Stellarlune (Keeper of the Lost Cities Book 9) by Shannon Messenger

Stellarlune is the 9th book in the middle grade fantasy series, Keeper of the Lost Cities. Keefe, faced with the life-changing alterations to his abilities (yes, plural!), runs away to hide among humans, scared of how his new powers could hurt the ones he cares about. Sophie struggles to help him, and along the way confronts her own feelings that she's been reluctant to admit.

Let us start with what I liked about the latest installment in my favorite series ever before we get into the criticisms. I liked that Stellarlune continued to address more serious issues in their society like elaborating on the flaws in their matchmaking system, the Talentless label, and memory erasing. Honestly, I didn't think the secrets from the caches were worth erasing. I understand that elves' minds are delicate to violence and guilt, but their society has a problem with forgetting being the answer to uncomfortable situations. I hope changes will be made for how the council operates moving forward. I think Glimmer's character was an interesting addition that spoke to several problems in the Lost Cities' society, but at the same time I sometimes feel like there are too many of them! Stop writing such amazing characters! 

This book's main focus on was on relationships. Sophie grew into her role as a leader, and became more restless and angry over her situation. While she was criticized for it by other characters in the book, I can appreciate her reasonings. I liked how Messenger tied back into her upbringing and differences between human and elf society and linked to her past traumas. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Keefe is by far the best written and developed character that Messenger has created, and this book was no exception. He had some difficult decisions to make, faced with a power never seen before with unique and fundamentally challenging consequences to their society as a whole. The more serious and morally challenging discussions that have been become prevalent over the course of the series is something I enjoy, and I think is fitting for a maturing audience as well. I was only 14 when I first picked up the series.

Stellarlune read like a romance novel, rather than the action-packed fantasy adventure that Keeper of the Lost Cities was once known for. The majority of Stellarlune was building to a romantic relationship change, with one climatic event only at the end. I miss when the series was more about meaningful action in fighting to save the fantasy world of The Lost Cities from the Neverseen. A lot of people love the relationship emphasis and romance novels, but I dislike those. Yes, I am happy with the outcome of that and "shipped" the characters together, but I strongly prefer romance aspects to be integrated into the story, rather than taking over and derailing from the pressing matters at hand in their world to be dealt with. I miss the action and magic and adventure that the earlier books emphasized. In Nightfall, for example, book 6 was able to still discuss the love triangle (or square) but balance it with the danger and progression along the storyline. However, Stellarlune was completely out of proportion; most of the entire book was dedicated to just a romantic relationship achievement with a tiny sprinkle of mystery and fantasy. I was actually very surprised with how quickly the focus turned.

When I reviewed book 8.5, I wrote that I thought Messenger was drawing out the series, and commented that roughly only about 30% of book 8.5 was part of the story and not extra material. I still agree with that comment. After reading book 9, I believe a little reorganization would have been very beneficial; hear me out. I would have changed the order and created a book 9.5 instead of 8.5. That 30% in Unlocked of the actual story could have been inserted into Stellarlune, and I would have shoved all the teenage fretting about boys and romance, along with the excess material that was included in book 8.5, into a book 9.5. Let me know in comments what you would have thought of that rearrangement! That way, no material would have had to be cut, but rather switched in order to provide balance and provide a better natural flow to the writing. I understand that there have to be breaks for the characters and relationships do have to progress, but the previous books were far better at balancing both desires.

I actually disagree with the acknowledgment's claim that the cliffhanger was the "game changer of all the game changers! The biggest secret in the Lost Cities.” No spoilers, but I can think of a few more secrets that Sophie and her friends have uncovered over the course of the series that are more mind-boggling and climactic than how the book ended, although I agree there is a new escalation. Book 9 left off with some huge plot worries still unconcluded, with several new ones. The 10th book is supposedly the series finale. With the pacing of book 8.5 and 9, I highly doubt that Messenger will be able to wrap everything up in one more book. I hope to be proven wrong. 

You can see all my other reviews of this series here. 

Title: Stellarlune
Author: Shannon Messenger
Publisher: Aladin
Pages: 732
Series: Yes, Book 9
Rating: 3 Stars
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Unlocked (Keeper of the Lost Cities Book 8.5) by Shannon Messenger

Unlocked is book 8.5 in my favorite middle grade fantasy series, Keeper of the Lost Cities. After the 500 pages of bonus material, readers will see a shorter story picking up after Keefe's mom's actions in Legacy. Narrated by both Sophie and Keefe, Unlocked discovers Keefe's new identity and Sophie's escalating decision to take solo action against the Neverseen.

Oh. My. GOSH. If you think you can skip 8.5 and go straight to book 9, you are dead wrong. The (literally) explosive revelations and major character and plot development is shocking, and I am glad I read it! Having Keefe and Sophie alternate perspectives was a smart idea, and I love Keefe's HUGE internal conflict over the changes and new powers that his mom forced in him. Unlocked is one of the most intense moments in the series so far and is packed with a heavy load of emotion. I have never seen Keefe so vulnerable and defeated. Keefe is by-far the best written and developed character in the series; Sophie and the others feel a bit static. 

BUT, I have some major concerns and issues with what Messenger and her editors decided. It feels like Shannon Messenger is drawing out the series. There did not need to be a book 8.5. Yes, there is a major cliffhanger and there are new developments, but Messenger could have easily put the whole thing in book 9. The first 500 pages contains mostly summary information from the previous books. The majority of those pages are the Registry Files, which contain extremely detailed information about each character that is not only irrelevant and repetitive, but unrealistic. And why include it- does Messenger think her readers are suddenly going to forget? I did learn some interesting tidbits and enjoyed Keefe's detention record and the quizzes, but it easily could have been 150 pages instead of 500. 

I wish I waited for the book to be in libraries instead of buying the giant physical copy, and I would have if I knew what I was buying. Amazon claims it's the #1 New Release in Children's Friendship Books, but if we all knew that nearly 70% of the book is not the book, then I know it would be rated much less. The description is completely misleading, claiming to "delive[r] what fans of the series have been begging for! Told in an exciting new way, the saga continues with plenty of huge reveals and shocking new twists—plus a complete series guide with beautiful color and black-and-white illustrations and other awesome bonuses!". Uh, nope, a 500 page encyclopedia is not what fans have been begging for, and the order is inaccurate- this makes it sound like the the "complete series guide" is at the end with other bonuses. Heck, why didn't they flip it and put the story first? 

Barnes and Noble put at the very end "Unlocked also includes a comprehensive guide to the world of the Lost Cities"- no, Unlocked also includes the actual story! Also, if anyone got the special edition and can't find the pull-out-poster or Messenger's special artwork, take off the jacket of the book! It is beautiful. However, I am disappointed that the beautiful artworks were scenes of previous books and not particular to Unlocked. 

I have to say this is my least favorite book in the series. I highly recommend the actual story, but feel free to skip everything else along the way- or at least put it off for another time.

You can read my reviews of all the books in this series here.

Title: Unlocked 
Author: Shannon Messenger
Publisher: Aladdin

Pages: 746
Series: Yes, Book 8.5
Rating: 3 Stars
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Legacy (Keeper of the Lost Cities Book 8) by Shannon Messenger

Legacy is the eighth book in the middle grade fantasy series, Keeper of the Lost Cities. Sophie Foster is tired of endless secrets and is determined to uncover the truth about her family and her friends' legacies. As the Dwarves land in danger and Keefe ultimately launches headfirst into his destiny, Sophie must face that some mysteries might be better left unsolved.

My favorite element of Legacy is the involvement of more characters shown in different lights. Messenger has a true talent for world building with dozens of characters emphasized in balanced amounts of attention and value. In addition, I love how Messenger is able to shock me with plot twists and revelations that are extreme but also believable.

Stina had extremely interesting character development because now she is no longer simply a "mean girl" or an enemy but an alliance with a developing friendship. I also enjoyed the greater role of Maruca and other previously backseat characters. Keefe's mom has always been a mysterious villain in the sense of her devoted love for her son and righteous points of view, and her development and plan by the end was rather shocking. The introduction of Glimmer as a character is fascinating and mysterious, and I cannot wait to see what Messenger has in store for her in the next book!

I also really liked the further development of Sophie's inflicting ability. In addition, I am so happy that one of Sophie's genetic parents is revealed! As usual, Messenger wrote an incredible cliffhanger and I cannot wait to read the ninth book when it is released next year! I started reading this series back in seventh grade and it amazes me that in next November when the ninth book comes out I'll be in college already! This is a series I will always keep with me.

I will say that I did have a few issues- primarily the pacing. For 800 pages, the huge climactic event at the end seemed too short and fast paced while other parts, like the beginning of the book, were slow and drawn-out and had the potential to be removed. While I do have tremendously high standards for Messenger as this is my favorite series, I love some of the previous books, like Neverseen, more.

I recommend you read this book!

Read my previous reviews of books in this series here.

Title: Legacy (Keeper of the Lost Cities Book 8)
Author: Shannon Messenger
Publisher: Aladdin
Pages: 816
Series: Yes, Book 8
Rating: 4 Stars
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Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities Book 7) by Shannon Messenger

Flashback is the seventh book in my favorite series ever, Keeper of the Lost Cities. Sophie's adventures and troubles are far from over, as the Neverseen proves to a bigger threat than ever. Healing from her previous endeavors, Sophie and her friends will learn how to finally fight back against the impossible- but the truth of the "Vacker Legacy" is far more shocking than what anyone could have believed.

I must admit that I don't love this one as much as I loved the past six books. The major breakthroughs and climatic events were almost too mind-blowing, and the pacing was strange to say the least. For 850 pages, it could have been structured better, and there were parts that could have been taken out as well as ones that I wish were expanded upon.

However, that is not to say that I did not love this book and will re-read it over 100 times just like all the other books in the series. Flashback was angled and structured in a heavy angle toward character development and is more of a story about the setting than it is about Sophie and her struggles.

I love the large strides it took in world-development, as the map of their universe expanded. Quite frankly, the best way I can describe this book is like the filling of an Oreo; the soft, filling, part rather than the violent, hard action cookie. The filling is sweet and full of love and support and character development. In some ways Flashback was a relief from the excitement in the previous book, like Messenger took a break from the suspense and excitement and focused on developing a "filling" of the other characters and their world, so to speak. Essentially, Flashback simply expanded on previous story lines, which is probably leading into something huge in the next book.

Overall, I felt that Flashback was a very interesting addition and I still enjoyed the book (as well the result of the love triangle and who Sophie will end up with!!!); however I had some issues and it could have been better than it ended up being. Don't get me wrong- I still completely adore this series and this book, however it felt short of my very high expectations.

I do recommend this book, and highly recommend this series, as I always will.

Read my review of the previous book in this series, Nightfall.

Title: Flashback
Author: Shannon Messenger
Publisher: Aladdin
Pages: 848
Series: Yes, Book 7
Rating: 3 Stars
Goodreads

Nightfall (Keeper of the Lost Cities Book 6) by Shannon Messenger

Nightfall is the sixth book in the middle grade fantasy series, Keeper of the Lost Cities. This is my all-time favorite series, and I own all the books! Nightfall was just released last week, and I was eagerly awaiting its arrival.

Even after a devastating loss, Sophie refuses to back down. But her next dilemma hits too close to home. The Neverseen kidnap her human parents, and Sophie's human sister, Amy, barely manages to escape. After hiding Amy safely in the Lost Cities, time is of the essence for Sophie to find her family. The stakes are higher than ever for Sophie to finally unravel the secret behind Nightfall, and destroy it.

After that cliffhanger in Lodestar, waiting an entire year for this book was so hard! Picking up right at the sentence where the last book stopped, Nightfall finally does what I have been waiting six books for! And then swoops in with the biggest, most shocking plot twist of any book I have ever read! Shannon Messenger did a great job keeping me on my toes.

Because I pre-ordered this, I was fortunate enough to get the Barnes and Noble exclusive edition that included an extra story at the end from Keefe's perspective, which was awesome! Nightfall is the most emotional book in the series yet, with the most risk for characters. Sophie's family's lives are at stake, which understandably puts a ton of pressure on Sophie. Nightfall focuses heavily on the characters' relationship with each other and their own internal conflicts, and I enjoyed watching them dig deep into who they truly are. Once again, the cover art blows me away, and it really showcases the true meaning of this book, the friendship and care for one another. 

Nightfall also dives deep into what fans argue about most- the love triangle. (Or wait- is this a square?) Will Sophie end up with Dex, Keefe, or Fitz? That question gets way more complicated and is finally tackled head-on with all three boys in adorable ways. I really want her to end up with Keefe! Go Team Foster-Keefe! Normally I don't care about fandoms or mention them in reviews, but I cannot ignore it in this series. Nobody can possibly read Nightfall or this series without having a strong opinion about who she'll be with, and that's one of the reasons I love this series and Shannon Messenger. She makes her readers care strongly and feel emotionally attached to the characters. 

As one could imagine for my favorite series ever, I hold these books to a higher standard than others. I have to say that compared to the other books in this series, this one has to be 4 stars. I would have wanted more variations in the pacing of the plot and intensity, and in some chapters it felt like the book flat-lined. I also thought that some of the character development seemed far-fetched. Those are usually Messenger's biggest strengths, so I feel like Nightfall wasn't her best work. Don't get me wrong: I still really loved this book!!! It's just that compared to the others in the series, this wasn't the strongest. 

I highly recommend that you start reading the Keeper of the Lost Cities series! I cannot wait for the seventh book in Fall 2018!

Read my reviews of the past five books:

Keeper of the Lost Cities (Book 1)

Exile (Book 2)

Everblaze (Book 3)

Neverseen (Book 4)

Lodestar (Book 5)

Title: Nightfall 

Author: Shannon Messenger

Publisher: Aladdin

Pages: 800

Series: Yes, Book 6

Rating: 4 Stars

Goodreads

Lodestar (Keeper of the Lost Cities Book 5) by Shannon Messenger

I was literally jumping for joy when I received Lodestar, the fifth book in the middle grade fantasy series Keeper of the Lost Cities! I have been eagerly waiting for a year for the release of this next installment in my all-time favorite series!

Sophie and her friends have been allowed back in the Lost Cities, but nobody is safe. The Neverseen are planning something really big, and keep hurting more and more people and animals that are close to her. The only clues are from a friend who is infiltrating the Neverseen, and a symbol that even Sophie and Dex have trouble translating. When the Neverseen cross one of the biggest lines ever, and the possibility of war getting closer and closer, Sophie knows that she must act quickly.

One of my favorite things in the book was the telepathic conversations between Sophie and Keefe. Some of them went a couple pages in length at a time, and it helped to seal the gaps made by Keefe not being there. I really loved that even though the interactions with them are telepathic, this helped me connect with Keefe more in this book than the previous books.

Lodestar is the longest book in the series so far, and filled with a lot of events. There were so many things constantly happening! However, there was not an obvious difference between the small events and the bigger, main events. The only thing I would change if I was Shannon Messenger is to create a bigger distinction between the smaller events and the huge, earthshaking main events.

I am so upset about the character that died!!! I know it had to happen, but I really wish it was not this really important character. I understand why he/she died, but I wished I could reach my hand into the book and shake the character or do CPR to save his or her life. However, it takes a really amazing author to make a reader feel that way about a character. I honestly felt my eyes tear up a little bit.

The award for the author who writes the best cliffhangers in the whole world is Shannon Messenger! I always thought that the cliffhangers in the other books in this series were phenomenal, but, this one was spectacular! I need the sixth book right now! Oh, by the way, Shannon Messenger recently announced that there will be two more books!!! They will be released in Fall 2017 and Fall 2018.

I highly recommend that you read this book!

Read my reviews of the other books in this series:

• Keeper of the Lost Cities (Book 1)
• Exile (Book 2)
• Everblaze (Book 3)
• Neverseen (Book 4)

Title: Lodestar (Keeper of the Lost Cities Book 5)
Author: Shannon Messenger
Publisher: Aladdin
Pages: 688
Series: Yes, Book 5
Rating: 4 Stars
Goodreads

Neverseen (Keeper of the Lost Cities Book 4) by Shannon Messenger

I have been eagerly awaiting Neverseen, the fourth book in the incredible, middle grade fantasy series Keeper of the Lost Cities. Sophie and her friends are running away to join the Black Swan. In their new home, The Black Swan requests them to only train on their abilities. In the mist of creating new relationships and strengthening abilities, the Neverseen started a plague that will infect all the gnomes. Sophie and her friends must find a cure before the gnomes die. On top of it all, Sophie finds out that not everybody is who they say they are, and saying the three words "I trust you" could drastically change your life.

I loved reading Neverseen, and I couldn't put it down! Unlike the past three books, Neverseen does not take place in the Lost Cities, and is in a completely different environment that I was pleasantly surprised by. This book started at the moment Everblaze ended, which was unusual and helpful. It was taken in a whole new direction, and a lot of the questions that were in my head were answered in ways that I couldn't predict, and I love when authors do that.

There were a lot of conflicts, and an even mix of internal and external conflicts. In this book, Keefe was focused on, and he went through a lot of internal conflict. He is usually the one that is the most energetic and keeps everyone optimistic, but this is the book where we see the other sides of him. Like the other books in the series, I could vividly picture every detail!

I highly recommend this amazing fourth installment! The fifth book in this series will be released fall 2016. I absolutely cannot wait an entire year to read it and find out what happens next!

See my reviews of the other books in this series:

• Keeper of the Lost Cites (book 1)
• Keeper of the Lost Cities: Exile (book 2)
• Keeper of the Lost Cities: Everblaze (book 3)

Title: Neverseen (Keeper of the Lost Cities #4)

Author: Shannon Messenger
Publisher: Aladdin
Pages: 688 pages
Series: Yes, Book 4
Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads

Everblaze (Keeper of the Lost Cities Book 3) by Shannon Messenger

After I read the first book in the Keeper of the Lost Cities series last fall, I was so excited to read books 2 and 3. I requested them at my school's library, as well as the public library, but they still don't have them. I was extremely happy to receive them as a birthday present.

In book 3, Sophie Foster is tired of hiding. With her abilities stronger than ever, she is willing to do whatever it takes to solve the conspiracy and find the people who kidnapped her. Unfortunately, one decision goes too far, and leaves the world on the edge of war. She must face the truth, and realize that you have to be careful who to trust, and her worst nightmare might be closer than she ever imagined.

The cover art is pretty much the coolest ever! The second I saw the cover, I was like, "okay, this book better be as epic as that cover!" I mean seriously, falling off an exploding building? Yes, Everblaze was as great as the cover. Actually, even if I did not look at the cover, it is exactly how I would have pictured it.

Unlike books 1 and 2, the overall tone of book 3 is sad, although in a way it did help to see other sides of some of the characters, and it was still a great read. This was the longest book in the series so far, and the most dramatic. I really liked how much friendship was in it. Friendship is a strong element in the series, and I felt that Everblaze took it further than the others, and really showed how much they cared for each other. My favorite book in this series is book 1, but all three books are super!

The author, Shannon Messenger, said on her website that she is not sure if there will be a book 5, and that depends partly on the sales of her books. Please tell everyone you know about this awesome middle grade fantasy series! I highly recommend getting the box set of books 1-3 that comes out on August 25, 2015. I am so excited to read the fourth book, Neverseen, that comes out in November 2015!!!

See my reviews of the other books in the series:

• Keeper of the Lost Cites (book 1)
• Keeper of the Lost Cities: Exile (book 2)

Title: Keeper of the Lost Cities: Everblaze
Author: Shannon Messenger
Publisher: Aladdin
Pages: 624 pages
Series: Yes, Book 3
Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads

Exile (Keeper of the Lost Cities Book 2) by Shannon Messenger

After I read Keeper of the Lost Cities, I was so exited to read more in this middle grade fantasy series. The adventures of Sophie Foster continue in the incredible second book, Exile. Sophie Foster is an elf, and was raised by humans. She has incredible powers, and with the mix of the two kinds of DNA, her abilities are even more rare and special than anyone ever thought. So special, that hidden secrets and abilities that nobody knows of are stored in her brain.

Sophie has just recovered from some traumatic events and is finally feeling safe again. She even gets to train the only female alicorn in the whole world! Unfortunately, things take a toll for the worst when the secretive group of the Black Swan contacts her once again. She takes a huge risk- one that ends up to be the difference between life and death. In order to save some she loves, Sophie must find a way to face her fears and unlock a secret in herself that could change the world.

A thing that I love about Exile is the fact that it feels like an extension of the first book. In a lot of books I read that are series, each book is different, and really doesn't fit with the first. But this one could really just be added on to the first and it would not make much difference! Also, a lot of second books make it feel like you are forgetting something, or like "when did that happen?" but this was not like that at all. I was worried that I might of forgot some things, but in the beginning it kind of summarizes all the major events that had happened.

Everything flowed together nicely, and nothing felt rushed or too slow. Given how great the first book was, I was scared that this one might not be able to live up to it, but I was wrong. The book was just as good, and maybe even better. The ending of Exile ended at the right time and fully concluded an adventure, while at the same time starting a new one.

I am super excited to read and review book three. I highly, highly, highly recommend this book, and this series.

Read my review of the first book in the Keeper of the Lost Cities series.



Title: Keeper of the Lost Cities: Exile
Author: Shannon Messenger
Publisher: Aladdin
Pages: 576 pages
Series: Yes, Book 2
Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads

Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger

In my opinion, Keeper of the Lost Cities is the best fantasy book for teens. 12-year-old Sophie Foster has been living with humans her entire life, but has always thought she was "something other." Sophie has a very rare ability to read minds without even trying. Then, she meets Fitz, a strange boy who can also read minds, and informs Sophie that she is a telepath, and that she is an Elf. Sophie is forced to leave behind everything and move to a world where she does fit in, with a ton of unanswered questions.

I discovered this book by browsing my public library. Its title and cover caught my attention immediately. I have read this book over and over and over, and each time I want to read it again. I absolutely guarantee that you will be laughing at Sophie's reactions and mistakes. The amount of detail in the book is amazing, and with twists and turns you never expect what happens. Keeper of the Lost Cities really made me think, and I was thrilled to find that it was better than I ever thought it could be. 

This is the first book in this series, and there are currently three books out, with the fourth coming in November 2015. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves fantasy!

Title: Keeper of the Lost Cities
Author: Shannon Messenger
Publisher: Aladdin
Pages: 496 pages

Series: Yes, Book 1
Rating: 5 Stars

Goodreads