BY: SHANNON MESSENGER

"An exciting introduction to the Elvin world; a fascinating place where a lot of things are possible."

- K.J.

        When 12-year-old Sophie Foster from San Diego meets a strange boy named Fitz, with bright teal eyes and the same telepathic ability she has, her entire world is turned upside down. Taken in by a couple dealing with loss issues, Sophie faces the challenges of fitting in among the talented prodigies at Foxfire (the most prestigious academy for young elves) as she quickly stands out with abilities that excel those of the other prodigies. With that type of attention, Sofie quickly gains friends as well as enemies who find her abnormal from everyone else. Not only is her school life full of memorable occasions but so is her quest to find out more about her past before her life in San Diego. Throughout the story, her trust is tested when she discovers the people who are associated with her past might not have good intentions. She is also challenged with figuring out who is behind a series of mysterious fires that plague her previous hometown of San Diego. 

       Keeper of the Lost Cities overall is an exciting read. As the story progresses the interaction between characters with unique abilities, in this new world, results in a fuel of curiosity that will leave both the characters and readers wanting more. Although the story is an enjoyable easy read the Elvin world when introduced isn't very complex with little to no major historical events that add background to how elves live. As the elves value peace they avoid conflict by forming treaties with other intelligent creatures and this makes the world rather boring with no social problems yet tensions that are kept at bay. The world, in the beginning, is too calm as if it's holding its breath for all the unanswered problems that laid dormant are beginning to stir once Sophie first steps into Eternalia. Another downside of the story is that the prestigious school Foxfire doesn't play a significant role aside from introducing Sophie to new elves. Unlike other well-known stories that involve magical schools, like Harry Potter, much of Sophie's lessons aren't shared and there isn't a strong connection between the prodigies and their school. 

         On a positive note, the book is filled with interesting characters, again as mentioned, each elf has a unique ability that they manifest at some point in which they work on. The main character Sofie Foster is a talented telepath with other unique quirks that other telepaths can't explain such as her ability to manifest more than one power adds a sense of mystery to her capabilities. Aside from being a high achiever, Sophie has a good character that one might not expect. Being someone who excels in both studies and skills Sophie is unlike most as she isn't one to brag about her being better than everyone else and prefers to avoid the spotlight (in which she fails to do so). Her experience with values such as honesty and selflessness makes her an amicable character who is loyal to her beliefs and the people she is close to. Making the book an enjoyable read is the Elvin world itself. There isn't a lot of info-dumping in the beginning, so the world is explained to the readers as Sophie is further introduced into the world. The Elvin world is constructed and explained fairly easily without a complex magic system or complicated society; it isn't a challenge to keep up and catch the connection between the world and characters. Without having fundamental laws establishing the reason for the creation of some elements in the Elvin world, the only explanation given is that Elves are capable of making almost anything possible because their ways of thinking are far superior to that of humans. It's a fairly straightforward and simple answer that leaves the reader's imagination to wander beyond this first book.

"I'd rather be punished for making the right decision than live with the guilt of making the wrong one."

- Sophie Foster

OVERALL STAR RATING:

"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆"

Entertainment Level: ★★★★☆

Commitment: ★★★★★

Main Character: ★★★★☆

All Characters: ★★★★★

Action: ★★★★☆

Setting: ★★★★☆

AUTHOR: SHANNON MESSENGER                                      Series: Keeper of the Lost Cities Series,#1 

PAGES: 488 PAGES                                                                   ISBN: 1442445939

PUBLICATION DATE: 08/06/2013                                         GENRE: FANTASY FICTION

PUBLISHER: ALADDIN                                                            MAIN CHARACTER:  SOPHIE FOSTER