friends be able to help their realm? Find out how this amazing adventure turns out. You will not want to put it down! Definitely recommend!
Profile Image for Katrina.
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
January 30, 2026
Thank you Shelly Mack for sending me this ARC. Landis is a multi-POV YA fantasy about Prince Benjamin and his friends. While learning how to use and develop their newly gained powers they must also navigate their way through friendships and love while also trying to save the Kingdom from the evil Alunattra.

This story was very enjoyable and it was great getting to see the perspectives from all the characters and how they dealt with not only the threat from Alunattra but also issues that are personal to them. I liked seeing the development of the characters, how they learned who they can trust and how they gained confidence in themselves. I also loved reading the chapters from Alunattra and getting to see a bit into her mind.

The world building and the character development is amazing and I am interested to see where the story goes from here.
Profile Image for Angelique Burrell.
24 reviews4 followers
June 21, 2023
What a fun read! Mack has created distinct characters that I felt like I knew by the end of the story. I’m invested in their development as people and their relationships with one another. Mack has handled the multiple points of view expertly, propelling the storyline forward while exploring individual motivations and struggles. The magic, the fairies, and the threat on the kingdom kept me turning the page, and now, I’m waiting for the next battle to secure the kingdom.
Profile Image for Lauryn.
5 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2026
I don’t know if I can fit all I want to say about this book in a single review. This beautifully written, tantalising tale about a brave group of friends, love and dark secrets will definitely catch your attention if you’re into YA, fantasy and romance. Every page, I found myself unable to put LANDIS down. I absolutely loved diving into LANDIS and can’t wait to get lost in it again.
Profile Image for Ashley White.
Author 1 book42 followers
November 6, 2023
I fell in love with this book & I know all of you will too! LANDIS grabs you in its opening pages and never lets go. It’s a world kids will dream of & adults will wish they got to read as a child. Run, don’t walk, and order your copy today!
Profile Image for Caitlin Alexander.
Author 5 books25 followers
December 11, 2023
Mack wows readers by creating a magical world complete with special gifts, a castle, a prince, a school with secret hideaways, a love triangle, and a villain literally dripping in spiders. It's a whimsical story of good vs. evil with a fun dash of romance YA readers will enjoy.
Profile Image for Lindsey Hobson.
Author 5 books20 followers
November 7, 2023
When they come of age, the citizens of Landis discover their gift but are cautioned only to use it under the supervision of their teachers. Ben, the Prince of Landis, and his group of friends have only ever known a peaceful land, however as strange things begin happening they start to suspect they will need to master their gifts for the purpose of protecting themselves and their families. When friends turn into enemies who pledge their gifts to the dark, Ben and his friends must band together to fight for the light.

Shelly Mack has crafted a very detailed and fascinating world, full of fairies and magic. The intriguing cast of characters will have you choosing sides and rooting for your favorites as they are put to the test to save Landis. This is a wonderful coming-of-age young adult novel complete with first love, evolving friendships, and teenagers discovering their inner strength. This story is action-packed and reaches a satisfying conclusion while still leaving you wanting more. I particularly liked the multi-POV that allowed you to get into the characters' heads and experience the world of Landis from different perspectives. I can't wait for book #2!
Profile Image for Lori Keating.
Author 5 books33 followers
November 5, 2025
I had the fortunate opportunity to read this riveting fantasy by Shelly Mack. The intricacies of detail she weaves throughout from beginning to end are fascinating, along with distinctive characters she creates, keep you turning the pages desiring more. If you love young adult fantasy, you will not want to wait to read this.
Profile Image for Louise Grant .
313 reviews9 followers
November 9, 2023
A fantastic fantasy book that had me hooked from the beginning. Great strong characters that all bring something real to the book with their friendships (team severo for me, what a guy!) Really can't wait to see how the story continues.
This is the book to read if you are a fantasy fan. Do not miss out!!!
Profile Image for Mr. Kreher.
Author 1 book9 followers
July 22, 2023
I really enjoyed this novel from the very first words of the prologue to the end. There is a mysterious threat to the land and kingdom of Landis. The main characters are given magical traits, or gifts as they are called, to sort of acclimate their coming of age adulthood. The real challenge is for them to get used to these new powers. Each character struggles to adjust to the new life with these abilities and some fall to them completely. And those who are left with the taming of their skills are required to fight off the new threat that lurks to take over the kingdom, which is a mystery to be had.

As I was reading Landis, I was totally getting Harry Potter vibes without the total darkness. This was a more clean material without as much violence. While it is a YA, I think younger kids would enjoy it just as well.

I'm not sure how much more I can say without giving it away, but there is a twist right in the middle that is surprising.

Overall, this was a desirable and engaging book to read. Although, it is a standalone. I hope the author is working on a sequel because the characters are very charming and alluring and holds my interests. I am curious to know where they go in the future.
Profile Image for Zowie Norris.
747 reviews38 followers
October 25, 2023
I was lucky enough to receive this book as an Arc - by you are all in for a treat! This book is so good! It’s a real page turner!

Welcome to the wonderful land and kingdom of Landis which is under a mysterious threat and consumed by secrets. The characters are also so interesting! Meet the visionary prince - Benjamin - who is given new found magical powers that he struggles to get used to .
There is also Alunattra - a vengeful princess who also has new powers to adjust to and use to avenge and reclaim her throne

A group of friends with gifts they've yet to control their skills are required to fight off the new threat that lurks to take over the kingdom, which is a mystery to be had - a luring darkness that will choose one to do its bidding. watch out for the plot twist too!

Although written for YA, I believe that my Y6 would enjoy this book too. An exciting and captivating read!
Profile Image for _teeny.reads_.
91 reviews
November 13, 2023
I don't even know where to start with this one, this book is so special for me. I attended the book launch (my first ever) and met the incredible author of this one Shelly Mack who is just so lovely and extremely talented.

Onto the review of the book, its a multi POV book which I really love because I feel you get a better chance of getting know the characters a bit better. Each character had such different personalities and they're all described so well throughout the book!

Shelly makes it so easy to fall in love with the world she had created in this book and the story just flows so well, I absolutely loved this book from start to finish and have SO MANY QUESTIONS!

This book did end on a bit of a cliffhanger which usually i don't love but the suspense Shelly has created through this full story had be on the edge of my seat, and actually I loved it.

Absolutely would recommend this book. You won't regret it!
Profile Image for ash.readsalot_.
93 reviews17 followers
June 24, 2023
I was given the amazing opportunity to read the ARC of Landis and what a book!
This book will transport you to magical lands of Landis Lot and will leave you wanting more!
This story is about the plotting of a evil princess Alunattra who has been imprisoned and the measures taken by Ben and his friends to prevent this.
This book also focuses on Friendship and love. I love the entire friendship group in this! They all understood each other and we're always there for one another no matter what! And omg the fairies!!! The literal cutest! (I'm rooting for Striker and Tweeks!) Shelly has done an amazing job in creating such a magical land with a hint of modernity with all the cool gadgets and gimmicks!
This is a YA fantasy and I recommend you pick it up if you love fantasy , mystery with the perfect amount of romance.😉
Can't wait for the next book to see what happens next!!!😍😍
Landis is available for pre order so check it out guys!
Profile Image for Tom Carter.
Author 4 books21 followers
December 12, 2025
I was super excited to receive an arc copy of Landis that I bumped it to the top of my TBR as soon as I got it and I don’t regret that one bit! I loved this book.

The book pulled me in from the first chapter. Usually with fantasy you hear a lot about the world building - and that’s no different here. The world felt lived in and fully fleshed out but what I enjoyed most about Landis was the characters. It’s an ensemble cast and each character is fully developed and has their time to shine. Their motivations unfold naturally which makes not only the characters but the world of Landis feel rich and lived in.

I’m sure each person will have a different favourite (mine was Gabriel by the way) but whoever your favourite is, it’ll be justified. Each character felt real, with their own unique voice.

Shelly Mack’s writing is heartfelt with not a wasted word. Each sentence propels the story forward. This was a massively enjoyable read for me and an easy 5 ⭐️
Profile Image for Niki Mackay.
Author 11 books87 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 14, 2025
This book has SO MUCH heart. Landis feels so complete and well thought out, the world building is ace, but for me the real highlight are the characters who will stay with me long after reading. This is a fantasy book, yes but it’s really a coming-of-age novel concerned with resilience, persistence and how we behave when challenged. It centres on Ben and his group of friends in Landis who are stepping into their various ‘powers’ when an evil force threatens them. I loved the whole cast and thought all of the characters were very well drawn but the real star for me was Severo. I feel like Landis gives a firm nod to a lot of the fiction (and TV) I consumed as a teen in the 90’s and this book has that strong page-turnability factor that YA had back then.
5 reviews7 followers
June 22, 2023
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of Landis, and wow was it a magical adventure! This YA fantasy impressed me with its immersive world-building, magic system, and endearing cast of characters. Every POV character shined and added a new layer of depth to the story. As I read, I kept thinking about how the book reminded me of a classic fairytale that completely transported me to another land. Landis is full of adventure, magic, fairies, and the enduring bonds of friendship. Highly recommend pre-ordering this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews