By Sophia Doan & Blake Kim
Keeper of the Lost Cities, written by Shannon Messenger, is a nostalgic, action-packed series full of mind-reading, action, love triangles and illegal organizations. KOTLC was both of our favorite series when we were younger, and the books stand the test of time when reading them again. However, when we read reviews, several negative critiques were constantly shoved in our faces, shocking our poor innocent minds.
“Harry Potter Rip Off”
“Bad Morals”
“I hate this book”
These frightening reviews were shocking, even jaw-dropping, seeing as Keeper of the Lost Cities is undoubtedly the best series to ever be written.
In the first book, we stumble upon our 12-year-old protagonist, Sophie Foster. She lives with a typical family, hiding an intriguing secret: she has the ability to read minds. Despite concealing her sensational, yet painful power her whole life, one day a teenage boy appears and discovers her secret. Fitz, the charming boy, who is also a telepath, brings her to a hidden world of elves, goblins, and hidden cities, a place Sophie never dreamed to be real.
Throughout Messenger’s book series, Sophie meets lifelong friends, makes dangerous enemies and questions her identity as she not only discovers her hidden past, but searches for answers about her future. Her constant internal and external conflicts always keeps the reader entertained, full of life lessons and amusing scenes.
Although the plot drives the story, and the talents and enemy tactics are quite interesting, one sole question arises: Team Fitzphie or Team Foster-Keefe? With a love triangle that twists and turns, (teal eyes or good hair??), it’s impossible not to get caught up in the romance and ships, all while shaking your head at Sophie’s obliviousness.
Fitz, a charming, talented, and polite young man, may possibly fulfill Sophie’s needs. The first person to help her transition from the human to the elf world, he always shows compassion, and never fails to comfort her when she feels down. However, as the series progresses, he proves to be rude, annoying, and not as charming as he once appeared to be.
Keefe, on the other hand, a funny, empathetic, and witty young man, always knows how to make Sophie laugh. His stunning looks and hilarious personality make him an obvious choice for our protagonist. Even after making some bad decisions (which were done to protect her), he continues to prove why he is the better choice for Sophie.
Obviously, Team Foster-Keefe is endgame!!
We recommend Keeper of the Lost Cities for all ages, once you pick up this action-packed, romance-filled, hilarious novel, you’ll never be able to put it down.