Keeper of the Lost Cities Collection Books 1-5 (Boxed Set): Keeper of the Lost Cities; Exile; Everblaze; Neverseen; Lodestar Paperback – Box set, August 14, 2018

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.

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 growPlus 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.

These are entertaining, detailed, etc. At the Harry Potter/Chronicles of Narnia quality.I've been reading these to my 8-year old over the past year. A couple have been so good, after reading him to sleep, I've had a binge reading session (is that a thing?) where I stay up all night finishing the book myself. I just ordered books 6-9 now so we can continue the series. I recommended these to all kids ages 8 and up. [And adults who like a good wholesome fantasy easy read, too! ;) ]

My niece recommended these as they are the only books she has kept (she trades in everything else at the used book store). I read the first chapter at her house and then bought this set. By book 2 i was buying the rest of the series. Now on book 7 and the story is still going strong. Excellent twists, great battles, alot of mystery. Highly recommend

My daughter loves to read. This series has kept her interest. And asking for the next one.

My son (12 years) and I have both read this series and we love it. Great characters and story line. It makes you want to keep reading!

My two daughters' (who are 10 and 12) loved these books! They are a big fan of fantasy books, so this book series was perfect for them. This book has plot twists, an interesting setting, and the best love triangle ever!(I love SoKeefe, SoFitz was dumb of Sophie, and SoDex was cute while it lasted which was almost two chapters I think). Overall, I recommend this book series.

It took me a while to decide to buy this collection for my 13 year old son. The reviews were great but it seemed they were more from girl readers, so I was concerned he wouldn't like it so much. I decided to risk it and I'm glad I did, he loved it! He enjoyed it so much that he read all 5 books really quickly, and I have just ordered the next 3 books in the collection. So, I definitely recommend this collection for boys as well! And the price of this set is great, compared to buying them all individually.