Keeper of the Lost Cities: Unlocked by Shannon Messenger

Amisha | Biotechnology High School, Grade 9

Rating: ***

Shannon Messenger is the beloved author of the “Keeper of the Lost Cities” series and she just published another installment, book 8.5. This book is unlike the other eight books in the series since it is a guide to the Lost Cities, the fictitious world of elves. Messenger explains various aspects of the Lost Cities such as character roles, world-building information, while also including exclusive art. Furthermore, this book includes a novella that picks up right after the tortuous cliffhanger of book eight, “Legacy.” In the series, Sophie Foster and her friends are allied with a secret organization, The Black Swan, to stop The Neverseen, a rebel group. After much struggle, Sophie knows it is time to take matters into her own hands. The novella starts with Keefe still in the Healing Center and Sophie more desperate than ever to try to one up the enemy. In Messenger’s “Keeper of the Lost Cities: Unlocked,” the readers are encompassed in another electrifying book that is close to perfection.

Messenger’s characters are what really makes this entire series enjoyable especially in this novella as it alternates Sophie’s point of view (as usual) and we also get a glimpse into Keefe’s mind through his POV chapters. Most of Messenger’s characters are very dynamic and unique which is something that allows the readers to fully connect and empathize with them. Additionally, since Sophie has many friends, some of them have been left out in the previous books, however, in this novel that was remedied. We got to see a lot more or our favorite technopath, Dex Dizznee! Moreover, we get to hear from a new character, Glimmer, who was introduced in “Legacy” right before the cliffhanger. All these aspects make this new addition to the series very delightful and a true pleasure to read.