Tag: shannon messenger

Book Review: Keeper of the Lost Cities The Graphic Novel: Part 1 (Keeper of the Lost Cities The Graphic Novels #1) by Shannon Messenger

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: MG Fantasy
Length: 352 pages
Author: Shannon Messenger
Publisher: Aladdin
Release Date: November 7th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

The first book in the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling Keeper of the Lost Cities series is being reimagined as a graphic novel with the first half of the epic novel adapted to this new format with beautiful artwork!

Twelve-year-old Sophie Foster has never quite fit into her life. She’s skipped multiple grades and doesn’t really connect with the older kids at school, but she’s not comfortable with her family, either. The reason? Sophie’s a Telepath, someone who can read minds. No one knows her secret—at least, that’s what she thinks…

But the day Sophie meets Fitz, a mysterious (and adorable) boy, she learns she’s not alone. He’s a Telepath too, and it turns out the reason she has never felt at home is that, well…she isn’t. Fitz opens Sophie’s eyes to a shocking truth, and she is forced to leave behind her family for a new life in a place that is vastly different from what she has ever known.

This stunning graphic novel retelling of the first half of the thrilling first novel comes to life with all the adventure and epic worldbuilding the Keeper of the Lost Cities series is known for.

Thank you to Simon Kids for the gifted copy!

THIS WAS FUN.

I have enjoyed reading this series over the years and think it was fun to see Keeper of the Lost Cities transformed into a graphic novel. I think it covered the necessary points from the beginning of book one (though I admit that could be because I have prior knowledge since I read book one before the graphic novel). I like that this makes it more accessible for younger readers who may not feel up for 600+ page books just yet.

I thought the art was amazing and it still held that same charm from the series. I look forward to seeing the future installments in this format.

Overall audience notes:

  • MG Graphic Novel
  • Language: none
  • Romance: none
  • Violence: low

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

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Rating: ★★★☆
Audience: YA Fantasy
Length: 732 pages
Author: Shannon Messenger
Publisher: Aladdin
Release Date: November 8th, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Sophie Foster changed the game.

Now she’s facing impossible choices:
When to act.
When to trust.
When to let go.

Her friends are divided and scattered, and the Black Swan wants Sophie to focus on their projects. But her instincts are leading her somewhere else.

Stellarlune—and the mysterious Elysian—might be the key to everything. But finding truth in the Lost Cities always requires sacrifice. And as the Neverseen’s plans sharpen into terrifying focus, it appears that everyone has miscalculated. The Lost Cities’ greatest lie could destroy everything. And in the battle that follows, only one thing is certain: nothing will ever be the same.

HMM.

This is the first time I’ve been disappointed in one of these books (and of course it’s book NINE).

Here’s the thing. I live for character growth. Love it, it consumes most my reviews because I love progression. Sophie is finally exhibiting that but often it came off…poorly. More childish (which I get, she is still young), and like she was trying too hard. Some of the subtly was great, I think this whole book needed a softer tone rather than A LOT of time spent arguing.

Also, sweet baby Keefe. Once he was on page things got progressively better. This again, took waaaaay too long with not enough happening prior to carry SEVEN HUNDERED+ pages. I looooved the last 30% where the conversations needed were had, the romance got its due, and there was actual action with a big cliffhanger.

I just don’t think these books have to be as long as they do. I did enjoy this, even though I know this review reads heavily covered in saltyness.

Overall audience notes:

  • Young Adult Fantasy
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: medium
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of life

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Book Review: Unlocked (Keeper of the Lost Cities #8.5) by Shannon Messenger

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: YA Fantasy
Length: 764 pages
Author: Shannon Messenger
Publisher: Aladdin
Release Date: November 17th, 2020
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Book 8.5 in the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling Keeper of the Lost Cities series delivers 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!

In this extra special installment of the Keeper of the Lost Cities series, the story picks up right from Legacy’s particularly devastating cliffhanger. But chapters alternate between Sophie and Keefe’s perspectives to give readers deeper insights into both beloved characters. New powers will be discovered. Hard truths from the past will come to light. And all of your favorite characters will find themselves tested in ways they never imagined.

And that’s not all!

Unlocked also includes a comprehensive guide to the world of the Lost Cities, featuring new character and world details that have never been revealed before—plus fun bonuses like Keeper-themed recipes, a detailed map of the Lost Cities, gorgeous full-color illustrations, and so much more!

KEEFE.

That’s pretty much why I loved reading this.

Otherwise, I’m not sure of the necessity? I did have fun revisiting characters and events. And it’s set up in a great way. I think this would appeal to younger audiences rather than it did for me (I still love the BOOKS in this series). There’s fun recipes, and did really love the colored art too.

I enjoyed the novella and LOVED getting Keefe’s perspective. It is a critical read before the next book and had some tidbits that I can’t way to see unfurl.

Overall audience notes:

  • YA Fantasy
  • Language: none
  • Romance: flirting
  • Violence: medium
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: physical and magical violence

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Book Review: Legacy (Keeper of the Lost Cities #8) by Shannon Messenger

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: YA Fantasy
Length: 797 pages
Author: Shannon Messenger
Publisher: Aladdin
Release Date: November 5th, 2019
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Illusions shatter—and Sophie and her friends face impossible choices—in this astonishing eighth book in the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling Keeper of the Lost Cities series.

Sophie Foster wants answers. But after a lifetime of lies, sometimes the truth is the most dangerous discovery. Even the smallest secret comes with terrifying new responsibilities.

And Sophie’s not the only one with blank spots in her past, or mysteries surrounding her family. She and her friends are part of something much bigger than they imagined—and their roles have already been chosen for them.

Every clue drags them deeper into the conspiracy. Every memory forces them to question everything—especially one another. And the harder they fight, the more the lines blur between friend and enemy.

ILLEGAL CLIFFHANGER ALERT.

I am still enjoying this series 8 books later and I love that for me.

KEEFE. He’s still my absolute favorite and I love him so much and I need him to have all the happiness. All the happiness. EVERYTHING HE WANTS OKAY.

The plot was steady here and I am so flippin’ grateful we finally got some answers to Sophie’s history that were much needed. I was super surprised by the who’s and what’s and I hope we get the rest of the information I neeeeeed.

I did think that this was a bit too long. A few scenes felt repetitive and I was stuck on a merry go round waiting for the next something to occur. I do love these characters and the found family aspects they give each other. How adults and teenagers are working together to benefit everyone. I’m continually curious about the antagonists dynamics and I can’t wait for those reveals to be forthcoming.

The cliffhanger left me on edge. Gotta get the next book in my hands ASAP.

Overall audience notes:

  • YA Fantasy
  • Language: none
  • Romance: flirting
  • Violence: medium
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: physical and magical altercations, small battle scenes, kidnapping, medical experimentation

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