Keeper of the Lost Cities Books in Order with Summaries
Move over Harry Potter, there is a new middle-grade fantasy series poised to take your throne! If you are looking for the Keeper of the Lost Cities books in order with summaries, you have come to the right place! The series has everything!
There are magical beings like elves, goblins, trolls, and alicorns, who all live in fantastical worlds. The friendships in this group of young teen classmates are supportive and loving. There is also a sweet love triangle appropriate for middle school-aged children. Are you Team Keefe or Team Fitz?
My family and I literally couldn’t stop reading this. I’m telling you, we were all stuck sitting around the speaker anxiously awaiting the next chapter. It’s a good thing I made a list of books like Keeper of the Lost Cities to occupy us in the meantime.
The 11th book in the series, Unravelled, is scheduled to come out in December and my children are chomping at the bit to get their hands on it. To refresh your memory, read on for mini summaries of each book.
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The Keeper of the Lost Cities Series with Summaries
Keeper of the Lost Cities
Author: Shannon Messenger
Year: 2012
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 9 – 12
More info: New York Times Bestseller, USA Today Bestseller, KOTLC #1
Plot
Move over Harry Potter, there is a new middle grade fantasy series poised to take your throne! Meet Sophie Foster, a newly found elf living in the human world. In book one of this ever-growing series, she’s taken back to the Lost Cities and sent to Foxfire Academy to learn to harness her powers as a Telepath. In the process, she is welcomed into a new adopted family (The Ruewens), makes loads of friends (Fitz, Keefe, Biana, and Dex to name a few), and uncovers a secret organization trying to destroy the human world.
Why Kirsten loves it
Both of my boys adore Sophie, Keefe, Fitz, and the gang of Foxfire Academy. As the series progressed, I got invested in the Black Swan’s fight against the Neverseen. Each book is better than the last one!
Why Jackie loves it
I listened to this with my 3 kids on our summer road trip to Toronto. By the end of the car ride, even my husband was hooked on this series!
Find this book in: Secret Society Books / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Books for 11-year-olds / Books Like Harry Potter / Kids Audiobooks
Exile
Author: Shannon Messenger
Year: 2013
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 9 – 12
More info: KOTLC #2, New York Times Bestseller
Plot
In this book, Sophie is at Havenfield, her new home situated on a magical animal sanctuary. There, she gets to work with the animals including Silveny, the last remaining Alicorn. Silveny’s existence is unknown to the rest of the world, so Sophie is using her abilities to train her and get her ready to be revealed.
Sophie is also on the hunt for the truth about the Black Swan and its role in her life. As Sophie continues to acclimate to the elvin world, she strengthens her friendships and works on getting back the memories locked in her head.
Why Kirsten loves it
This story introduced me to Silveny! I loved Hedwig in HP, but Silveny definitely takes the cake when it comes to magical creatures. I also loved getting a deeper look at Havenfield and learning more about the Ruewen family.
Everblaze
Author: Shannon Messenger
Year: 2014
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 9 – 12
More info: KOTLC #3, New York Times Bestseller
Plot
In this installment of the Keeper of the Lost Cities series, Dex and Biana have manifested their talents, Sophie is training to mind-meld with Fitz, and Keefe is jealous of Sophie and Fitz’s connection. Sophie is struggling to connect with the Black Swan and is simultaneously training to heal Fintan, who can dangerously wield Everblaze.
When Sophie violates the Ogre-Elf treaty, she’s soon punished by being forced to wear an ability-restriction device. The search for the unregistered pyrokinetic continues and when the culprit is revealed, it shocks the whole crew.
Why Kirsten loves it
As the series progresses, the stories are becoming more and more complex and adult in nature. I love it! All the layers are weaving together. But my favorite part is learning about other creatures and cultures. I also loved getting a peek into the Neverseen. It sets up the next book perfectly.
Neverseen
Author: Shannon Messenger
Year: 2015
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 9 – 12
More info: KOTLC #4, New York Times Bestseller
Plot
In this story, Biana, Fitz, Keefe, Dex, and Sophie leave their lives behind to hide in Alluveterre and be protected by the Black Swan. Keefe is struggling with the secrets his mom hid from him, especially when they meet Gethen, a member of the Neverseen currently being held by the Black Swan.
Throughout the story, the team tries to help Prentice, deals with the Council, visits Ogre territory, and even gets sent to a new school called Exillium where they meet new friends.
Why Kirsten loves it
We get to meet Calla who is one of my favorite minor characters in the series! I also loved that the group has grown with the additions of Tam and Linh – two great characters who become more prominent as the series progresses.
Lodestar
Author: Shannon Messenger
Year: 2016
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 9 – 12
More info: KOTLC #5, New York Times Bestseller
Plot
Keefe is on the other team? WHAT! That’s the overarching theme of the story as Sophie struggles with is friend’s choice. Sophie continues to work on healing Prentice and soon discovers the Lodestar hidden in his mind.
The elven world is on the brink of war, Exillium has kind of merged with Foxfire, Maruca, Marella, and Wylie become more important characters, Gethen and the Neverseen are wreaking havoc everywhere, and romance is brewing for some of our favorite characters.
Why Kirsten loves it
It was nice to see Sophie’s friends growing into their powers and doing things without her. Because Sophie can’t be the key to everything, all the time! I’m Team Keefe but this is definitely a Team Fitz book.
Nightfall
Author: Shannon Messenger
Year: 2017
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 9 – 12
More info: KOTLC #6, New York Times Bestseller
Plot
Good news and bad news abound in this story. Amy is back in Sophie’s life, but she’s still reeling from the loss of a key friend in Lodestar. Lady Gisella and Keefe are back in Sophie’s life, but can they be trusted?
The gang needs to head to Nightfall, a Neverseen hideout where Sophie’s parents are being held captive. A long-dead enemy makes his return and human-elf relations are explored in this key novel.
Why Kirsten loves it
The hormones are a RAGING in this one, giving me later-stage Harry Potter vibes. I didn’t love this story as much as the others, but I realize it’s setting the stage for bigger things ahead.
Flashback
Author: Shannon Messenger
Year: 2018
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 9 – 12
More info: KOTLC #7, New York Times Bestseller
Plot
The book starts with Sophie and Fitz trying to heal after Umber attacked them with shadowflux. They still have some PTSD. Alvar is alive and is going to stay at Everglen, even if they are not sure that he can be trusted.
This latest attack has prompted a set of interspecies bodyguards in addition to Sandor. We not have Bo, Flori, Nubiti and Tarina. Meanwhile, everyone feels that the Neverseen are planning something but they do not know what it is.
Why Jackie loves it
There was a lot of plot development in this book. I felt like the series really moved forward and although I have a lot of questions, I cannot wait to see what Messenger has in store.
Legacy
Author: Shannon Messenger
Year: 2019
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 9 – 12
More info: KOTLC #8, New York Times Bestseller
Plot
In this installment in the Keeper of the Lost Cities series, Sophie wants the truth. So many people are keeping secrets, secrets that involve her, such as her genetic parents. But she has more important matters to attend to. Mr. Forkle believes that the Neverseen are planning to attack the dwarves, Tam is still stuck with the enemy, and everything seems to be falling apart.
Why Jackie loves it
This book was so exciting and I couldn’t put it down. I wanted to see what happened to Tam and which secrets would be revealed. There are so many questions that still have no answer and this book helps build the tension/
Unlocked
Author: Shannon Messenger
Year: 2020
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 9 – 12
More info: KOTLC #8.5, New York Times Bestseller
Plot
Plotwise, not much happened in this book. We learn a lot about the characters. Shannon gives the reader detailed descriptions of the council, the side characters, and the protagonists along with a few illustrations. The story progressed a little and led us up to the events of book 9. It is important to read to get the backstory on each of the characters
Why Jackie loves it
I liked that this book provided more information on the characters. The illustrations gave me a better idea of what each character looked like. Now, if they make a movie, the readers will have a pretty good idea of what everyone looks like, like in Harry Potter
Stellarlune
Author: Shannon Messenger
Year: 2022
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 9 – 12
More info: KOTLC #9, New York Times Bestseller
Plot
Keefe is gone, taking his dangerous and mysterious power with him. A power he can not control. Sophie and her friends fear the worst, but that’s not the only thing they must worry about. The Neverseen are getting stronger, and Stellarlune and Elysian seem to be the key to stopping them. Now, if only they could figure out what Stellarlune and Elysian actually are!
Why Jackie loves it
This book was very captivating and exciting. I’m looking forward to the next one. There are still questions that need to be answered and I cannot wait.
Unraveled
Author: Shannon Messenger
Release Date: December 3, 2024
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 9 – 12
More info: Keeper of the Lost Cities #9.5
Plot
The newest book in the KOTLC series is coming and I couldn’t be more excited for the release! Sophie and the gang have replaced Harry Potter as my favorite group of magical, meddling kids. This time, readers get the scoop on what Keefe was up to during the events of Stellalune.
The Keeper of the Lost Cities Graphic Novels
Helpful Tip
- Read this the KOTLC series in order! You will be far too confused if you don’t.
- Keep a running list of your questions and theories – I have so many of my own that I’m hoping Shannon Messenger will answer in one of these books!
- These books may seem overwhelming, but like Harry Potter, everything is explained more than once.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many books are in the KOTLC series?
Currently, there are 10 published books in the KOTLC series. Another, Unravelled or 9.5, is coming out on December 3, 2024. 10 of them are full novels while Unlocked, known as 8.5, is filled with short stories, recipes, illustrations, and other fun things for Sophie Foster fans.
Do I need to read the Keeper of the Lost Cities books in order?
Yes! Like Harry Potter, KOTLC builds on itself and clues from previous stories come into play in later novels.
What is Keeper of the Lost Cities about?
Sophie Foster has just learned that she is not a human, but an Elf. She’s taken into the elven world where she must learn a new way of life and how to harness her powers. Soon, she realizes there is a reason she was hidden away in the human world. Now she is on a quest to unlock the secrets of her life and who is out to harm her and those she loves.
Is There a KOTLC Movie?
As of right now, Keeper of the Lost Cities is being made into a movie with Ben Affleck as one of the directors! The Keeper of the Lost Cities movie was announced in early 2021 and will be made with Disney, the same studio that recently did the Percy Jackson reboot. Not much about the cast, filming locations, or release dates is known, but I will update this post when I know more.
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Epilogue
That is the full list of the Keepers of the Lost Cities books in order. Do you have a favorite book in the KOTLC series? Mine is definitely Exhile. Let me know how you think the series is going to end and what you hope will happen to our beloved characters!
