Keeper of the Lost Cities

Keeper of the Lost Cities is an upper-middle-grade fantasy series by Shannon Messenger that has appeared on the New York Times bestseller list.[1] The first book in the series was an Association for Library Service to Children tween recommended read in 2013. The seventh book in the series, Flashback, had a first printing of 150,000 copies, and Messenger's three-week tour to promote the book drew crowds of 200–700 people per event.[2][3]

Series

The series follows the story of Sophie Foster, a twelve-year-old high school senior with the ability to read minds. A boy named Fitz Vacker brings her to the elven cities, known as the "Lost Cities". Throughout the series, Sophie meets side characters Keefe, Biana, Dex, Tam, Linh, Marella, Stina, Wylie and Maruca. The main antagonist is the Neverseen, a criminal organization trying to upset the balance of the elven world.

The story has continued over eight books as of November 2019, with one book released each year, as well as Unlocked (book 8.5) and four short stories in limited editions. The ninth book will be released on November 8, 2022,[4] and the series will conclude with a tenth book in 2023.[5]

1. Keeper of the Lost Cities (October 2, 2012)
2. Exile (October 1, 2013)
3. Everblaze (November 4, 2014)
4. Neverseen (November 3, 2015)
5. Lodestar (November 1, 2016)
6. Nightfall (November 7, 2017)
7. Flashback (November 6, 2018)
8. Legacy (November 5, 2019)
8.5. Unlocked (November 17, 2020)
9. Not yet announced (November 8, 2022)
10. Not yet announced (2023)

Unlocked is book number 8.5 in the series and is a departure from the writing style of the previous books, with chapters alternating between multiple characters' perspectives. Unlocked also includes a series guide and extras like recipes and official art of the characters, drawn by Laura Hollingsworth.[6]

The Barnes & Noble special editions of Nightfall, Flashback and Legacy include short stories from the perspectives of the characters Keefe Sencen, Fitz Vacker, and Tam Song, respectively. The paperback edition of Flashback includes another short story from Keefe's perspective, and the paperback edition of Unlocked, coming November 9, 2021, will include a short story from Linh Song's perspective. No other special editions are set to release.

An illustrated and annotated trade paperback edition of the first book was released on August 25, 2020.[7]

Interviews with author on series

In an interview with Denise Davidson of the San Diego Union-Tribune, she answered questions about book 8 of the series, Legacy, and how she writes her books. There she talked about her characters, as well as saying she tries to let the characters drive the plot.[8]

Film adaptation

On January 11, 2021, it was announced that Ben Affleck would be directing an adaptation of Keeper of the Lost Cities for Disney. The release date and cast have not been announced, but it is set for around 2023/2024[9][10]

References
  1. "Children's Series Books - Best Sellers - Books - Dec. 6, 2020 - The New York Times". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-10-05.
  2. Rosen, Judith. "Children's Institute 2018: Authors and Illustrators to Meet". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved 2021-10-05.
  3. Kantor, Emma. "On Tour with Shannon Messenger". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved 2021-10-05.
  4. Keeper of the Lost Cities #9. 2022-11-08. ISBN 978-1-5344-3852-1.
  5. "One last 'Keeper of the Lost Cities' scheduled for 2023". AP NEWS. 2021-10-13. Retrieved 2021-10-14.
  6. Unlocked Book 8.5. 2020-11-17. ISBN 978-1-5344-6342-4.
  7. Keeper of the Lost Cities Illustrated & Annotated Edition. 2020-08-04. ISBN 978-1-5344-7984-5.
  8. "Shannon Messenger, keeper of 'The Lost Cities,' talks about 'Legacy'". San Diego Union-Tribune. 2019-12-15. Retrieved 2021-10-05.
  9. Jackson, Angelique (2021-01-11). "Ben Affleck to Direct 'Keeper of the Lost Cities' Adaptation for Disney". Variety. Retrieved 2021-10-05.
  10. Kroll, Justin (2021-01-11). "Ben Affleck To Direct Adaptation Of 'Keeper Of The Lost Cities' For Disney". Deadline. Retrieved 2021-10-05.
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