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Keeper of the Lost Cities #1-5
Keeper of the Lost Cities Collection Books 1-5 (Boxed Set): Keeper of the Lost Cities; Exile; Everblaze; Neverseen; Lodestar
A New York Times bestselling series
A USA TODAY bestselling series
A California Young Reader Medal–winning series
A telepathic girl is the key to an unknown world and it’s up to her to save it in the thrilling Keeper of the Lost Cities series. The first five books are now available as a collectible hardcover boxed set!
Sophie Foster has never quite fit into her life. The reason? Sophie’s a Telepath, someone who can read minds. No one knows her secret—at least, that’s what she thinks…
It turns out the reason Sophie has never felt at home is that, well…she isn’t. And as she sets out for a new life that is vastly different from what she has ever known, telepathy is just the first of many shocking secrets that will be revealed.
This action-packed boxed set includes hardcover editions of Keeper of the Lost Cities, Exile, Everblaze, Neverseen, and Lodestar.
A USA TODAY bestselling series
A California Young Reader Medal–winning series
A telepathic girl is the key to an unknown world and it’s up to her to save it in the thrilling Keeper of the Lost Cities series. The first five books are now available as a collectible hardcover boxed set!
Sophie Foster has never quite fit into her life. The reason? Sophie’s a Telepath, someone who can read minds. No one knows her secret—at least, that’s what she thinks…
It turns out the reason Sophie has never felt at home is that, well…she isn’t. And as she sets out for a new life that is vastly different from what she has ever known, telepathy is just the first of many shocking secrets that will be revealed.
This action-packed boxed set includes hardcover editions of Keeper of the Lost Cities, Exile, Everblaze, Neverseen, and Lodestar.
3072 pages, Hardcover
Published November 27, 2018
20 people are currently reading
609 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Messenger
31 books19.6k followersHi! I'm the NYT and USA today bestselling author of the KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES series and the SKY FALL series! And yes, I DO accept friend requests here--BUT! Please note: I *never* check my private messages here, so if you send me one, you won't get a reply. My real contact information is on my website: shannonmessenger.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
November 25, 2020
Please don't ever read this. I wrote a while ago and my views were pretty simplistic. I'm going to have to shorten and salvage it at some point, but for now let's pretend 12 year me found some other vent and never wrote this. (Wait I think I was actually 12.)
----
lmao people out there literally going specifically against my wishes and reading this and leaving comments (I deleted the one), despite the fact that I 1) explicitly requested they not do that 2) implied that my views have completely changed. Apparently some people have even less reading comprehension than I did common sense (back then and still now lol).
I'm deleting it from Goodreads so this doesn't happen again, but I will be personally saving it, so if you come back in five million years there might be a bullet list of what 12 year old me said that was so controversial. Basically, I was just learning about how absolutely terrible and unfair the world is and I used these books as a proxy to find and pick apart specifically what I was disappointed in.
Edit: Okay I skimmed the old thing and it (metaphorically) physically pains me to see it, so don't ever expect a summary of it.
----
lmao people out there literally going specifically against my wishes and reading this and leaving comments (I deleted the one), despite the fact that I 1) explicitly requested they not do that 2) implied that my views have completely changed. Apparently some people have even less reading comprehension than I did common sense (back then and still now lol).
I'm deleting it from Goodreads so this doesn't happen again, but I will be personally saving it, so if you come back in five million years there might be a bullet list of what 12 year old me said that was so controversial. Basically, I was just learning about how absolutely terrible and unfair the world is and I used these books as a proxy to find and pick apart specifically what I was disappointed in.
Edit: Okay I skimmed the old thing and it (metaphorically) physically pains me to see it, so don't ever expect a summary of it.
November 23, 2019
It's a half-decent series but there are a few things that I have issues with.
First, why, in an 'utopia',are there so many gender stereotypes? Fitz is ashamed of having a stuffed animal, and Keefe is teased for caring so much about his hair. The men and boys of the series are always being described as 'strong' and 'brave' and 'smart', while the women and girls of the series are described as 'fragile' and 'delicate'. Della also says that girls look better in dresses. She is buying into gender stereotypes.
Also, the gnomes have brown skin, and are depicted as happy helpers. SPOILER ALERT!!!! When Calla dies, Sophie's excuse for why she can't get to know any other gnomes is that 'they remind her of Calla' That's like saying that because a human you knew died, you can't make any more human friends. Given the world's history with slavery and segregation and such, it was a bad move for SM to write the gnomes with dark skin.
The whole matchmaking business is honestly kind of creepy. Bring told that 'they is a list of people you're expected to meet-and-greet, and maybe get married to and have kids eventually. If you don't conform to these expectations, you and your children will be shunned for life'.
Also, Sophie is just a little too perfect. She 'feels as if she's never really fit in, a slender blonde among a family of chubby brunettes'. I mean, that must be awful. To be amazing pretty and good at everything you do, and have boys chasing after you.
I don't mean to offend anyone with these ideas. I'm sorry if I did. Thanks for reading!
First, why, in an 'utopia',are there so many gender stereotypes? Fitz is ashamed of having a stuffed animal, and Keefe is teased for caring so much about his hair. The men and boys of the series are always being described as 'strong' and 'brave' and 'smart', while the women and girls of the series are described as 'fragile' and 'delicate'. Della also says that girls look better in dresses. She is buying into gender stereotypes.
Also, the gnomes have brown skin, and are depicted as happy helpers. SPOILER ALERT!!!! When Calla dies, Sophie's excuse for why she can't get to know any other gnomes is that 'they remind her of Calla' That's like saying that because a human you knew died, you can't make any more human friends. Given the world's history with slavery and segregation and such, it was a bad move for SM to write the gnomes with dark skin.
The whole matchmaking business is honestly kind of creepy. Bring told that 'they is a list of people you're expected to meet-and-greet, and maybe get married to and have kids eventually. If you don't conform to these expectations, you and your children will be shunned for life'.
Also, Sophie is just a little too perfect. She 'feels as if she's never really fit in, a slender blonde among a family of chubby brunettes'. I mean, that must be awful. To be amazing pretty and good at everything you do, and have boys chasing after you.
I don't mean to offend anyone with these ideas. I'm sorry if I did. Thanks for reading!
August 1, 2018
OMG WHERE DO I START?!?
First of all, I have to say, this is my favorite series I’ve ever read. I have been waiting impatiently for the next book to come out and hopefully some after that.
If you are thinking of reading this but don’t know for sure cause it seems long, go for it. You won’t regret it. I find myself on Team Sophie-Keefe. You won’t know what that means until you read it, but follow up on this and we can see which team is the strongest.
1.) Team Sophie-Keefe
2.) Team Sophie-Fitz
3.) Team Sophie-Dex
These books just don’t get worse! They just get better and better.
SO, SINCE I CANNOT SPOIL ANYTHING, PLEASE GIVE THIS FANTASTIC BOOK A CHANCE!
First of all, I have to say, this is my favorite series I’ve ever read. I have been waiting impatiently for the next book to come out and hopefully some after that.
If you are thinking of reading this but don’t know for sure cause it seems long, go for it. You won’t regret it. I find myself on Team Sophie-Keefe. You won’t know what that means until you read it, but follow up on this and we can see which team is the strongest.
1.) Team Sophie-Keefe
2.) Team Sophie-Fitz
3.) Team Sophie-Dex
These books just don’t get worse! They just get better and better.
SO, SINCE I CANNOT SPOIL ANYTHING, PLEASE GIVE THIS FANTASTIC BOOK A CHANCE!
Read
December 25, 2018😲😲😲😲😲!!!!!!!!!! So good! Without spoilers, I can tell you that it is awesome! Spoiler Alert! Book 7 is already out, and it is also amazing. I think that I would be more of a Team Sophie Fitz. For those of you that have never read the book, just trust me when I say that they grow on you fast.
Keefe is such a jokester, but that is good because he is an Empath, so he keeps everyone happy.
I was amazed at what Sophie did at the end of book 1, and I seriously, thought that she was to die.
Books 8 and 9 have not been written, but Messenger has said that she will write them. This is a series to die for. Watch Shannon Messenger, because she has a roller coaster of a series planned.😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
Keefe is such a jokester, but that is good because he is an Empath, so he keeps everyone happy.
I was amazed at what Sophie did at the end of book 1, and I seriously, thought that she was to die.
Books 8 and 9 have not been written, but Messenger has said that she will write them. This is a series to die for. Watch Shannon Messenger, because she has a roller coaster of a series planned.😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
September 12, 2020
... I have no idea what's wrong with me.
I like this book series, but I hate it. This book series is interesting, fun to read, but for some reason I hate it. I am deeply confused with myself.
Are there books where you just want to punch something after reading it? These were the books.
I like the plot and a couple of the characters, but the more I thought about this book, the more I felt like people were stuck up, crazy, and a target.
Also I think this series was kind of repetitive. Plot line in every single book (SPOILER ALERT):
Calm, decent, chaos, fight Neverseen, they don't get caught, decent life
Do you get why I don't like the plot line?
I am a girl who loves plot twists. Reason why I love The False Prince so much. But in this book series, everything was so... predictable.
Confession time: I still, for some reason, like this book. I am currently waiting for Unlocked, and really excited for it. I think Keefee is so cool.
So here is the thing: Some of the characters make this book much better. I think I read this book for the sake of them. Linh, Tam, Keefee, Silveny, and Luna&Wynn. I love them.
This is a book series where you have to finish it, no matter who you dislike and even though the plot is repetitive, it's fun.
Conclusion is that it's good, but repetitive, but is a must finish.
I like this book series, but I hate it. This book series is interesting, fun to read, but for some reason I hate it. I am deeply confused with myself.
Are there books where you just want to punch something after reading it? These were the books.
I like the plot and a couple of the characters, but the more I thought about this book, the more I felt like people were stuck up, crazy, and a target.
Also I think this series was kind of repetitive. Plot line in every single book (SPOILER ALERT):
Calm, decent, chaos, fight Neverseen, they don't get caught, decent life
Do you get why I don't like the plot line?
I am a girl who loves plot twists. Reason why I love The False Prince so much. But in this book series, everything was so... predictable.
Confession time: I still, for some reason, like this book. I am currently waiting for Unlocked, and really excited for it. I think Keefee is so cool.
So here is the thing: Some of the characters make this book much better. I think I read this book for the sake of them. Linh, Tam, Keefee, Silveny, and Luna&Wynn. I love them.
This is a book series where you have to finish it, no matter who you dislike and even though the plot is repetitive, it's fun.
Conclusion is that it's good, but repetitive, but is a must finish.
June 28, 2019
It says, "what do you think?" I really don't think I even need to explain. The amount of time I spend ranting about this says enough. This is just the best series ever (well, tied with Harry Potter) and I really want Legacy! I still have to wait months!
July 22, 2025
————————-💜🩵🧡💚💙————————-
🪄the very “innocent” half of the series :)
though it does go very downhill after Everblaze/Neverseen, which I’ll explain in the review of the second half.
🪄It’s so sweet to look back at my old reviews and reading about how happy and excited I was to start this series. it’s so funny because I thought this series was semi chill, but it’s actually the most confusing, jaw dropping children’s series out there along with Percy Jackson. I definitely love how everything actually made sense before Nightfall…? like sure, there’s a couple of things where I’m like “Shannon I thought you wrote that this was that and now it’s this?” but it’s better than the later books!
🪄anyways, this will always be one of my comfort series when I’m older along with PJO, because, it’s just so good!!!
🪄and to those who haven’t read these books:
READ IT RIGHT NOW!! it’s so entertaining and if you like/love/would sell your soul for Percy Jackson, this series is perfect for you!!!
trust me, I was a Harry Potter/Percy Jackson/ Magic Treehouse/ School of Good and Evil child now turned into KOTLC/Percy Jackson/ Hunger Games teenager :))
I will say that the first book was very traumatizing though, ifykyk😭😭😭
🪄and to those who say that Shannon copied Harry Potter, just remember that Harry Potter isn’t the only superior book series out there, and yes, this is coming from a Potterhead :)
🪄anyways thank you for reading this review which has a lot of fangirling in it, while you’re reading this I’m probably writing the review for books 6-9 :) AND YES, I AM MARKING THIS AS READ FOR MY ReAdIng ChAlLEnGe😜
🪄the very “innocent” half of the series :)
though it does go very downhill after Everblaze/Neverseen, which I’ll explain in the review of the second half.
🪄It’s so sweet to look back at my old reviews and reading about how happy and excited I was to start this series. it’s so funny because I thought this series was semi chill, but it’s actually the most confusing, jaw dropping children’s series out there along with Percy Jackson. I definitely love how everything actually made sense before Nightfall…? like sure, there’s a couple of things where I’m like “Shannon I thought you wrote that this was that and now it’s this?” but it’s better than the later books!
🪄anyways, this will always be one of my comfort series when I’m older along with PJO, because, it’s just so good!!!
🪄and to those who haven’t read these books:
READ IT RIGHT NOW!! it’s so entertaining and if you like/love/would sell your soul for Percy Jackson, this series is perfect for you!!!
trust me, I was a Harry Potter/Percy Jackson/ Magic Treehouse/ School of Good and Evil child now turned into KOTLC/Percy Jackson/ Hunger Games teenager :))
I will say that the first book was very traumatizing though, ifykyk😭😭😭
🪄and to those who say that Shannon copied Harry Potter, just remember that Harry Potter isn’t the only superior book series out there, and yes, this is coming from a Potterhead :)
🪄anyways thank you for reading this review which has a lot of fangirling in it, while you’re reading this I’m probably writing the review for books 6-9 :) AND YES, I AM MARKING THIS AS READ FOR MY ReAdIng ChAlLEnGe😜
February 21, 2019
These books are seriously amazing, and I highly reccomend them to anyone of any age. These books focus on a young girl named Sophie who is a little weird--to weird to be human. When an elf comes and whisks herself into his world, she then learns why. But threats and rebelions are rising, and Sophie must train and learn to fight back.
I really like how these stories are set up, and there is a good plot flow through all of them. Even though they kill us, Shannon Messenger has SUPER AWESOME cliff-hangers, that will hook readers to the next books. You will find youself immersed in the Elvin world, and never be able to put these down. Read these books!
I really like how these stories are set up, and there is a good plot flow through all of them. Even though they kill us, Shannon Messenger has SUPER AWESOME cliff-hangers, that will hook readers to the next books. You will find youself immersed in the Elvin world, and never be able to put these down. Read these books!
December 27, 2018
Ok so this is like my all time favorite series. I’ve read them all and can I say I LOVE THEM!!! I recommend these books to anyone who likes fantasy and adventures. It’s just so amazing that I can’t even describe it because I just love them!!! So go read them now!!! If you couldn’t tell I fell in love with this series and I’ve recommended them to many people even if they weren’t like the genre they usually read they all ended up loving them to so that’s what I have to say about these books! They are awesome! I have to say this about the whole series not just books 1-5 but books 6 and 7 to!
August 21, 2020
Keeper of the lost cities #1-5(along with the rest of the series) is an AMAZING set of books. They're about Sophie Foster 12-year-old girl with unique abilities. She has a photographic memory and can read minds. Sophie is considered a genius she is even a senior in high school. Just when you think that her life couldn't get any weirder it does...
I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves reading fantasy books.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves reading fantasy books.
June 22, 2018
It was awesome!!! I loved it! I was just wandering through the bookstore and I came to the first book. I started reading the first page I thought I should give it a try. Now I am so happy I bought the first book and now I need to wait for the seventh book, unbelievable how time flys. People really should read this and thank you, Ms. Shannon Messenger for writing these books!❤️❤️❤️
May 29, 2023
I love these books, they have a special place in my heart, but, I wish that it had less stereotypes, and at LEAST one lgbt character, please Shannon i'm begging you.
Since these books are marcketed for kids I feel like they should be a little more diverse, but, I still LOVE these books, I'm a teen and I enjoyed them so much.
Since these books are marcketed for kids I feel like they should be a little more diverse, but, I still LOVE these books, I'm a teen and I enjoyed them so much.
September 3, 2021
The thing about this series is that all the main characters don't listen to VERY sound advice from parents, with few exceptions. Basically, they are all stupid, especially Sophie. I sympathise with the adults. The world is interesting though. The plot has holes.
October 6, 2018
best. book. series. ever.
January 3, 2019
This is an amazing series. It is very unique and inspirational. This book has brought me to tears so many time. The characters are so original and the character development is great.
Most read.
Most read.
August 9, 2023
SPOILER ALERT FROM BOOK 9
ok uhm lets just say 11yo me found this series after a classmate did a book review on this one
now 14, i think its time to summarise my thoughts from book 1 to 9(?)
the main problem here is that this book is a book for a tween and it STAYS for a tween. as a person who has been waiting for each new book aft book 7 and obviously growing up at the same time, i didnt enjoy reading this particular genre anymore and i couldnt bring myself to read much of book 9 because now that im older i am unable to relate to why younger me loved it so much i made a whole website for the characters (ahem i was 11 and really bored). in book 9, i skipped all the way to the part where sophie and keefe kissed BECAUSE I AM A HARDCORE SOKEEFE FAN LIKE I HAVE SO MANY REASONS WHY KEEFE DESERVES WHOEVER HE WANTS BUT SOPHIE DOESNT DESERVE HIM
which brings us to the next problem
sophie is SO ANNOYING
i constantly wish she would shut up because her internal monologues werent helping and the constant ‘pulling at my eyelash’ to show anxiety
shes so annoying at times for example when she thinks her life is hard and all because she has special powers others dont and thats not even the worst part
she outshines everyone with her “special upgrades” almost every book and when it was happening to keefe as well (keefes mom has been brainwashing him and stuff and ofc shes part of the neverseen because no matter how much they try the neverseen is always 10 steps ahead)
really though this whole thing wouldve been much better if sophie was a more cheerful and fun person (like keefe)
the plot is also the same for almost all the books. each time the book starts, everything is ok except what happened in the prev book is nagging at her in her brain. mr forkle or neverseen sends them something that causes them to want to go and take a look and out of nowhere they either break a rule and get in trouble with the council or they have to sign a treaty to have the council let them do what they need. and then there will be all that meticulous planning no one wants to know about and after that they have a whole team standoff with the neverseen like a winx club episode and then someone gets hurt or captured or loses their ability or goes into coma. the repetitiveness makes it boring if u werent starry eyed and infatuated with keefe 🫣 whoopsies (did i mention how likeable he is tho)
the love interest/romance plot goes on forever
it has been 5 years sophie like u were 12 when u went to the lost cities and in book 7/8/8.5 alr 17. SHE STILL HASNT MADE UP HER MIND. SHES MAKING THE BOUS GO AROUND IN CIRCLES CHASING AFTER HER. its rlly another reason shes so annoying.
AND THEN keefe and fitz are stuck in a love triangle where the author constantly switches between sophies moments with fitz and keefe which i think has become a factor that makes people actually stay for the series (we all want to know who sophie ends up with)
but really keefe deserves better and its no wonder fitz treats her like that i would really want to know why the both of them are obsessed with an eyelashless whiny ‘special’ grumpy and anxious wreck.
book 8.5 was amazing because it was written frm keefe’s pov for some chapters BUT THEN SHANNON WE ALL KNOW ITS GOING TO BE SOKEEFE IF U DO THAT
so really it gets 5 stars because of the fantastic plot and the nostalgia. but really reaaallyy kudos to shannon messenger for the amazing set up of the fantasy realm and the plot twists every new book presents. safe to say, this was one of my fav nostalgics which contained and inspired so, so many of my preteen memories. this book found me friends because we finally had a common interest and it really provided me with so much comfort and joy.
ok uhm lets just say 11yo me found this series after a classmate did a book review on this one
now 14, i think its time to summarise my thoughts from book 1 to 9(?)
the main problem here is that this book is a book for a tween and it STAYS for a tween. as a person who has been waiting for each new book aft book 7 and obviously growing up at the same time, i didnt enjoy reading this particular genre anymore and i couldnt bring myself to read much of book 9 because now that im older i am unable to relate to why younger me loved it so much i made a whole website for the characters (ahem i was 11 and really bored). in book 9, i skipped all the way to the part where sophie and keefe kissed BECAUSE I AM A HARDCORE SOKEEFE FAN LIKE I HAVE SO MANY REASONS WHY KEEFE DESERVES WHOEVER HE WANTS BUT SOPHIE DOESNT DESERVE HIM
which brings us to the next problem
sophie is SO ANNOYING
i constantly wish she would shut up because her internal monologues werent helping and the constant ‘pulling at my eyelash’ to show anxiety
shes so annoying at times for example when she thinks her life is hard and all because she has special powers others dont and thats not even the worst part
she outshines everyone with her “special upgrades” almost every book and when it was happening to keefe as well (keefes mom has been brainwashing him and stuff and ofc shes part of the neverseen because no matter how much they try the neverseen is always 10 steps ahead)
really though this whole thing wouldve been much better if sophie was a more cheerful and fun person (like keefe)
the plot is also the same for almost all the books. each time the book starts, everything is ok except what happened in the prev book is nagging at her in her brain. mr forkle or neverseen sends them something that causes them to want to go and take a look and out of nowhere they either break a rule and get in trouble with the council or they have to sign a treaty to have the council let them do what they need. and then there will be all that meticulous planning no one wants to know about and after that they have a whole team standoff with the neverseen like a winx club episode and then someone gets hurt or captured or loses their ability or goes into coma. the repetitiveness makes it boring if u werent starry eyed and infatuated with keefe 🫣 whoopsies (did i mention how likeable he is tho)
the love interest/romance plot goes on forever
it has been 5 years sophie like u were 12 when u went to the lost cities and in book 7/8/8.5 alr 17. SHE STILL HASNT MADE UP HER MIND. SHES MAKING THE BOUS GO AROUND IN CIRCLES CHASING AFTER HER. its rlly another reason shes so annoying.
AND THEN keefe and fitz are stuck in a love triangle where the author constantly switches between sophies moments with fitz and keefe which i think has become a factor that makes people actually stay for the series (we all want to know who sophie ends up with)
but really keefe deserves better and its no wonder fitz treats her like that i would really want to know why the both of them are obsessed with an eyelashless whiny ‘special’ grumpy and anxious wreck.
book 8.5 was amazing because it was written frm keefe’s pov for some chapters BUT THEN SHANNON WE ALL KNOW ITS GOING TO BE SOKEEFE IF U DO THAT
so really it gets 5 stars because of the fantastic plot and the nostalgia. but really reaaallyy kudos to shannon messenger for the amazing set up of the fantasy realm and the plot twists every new book presents. safe to say, this was one of my fav nostalgics which contained and inspired so, so many of my preteen memories. this book found me friends because we finally had a common interest and it really provided me with so much comfort and joy.
May 8, 2023
I have a hard time writing this review because I am so biased. When I first read this series, it was a time when I was really disenchanted with reading and this was what made me fall in love with books all over again. That being said, I have so many issues with this series.
There are some really problematic things in the world building. The Lost Cities is painted as a "perfect society". I understand that as the series goes on Sophie learns this is not true, but still. The problem with having a fictional utopia is that Shannon Messenger actually needs to think of solutions and show how the Lost Cities are better than the human world. The elves claim that prejudice does not exist but all of the main characters in the first book are white and that doesn't really change until Tam and Lina are introduced. Technically there's Wylie in the second book, but he's more a side character until book seven and even then. It's a 'show-don't-tell' thing. Show us that the elves aren't racist, or if you don't at least point out the elves' hypocrisy in judging the humans. Or let's talk about the 'forcing carnivorous animals to be vegetarian' plot line. Thousands of people were talking about it when there was the drama around That Vegan Teacher forcing her dog to go vegan, but that's really not healthy. All it does is make the elves look stuck up and cruel and it never gets talked about in the books.
Then there's the characters... oh boy. When I was rereading the series I realized that the entire series feels like a middle school girls' wish fulfillment. Every single Sokeefe scene reads like a cringy Wattpad 'popular fictional character x reader' fanfic. In fact, Sophie's character in general feels like a poorly made OC. Biana being jealous of her for no discernible reason? Every single boy in the series having a crush on her for, once again, no discernible reason? The mile-long list of powers and abilities she has? I wouldn't go as far as to call her a Mary Sue but... it's a little too close for comfort to me. I just... I cringe so much looking at all the characters (except for Dex. Dex will always be my favorite and, yes. I do head cannon him as being gay and autistic, sue me.)
Here's something about me: I love long books. I am obsessed with Brandon Sanderson books, particularly The Stormlight Archive which is really, really long. That being said, even I have to admit the this series is too long. I think it should have ended, like, four books ago but they still keep coming. At this point I groan each time it's announced another one of these books is in the making.
Now, my last point. It's really similar to the first paragraph but it makes me so angry that it needed its own. B E A U T Y S T A N D A R D S. For some reason, Shannon Messenger decided to make it abundantly clear that elves are much prettier than dumb humans. I have more than a few problems with this. For one, look at the official art. All of the characters have the exact same body type. There's no representation for plus-sized people or even people like me who are just curvy. Because of this, it feels like Shannon Messenger is calling those bodies ugly which is just a giant no. Also, can someone say acne shaming? You see it in both this and Harry Potter... for some reason fantasy authors just love to crap on people with acne. I'm sorry, this part of the world building just makes me so mad.
In conclusion, this series is great if you are under the age of 13. If you're older than that, do yourself a favor and find something else to read.
There are some really problematic things in the world building. The Lost Cities is painted as a "perfect society". I understand that as the series goes on Sophie learns this is not true, but still. The problem with having a fictional utopia is that Shannon Messenger actually needs to think of solutions and show how the Lost Cities are better than the human world. The elves claim that prejudice does not exist but all of the main characters in the first book are white and that doesn't really change until Tam and Lina are introduced. Technically there's Wylie in the second book, but he's more a side character until book seven and even then. It's a 'show-don't-tell' thing. Show us that the elves aren't racist, or if you don't at least point out the elves' hypocrisy in judging the humans. Or let's talk about the 'forcing carnivorous animals to be vegetarian' plot line. Thousands of people were talking about it when there was the drama around That Vegan Teacher forcing her dog to go vegan, but that's really not healthy. All it does is make the elves look stuck up and cruel and it never gets talked about in the books.
Then there's the characters... oh boy. When I was rereading the series I realized that the entire series feels like a middle school girls' wish fulfillment. Every single Sokeefe scene reads like a cringy Wattpad 'popular fictional character x reader' fanfic. In fact, Sophie's character in general feels like a poorly made OC. Biana being jealous of her for no discernible reason? Every single boy in the series having a crush on her for, once again, no discernible reason? The mile-long list of powers and abilities she has? I wouldn't go as far as to call her a Mary Sue but... it's a little too close for comfort to me. I just... I cringe so much looking at all the characters (except for Dex. Dex will always be my favorite and, yes. I do head cannon him as being gay and autistic, sue me.)
Here's something about me: I love long books. I am obsessed with Brandon Sanderson books, particularly The Stormlight Archive which is really, really long. That being said, even I have to admit the this series is too long. I think it should have ended, like, four books ago but they still keep coming. At this point I groan each time it's announced another one of these books is in the making.
Now, my last point. It's really similar to the first paragraph but it makes me so angry that it needed its own. B E A U T Y S T A N D A R D S. For some reason, Shannon Messenger decided to make it abundantly clear that elves are much prettier than dumb humans. I have more than a few problems with this. For one, look at the official art. All of the characters have the exact same body type. There's no representation for plus-sized people or even people like me who are just curvy. Because of this, it feels like Shannon Messenger is calling those bodies ugly which is just a giant no. Also, can someone say acne shaming? You see it in both this and Harry Potter... for some reason fantasy authors just love to crap on people with acne. I'm sorry, this part of the world building just makes me so mad.
In conclusion, this series is great if you are under the age of 13. If you're older than that, do yourself a favor and find something else to read.
July 8, 2023
“Keeper of the Lost Cities” is an enchanting book that transports readers into a mesmerizing world where fantasy and adventure intertwine flawlessly. From the first page to the last, author Shannon Messenger weaves a tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat, yearning for more.
The story revolves around Sophie Foster, a seemingly ordinary twelve-year-old girl with an extraordinary secret. Her life takes an exhilarating turn when she discovers a hidden world filled with magical creatures, secret societies, and captivating mysteries. Messenger’s skillful storytelling immediately immerses you in this fantastical realm, painting vivid landscapes and breathing life into a diverse cast of characters.
What truly sets “Keeper of the Lost Cities” apart is the depth and complexity of its narrative. The book explores themes of identity, friendship, and the power of self-discovery. Sophie’s journey of self-acceptance and growth resonates with readers of all ages, reminding us that our differences can be our greatest strengths.
Messenger’s writing style is both engaging and accessible, making the book an enjoyable read for readers of varying levels. The pacing is impeccable, balancing moments of intense action with quieter introspective scenes, creating a perfect blend of excitement and emotional depth.
The world-building in this series is simply extraordinary. The Lost Cities, with their shimmering architecture and unique inhabitants, come alive on the page, inviting readers to lose themselves in their beauty and complexity. The attention to detail is astounding, leaving no stone unturned when it comes to crafting a truly immersive and believable setting.
Without giving away any spoilers, let me assure you that the plot twists and turns in “Keeper of the Lost Cities” will leave you breathless. Just when you think you have everything figured out, Messenger surprises you with unexpected revelations and cleverly crafted mysteries. The suspense builds with each chapter, making it nearly impossible to put the book down.
In conclusion, “Keeper of the Lost Cities” is a captivating masterpiece that will ignite your imagination and keep you eagerly turning pages until the very end. It’s a book that appeals to both young readers and adults, offering a delightful escape into a world where magic and adventure abound. If you’re seeking a thrilling and heartwarming tale, look no further than this extraordinary series.
The story revolves around Sophie Foster, a seemingly ordinary twelve-year-old girl with an extraordinary secret. Her life takes an exhilarating turn when she discovers a hidden world filled with magical creatures, secret societies, and captivating mysteries. Messenger’s skillful storytelling immediately immerses you in this fantastical realm, painting vivid landscapes and breathing life into a diverse cast of characters.
What truly sets “Keeper of the Lost Cities” apart is the depth and complexity of its narrative. The book explores themes of identity, friendship, and the power of self-discovery. Sophie’s journey of self-acceptance and growth resonates with readers of all ages, reminding us that our differences can be our greatest strengths.
Messenger’s writing style is both engaging and accessible, making the book an enjoyable read for readers of varying levels. The pacing is impeccable, balancing moments of intense action with quieter introspective scenes, creating a perfect blend of excitement and emotional depth.
The world-building in this series is simply extraordinary. The Lost Cities, with their shimmering architecture and unique inhabitants, come alive on the page, inviting readers to lose themselves in their beauty and complexity. The attention to detail is astounding, leaving no stone unturned when it comes to crafting a truly immersive and believable setting.
Without giving away any spoilers, let me assure you that the plot twists and turns in “Keeper of the Lost Cities” will leave you breathless. Just when you think you have everything figured out, Messenger surprises you with unexpected revelations and cleverly crafted mysteries. The suspense builds with each chapter, making it nearly impossible to put the book down.
In conclusion, “Keeper of the Lost Cities” is a captivating masterpiece that will ignite your imagination and keep you eagerly turning pages until the very end. It’s a book that appeals to both young readers and adults, offering a delightful escape into a world where magic and adventure abound. If you’re seeking a thrilling and heartwarming tale, look no further than this extraordinary series.
September 20, 2021
Keeper of the Lost Cities HAS to be one of my favorites! In this exciting fantasy adventure, teenage Sophie Foster learns that she is an elf ... and even more surprisingly, she is going to live in the Lost Cities. Just as she feels like she will never settle in this glittery, beautiful part of the world, serious troubles arise. A secret organization called the Neverseen is developing a mysterious plan, and Sophie doesn't know how to stop them. Join Sophie, who struggles to fit in, Dex, her best friend, Fitz, the boy whom she kind of likes, her fashion-obsessed friend Biana, shy Marella, exuberant alicorn Silveny, and the lovable Keefe as they discover what their true calling is, and how they can save the Lost Cities once and for all!
First of all, I LOVE this series! I would highly recommend this series to youth ages 10 to 13, as certain plot points would be better understood and enjoyed by this age group. The storyline is extremely cleverly planned out and it's definitely a page-turner. Each book has about 600 pages and it is nearly impossible to pry your eyes from the words. There is no wizardry/sorcery involved, and the books are clean and fairly nonviolent. There is a little bit of romance but not too much. I will tell you now that the first book is really slow. I was fairly unimpressed by it but my friends, the KOTLC fans, told me to let the series get started. After I got the second book finished, the ride was well underway and since then I have been avidly reading. I will have to say, the action and the thrill kind of abates toward the end of the series, as there is a lot more dialog than description. Furthermore Messenger, the author, also has extremely poor knowledge of horses, so some things that happen to Silveny aren't exactly scientifically correct. Then again, Silveny is an alicorn, and not a horse. Other than that, it is a great series if you are a fantasy fanatic.
First of all, I LOVE this series! I would highly recommend this series to youth ages 10 to 13, as certain plot points would be better understood and enjoyed by this age group. The storyline is extremely cleverly planned out and it's definitely a page-turner. Each book has about 600 pages and it is nearly impossible to pry your eyes from the words. There is no wizardry/sorcery involved, and the books are clean and fairly nonviolent. There is a little bit of romance but not too much. I will tell you now that the first book is really slow. I was fairly unimpressed by it but my friends, the KOTLC fans, told me to let the series get started. After I got the second book finished, the ride was well underway and since then I have been avidly reading. I will have to say, the action and the thrill kind of abates toward the end of the series, as there is a lot more dialog than description. Furthermore Messenger, the author, also has extremely poor knowledge of horses, so some things that happen to Silveny aren't exactly scientifically correct. Then again, Silveny is an alicorn, and not a horse. Other than that, it is a great series if you are a fantasy fanatic.
May 16, 2024
Im on the 6th book and are trying to rush through this so i can keep reading! i forced my mom to read the first book, and she is zipping through it! my fav book so far HAS to be the 1st book the end is the best! it is scary and a page turning adventure. the neverseen are now my enemy >:( I felt like the world was new after that book. i snached my e-reader and flew through the rest of the books. if you forgot the end here is a summery: dex and Sophie get kiddnapped by a bad guy group caled the neverseen and the get drugged and wake up in paris. then a good guy group called the black swan save their live by half un-drugging them. then sophie gets her teleporting power and teleportes away. she transmits to fitz that she is a the four seasons tree and fitz gets her and dex to elwin, the doctor, 1000000000000000000/1000000000000000000 recommend read or i shal come 4 u
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2021
IF YOU ARE READING THIS AND YOU DONT READ KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES I WILL GENUINLY BE MAD.
I LOVED Keeper of the Lost Cities! Keeper of the Lost Cities is my all time favorite book series! Something about the intensity of this series that will capture any readers eye, KOTLC is the fantasy tale of Sophie Foster who has always stuck out in the world, she was only 12 and about to go to college because she was so smart, but she has a secret, she can hear peoples thoughts, and no one knows, until one day when a boy name Fitz tells her she's not human and that's when EVERYTHING changes in Sophie's life. Drama, magic, fantasy, crushes, mystery, cliffhangers. KOTLC by Shannon Messenger has all of it, and when you get to the end of the series, you wont want to finish it.
I LOVED Keeper of the Lost Cities! Keeper of the Lost Cities is my all time favorite book series! Something about the intensity of this series that will capture any readers eye, KOTLC is the fantasy tale of Sophie Foster who has always stuck out in the world, she was only 12 and about to go to college because she was so smart, but she has a secret, she can hear peoples thoughts, and no one knows, until one day when a boy name Fitz tells her she's not human and that's when EVERYTHING changes in Sophie's life. Drama, magic, fantasy, crushes, mystery, cliffhangers. KOTLC by Shannon Messenger has all of it, and when you get to the end of the series, you wont want to finish it.
December 18, 2023
It was good.
Some skipping was needed but it really did keep me interested and I was able to enjoy my time listening to this series. I like the theme, plot, and characters. The dynamic of each and the structure of the world. I was in doubt in the beginning but I came to like most everything except for the whole Sopfitz thing. I hate that, and I'm just wishing that Keefe is the fucking one. Please. I hope the ending of this won't disappoint me.
I used the audiobook version for this.
4.6
Some skipping was needed but it really did keep me interested and I was able to enjoy my time listening to this series. I like the theme, plot, and characters. The dynamic of each and the structure of the world. I was in doubt in the beginning but I came to like most everything except for the whole Sopfitz thing. I hate that, and I'm just wishing that Keefe is the fucking one. Please. I hope the ending of this won't disappoint me.
I used the audiobook version for this.
4.6
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2022
Entertaining and addictive young adult fantasy. This book series seems to be aimed at 11-12 year olds, but I heard so many older teens talking about it (and even fighting over shared copies) that I decided to try it. Some of the cutsie dialogue was distracting, but overall I thoroughly enjoyed it!
October 1, 2025
the entire series is filled with plot holes, flat cardboard characters with very little (and poorly-done) character development, and the main character is a mary sue. the concept of a secret elf society and good reviews drew me in, but the execution was sub-par at best. this series didn't do anything for me at all.
November 7, 2023
This book is one of my favorites! It’s captivating, engaging, and unpredictable, with favorable characters and an intriguing plot! The only reason I didn’t give this book a 5/5 was because some of the characters can be to perfect, to an unrealistic and obnoxious point.
July 8, 2024
I stared this series close to when the first one came out so I have been reading as I’ve been getting older and I still love it, it is quite complicated but not too much to not be able to understand and the plot keeps making me want to read More I highly recommend.
December 8, 2024
If you searched this book for the phrase “me too” your phone would combust because of how data it would pull from the depths.
Sophie is not like other girls and there should never be 10 books in this series. It needed at most 3.
Spare yourself.
Sophie is not like other girls and there should never be 10 books in this series. It needed at most 3.
Spare yourself.
Read
March 10, 2025This series was recommended to my by a middle school student of mine. It may be my all-time favorite series for middle school. Well-written description and dialogue that explore motivation and kindness.
December 15, 2017
Absolutely wonderful book series! Has a little bit of everything, and will keep you entertained right from the first page.
June 30, 2019
🤭🤭🤭🤭😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩
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