20 Magical Books Like “Keeper of the Lost Cities” For Young Readers
“Keeper of the Lost Cities” by Shannon Messenger tells the story of Sophie Foster, a girl with telepathic abilities who discovers that she is an elf. This discovery leads her into a world filled with mysteries, magical creatures, and secret societies.
The series is a perfect blend of adventure, fantasy, and the challenges of growing up, and it captivates readers of all ages. If you are a fan of this series and are looking for similar books that offer thrilling experiences, featuring young protagonists on quests of self-discovery and battling against dark forces, then you have come to the right place.
In this article, we have compiled a list of 20 magical books that promise to take you on enchanting adventures similar to those in “Keeper of the Lost Cities”.
Top 20 best books to read if you liked “Keeper of the Lost Cities” by Shannon Messenge
1. “Harry Potter Series” by J.K. Rowling
Join Harry Potter as he uncovers his magical heritage and battles the dark wizard Voldemort, making lifelong friends along the way.
Elements in common with “Keeper of the Lost Cities”:
- A hidden magical society.
- Young protagonists discovering their powers.
- Themes of friendship, courage, and good vs. evil.
2. “Percy Jackson & The Olympians” by Rick Riordan
Percy discovers he’s a demigod and embarks on quests to prevent wars among the gods, exploring ancient myths in modern settings.
Elements in common with “Keeper of the Lost Cities”:
- Mythology in a contemporary world.
- A central character with newfound abilities.
- Action-packed adventures with strong bonds of friendship.
3. “The School for Good and Evil” by Soman Chainani
Two friends, Sophie and Agatha, find themselves in a school where fairy-tale heroes and villains are trained, challenging their destiny and understanding of good and evil.
Elements in common with “Keeper of the Lost Cities”:
- A magical school setting.
- The exploration of themes like friendship, identity, and the gray areas between good and evil.
- Twists and turns that keep readers guessing.
4. “Fablehaven” by Brandon Mull
Siblings Kendra and Seth discover their grandparents’ preserve for mythical creatures, diving into a world of magic and danger.
Elements in common with “Keeper of the Lost Cities”:
- A secret magical world.
- Young protagonists facing immense challenges.
- Hidden powers and dark forces.
5. “The Unwanteds” by Lisa McMann
In a society where creativity is shunned, the “Unwanteds” are sent to a magical school of art and magic, uncovering their true potential.
Elements in common with “Keeper of the Lost Cities”:
- Magic and creativity as central themes.
- A school that nurtures special talents.
- The journey of self-discovery and challenging societal norms.
6. “Artemis Fowl” by Eoin Colfer
Artemis Fowl, a teenage genius and criminal mastermind, encounters the hidden fairy world, leading to a series of high-tech, magical confrontations.
Elements in common with “Keeper of the Lost Cities”:
- A hidden world of magical creatures.
- A young protagonist with exceptional intelligence.
- Themes of redemption and understanding between different worlds.
7. “Wings of Fire” by Tui T. Sutherland
Follow the journey of dragonets, prophesied to end a war among dragon tribes, exploring themes of destiny, leadership, and friendship.
Elements in common with “Keeper of the Lost Cities”:
- Prophesied heroes.
- An intricate fantasy world.
- The growth and development of young characters.
8. “The Land of Stories” by Chris Colfer
Twins Alex and Conner fall into a book of fairy tales, embarking on a quest that brings them face-to-face with characters they grew up reading about.
Elements in common with “Keeper of the Lost Cities”:
- A journey through a magical, fantastical world.
- A blend of familiar fairy tales with unique twists.
- Themes of family and adventure.
9. “The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis
Discover the magical world of Narnia through the adventures of children who play crucial roles in its destiny.
Elements in common with “Keeper of the Lost Cities”:
- A hidden, magical realm.
- Children facing epic quests and moral decisions.
- The battle between good and evil.
10. “The Spiderwick Chronicles” by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi
The Grace children uncover a hidden world of faeries and magical beings living right alongside them, leading to dangerous adventures.
Elements in common with “Keeper of the Lost Cities”:
- The revelation of a magical world coexisting with ours.
- Siblings embarking on daring adventures.
- Mysteries and magical creatures.
11. “Magisterium Series” by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare
A boy’s reluctance to attend the Magisterium, a magical school, leads to uncovering his true potential and facing his destiny.
Elements in common with “Keeper of the Lost Cities”:
- A magical school setting.
- The struggle between light and dark magic.
- Discovery of hidden powers and secrets.
12.”Inkheart Trilogy” by Cornelia Funke
Meggie learns she has the ability to bring characters from books to life, entangling her family in adventures that blend the real world with the fictional.
Elements in common with “Keeper of the Lost Cities”:
- The power of storytelling and imagination.
- A struggle against a formidable villain.
- Characters journeying between worlds.
13. “The Kane Chronicles” by Rick Riordan
Siblings Carter and Sadie Kane dive into the world of Egyptian mythology, discovering their roles as powerful magicians meant to save the world.
Elements in common with “Keeper of the Lost Cities”:
- Mythology set in the modern world.
- Siblings uncovering their magical heritage.
- A mix of humor, action, and magical battles.
14. “The Mysterious Benedict Society” by Trenton Lee Stewart
Gifted children are recruited for a secret mission to infiltrate a mysterious institution, using their unique talents to uncover the truth.
Elements in common with “Keeper of the Lost Cities”:
- A group of exceptional children facing great challenges.
- Secret organizations and hidden agendas.
- The importance of intelligence, teamwork, and bravery.
15. “His Dark Materials” by Philip Pullman
Lyra Belacqua embarks on a quest in parallel universes, involving magical creatures, and a device that answers questions truthfully.
Elements in common with “Keeper of the Lost Cities”:
- A richly developed fantasy world.
- The confrontation of philosophical and existential questions.
- A young protagonist challenging the status quo.
16. “Tales of Magic Series” by Edward Eager
Children discover magical artifacts that lead them on whimsical adventures, learning about friendship, responsibility, and the unintended consequences of magic.
Elements in common with “Keeper of the Lost Cities”:
- Magic influencing ordinary lives.
- Adventures that teach valuable life lessons.
- The power of imagination and friendship.
17. “Gregor the Overlander” by Suzanne Collins
Gregor falls into an underground world, becoming part of a prophecy and leading him on a quest to save both the Underland and the above world.
Elements in common with “Keeper of the Lost Cities”:
- An ordinary protagonist turned hero.
- A secret world filled with unique creatures and conflicts.
- Destiny and prophecy play a significant role.
18. “Septimus Heap” by Angie Sage
Septimus Heap, once thought dead, is discovered to be alive and living with a wizard who becomes his mentor, embarking on magical adventures.
Elements in common with “Keeper of the Lost Cities”:
- A magical world full of intrigue and mystery.
- The journey of learning and mastering magical abilities.
- A mix of humor, adventure, and magic.
19. “The Letter for the King” by Tonke Dragt
A young knight-in-training embarks on a perilous quest to deliver a secret letter, proving his bravery and honor.
Elements in common with “Keeper of the Lost Cities”:
- A medieval, fantastical setting.
- A quest that tests the protagonist’s courage and values.
- The theme of destiny and fulfilling one’s role.
20. “Skyward” by Brandon Sanderson
Spensa’s dream of becoming a pilot and fighting in an alien war is challenged by her family’s legacy, pushing her to discover the truth about herself and her world.
Elements in common with “Keeper of the Lost Cities”:
- A strong and determined young female protagonist.
- An epic blend of science fiction and fantasy elements.
- Themes of self-discovery, bravery, and fighting against odds.
In conclusion, if you’re seeking more enchanting reads filled with magical worlds, young heroes, and epic quests, the books listed above are perfect for fans of “Keeper of the Lost Cities”.
Each offers a unique journey into realms of fantasy and adventure, promising hours of captivating reading. So why wait? Your next favorite book might be just a page turn away. Happy reading!
