Author: Shannon Messenger
Published: October 2nd, 2012
Series: Keeper of the Lost Cities #1
Genre: MG fantasy
Publisher: Aladdin
POV: 3rd person
Pages: 496
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased
Rating: 4 out of 5
"Twelve-year-old Sophie Foster has a secret. She’s a Telepath—someone who hears the thoughts of everyone around her. It’s a talent she’s never known how to explain.
Everything changes the day she meets Fitz, a mysterious boy who appears out of nowhere and also reads minds. She discovers there’s a place she does belong, and that staying with her family will place her in grave danger. In the blink of an eye, Sophie is forced to leave behind everything and start a new life in a place that is vastly different from anything she has ever known.
Sophie has new rules to learn and new skills to master, and not everyone is thrilled that she has come “home.” There are secrets buried deep in Sophie’s memory—secrets about who she really is and why she was hidden among humans—that other people desperately want. Would even kill for."
Highlights: The characters are the strongest aspect of this story, as they are utterly charming and memorable (Keefe, I adore you). The settings in KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES are vivid and enchanting. Plus, there's even a bit of mystery, a dash of thrilling adventures, some fun pranks, a fantastical boarding school that I wish I could attend, and a healthy dose of magical awesomeness. Messenger gives her debut some tiny fresh and creative twists, so nothing is quite what we readers (or even Sophie) would initially expect. KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES gives readers a glimpse into a fun world and an incredible set of characters that will leave you eager for more.
Lowlights: The title seems a bit misleading. While other characters do mention Keeper's, it's a very small part of this story (and likely a much larger part of future books). I also had a little Harry Potter déjà vu regarding some aspects of the story. That isn't necessarily good because Messenger's writing, while very fun and pleasing to read, is nowhere near JK Rowling status.
It's always fun to come across a world that you truly wish you could be part of!! This one does looks like the start of a great series.
ReplyDeleteAgreed! I so wish I could spend some time in this novel's world :)
DeleteRight on. Well put. I love this review.
ReplyDeleteWhy, thank you, Juju! :D
DeleteSounds like a good book to recommend to my nieces and nephews. I love the quick review style. I've been thinking of implementing something similar on my blog.
ReplyDeleteIt's a fun book - you should definitely recommend it!
DeleteThanks! I decided to make shorter reviews a bit easier on myself, and I'm liking this style so far.
great review this has been on my list
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteIt's on my to be read list! I can't wait to read it! I justlove MG reads. :) Great review.
ReplyDeleteMG reads are always so much fun. Hope you enjoy it when you get a chance to read KotLC!
DeleteThe characters sound great, but sorry you felt mislead, I can see how that could happen.
ReplyDeleteBrandi @ Blkosiner’s Book Blog
It was a small issue. I was surprised by how little Keepers had to do with the story, considering the title!
DeleteReally concur with the lowlights-I was expecting a lot more about the keepers than we actually got.
ReplyDeleteSurprising, right? I really thought, considering the title, it was going to be this HUGE thing, but it was barely in this story. Maybe the next book!
DeleteYeah, the HP comparison can go both ways... I mean, it's nice because who doesn't love an HP feel, but then again, it's going to fail every time in comparison. Still, I look forward to reading this sometime because it does sound like a story I will enjoy. Nicely reviewed, Lea.
ReplyDeleteAgreed! But KEEPER is still a really fun book, I'd recommend it! :)
DeleteGreat review sweetie. <3 I'm glad you mostly loved this book :D I just loved it so much, and the characters were perfect. I loved Fitz. <3 Hih :) But yeah, I do understand what you mean about the lowlights. Still. I did love it :) Thank you for sharing. <3
ReplyDelete