Book Review: Flashback (Keeper of the Lost Cities #7) by Shannon Messenger

February 21, 2023September 26, 2022 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: MG/YA Fantasy
Length: 850 pages
Author: Shannon Messenger
Publisher: Aladdin
Release Date: November 6th, 2018
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

In this unforgettable seventh book, Sophie must let the past and present blur together, because the deadliest secrets are always the ones that get erased.

Sophie Foster doesn’t know what—or whom—to believe. And in a game with this many players, the worst mistake can be focusing on the wrong threat.

But when the Neverseen prove that Sophie’s far more vulnerable than she ever imagined, she realizes it’s time to change the rules. Her powerful abilities can only protect her so far. To face down ruthless enemies, she must learn to fight.

Unfortunately, battle training can’t help a beloved friend who’s facing a whole different danger—where the only solution involves one of the biggest risks Sophie and her friends have ever taken. And the distraction might be exactly what the villains have been waiting for.

STILL LOVING THIS SERIES.

This is easily my favorite middle grade series. I’m seven books in and I have enjoyed everyone of them so much.

Though, Flashback did get off to a slow start. There was a lot of time spent on recover and healing from the end of the last book. And that’s fine! But 200 pages worth was a long time to get things going.

I have also found myself on the wrong side of the love triangle at present. I WILL continue to hold out hope right now that things will change! I do admit that there were some cute scenes with both of our main heroes though.

Sophie is still a wonderful main character. There’s some growing pains, but I feel that’s very expected reading a MG, young YA book. Messenger has written all of these characters in such a way that you feel their youth and the push and pulls of life that only get stronger as you grow up, WITHOUT making me feel like I want to roll my eyes and be annoyed at everything occurring. It’s amazing and continues to bring me back to this series.

I don’t want to say much more for fear of accidentally spoiling since this is a far into the series. I recommend giving these a try sometime!!

Overall audience notes:

MG/YA Fantasy
Language: none
Romance: cheek kisses
Violence: high
Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of loved ones, battle scenes, physical altercations, loss of life, kidnapping

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

January 17, 2023June 27, 2022 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: MG Fantasy
Length: 801 pages
Author: Shannon Messenger
Publisher: Aladdin
Release Date: November 7th, 2017
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Sophie and her friends face battles unlike anything they’ve seen before in this thrilling sixth book of the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling Keeper of the Lost Cities series.

Sophie Foster is struggling. Grieving. Scrambling. But she knows one thing: she will not be defeated.

The Neverseen have had their victories—but the battle is far from over. It’s time to change tactics. Make sacrifices. Reexamine everything. Maybe even time for Sophie to trust her enemies.

All paths lead to Nightfall—an ominous door to an even more ominous place—and Sophie and her friends strike a dangerous bargain to get there. But nothing can prepare them for what they discover. The problems they’re facing stretch deep into their history. And with time running out, and mistakes catching up with them, Sophie and her allies must join forces in ways they never have before.

In this spectacular sixth book in the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling Keeper of the Lost Cities series, Sophie must uncover the truth about the Lost Cities’ insidious past, before it repeats itself and changes reality.

STILL LOVING.

Another great installment for this series. This is one of the very few middle grade fantasy books that have continually kept my attention.

I adored Sophie. It never ceases to amaze me how incredible Messenger is at writing a character that fits the age group, AND doesn’t feel overly dramatic or eye roll worthy. Sophie is someone I love cheering on and her found family group of friends are incredible.

The romance actually had a few moments throughout in this one. What I appreciated most was the conversations that happened surrounding first kisses. It eliminated the space for miscommunication and Sophie and (won’t say because spoilers) were able to talk and figure out what was best for their relationship moving forward.

This plot is continually weaving into tight knots that I don’t know how escape will come. The action keeps me on my toes and I find so many of these antagonists interesting. I like the flair and dynamics of it all.

Overall audience notes:

Middle grade fantasy
Language: none
Romance: kiss
Violence: mild
Trigger/Content Warnings: physical and magical altercations, near death experiences, kidnapping and mentions of medical experimentation

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

November 12, 2022August 14, 2022 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: MG Fantasy
Length: 688 pages
Author: Shannon Messenger
Publisher: Aladdin
Release Date: November 1st, 2016
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Dark schemes unfold–and Sophie’s loyalty is pushed to the limit–in this thrilling fifth book in the best-selling KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES SERIES.

Sophie Foster is back in the Lost Cities–but the Lost Cities have changed. The threat of war hangs heavy over her glittering world, and the Neverseen are wreaking havoc.

The lines between friend and enemy have blurred, and Sophie is unsure whom to trust. But when she’s warned that the people she loves most will be the next victims, she knows she has to act.

A mysterious symbol could be the key–if only she knew how to translate it. Every new clue seems to lead deeper into her world’s underbelly and the Black Swan aren’t the only ones who have plans. The Neverseen have their own Initiative, and if Sophie doesn’t stop it, they might finally have the ultimate means to control her.

NEW FAV.

This is definitely a new favorite of this series. I don’t know why I haven’t swung back around to moving through these books but with a new one out soon I want to get caught up!

I LOVE that these are written so well for this age group, and yet appeal to older audiences too. You feel the struggles of 14/15 year-old’s who have way too much on their plates, but also the love and support from parents and caregivers around them. I love the fierce friendships and loyalty to themselves. These kind of attributes are what I look for in middle grade, young YA fantasy and this series continually delivers.

The plot exploration grew and rarely felt stagnant. I liked the mix of action alongside smoother moments. Anytime KEEFE was on page I was paying attention. He’s one of my favorites. I liked seeing new sides to Sofie and the way this story is continually thickening. It’s a truly great fantasy series that makes it easy to fly through these massive books.

Overall audience notes:

MG Fantasy
Language: none
Romance: flirting
Violence: mild
Trigger/Content Warnings: mentions of past kidnappings, near death experiences, not overly bloody or gory but physical and magical violence is present, loss of a loved one

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

September 21, 2022October 29, 2021 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ☆☆☆
Audience: MG Fantasy
Length: 672 pages
Author: Shannon Messenger
Publisher: Aladdin
Release Date: November 3rd, 2015
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Sophie is ready to uncover the truth behind her telepathy in this adventure-filled fourth book in the Keeper of the Lost Cities series.
Sophie Foster is on the run—but at least she’s not alone.

Her closest friends from the Lost Cities have gone with her to join the Black Swan. They still have doubts about the shadowy organization, but the only way to find answers is to start working with them. And as they settle into their new lives, they uncover secrets far bigger than anything they’d imagined.

But their enemies are far from done, and unleash a terrifying plague that threatens the safety of an entire species. Sophie and her friends fight with everything they have—with new allies joining them—but every choice has consequences. And trusting the wrong person could prove deadly.

In this game-changing fourth book in the Keeper of the Lost Cities series, Sophie must question everything to find a truth that will either save her world—or shatter it.

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD.

Long series always seem to have one book that’s eh, okay. And I think that’s Neverseen.

I liked the beginning and take-off into learning more about the Black Swan group. Though I feel like I still don’t know them well enough?? Or the group Neverseen? Everything is shrouded in mystery that feels drawn out (with 700 pages of reading).

Sophie is evolving and growing. She’s impulsive and a bit hot-headed. But I enjoy the counter balance of her actually feeling like a 14 year old without the dramatics that cause eye rolls. Sophie’s learning and I love a good character arc.

The middle was looooong. Going to a different school and a few other scenes didn’t seem necessary. They sort of pushed the plot, yet could have been left out and I would have been none the wiser. I liked the ending and the set-up for the next book. I think there’s a lot more going on then we’ve been led to believe at the moment and I’ll continue the series for now.

Overall audience notes: