If you or your kids love fantasy adventures filled with magic, mystery, and unforgettable characters, Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger is a series you absolutely need to check out. With its gripping storytelling, fascinating world-building, and beloved characters, this middle-grade fantasy series has captivated readers of all ages.
We also love the audiobooks! The Keeper of the Lost Cities series is the perfect companion for a cozy puzzle night or a long family road trip. With its captivating storytelling, magical world-building, and action-packed adventures, these audiobooks will keep everyone entertained!
Whether you're new to the series or looking for a refresher, this guide will walk you through the Keeper of the Lost Cities books in order, along with a summary of each installment to help you navigate the journey.
What is Keeper of the Lost Cities About?
The Keeper of the Lost Cities series follows Sophie Foster, a twelve-year-old girl who has always felt different from everyone around her. She has an unusually advanced intellect and the ability to hear people's thoughts—a secret she's kept for years. When she meets Fitz Vacker, a mysterious and charming boy, Sophie discovers that she is actually an Elf and belongs in a hidden world filled with other magical beings.
Whisked away to the Lost Cities, Sophie embarks on an adventure filled with danger, secrets, and a battle between powerful factions. As she navigates her new life, Sophie must uncover the truth about her origins, her abilities, and the dark forces threatening her world.
The Keeper of the Lost Cities Books in Order
1. Keeper of the Lost Cities (2012)
This is where it all begins! Sophie Foster learns that she is not human but an Elf with incredible telepathic abilities. She is introduced to the Lost Cities, a hidden world filled with magic and mystery. As she adjusts to her new life at Foxfire, the elite school for young elves, Sophie realizes that she has a connection to a secret organization and a past she doesn’t fully understand. As she uncovers hidden truths, danger follows her, leading to a thrilling adventure.
2. Exile (2013)
Sophie’s powers continue to grow as she bonds with a mythical Alicorn named Silveny. But with this rare creature under her care, Sophie becomes a target for those who want to use the Alicorn for their own means. Meanwhile, her abilities put her in more danger than ever before, leading to shocking discoveries about her past and the true scope of her powers.
3. Everblaze (2014)
The tension rises as Sophie and her friends try to expose the Neverseen, a dangerous rebel group. With new secrets coming to light, Sophie faces betrayal, heartache, and tough decisions. As she takes bold risks to uncover the truth, the adventure intensifies, setting the stage for even greater battles to come.
4. Neverseen (2015)
Sophie takes a stand against the Neverseen, joining forces with the Black Swan to fight against their enemies. As her abilities continue to evolve, she faces challenges that test her loyalty, friendships, and courage. This installment takes readers deeper into the war brewing in the Lost Cities.
5. Lodestar (2016)
The battle between Sophie’s allies and the Neverseen grows more intense. As Sophie and her friends struggle to piece together the mysteries surrounding her past, they must also navigate shifting alliances and betrayals. This book marks a turning point in the series, as the stakes become higher than ever.
6. Nightfall (2017)
With her world on the brink of destruction, Sophie and her friends race against time to stop the Neverseen from carrying out their ultimate plan. Meanwhile, Sophie learns shocking revelations about the Black Swan’s true intentions. The action in this book is nonstop, making it one of the most intense installments in the series.
7. Flashback (2018)
After a devastating attack, Sophie is left dealing with the fallout while continuing to fight against the Neverseen. Relationships are tested, secrets are unraveled, and the story takes an emotional turn as Sophie grapples with her responsibilities and feelings for her closest friends.
8. Legacy (2019)
Sophie must finally confront the truth about her past and the legacy she carries. With her abilities more powerful than ever, she makes a game-changing decision that could alter the fate of the Lost Cities forever. The emotional depth of this book makes it one of the most impactful in the series.
9. Stellarlune (2022)
In this book, Sophie faces the toughest challenges yet as she discovers new truths about the world she thought she understood. As betrayals unfold and alliances shift, Sophie must make choices that will determine the future of the Lost Cities.
9.5 Unravled(2024)
Keefe embarks on a journey that takes him deep into Humanland, far from the Lost Cities and everything he knows. But what he finds is more than he ever expected—mysteries that challenge everything he thought he knew about himself, allies who push him to grow in unexpected ways, and a truth so powerful it might just change his fate forever.
Why You Should Read Keeper of the Lost Cities
The Keeper of the Lost Cities series is an absolute must-read for fans of fantasy, adventure, and compelling characters. Here’s why you should pick it up:
- Engaging World-Building – The Lost Cities are filled with fascinating creatures, powerful abilities, and intricate politics.
- Action-Packed Storyline – Each book is filled with thrilling twists, intense battles, and mysteries that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
- Strong Character Development – Sophie’s journey from a confused girl to a powerful heroine is inspiring. Plus, the friendships and relationships in the series are heartfelt and realistic.
- Perfect for All Ages – While it’s categorized as middle-grade, readers of all ages have fallen in love with this series.
What to Read If You Love Keeper of the Lost Cities
If you enjoy the Keeper of the Lost Cities series, here are some other books you might love:
📚 Percy Jackson & the Olympians by Rick Riordan – A fast-paced fantasy series with humor, action, and mythology. My son read the first one in school this year and then quickly devoured the whole series!
📚 The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani – A magical academy, friendships, and a battle between good and evil. I love this series and it's available on Kindle Unlimited!
📚 The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann – A blend of fantasy, dystopia, and adventure for fans of magical schools and hidden worlds.
📚 Fablehaven by Brandon Mull – A hidden sanctuary for mystical creatures, filled with secrets and magical discoveries. There were a huge hit with our oldest!
Final Thoughts & Where to Start
The Keeper of the Lost Cities series is an incredible journey filled with magic, mystery, and heart. Whether you're just starting or catching up before the final book releases, now is the perfect time to dive in!
Start with Book 1: Keeper of the Lost Cities
Have you read Keeper of the Lost Cities? Who’s your favorite character? Drop a comment below—I’d love to chat about it!
