Keeper of the Lost Cities Collection Books 1-5 (Boxed Set): Keeper of the Lost Cities; Exile; Everblaze; Neverseen; Lodestar

My 9 year old is an advanced reader who loves fantasy chapter books. She has read all Rick Riordan Books and the Wings of Fire series. We happened to get the first book of Wings of Fire as a reward for a summer reading program she did at Barnes and Nobles, and we fell in love with the characters. Keefe is our favorite trouble maker, and Fitz is my daughter’s favorite golden boy, and my son loves Dex. My daughter loves books with female leads, and they are hard to find. The lead character Sofie is relatable and lovable. The books even though huge in size and an easy and quick read. Each chapter is exciting and full of action. I only have a few issues with these books. My kids aren’t teenagers yet, so maybe this these things are more relatable to older kids. One: Most of the characters have short fuses, especially the boys. Lots of clenched fists, feeling like they want to punch something, and all the male characters feel the need to pull their hand through their hair when frustrated. I wish the writer had taken the time to make each characters angry quirks differently, as not everyone handles frustration the same. Honestly, it got kind of annoying how repetitive these angry quirks were. Two: The writing was just okay from an adult stand point. My kids loved it, and that is what matters, but when I would read out loud to them I would catch a lot repetition in words. For example I lost count of how often the word ominous was used throughout the books. The Wings of Fire series did that a bit too, but not to the extent of the Keeper books. The writing is just not as up to par with Rick Riordan (Percy Jackson books) or JK Rowling (Harry Potter books), but it does read faster then those. We finished the whole Keeper series in a month. Third: The bad guys pretty much always win. Forth: Not really an issue for me, but my husband wasn’t sure how he felt about it since my kids are so young. There is a love triangle in the book between Sofie, Keefe, and Fitz…we’ll a square if you include Dex. They do talk about crushes and there are moments where characters almost kiss, and even a moment when they actually do kiss. Again, not really a problem for me, but some parents may not want to introduce that yet. Overall, we really liked this series. Both my young kids were really invested in the characters and plot. We can’t wait for book 9 to come out.

The Kotlc series by Shannon Messenger is really good! I definitely recommend for all Mg kids and even adults who love a good fantasy series! We flew through this series because it is THAT good! After book 1 you’ll be buying yourself the whole series because of how good it is, the characters are hilarious and will make you laugh out loud, and I’d even say the books have a bit of suspense in them. The only thing is, they do crease pretty easily, so of you don’t want creases, then I suggest hardcover. Overall it is a really good series!

This is a really good, interesting series for young readers! Order the series!

Great start to the series, my daughters love these books. Buying them in bulk will keep the adventure rolling.

My 10 year old granddaughter loves this series ... and ... so do I because they convey strong parents as role models. Seeing what is going on in today's society, I am so happy these books present this in such a positive way. Excellent series, excellent metaphors of real life situations, which leads to productive conversations, etc. I highly recommend!

I can't put these books down. I am now on book 6. There is suspense, the stories move along nicely. The ending of the books doesn't just drop off like they filled their quota of pages and they are tired of writing the story. I would recommend these books to anyone. I am trying to get my 11 year old to read them but she is not a reader and the size intimidates her. I hope I can get her to read the graphic novel.

The book collection arrived in perfect condition. I’m unable to comment on the content of the books as it was a gift. The recipient was very excited and began reading later on that day which is great because my goal is less devices and more reading! 🙃

I have so many wonderful things to say about this series. I’m a 41 year old mom to three kids and got this first on Audible to pass the time on a long road trip. Long story short, I am the one that got hooked! I just finished Book 5 (Lodestar) and have loved every single book! Clearly people who have written a negative review never got through the first book or read more than that. There’s so much growth in the characters as the series develops. Yes there are metaphors to a lot of real life issues in our world that make for wonderful discussion with your preteen - identity, family of origin, who you really are - racism - adoption - judging others based on appearance rather than character - ethical dilemmas of taking things out of context of how nature intends - friendship dynamics - metaphors to how guilt and shame and anger are powerful forces that can destroy us or motivate us to change and grow Plus so so much more. One of my favorite parts of this book that is so needed in our world is the role model of strong, wise and understanding parental figures. They have their rocky moments but they work through it. Friends learn to look past the outward struggles each are exhibiting to what’s really going on in the heart. And lastly- sweet teen love! It’s not overwhelming and sappy and it’s just sprinkled in enough to add a precious touch of teen romance to the story line. Makes me reminisce to all those young love heart flutters. I still haven’t decided if I’m Team Fitz or Team Keefe- I feel you Sophie, both are amazing. Thank you Shannon Messenger. You are brilliant and wonderful for giving us this gift.

As this is a Christmas present, I can not unseal the books. But the book set looks great and I know they will love it. It was packaged well and arrived safely, fast delivery ordered on the 4th October and arrived 28th October to Australia.

Fue un regalo para mi hija de 10 años y le está encantando!!

Best series for my son by far (11 yo) He was glued onto it day in day out. Good series for ages 10-13 years. I read the first book alongside my son and found the book has pretty interesting twist throughout. Good language, no swearing amongst the characters.

Kept my 10 year old happy during lockdown, though she did blast through them. Would not put them down.

My daughter loved it