Books Like Keeper of the Lost Cities
If you are looking for books like Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger, you’ve come to the right place. After hearing all the kids in our area talking about KOTLC, I knew I had to listen to it with my kids.
As a firm fan, I’m eagerly waiting to get my hands on the next installment of the series. While I wait for the newest book, I’ve gathered a list of books like Keeper of the Lost Cities to hold everyone over until Unraveled gets here.
The Best Books like Keeper of the Lost Cities
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
Shannon Messenger
Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger – Jump to section
Epic Fantasy Series
Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan – Jump to section
Magical Creatures
Fablehaven by Brandon Mull – Jump to section
Secret Society
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart – Jump to section
Female Protagonist
Greenwild by Pari Thomson – Jump to section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
More Books by Shannon Messenger
Before you look at books like Keeper of the Lost Cities by other authors, know that Shannon Messenger has other book series for you to enjoy!
While KOTLC is a Middle-Grade fantasy series, Sky Fall is definitely for young adult fantasy book lovers.
Let the Sky Fall
Author: Shannon Messenger
Release Date: 2013
Genre: YA Fantasy
Age: 12+
More info: Sky Fall #1
Plot
This is the first book in a YA fantasy book series known as the Sky Fall trilogy. After a tornado kills his parents, Vane can’t stop dreaming of the same pretty girl. Turns out, the girl, Audra, is a sylph who controls air and is charged with protecting his life.
After they are discovered, their lives depend on Vane remembering who he is and Audra helping him claim the power of the West Wind. But they need to not fall in love in the process.
Epic Fantasy Book Series like KOTLC
What makes a fantasy series epic? It is not only an amazing story but a cast of characters that makes a series unforgettable. KOTLC would not be the same without Dex Diznee, Fitz Vacker, and Keefe Sencen. These epic fantasy series below have a cast of characters just as unforgettable.
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief
Author: Rick Riordan
Year: 2005
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age:9-13
More info:
Percy Jackson and The Olympian Book #1
Currently a Series on Disney Plus
Plot
This first Percy Jackson book is about our beloved Percy, who discovers he is a demi-god and must recover Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt. He travels into the underworld to locate the lightning bolt and, at the same time, try to save his mother.
His amazing adventures with Annabeth and Grover along the way create the foundation for all the books that follow in this amazing and epic series.
Why Jackie loves it
I don’t think anyone has read this middle grade fantasy series and not loved it. It’s a contemporary Greek mythology retelling for the ages. It is fun and exciting!
Adaptation Information
While the original films based on the books are generally considered to be flops, the show adapted on Disney+ is fantastic! Season 2 is currently being filmed and will follow the second book in the series.
Find this book in: Percy Jackson Books in Order / Rick Riordan Books / Best Books for 10-year-olds / Books like Keeper of the Lost Cities / Tween & Teen Fantasy Books / Books With Neurodivergent Characters
The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell
Author: Chris Colfer
Year: 2012
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 11
More info: Land of Stories #1
Plot
Alex and Connor’s grandmother gives them the family book of fairy tales.  Before they understand what is happening, they find themselves transported into the book.  They set off on an adventure to get back home.Â
Why Kirsten loves it
While this story is about the land of fairy tales, think Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella, it has the element of magic and wonder that KOTLC fans will love. I loved reading this aloud to my boys when they were little.Â
Find this book in: Bedtime Stories / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Books like Keeper of the Lost Cities
Artemis Fowl
Author: Eoin Colfer
Year: 2001
Genre: Fantasy
Age: 11+
More info: Artemis Fowl Book 1 of 8
Plot
Artemis Fowl is a kid genius trying to utilize the power of fairies to find his father. With the help of his butler, they kidnap a fairy named Holly Short to restore his family’s fortune and find his power.
However, Artemis underestimates the power of the fairies because he thinks that he is the smartest.
Why Jackie loves it
This fantasy book for tweens is perfect for anyone who wants to see the villain’s perspective and root for them as well. These are the perfect books for Percy Jackson fans.
Find this book in: Books about Con Artists and Thieves / Books like Percy Jackson / Best Fantasy Books for Tweens / Books like KOTLC / Books for a 13-year-old
Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
Author: Jessica Townsend
Year: 2017
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 11
More info: Nevermoor #1, New York Times Bestseller
Plot
Morrigan Crow is born on the Eventide making her unlucky in life and promising her an early death, until a strange man whisks her away to Nevermoor. She discovers that it’s a magical city and is chosen to compete for a spot in the most prestigious organization in the city. She must complete 4 difficult and deadly tasks to make it into the Wundrous Society.
Why Kirsten loves it
Morrigan Crow is perfect for Harry Potter fans, particularly those who like Goblet of Fire. Her magical competition reminded me of the Triwizard Cup!
Find this book in: Books like Keeper of the Lost Cities / Books Like Harry Potter for Kids
Tween Fantasy Books like KOTLC with Magical Creatures like Silveny
Silveny is an alicorn who becomes a character in the second book of the series. Sophie Foster’s adoptive parents, Grady and Edaline Ruewen have an animal sanctuary with magical, mythical creatures like the ones below and new ones we have never heard of before.
Fablehaven
Author: Brandon Mull
Year: 2006
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 12
More info: New York Times Bestseller, Fablehaven #1
Plot
Animals all head to Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. It is a sanctuary of magic in a world that has stopped believing. Kendra and her brother Seth do not know that their grandfather is the caretaker of Fablehaven. On the festival night, a window to their bedroom gets left open and the monsters are let in. It is up to Kendra and Seth to save their family.
Why Jackie loves it
Parts of this middle-grade fantasy book are a bit scarier for younger children to read but if your child likes books like the later Harry Potters or Keeper of the Lost City, they should be ok with it.
Find this book in: Fantasy Books for Tweens / Books Like KOTLC / Books with Magical Creatures
The Flame of Olympus
Author: Kate O’Hearn
Year: 2012
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 12
More info: Pegasus #1
Plot
When Pegasus crashes onto a roof during a storm, Emily finds him and comes to his rescue. She treats his wounds and cares for him when she discovers he is from Olympus. Now Emily finds herself teaming up Greek Goddess, Diana, to bring Pegasus back to Olympus and rescue the gods.
Why Jackie loves it
The first book in the Pegasus series gives KOTLC meets Percy Jackson vibes. Both my daughter and Kirsten’s Greek mythology-obsessed son devoured this series.
Find this book in: Books Like Percy Jackson / Books Like Keeper of the Lost Cities / Books with Magical Creatures
Furthermore
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Year: 2016
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 9 – 12
More info: Furthermore #1
Plot
Alice Queensmeadow wants to bring her father back and to do so, she needs to travel the magical world of Furthermore. Think of it as The Secret Garden meets Alice in Wonderland. A pale girl on a quest for both her father and color goes to a magical, mystical place with strange and fantastical creatures. With Oliver by her side, she heads out to discover the villages of Furthermore and locate her lost father.
Why Jackie loves it
What an original concept! Mafi’s first foray into middle grade fantasy was exactly what I’ve come to expect from her. She’s a master world builder for YA and now younger fantasy readers.
Find this book in: Books like Keeper of the Lost Cities / Books with Magical Creatures
Skandor and the Unicorn Thief
Author: A. F. Steadman
Year: 2022
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
More info: Skandar #1
Age Range: 8 – 12
Plot
Skandor has always dreamed of being a unicorn rider ever since he was little despite the fact that unicorns are so dangerous. If they do not find their fated rider, the unicorns turn wild and become dangerous killers. Skandor watched unicorn races with his dad from the time he was young. On the day of his evaluation to see if he could become a rider, Skandor is told he cannot take the test.
He is woken in the middle of the night by a unicorn rider who tells him he has to go to the Unicron academy.
Why Jackie loves it
This book was so well-written it grabbed me from the first page. I was routing for Skandor the entire time. There were so many twists and turns in the plot that it kept my attention to the last page.
Find this book in: Books with Magical Creatures / Books Like Keeper of the Lost Cities
Secret Society Books For Lovers of the Black Swan
In this series, there are not one but two secret societies. The Black Swan and the Neverseen are working against each other to do what they think is best for the world.
The Mysterious Benedict Society
Author: Trenton Lee Stewart
Year: 2007
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 9 – 12
More info: Mysterious Benedict Society #1
Plot
This delightful story is about a group of extremely gifted children who are sent to spy on an evil organization. Together, these genius kids use logic and quick thinking to accomplish their secret mission without being caught! The children in the Mysterious Benedict Society must infiltrate the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened to uncover a plot to control the minds of citizens around the world.
Why Kirsten loves it
I read this story to my boys at bedtime and it was the perfect read-aloud. We all enjoyed the complexity of the story and the silly scenarios. Years later, we watched the Disney TV adaptation as well!
Why Jackie loves it
This is the first middle-grade book in a series that is geared toward older kids. It was funny and interesting and extremely clever.
Find this book in: Middle Grade Mystery Books / Books About Puzzles / Books like KOTLC / Secret Society Books / Best Gifts for 10-year-olds / Best Books for a 10-year-old / Books With Neurodivergent Characters
The Blackthorn Key
Author: Kevin Sands
Year: 2015
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 10+
More info: The Blackthorn Key #1
Plot
Christopher Rowe is an apprentice to Master Benedict Blackthorn, a job that involves learning to solve puzzles, crack codes, and create potions and weapons. But London’s apothecaries are being targeted by a strange cult and murders are popping up at an astounding rate. Now, Christopher needs to use his skills to discover what is threatening to tear the world apart.
Why Kirsten loves it
When I say my son devoured this series, I mean he read all 6 books in less than 2 weeks. It’s a great middle grade fantasy for tweens and even teens because it handles darker, more mature content.
Find this book in: Books like Keeper of the Lost Cities / Puzzle Books
The Maze of Bones
Author: Rick Riordan
Year: 2011
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 8 – 11
More info: 39 Clues #1
Plot
Grace Cahill dies and leaves orphan siblings Amy and Dan an option – 1 million dollars or a clue. Amy and Dan decided to take the clue and figure out what happened to their parents. Along the way, they run into other families on the hunt for clues.
Why Jackie loves it
This is like The Da Vinci code for kids. It’s a kids’ mystery book series filled with secret societies, hidden secrets, and an epic quest for treasure.
Find this book in: Puzzle Books / Books Like Keeper of the Lost Cities / Mystery Books for Kids / Best Books for 10-year-olds
Books like Keeper of the Lost Cities with Female Leaders
Both Biana Vacker and Sophie Foster are strong female leaders and forces to be reckoned with in this amazing series.
Greenwild
Author: Pari Thomson
Year: 2023
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 12
More info: Greenwild #1
Plot
Eleven-year-old Daisy Thistledown knew her mom kept secrets- giant, dangerous secrets. Now her mom has disappeared, and Daisy is determined to find her.
Her search brings her to a hidden doorway in a simple shop. When she steps through, she finds herself in an entirely different world. Greenwild is magical, both figuratively and literally. Daisy can barely believe her eyes. But after a few minutes, she realizes that what she sees is completely real.
She also realizes is that there are people who strive to destroy this beautiful place and Daisy is determined to stop them. Daisy has to save Greenwild and find her mom in this tween fantasy book.
Why Jackie loves it
Daisy has to save Greenwild and find her mom in this tween fantasy book. It’s the first in a trilogy and one that is perfect for environmental fiction lovers. It reminded me of Ferngully in some ways!
Find this book in: Fantasy Books for Tweens / Books like Keeper of the Lost Cities / Books like Harry Potter for Kids
Ella Enchanted
Author: Gail Carson Levine
Year: 2012
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 9 – 12
More info: Newberry Honor Winner
Plot
A fairy named Lucinda puts a curse on Ella that requires her to do whatever anyone tells her to do. Lucinda thought that she was helping Ella’s mother because, as a baby, she would not stop crying. As Ella gets older, she attends a boarding school where she tries to make friends. There, she realizes she needs to rid herself of this gift so that she can stop doing the horrible things that other people make her do.
Why Jackie loves it
This book is a fairy tale retelling of Cinderella that is more fun than the original inspiration. My daughter reads this story over and over and can’t get enough of the movie adaptation starring Anne Hathaway either.
Find this book in: Books Like Keeper of the Lost Cities / Newbery Winners / Fairy Tale Retellings
Tuesdays at the Castle
Author: Jessica Day George
Year: 2011
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 11
More info: Tuesdays at the Castle #1
Plot
Princess Celie lives in an ever-changing castle that adds new rooms every Tuesday. She eagerly maps out each new addition that might just end up saving her family when danger heads to their home. This is one of the read-aloud books for kids that I read to my kids. We both loved it and it was a wonderful pick from bedtime stories for kids.
Why Kirsten loves it
If the changing staircases, room of requirement, and secrets passages are your child’s favorite parts about Hogwarts, this is the series for them!
Find this book in: Books like KOTLC / Books like Harry Potter for Kids / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Bedtime Books / Best Books for 9-year-olds
The School for Good and Evil
Author: Soman Chainani
Illustrator: Iacopo Bruno
Year: 2013
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 9 – 13
More info: School for Good and Evil #1
Plot
Sophie thinks her history makes her a good fit for the School of Good like Cinderella and Snow White before her. Agatha thinks the School of Evil is a better fit for her. But when the opposite schools are assigned to each girl, they need to figure out who they are and where they belong.
Why Jackie loves it
Utterly addicting, this series has 6 stories and was recently made into a movie starring Kerry Washington.
Find this book in: Books Similar to Percy Jackson / Netflix Adaptations / Middle Grade Fantasy / Kids Audiobooks / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Best Books for a 9-year-old / Books like KOTLC / Family Halloween Movies Based on Books / Magic School Books
Helpful Tips
- When choosing a book similar to Keeper of the Lost Cities, consider choosing a story based on a key element you like from the stories like the secret societies, magical creatures, or world-building elements of KOTLC.
- If you are looking to dive into another series, look in the more info section of each review to see if it’s the first of a series of books. Choosing a series means your next few reads will all be lined up!
Frequently Asked Questions
What book genre is Keeper of the Lost Cities?
KOTLC is considered a middle grade fantasy series, meaning it is written at a level for kids aged 9 – 12. But that doesn’t mean older kids won’t enjoy it too, or even adults. I’m 40 and I love this series.
What to read if you like Shannon Messenger?
I recommend reading other middle grade fantasy series with strong female protagonists. I’d recommend Greenwild, Furthermore, and Nevermoor to start.
What are some books like Keeper of the Lost Cities?
Aside from the obvious Harry Potter and Percy Jackson picks, check out The Land of Stories, Fablehaven, and The Blackthorn Key.
Related Content
Amazing Keeper of the Lost Cities Gear
Can’t get enough of Sophie and her crew? Check out the amazing fan-created pieces below.
Epilogue
Those are my favorite books similiar to Keeper of the Lost Cities. If you think I am missing any books, comment below and let me know!
