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Shielded #2
Untethered
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.
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.
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.
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.
464 pages, Hardcover
First published July 20, 2021
85 people are currently reading
5531 people want to read
About the author
KayLynn Flanders
2 books428 followersKayLynn Flanders is a graduate of Brigham Young University, with a degree in English Language and a minor in editing. When she’s not writing, she spends her time playing volleyball, reading, and traveling. She lives in Utah with her family, and thinks there’s nothing better than a spur-of-the-moment road trip. Her debut novel is Shielded. To learn more about KayLynn, go to kaylynnflanders.com or follow @kaylynnflanders on Twitter and Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews
August 11, 2021
im so sad i didnt enjoy this as much as the first book and i kept trying to figure out why that was. this sequel also delivers royal teens aiming to save the day, dangerous adventure, and magical enemies. so whats not to love about that?
i think the thing is this just feels very generic when it comes to the common YA fantasy tropes, plot, and writing. which is fine if you dont mind a ‘what you see is what you get’ kind of story. but this just feels too basic, too simple for me. the first book has character depth and plot twists, and this just has characters doing exactly what you expect them to do. nothing more, nothing less. its very predictable.
i think this would be a decent read for someone who is looking for a reliable YA fantasy, as it checks all the boxes. but for me, even though it does technically check the boxes, it doesnt expand upon them. it feels like the bare minimum and that let me down. :/
↠ 3 stars
i think the thing is this just feels very generic when it comes to the common YA fantasy tropes, plot, and writing. which is fine if you dont mind a ‘what you see is what you get’ kind of story. but this just feels too basic, too simple for me. the first book has character depth and plot twists, and this just has characters doing exactly what you expect them to do. nothing more, nothing less. its very predictable.
i think this would be a decent read for someone who is looking for a reliable YA fantasy, as it checks all the boxes. but for me, even though it does technically check the boxes, it doesnt expand upon them. it feels like the bare minimum and that let me down. :/
↠ 3 stars
February 3, 2021
A deadly action-adventure meets an enthralling magical mystery. Untethered is an enchantment of a fantasy, about a world in peril and the lovable royals who embark on a journey to save their kingdoms—and the people they love. Featuring a hidden library, sword fights, and age-old foes, Flanders has crafted a world to be captivated by.
August 1, 2021
The one time I’d tried to do something big, to be seen, I’d dragged everyone I loved into a death trap.
This book is definitely getting the "disappointment of the year" award from me. I had so so so much expectations. I loved the first book. I mean, I REALLY LOVED IT. That book was probably one of my favourite Goose Girl retelling.
Loved Jenna, loved Enzo, loved the plot. loved everything. well well, I wish I could say the same for this one.
Anyway, so Ren is a new depressed king. Cause his own court is trying to assassinate him.
I loved Chiara and Ren in the first book. I was excited. But this book felt forced. While Jenna and Enzo shone the brightest in their book Ren and Chiara felt like a shadow.
- these two are Boring with a capital B.
- really, they have like literally NO chemistry.
- Ren is a disaster.
- So is Chiara.
While I waited for her to do something impressive like "yeah I have no superpower or I can't fight or I'm not super smart or I don’t have a plan but whatever! Look I'm still doing something."
But nope nope. All she did was messing this story, making other people do things and save the world while calling herself "invisible" and "useless".
Ren on the other hand...our flirty, always so confident prince is totally different here. I appreciated his vulnerability until I didn’t.
His "oh I have to save the day" dialogue became boring and repetitive.
- Did I mention they have NO chemistry at all?
I assumed making these two the protagonist is because of the romance. The author probably wanted to keep things interesting. Honestly? I would have appreciated Jenna and Enzo watching paint dry better. But whatever.
The plot was a absolute predictable mess. The villain was like "haha you think you can defeat me? I'M THE SITH LORD. I AM THE ONE WHO MUST NOT BE NAMED".
Dramatic much?
As you can say, I'm pretty pissed at this not-too-long-book. Despite loving the first book so much this was a huge let down.
Also, here is some of Chiara's best quote you might not want to miss:
Want to read
May 7, 2021I am so excited to continue on with this series. If you haven't picked up Shielded yet, there's still time before this release.
Additionally, really loving this cover; the purple and orange are a great combination!
((Clemson Tigers approved!))
Additionally, really loving this cover; the purple and orange are a great combination!
((Clemson Tigers approved!))
July 27, 2021
TW: death, discussions of blood sacrifice, suicide.
Not exactly sure how to review this one, if I'm entirely honest. Because while I did enjoy it, I never fully connected to it the way I did with Shielded and I nearly forgot I was reading it at one point lol.
My biggest problem is that so much of the dialogue felt like it was written for a children's movie. The villains would literally sneer and say something along the lines of, "You? You really think you can stop me, an all powerful seductress/enchantress that has lived forever and is not as useless as you??" which just pulled me out of the story, specifically in the moments that were meant to build tension.
However, it was still a cute sequel and I liked following both Ren and Chiara (though the shift in their relationship was extremely sudden). I think this is one of those books you'll really enjoy if you're looking for a familiar, older YA feeling story that doesn't take itself too seriously.
Not exactly sure how to review this one, if I'm entirely honest. Because while I did enjoy it, I never fully connected to it the way I did with Shielded and I nearly forgot I was reading it at one point lol.
My biggest problem is that so much of the dialogue felt like it was written for a children's movie. The villains would literally sneer and say something along the lines of, "You? You really think you can stop me, an all powerful seductress/enchantress that has lived forever and is not as useless as you??" which just pulled me out of the story, specifically in the moments that were meant to build tension.
However, it was still a cute sequel and I liked following both Ren and Chiara (though the shift in their relationship was extremely sudden). I think this is one of those books you'll really enjoy if you're looking for a familiar, older YA feeling story that doesn't take itself too seriously.
July 16, 2021
Untethered is a brilliant sequel to Shielded, and I savored every heart-stopping second of it. The story begins several months after the end of Shielded. Ren is now king and adjusting to his new role in a kingdom where he can’t trust anyone. He deeply mourns the loss of his father and is struggling to figure out his place as the leader of his kingdom. When he feels an insistent magical pull toward Turia, where his sister now lives, he quickly arranges to leave.
While in Turia, Ren learns that one of the members of the Turia royal family is missing and potentially kidnapped. Believing she is the only one who can leave and help, Chiara starts a quest to find her family member. When Ren learns of Chiara’s disappearance, he vows to find her and bring her home. Ren and Chiara try to save their kingdoms and families from the evil pursuits of the power-hungry mages. This takes them on a dangerous and heart-stopping adventure and tests their limits, their loyalty, and their strength.
This is one of my most anticipated reads of the year, and I adored it! A story with amazing characters, a suspenseful and intriguing plot with several surprising revelations, and a wonderful love story, the book takes you on a total roller-coaster ride of emotions. I became so invested in the characters and their stories that the book was impossible to put down.
This story is primarily told from Ren and Chiara’s perspectives, though several other points of view are sprinkled throughout the story, and I loved the switch. As much as I love Jenessara and Enzo, who were the focus of Shielded, Ren and Chiara are just as compelling. Ren is a fantastic character, and I was eager to learn more of his story and how he adjusts to his role as king, especially since he doesn’t know who he can trust, and the kingdom is in such turmoil. He presents himself as a confidant and self-assured man, but it is a mask to hide the inner turmoil that burdens him. Ren is still mourning the loss of his father and, in a smaller way, the loss of his sister now that she lives in Turia with Enzo and his family. He is a young leader who is finding his way, and he struggles with self-doubt. Much like Chiara, Ren questions himself and his capabilities. Also like Chiara, he grows, changes, and becomes more self-aware and self-assured as the story progresses.
Chiara is a great character too. In Shielded, Chiara said something to Jenessara that really struck me. “I feel trapped by who I’m supposed to be, who I want to be, and who people expect me to be.” Chiara struggles with these feelings in Untethered as well, and she tries to find her place in the world. She often feels unseen and unheard, invisible among family and peers. With so many obstacles to face in her journey, Chiara begins to believe in herself and find her purpose. Chiara and Ren both realize that they are capable of much more than what is expected of them. They both show such growth, grit, and determination and are strong leaders in every sense of the word.
The romance between Ren and Chiara is sweet and builds gradually throughout the story. They both feel they can be their true selves when they are together without fear of judgment or betrayal. There are no ulterior motives, and their trust in each other is implicit. This is the foundation for a deep and lasting relationship. The pair brings out the best in each other, and seeing them slowly grow closer is lovely.
I love when Ren, Chiara, and a new ally work together. They are each from a different kingdom, and they each have their own strengths, which they use to their advantage. They make a great team, and they identify with each other so well. Each feels out of place in their world and is struggling to define themselves in a society that has already chosen paths for them. This trio also treats each other as equals which seems important to all of them, as they are often treated differently because of their status, magical ability, lack of ability, and more.
In addition to the exceptional development, there are a few other things I love about the characters in the story. There is an abundance of strong and capable female characters like Chiara, her grandmother, her mother, Jenna, and Mari. Each shows such strength at different points in the story, and I think the messages of empowerment and equality shine through. I also like the anxiety rep and that the books realistically portray panic attacks. As a person with anxiety, I thought this was well done, and I so identified with the feelings the character had when struggling with anxiety and panic attacks.
The plot is as dynamically and intricately developed as the characters, and I was so invested in the story. As Chiara and Ren travel across countries, try to rescue someone close to them who has been kidnapped, find the Black Library, defeat the evil mages, and more, they face extraordinary obstacles. The world is vividly created, and the imagery is strong.
Themes of redemption, trust, friendship, choice, loyalty, believing in oneself, and never giving up even when things seem impossible are intricately woven throughout the story. I also love what the story says about family and the bonds (or tethers) that tie people together. These bonds are the most important parts of Ren and Chiara’s lives. They continually prove that relationships are complicated and messy, but it’s also unbelievably rewarding and fulfilling.
Untethered is an excellent read and an epic continuation of the series. It is a high-stakes adventure with deftly developed characters and intricate world-building, and I can’t recommend it enough. With an epic quest, dangerous adventure, tons of intense and suspenseful action, unique and interesting riddles, and antagonists who will stop at nothing to gain power, the plot is engrossing, well-paced, and immersive. Plus, there’s that romance!! I’m so thankful to Delacourte Press, Nicole Banholzer, and KayLynn Flanders for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
While in Turia, Ren learns that one of the members of the Turia royal family is missing and potentially kidnapped. Believing she is the only one who can leave and help, Chiara starts a quest to find her family member. When Ren learns of Chiara’s disappearance, he vows to find her and bring her home. Ren and Chiara try to save their kingdoms and families from the evil pursuits of the power-hungry mages. This takes them on a dangerous and heart-stopping adventure and tests their limits, their loyalty, and their strength.
This is one of my most anticipated reads of the year, and I adored it! A story with amazing characters, a suspenseful and intriguing plot with several surprising revelations, and a wonderful love story, the book takes you on a total roller-coaster ride of emotions. I became so invested in the characters and their stories that the book was impossible to put down.
This story is primarily told from Ren and Chiara’s perspectives, though several other points of view are sprinkled throughout the story, and I loved the switch. As much as I love Jenessara and Enzo, who were the focus of Shielded, Ren and Chiara are just as compelling. Ren is a fantastic character, and I was eager to learn more of his story and how he adjusts to his role as king, especially since he doesn’t know who he can trust, and the kingdom is in such turmoil. He presents himself as a confidant and self-assured man, but it is a mask to hide the inner turmoil that burdens him. Ren is still mourning the loss of his father and, in a smaller way, the loss of his sister now that she lives in Turia with Enzo and his family. He is a young leader who is finding his way, and he struggles with self-doubt. Much like Chiara, Ren questions himself and his capabilities. Also like Chiara, he grows, changes, and becomes more self-aware and self-assured as the story progresses.
Chiara is a great character too. In Shielded, Chiara said something to Jenessara that really struck me. “I feel trapped by who I’m supposed to be, who I want to be, and who people expect me to be.” Chiara struggles with these feelings in Untethered as well, and she tries to find her place in the world. She often feels unseen and unheard, invisible among family and peers. With so many obstacles to face in her journey, Chiara begins to believe in herself and find her purpose. Chiara and Ren both realize that they are capable of much more than what is expected of them. They both show such growth, grit, and determination and are strong leaders in every sense of the word.
The romance between Ren and Chiara is sweet and builds gradually throughout the story. They both feel they can be their true selves when they are together without fear of judgment or betrayal. There are no ulterior motives, and their trust in each other is implicit. This is the foundation for a deep and lasting relationship. The pair brings out the best in each other, and seeing them slowly grow closer is lovely.
I love when Ren, Chiara, and a new ally work together. They are each from a different kingdom, and they each have their own strengths, which they use to their advantage. They make a great team, and they identify with each other so well. Each feels out of place in their world and is struggling to define themselves in a society that has already chosen paths for them. This trio also treats each other as equals which seems important to all of them, as they are often treated differently because of their status, magical ability, lack of ability, and more.
In addition to the exceptional development, there are a few other things I love about the characters in the story. There is an abundance of strong and capable female characters like Chiara, her grandmother, her mother, Jenna, and Mari. Each shows such strength at different points in the story, and I think the messages of empowerment and equality shine through. I also like the anxiety rep and that the books realistically portray panic attacks. As a person with anxiety, I thought this was well done, and I so identified with the feelings the character had when struggling with anxiety and panic attacks.
The plot is as dynamically and intricately developed as the characters, and I was so invested in the story. As Chiara and Ren travel across countries, try to rescue someone close to them who has been kidnapped, find the Black Library, defeat the evil mages, and more, they face extraordinary obstacles. The world is vividly created, and the imagery is strong.
Themes of redemption, trust, friendship, choice, loyalty, believing in oneself, and never giving up even when things seem impossible are intricately woven throughout the story. I also love what the story says about family and the bonds (or tethers) that tie people together. These bonds are the most important parts of Ren and Chiara’s lives. They continually prove that relationships are complicated and messy, but it’s also unbelievably rewarding and fulfilling.
Untethered is an excellent read and an epic continuation of the series. It is a high-stakes adventure with deftly developed characters and intricate world-building, and I can’t recommend it enough. With an epic quest, dangerous adventure, tons of intense and suspenseful action, unique and interesting riddles, and antagonists who will stop at nothing to gain power, the plot is engrossing, well-paced, and immersive. Plus, there’s that romance!! I’m so thankful to Delacourte Press, Nicole Banholzer, and KayLynn Flanders for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
July 20, 2021
A stunning continuation of SHIELDED with a new adventure full of fierce characters, daring action, and an absorbing mystery. I loved every second.
Gorgeous! Amazing! I can't properly express how I feel about this book right now expect throw adjectives around. I loved this as much as SHIELDED which says a LOT.
This is a heartfelt story with both Chiara's and Ren's points of view. It explored responsibility to the throne and believing in yourself and your worth which is just so powerful and moving. Even having read it months ago now Flander's books always stay with me. I can't get over the climax of Untethered. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.
Gorgeous! Amazing! I can't properly express how I feel about this book right now expect throw adjectives around. I loved this as much as SHIELDED which says a LOT.
This is a heartfelt story with both Chiara's and Ren's points of view. It explored responsibility to the throne and believing in yourself and your worth which is just so powerful and moving. Even having read it months ago now Flander's books always stay with me. I can't get over the climax of Untethered. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.
Want to read
May 12, 2020Yes, hi, this book will be everything good in the world.
It might even be the cure to the pandemic, NOBODY KNOWS #facts
It might even be the cure to the pandemic, NOBODY KNOWS #facts
January 5, 2022
Overall Rating : B-
"Foreboding trickled along my skin. The Medallion remained hot. 'Oh, sure, now you warn me,' I muttered into the empty room."
(These two are all that I saw when Chiara and Atharen interacted and it was beautiful.)
Taking place a few months after the event's of Shielded, this book follows the journey of Atharen, newly crowned king of Hilendi, and Princess Chiara of Turia as they handle the threat they had thought they defeated coming back to gain control of the entire land.
So the romance in this book was so much better than the first book solely because it wasn't instantaneous like with Jenna and Enzo. Sure, there was a basic attraction(everybody's apparently hot in this book), but it was gradual realization of how much they start to mean to each other, along with accepting and their flaws and strengths. Princess Chiara finds someone who sees her for more than a pretty face, but as someone who can be of help. For Atharen, she helps him see that he was already the King and leader worthy of that title and power. It was beautiful to witness their interactions.
What I did not like however, was how short, quick, and vague the plot went. People and places are mentioned and gone in an instant. I felt no feelings - good or bad - about the antagonist because I knew absolutely nothing relevant to their story or motive. And if it was mentioned, it was there and gone like everything else. I think if this was made into a High Fantasy series, instead of a YA duology, the author would have been able to expand much more on this world and it's people.
An alright book with a romance I wish more authors would do. Keep it up!
"Foreboding trickled along my skin. The Medallion remained hot. 'Oh, sure, now you warn me,' I muttered into the empty room."
(These two are all that I saw when Chiara and Atharen interacted and it was beautiful.)
Taking place a few months after the event's of Shielded, this book follows the journey of Atharen, newly crowned king of Hilendi, and Princess Chiara of Turia as they handle the threat they had thought they defeated coming back to gain control of the entire land.
So the romance in this book was so much better than the first book solely because it wasn't instantaneous like with Jenna and Enzo. Sure, there was a basic attraction(everybody's apparently hot in this book), but it was gradual realization of how much they start to mean to each other, along with accepting and their flaws and strengths. Princess Chiara finds someone who sees her for more than a pretty face, but as someone who can be of help. For Atharen, she helps him see that he was already the King and leader worthy of that title and power. It was beautiful to witness their interactions.
What I did not like however, was how short, quick, and vague the plot went. People and places are mentioned and gone in an instant. I felt no feelings - good or bad - about the antagonist because I knew absolutely nothing relevant to their story or motive. And if it was mentioned, it was there and gone like everything else. I think if this was made into a High Fantasy series, instead of a YA duology, the author would have been able to expand much more on this world and it's people.
An alright book with a romance I wish more authors would do. Keep it up!
March 15, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to receive an e-ARC of Untethered.
Untethered by KayLynn Flanders, is a striking sequel to Shielded. While shielded followed the story of Enzo and Jenna here we read about Ren and Chiara. Untethered is a whirlwind of action.
We read about how Ren and Chiara attempt to save their kingdom & family from the dangers of the mages. Untethered's plot was action-packed and full of friendship. The book was fast-paced and an enjoyable read. The writing was fairly descriptive. Untethered had 2 main perspectives (Ren and Chiara) but it had also included some other minor points of view. The characters were interesting and loveable. I had liked the setting of the book. The setting was vivid and stood out.
Why 4 stars? you might ask. My reasoning was that while reading, Untethered I had felt like this was more of a second installment to a trilogy rather than the ending to a duology.
Do I think you should read Untethered By KayLynn Flanders? Yes! You should pick this book series up if you're looking for a fantasy book with action.
I requested and received an e-arc of Untethered via NetGalley in exchange for a review. All opinions and thoughts expressed are mine. I voluntarily reviewed this book.
REVIEWED: 3/14/2021 & 3/15/2021
EXPECTED RELEASE DATE: June 20, 2021
Untethered by KayLynn Flanders, is a striking sequel to Shielded. While shielded followed the story of Enzo and Jenna here we read about Ren and Chiara. Untethered is a whirlwind of action.
We read about how Ren and Chiara attempt to save their kingdom & family from the dangers of the mages. Untethered's plot was action-packed and full of friendship. The book was fast-paced and an enjoyable read. The writing was fairly descriptive. Untethered had 2 main perspectives (Ren and Chiara) but it had also included some other minor points of view. The characters were interesting and loveable. I had liked the setting of the book. The setting was vivid and stood out.
Why 4 stars? you might ask. My reasoning was that while reading, Untethered I had felt like this was more of a second installment to a trilogy rather than the ending to a duology.
Do I think you should read Untethered By KayLynn Flanders? Yes! You should pick this book series up if you're looking for a fantasy book with action.
I requested and received an e-arc of Untethered via NetGalley in exchange for a review. All opinions and thoughts expressed are mine. I voluntarily reviewed this book.
REVIEWED: 3/14/2021 & 3/15/2021
EXPECTED RELEASE DATE: June 20, 2021
October 14, 2021
4 Stars
I really enjoyed this book! I thought it started off a little weak but it just got better and better and I loved how everything came together.
I love these characters and they are what makes these books for me. It was different changing the POVs from Jenna and Enzo's in the first book to Chiara and Ren's in the second but it worked really well!
I really recommend this series to all YA fantasy lovers! It is a fun, romantic and intriguing series.
I really enjoyed this book! I thought it started off a little weak but it just got better and better and I loved how everything came together.
I love these characters and they are what makes these books for me. It was different changing the POVs from Jenna and Enzo's in the first book to Chiara and Ren's in the second but it worked really well!
I really recommend this series to all YA fantasy lovers! It is a fun, romantic and intriguing series.
July 19, 2021
Shielded was such a fun read and Untethered did not disappoint. It is adventure from beginning to end. I enjoyed new characters we’re introduced to and it was nice seeing others from Shielded.
Chiara is sick of waiting for someone to go out and look for her father who she knows hasn’t just gone missing. She has a bad feeling and with the help of her grandmother she finds herself on the path to not only finding her father but looking for the mages’ long-lost artifacts. She’s determined to find the answers even if it takes her into enemy territory.
Ren leaves the castle to find Chiara and bring her back to Hálendi but when their paths cross and she convinces him to continue on her journey he knows he can’t leave her. He will protect her and in the process he realizes he feels more for her than he thought.
This ya fantasy has love, betrayal, and found friendships. It’s full of adventure and intrigue. I thought the pacing was well developed and I enjoyed the characters. I thought the ending wrapped up this duology well and I will miss these characters. I hope we’ll get to see more one day.
I definitely recommend these books to anyone looking for a great YA duology!
Chiara is sick of waiting for someone to go out and look for her father who she knows hasn’t just gone missing. She has a bad feeling and with the help of her grandmother she finds herself on the path to not only finding her father but looking for the mages’ long-lost artifacts. She’s determined to find the answers even if it takes her into enemy territory.
Ren leaves the castle to find Chiara and bring her back to Hálendi but when their paths cross and she convinces him to continue on her journey he knows he can’t leave her. He will protect her and in the process he realizes he feels more for her than he thought.
This ya fantasy has love, betrayal, and found friendships. It’s full of adventure and intrigue. I thought the pacing was well developed and I enjoyed the characters. I thought the ending wrapped up this duology well and I will miss these characters. I hope we’ll get to see more one day.
I definitely recommend these books to anyone looking for a great YA duology!
March 11, 2023
4.5 stars
THIS DUOLOGY>>>>>
i’m going to start this review a little differently than usual, i’m going to start negative and then go positive.
so the only problem i had with this book was that the main exciting part was like two chapters. it’s a lot of buildup for a very small conclusion. and i definitely would have cut some scenes that weren’t entirely necessary to the main plot line.
but setting that aside, i loved this book.
i love all the characters so much and i was invested in their personal goals just as much as they were.
i especially loved ren 🥹
the world building is also crazy good and i love the magic system and kingdoms sm! i also like the writing, it’s very rich and the word choice is great and descriptive!
i really wanted to see jenna and enzo’s wedding 😭
fingers crossed for another book!!!
overall i really liked this duology and i would definitely recommend it to people who like fantasy with a little magic✨
RATINGS✨
overall rating - 4.5 stars
writing - 4.5 stars
characters - 4.5 stars
plot - 4 stars
THIS DUOLOGY>>>>>
i’m going to start this review a little differently than usual, i’m going to start negative and then go positive.
so the only problem i had with this book was that the main exciting part was like two chapters. it’s a lot of buildup for a very small conclusion. and i definitely would have cut some scenes that weren’t entirely necessary to the main plot line.
but setting that aside, i loved this book.
i love all the characters so much and i was invested in their personal goals just as much as they were.
i especially loved ren 🥹
the world building is also crazy good and i love the magic system and kingdoms sm! i also like the writing, it’s very rich and the word choice is great and descriptive!
i really wanted to see jenna and enzo’s wedding 😭
fingers crossed for another book!!!
overall i really liked this duology and i would definitely recommend it to people who like fantasy with a little magic✨
RATINGS✨
overall rating - 4.5 stars
writing - 4.5 stars
characters - 4.5 stars
plot - 4 stars
July 22, 2021
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Rating: 3/5⭐️
Untethered is the anticipated sequel to Shielded, a YA fantasy book I really enjoyed. KayLynn Flanders takes us back to Turia and Halendi where our characters have to team up once again to defeat the mages and find the Black Library. The first book left us with quite an open ending so it was refreshing to see that the book was written from someone else’s point of view.
Read my full review here: https://mousethatreads.com/untethered...
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Rating: 3/5⭐️
Untethered is the anticipated sequel to Shielded, a YA fantasy book I really enjoyed. KayLynn Flanders takes us back to Turia and Halendi where our characters have to team up once again to defeat the mages and find the Black Library. The first book left us with quite an open ending so it was refreshing to see that the book was written from someone else’s point of view.
Read my full review here: https://mousethatreads.com/untethered...
July 24, 2021
4.25 Stars
It did take me a long time to get into the book and I know a big reason was that I kinda forgot some of the things that happened in the first book of the series...even though this was Ren and Chiara's story.
Once I got about 40% in...the action really started and the gang was all brought back together...then I breezed through it and enjoyed it immensely.
It did take me a long time to get into the book and I know a big reason was that I kinda forgot some of the things that happened in the first book of the series...even though this was Ren and Chiara's story.
Once I got about 40% in...the action really started and the gang was all brought back together...then I breezed through it and enjoyed it immensely.
August 2, 2021
While I absolutely adored the first book in this duology, Shielded (in fact, it was one of my favourite books of 2020), its sequel was a bit of a letdown.
In Shielded, Jennesara and Enzo truly owned their story and I loved the chemistry between them. Their story truly fit their characters.
In comparison, Chiara and Ren fell utterly flat in Untethered. They were personality-less and had no chemistry at all. Plus Chiara was one of those TSTL heroines who makes bad decision after bad decision that only leads to her putting literally everyone she loves in danger. It would be like me starting a sword duel...I'd be dead before I pulled my sword out of its scabbard. This is literally what Chiara does for most of the book: tries to duel with no skills.
It felt a lot like the author was trying to make the characters fit the story she wanted to tell and it just didn't work here. We ended up with flat main characters, a messy plot, cliched villains, and info-dumpy and unnatural dialogue.
I didn't hate it by any means; I loved the familial relationships and the descriptions of each territory/country, and the author did a great job of establishing the characters' backgrounds to inform the reader of their motivations. It just wasn't what I expected considering my love for Shielded.
In Shielded, Jennesara and Enzo truly owned their story and I loved the chemistry between them. Their story truly fit their characters.
In comparison, Chiara and Ren fell utterly flat in Untethered. They were personality-less and had no chemistry at all. Plus Chiara was one of those TSTL heroines who makes bad decision after bad decision that only leads to her putting literally everyone she loves in danger. It would be like me starting a sword duel...I'd be dead before I pulled my sword out of its scabbard. This is literally what Chiara does for most of the book: tries to duel with no skills.
It felt a lot like the author was trying to make the characters fit the story she wanted to tell and it just didn't work here. We ended up with flat main characters, a messy plot, cliched villains, and info-dumpy and unnatural dialogue.
I didn't hate it by any means; I loved the familial relationships and the descriptions of each territory/country, and the author did a great job of establishing the characters' backgrounds to inform the reader of their motivations. It just wasn't what I expected considering my love for Shielded.
August 5, 2021
This book is a mind-blowing sequel to the first book Shielded, and above all, it followed some of my absolutely cherished characters! The story picks up a few months after Shielded, and we follow Ren’s journey as he deals with his new responsibilities, role, and juggling life on just one hand, unable to trust anyone. The kingdom is thrumming with betrayal, as he journeys to his sister. Chiara on the other hand sets out on a deadly adventure to unearth the mystery behind the disappearance of a royal family member. As soon as Ren learns of this, he vows to bring her back. And so the story begins as we follow two of my cherished characters, as they embark on a dangerous adventure to protect ones they love, to protect their kingdom and people from power-thirsty traitors.
The writing style is fairly easy to follow and the plot although intricate, is one of the best out there. Beautifully crafted, this fast-paced story with hidden libraries, fight scenes, heart-stopping backstories, amazing character arc, and wonderful imagery, is absolutely worth the read. Besides, it’s a dual POV! And we love that!! It does have a few additional povs now and then but that just adds to the intrigue. Loved every second of this book and I highly recommend it!
The writing style is fairly easy to follow and the plot although intricate, is one of the best out there. Beautifully crafted, this fast-paced story with hidden libraries, fight scenes, heart-stopping backstories, amazing character arc, and wonderful imagery, is absolutely worth the read. Besides, it’s a dual POV! And we love that!! It does have a few additional povs now and then but that just adds to the intrigue. Loved every second of this book and I highly recommend it!
July 23, 2021
4/5 stars
I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Spoilers for book 1 ahead!
With his father dead and Jenna in Turia, Ren becomes the king of Halendi and is left alone to pick up the pieces. There are those in his own court who want him dead, making his list of allies slim. To make matters worse, the Medallion continues to warn of danger. Meanwhile, Princess Chiara of Turia feels invisible. No one pays her much mind, even her own family. When horrible news arrives in Turia, Chiara takes it upon herself to settle matters. Along with a mysterious clue, she sets off on a difficult journey. Both she and Ren discover how powerful the mages truly are and must work together if the Plateau is to be saved.
This was an excellent sequel to Shielded! I am always wary when a series shifts to a different character's POV from book to book, but I genuinely enjoyed following Ren and Chiara throughout Untethered.
First things first, the world-building is just as amazing as it was in Shielded. More of the Plateau is explored here and we learn more about the land and its magic. While there is a lot we don't know, it doesn't take away from the story at all.
Ren and Chiara were also very interesting characters. They struggle with believing in themselves and worrying that they're not enough. Ren is not sure he can handle a kingdom; Chiara feels like a useless princess with nothing to contribute. As they continue on the journey, they also learn more about themselves and what they're truly capable of.
In addition, the messages in this story were what truly made this book excellent. The characters learn a lot about forgiveness, trust in both others and themselves, and that there are many different kinds of strengths in life.
My only real complaint was the pacing. It took me a little while to get into this book, and there were a few parts that dragged. But there were more scenes that captured my full attention, so I was able to get through it without too much of a problem. The ending did feel a little abrupt; I personally would have liked to know more about these characters and their futures, but the story did at least wrap up nicely.
This is a clean and wholesome read that is still fun and adventurous! I think this is a great book for both teens and older readers alike. This duology will forever have a special place in my heart!
I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Spoilers for book 1 ahead!
With his father dead and Jenna in Turia, Ren becomes the king of Halendi and is left alone to pick up the pieces. There are those in his own court who want him dead, making his list of allies slim. To make matters worse, the Medallion continues to warn of danger. Meanwhile, Princess Chiara of Turia feels invisible. No one pays her much mind, even her own family. When horrible news arrives in Turia, Chiara takes it upon herself to settle matters. Along with a mysterious clue, she sets off on a difficult journey. Both she and Ren discover how powerful the mages truly are and must work together if the Plateau is to be saved.
This was an excellent sequel to Shielded! I am always wary when a series shifts to a different character's POV from book to book, but I genuinely enjoyed following Ren and Chiara throughout Untethered.
First things first, the world-building is just as amazing as it was in Shielded. More of the Plateau is explored here and we learn more about the land and its magic. While there is a lot we don't know, it doesn't take away from the story at all.
Ren and Chiara were also very interesting characters. They struggle with believing in themselves and worrying that they're not enough. Ren is not sure he can handle a kingdom; Chiara feels like a useless princess with nothing to contribute. As they continue on the journey, they also learn more about themselves and what they're truly capable of.
In addition, the messages in this story were what truly made this book excellent. The characters learn a lot about forgiveness, trust in both others and themselves, and that there are many different kinds of strengths in life.
My only real complaint was the pacing. It took me a little while to get into this book, and there were a few parts that dragged. But there were more scenes that captured my full attention, so I was able to get through it without too much of a problem. The ending did feel a little abrupt; I personally would have liked to know more about these characters and their futures, but the story did at least wrap up nicely.
This is a clean and wholesome read that is still fun and adventurous! I think this is a great book for both teens and older readers alike. This duology will forever have a special place in my heart!
April 6, 2022
I wasn't as big a fan of Untethered as I was of Shielded. I appreciated that the main heroine wasn't physically strong (women in YA tend to be overpowered) and that the romance didn't develop all at once. That being said, the dynamics that made book one so good were missing for part of the story. The plot was a nice pace, but the characters weren't necessarily given enough time to grow as people before the reader was expected to believe that they made great changes. That being said, this was a strong YA fantasy geared toward people new to the genre. It was fun to read, but I probably would have enjoyed it more if I hadn't already a dozen books just like it.
June 23, 2021
RTC for blog tour.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my review copy.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my review copy.
March 14, 2021
This is such a fluffy fantasy. If this was ever made into a TV show, sign me up because it's perfect for that or a movie.
I definitely found this a lot less action-packed than the first book. It was a bit slower, so that combined with my slump make it take me a while to get through, but I definitely enjoyed it. You got to see characters from the first book and have some formerly side characters fleshed out more. There was a lot of exploration of the world, some explanation on the villains, and a good ending.
Please keep in mind, this is a tidy ending. I usually hate those, but I enjoyed it in this. Had a fairytale feel to it, very cozy. I also found it super interesting that the villains were never really explained/expanded on which is kinda nice. I feel like some books spend too much time making their villains "relatable" that they lose the scariness of them. While I never felt that the characters were threatened by these villains, I had no doubt that they would kill people if they wanted to at the drop of the hat. They were just good, standard evil dudes. I found the ending, while relatively predictable, to have some twists I wasn't expecting, so that was fun.
I think my only "complaints" would be I wish we had a bit more explanation on the magic. I always got the feeling that magic was super rare, and i would have liked to seen that explored more. I also would have loved to know more about the land. There were some mentions of another continent (I think? It's been a while since I read Shielded), and it was brought up again in this. I would have loved to have known just a smidge more about it. Just so the world felt a little less like a video game terrain with fuzzy borders around the areas you play through and more like the fuzzy boarders are there, but you know a bit about what's beyond them.
I also kinda wish we had had more with the villains mainly to learn about Kais, and more about the Library.
But other than that, this was an enjoyable read. A good fantasy if you're looking to dip your toe into the genre while giving a steady, solid plot and characters.
I definitely found this a lot less action-packed than the first book. It was a bit slower, so that combined with my slump make it take me a while to get through, but I definitely enjoyed it. You got to see characters from the first book and have some formerly side characters fleshed out more. There was a lot of exploration of the world, some explanation on the villains, and a good ending.
Please keep in mind, this is a tidy ending. I usually hate those, but I enjoyed it in this. Had a fairytale feel to it, very cozy. I also found it super interesting that the villains were never really explained/expanded on which is kinda nice. I feel like some books spend too much time making their villains "relatable" that they lose the scariness of them. While I never felt that the characters were threatened by these villains, I had no doubt that they would kill people if they wanted to at the drop of the hat. They were just good, standard evil dudes. I found the ending, while relatively predictable, to have some twists I wasn't expecting, so that was fun.
I think my only "complaints" would be I wish we had a bit more explanation on the magic. I always got the feeling that magic was super rare, and i would have liked to seen that explored more. I also would have loved to know more about the land. There were some mentions of another continent (I think? It's been a while since I read Shielded), and it was brought up again in this. I would have loved to have known just a smidge more about it. Just so the world felt a little less like a video game terrain with fuzzy borders around the areas you play through and more like the fuzzy boarders are there, but you know a bit about what's beyond them.
I also kinda wish we had had more with the villains mainly to learn about Kais, and more about the Library.
But other than that, this was an enjoyable read. A good fantasy if you're looking to dip your toe into the genre while giving a steady, solid plot and characters.
May 5, 2021
If Atháren were any more swoon-worthy it would be criminal.
Oh how I ADORED this sequel. I often fear for follow-up books that entirely change POVs from the original, but the balance of each old beloved character worked perfectly from Chiara and Ren's perspectives, giving them time to shine as the protagonists while simultaneously letting Jenna, Enzo, and Mari have their own less centered journeys.
The message of familial strength and love - both in blood and in the bonds you choose to form - was my favorite part of Shielded, and Untethered keeps that theme at the centerfold while also adding in a heartwarming and touching journey of self-assurance and finding your worth. This entire world's magic system is based on the strength and comfort of love, and the warm fuzzies I got at every hand hold, protective stance, and lingering glance were nonstop. I loved every bit of it.
I was particularly happy with the way this world continues to grow without needing to dump new information on the readers. It's a gradual learning curve that's easy to understand, which is rare to see in fantasies with huge kingdoms like this.
My only qualms lie in the pacing and execution of the climax- I often felt like we skipped over what could have been some fun legs of the journey, and the ending was just a bit abrupt, but maybe that was only because I wanted to hang on to these characters a little longer. As for how it all comes together in the end, without any spoilers, I feel like circumstances were a little too convenient for our protagonists. Things fell into place just a bit too easily, and it was quite a stretch of imagination to believe.
Also, have I mentioned how much I love Ren? Because I love him. A lot.
Oh how I ADORED this sequel. I often fear for follow-up books that entirely change POVs from the original, but the balance of each old beloved character worked perfectly from Chiara and Ren's perspectives, giving them time to shine as the protagonists while simultaneously letting Jenna, Enzo, and Mari have their own less centered journeys.
The message of familial strength and love - both in blood and in the bonds you choose to form - was my favorite part of Shielded, and Untethered keeps that theme at the centerfold while also adding in a heartwarming and touching journey of self-assurance and finding your worth. This entire world's magic system is based on the strength and comfort of love, and the warm fuzzies I got at every hand hold, protective stance, and lingering glance were nonstop. I loved every bit of it.
I was particularly happy with the way this world continues to grow without needing to dump new information on the readers. It's a gradual learning curve that's easy to understand, which is rare to see in fantasies with huge kingdoms like this.
My only qualms lie in the pacing and execution of the climax- I often felt like we skipped over what could have been some fun legs of the journey, and the ending was just a bit abrupt, but maybe that was only because I wanted to hang on to these characters a little longer. As for how it all comes together in the end, without any spoilers, I feel like circumstances were a little too convenient for our protagonists. Things fell into place just a bit too easily, and it was quite a stretch of imagination to believe.
Also, have I mentioned how much I love Ren? Because I love him. A lot.
March 23, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyable. A lot happens in this sequel and we see the story unfold between two main characters: Ren and Chiara. We have short chapters from the POV of other characters similar to how the first book had short chapters occasionally giving a POV that wasn't Jenna.
Both Ren and Chiara are dealing with so many personal doubts and they just want to keep their families safe and make a difference. Through this drive, they are separately thrown into a whirlwind of events that keep testing their limits in new ways.
The way new characters are added to the traveling group keeps things interesting and I'd say the last quarter of the action is incredibly intense. Nothing is overly graphic violence-wise and the hardships are consistent with those in the first book - nothing is glossed over but nothing is gratuitous.
Ren and Chiara go through some major character growth that we get to witness and even though things look horrible, neither is willing to give up.
KF gives every narrator (in both books) a fresh voice and keeps the protagonists relatable and likable without being perfect.
I received an ARC via NetGalley I'm exchange for this honest review.
Both Ren and Chiara are dealing with so many personal doubts and they just want to keep their families safe and make a difference. Through this drive, they are separately thrown into a whirlwind of events that keep testing their limits in new ways.
The way new characters are added to the traveling group keeps things interesting and I'd say the last quarter of the action is incredibly intense. Nothing is overly graphic violence-wise and the hardships are consistent with those in the first book - nothing is glossed over but nothing is gratuitous.
Ren and Chiara go through some major character growth that we get to witness and even though things look horrible, neither is willing to give up.
KF gives every narrator (in both books) a fresh voice and keeps the protagonists relatable and likable without being perfect.
I received an ARC via NetGalley I'm exchange for this honest review.
October 15, 2021
I liked Shielded better. I’m not the biggest fan of switching main characters in a series. This book was a great example of why.
Besides the change of POV which I don’t think was necessary, the interesting scenes where skipped over and the solution to problems where solved with a “and then she told them how she solved it” (this literally happens)
I thonk this book needed some more time before it was published.
Besides the change of POV which I don’t think was necessary, the interesting scenes where skipped over and the solution to problems where solved with a “and then she told them how she solved it” (this literally happens)
I thonk this book needed some more time before it was published.
January 30, 2021
Idk how I feel about this...I love my Enzo and Jenna babies. But I cherish Ren and Chiara seems cool so maybe it’ll be better than I’m expecting.
Also when I saw this sequel before I read the first book, I was like “why did Jenna’s hair color switch? Someone made a mistake there” but now I see why haha like yikes girl
Also when I saw this sequel before I read the first book, I was like “why did Jenna’s hair color switch? Someone made a mistake there” but now I see why haha like yikes girl
February 18, 2022
I really enjoyed Shielded and jumped right into Untethered as soon as I finished it. This is a fast-paced political high fantasy series with high stakes and lots of political intrigue, scheming, and machinations, plus a touch of romance.
Warning: Reading the synopsis of Untethered and even knowing who the POV characters are in this book will spoil you for the ending of Shielded. I will be talking about both POV characters, so if you don’t want to be spoiled for Shielded then don’t continue reading this review. There are no spoilers ahead for Untethered though.
While Jenna was our protagonist in the first book, Untethered follows two new POV characters: Chiara, Princess of Turia; and Ren, king of Halendi. Jenna isn’t a POV character anymore but we do still get to see cameos of her in this story. I liked the switch of character viewpoints because I feel like I got to know the cast of characters in a whole different way in this book. I also liked having another love story with romantic tension, and we wouldn’t have gotten that if Jenna was this book’s POV character again. One small problem, however, was that at times Chiara and Ren had the same character voice, so it was hard to tell them apart. This was especially the case in the latter half of the book when the two are together and doing, thinking, and worrying about the same things. Sometimes I had to flip back to the chapter’s start to remember whose mind I was in.
We also got to see a lot more of Mari in this book, who I loved in the first book. The problem, though, is that Mari is eight years old but she’s written as if she were only four or five. Eight-year-olds are not dumb, but everyone acts like Mari’s so ignorant about all the danger going on around them, and she herself talks as if she’s just on some fun adventure and isn’t in actual mortal peril. That seemed quite unrealistic to me. I know many eight-year-olds who are wise for their age and can understand what danger is and know when they’re in an unsafe situation. I wish either Mari was written as being younger or was written as being more aware of her situation.
Both Shielded and Untethered are journey books, where the characters spend a good portion of the novel going on a physical journey across the land to reach a specific destination for a purpose that progresses the overall plot. Untethered actually has two separate journeys in it. The stories don’t necessarily fall into the hero’s journey archetype, but people who enjoy those kinds of stories will probably enjoy this duology. Aside from the journey, both books also have a good amount of court politics taking place, so these books feel like a mix of a couple different types of fantasy stories, which I thought was nice. Usually, we get one or the other but not both so prominently in one story. Journey books typically end with the characters reaching the destination and that’s the resolution, but in these books, the journey ends mid-book while the plot is still in high gear. It was a technique I feel like I haven’t seen a lot of, so it was refreshing to me.
I really wish this series had a map. I feel like it’s a detriment to these books that there’s no map to accompany them, especially since so much of the plot relies on traversing the land and knowing about specific locations and which routes to take to get there and which lands border each other. A series that talks about geography as much as this one does should definitely have a map, but it doesn’t, and that makes me sad.
My opinions on this second installment seem fairly split. There were a lot of facets of the story that I enjoyed: getting to both see old characters and get to know new characters; there being lots of adventure; lots of political intrigue, including disguises and betrayals and twists; discussions about trust, both in trusting someone to not be two-faced but also trusting someone to take care of your heart; a very slow-burn but satisfying romance; and the character arc of Chiara, a protagonist who is often viewed as weak and dismissed by the people around her but who wanted to find her strength and purpose and set out to do so without letting anyone’s expectations or opinions get in her way.
However, there were also a lot of aspects about this book that didn’t work for me: the two POV characters having similar voices; characterization traits that didn’t match the characters; the lack of a map; the fact that while this story started out fast-paced, the last 100 pages were very slow-moving and were hard for me to get through, making the pacing of the whole book feel uneven; and the book being longer than it needed to be.
Overall, I would still recommend this duology, especially the first book, Shielded, which I thought was the stronger of the two. I enjoyed the overall story and the characters, and I appreciated seeing a clean book in YA fantasy. I think KayLynn Flanders is a good writer, and I look forward to seeing what she comes out with next.
My Book Blog: Storeys of Stories
Warning: Reading the synopsis of Untethered and even knowing who the POV characters are in this book will spoil you for the ending of Shielded. I will be talking about both POV characters, so if you don’t want to be spoiled for Shielded then don’t continue reading this review. There are no spoilers ahead for Untethered though.
While Jenna was our protagonist in the first book, Untethered follows two new POV characters: Chiara, Princess of Turia; and Ren, king of Halendi. Jenna isn’t a POV character anymore but we do still get to see cameos of her in this story. I liked the switch of character viewpoints because I feel like I got to know the cast of characters in a whole different way in this book. I also liked having another love story with romantic tension, and we wouldn’t have gotten that if Jenna was this book’s POV character again. One small problem, however, was that at times Chiara and Ren had the same character voice, so it was hard to tell them apart. This was especially the case in the latter half of the book when the two are together and doing, thinking, and worrying about the same things. Sometimes I had to flip back to the chapter’s start to remember whose mind I was in.
We also got to see a lot more of Mari in this book, who I loved in the first book. The problem, though, is that Mari is eight years old but she’s written as if she were only four or five. Eight-year-olds are not dumb, but everyone acts like Mari’s so ignorant about all the danger going on around them, and she herself talks as if she’s just on some fun adventure and isn’t in actual mortal peril. That seemed quite unrealistic to me. I know many eight-year-olds who are wise for their age and can understand what danger is and know when they’re in an unsafe situation. I wish either Mari was written as being younger or was written as being more aware of her situation.
Both Shielded and Untethered are journey books, where the characters spend a good portion of the novel going on a physical journey across the land to reach a specific destination for a purpose that progresses the overall plot. Untethered actually has two separate journeys in it. The stories don’t necessarily fall into the hero’s journey archetype, but people who enjoy those kinds of stories will probably enjoy this duology. Aside from the journey, both books also have a good amount of court politics taking place, so these books feel like a mix of a couple different types of fantasy stories, which I thought was nice. Usually, we get one or the other but not both so prominently in one story. Journey books typically end with the characters reaching the destination and that’s the resolution, but in these books, the journey ends mid-book while the plot is still in high gear. It was a technique I feel like I haven’t seen a lot of, so it was refreshing to me.
I really wish this series had a map. I feel like it’s a detriment to these books that there’s no map to accompany them, especially since so much of the plot relies on traversing the land and knowing about specific locations and which routes to take to get there and which lands border each other. A series that talks about geography as much as this one does should definitely have a map, but it doesn’t, and that makes me sad.
My opinions on this second installment seem fairly split. There were a lot of facets of the story that I enjoyed: getting to both see old characters and get to know new characters; there being lots of adventure; lots of political intrigue, including disguises and betrayals and twists; discussions about trust, both in trusting someone to not be two-faced but also trusting someone to take care of your heart; a very slow-burn but satisfying romance; and the character arc of Chiara, a protagonist who is often viewed as weak and dismissed by the people around her but who wanted to find her strength and purpose and set out to do so without letting anyone’s expectations or opinions get in her way.
However, there were also a lot of aspects about this book that didn’t work for me: the two POV characters having similar voices; characterization traits that didn’t match the characters; the lack of a map; the fact that while this story started out fast-paced, the last 100 pages were very slow-moving and were hard for me to get through, making the pacing of the whole book feel uneven; and the book being longer than it needed to be.
Overall, I would still recommend this duology, especially the first book, Shielded, which I thought was the stronger of the two. I enjoyed the overall story and the characters, and I appreciated seeing a clean book in YA fantasy. I think KayLynn Flanders is a good writer, and I look forward to seeing what she comes out with next.
My Book Blog: Storeys of Stories
Want to read
December 7, 2020This duology has the most beautiful covers. 😍
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January 11, 2024This book is so frustrating!! But okay plot regardless
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