Opening timeline for YA Fantasy

Hey guys! I am hoping you can help me with this question. ☺️

I’ve had a couple people note that in my YA Fantasy opening, they had trouble identifying a time period. Should I just build up talking about whose reign they are under/previous war timeline?

I’m hesitant because I’m not sure if these readers read YA Fantasy. The first was from an agent that I didn’t query but got my query through another agent in her agency. (I didn’t query her because I thought she didn’t want YA Fantasy and I’m not quite sure why she picked mine up but that was kind!) The second feedback was from a contest so I’m not sure what reading background they have and if it was more historical fiction.

My YA fantasy readers were confused by this feedback and said they understood it’s a made up kingdom/time. I pulled out some of my comp titles and other popular NYT YA fantasy books and they also don’t have a set year opening.

Do YA Fantasy agents like to have a made up year in the first three chapters? Or do readers prefer something more concrete? Or perhaps they just want a better sense of fantasy time? I’d love suggestions!

Thanks so much! 🥰