11 Fantasy Books like Keeper of the Lost Cities to Transport You

‘Keeper of the Lost Cities’ is a captivating middle-grade fantasy series following the extraordinary journey of Sophie Foster, a twelve-year-old prodigy with hidden powers and a secret past. She has incredible abilities and is whisked away to a hidden world full of elves, magical creatures, and secrets. As Sophie unravels the mysteries surrounding her identity, she must navigate the challenges of friendship, loyalty, and trust.

One of the things that makes ‘Keeper of the Lost Cities’ so loved is the world-building. Shannon Messenger has created a rich and vivid universe where every detail feels alive. From the majestic cities to the unique abilities of each character, you can’t help but be immersed in this fantastical realm.

If ‘Keeper of the Lost Cities’ transported you to a magical realm and has left you longing for more, this is the right place to be for you. We have compiled a list of books like Keeper of the Lost Cities to Transport you that are an absolute must-read after reading ‘Keeper of the Lost Cities.’

Books like Keeper of The Lost Cities

Let the Sky Fall Series (2013)

by Shannon Messenger

The first in the list is obviously another series by the author of ‘Keeper of the Lost Cities’ herself. Like ‘Keeper of the Lost Cities,’ ‘Let the Sky Fall’ features a teenage protagonist who discovers that he possesses unique abilities and finds himself immersed in a hidden world of magic and secrets.

The series, set in a world where elemental beings called “Sylphs” exist. The books follow the story of Vane Weston and Audra, his protector.

In the first book, “Let the Sky Fall,” Vane is a teenager who has lost all memory of his past. He discovers that he is the last surviving member of a powerful windwalker clan, able to control the wind. As Vane learns about his abilities and the looming threat, he and Audra form a bond and work together to uncover the truth about their pasts. They face various challenges, including other sylphs who wish to harm them and the growing power of Raiden.

In the second book, ‘Let the Storm Break,’ Vane and Audra continue their journey to understand their connection to the sylphs and the ancient prophecies that may hold the key to defeating Raiden. They must confront their fears and make difficult choices as they race against time to protect their world from destruction.

Throughout the series, Vane and Audra’s relationship deepens, and they discover more about their abilities and the secrets of their heritage.

Percy Jackson (2005)

by Rick Riordan

If you liked ‘Keeper of the Lost Cities’ for its elements of mythology and fantasy, you will love ‘Percy Jackson.’

The story follows a young boy named Percy who discovers that he is a demigod, which means he is half-human and half-god. His father is Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea.

Percy lives in a world where Greek mythology is real, and he attends a special summer camp for demigods called Camp Half-Blood. There, he meets other demigods like him and learns to harness his powers. Percy finds out that the Greek gods are still alive and active in the modern world, and they have children with humans, creating more demigods.

In the first book, Percy embarks on a quest to find Zeus’ stolen lightning bolt and clear his name, as he is accused of stealing it. Along the way, he encounters mythical creatures, battles monsters, and learns more about his true identity. He also discovers that there is a brewing war between the gods, and he plays a crucial role in preventing it.

The protagonists in both, ‘Percy Jackson’ and ‘Keeper of the Lost Cities,’ embark on thrilling adventures and quests. They face various challenges, encounter dangerous creatures, and strive to uncover the truth about their identities and the hidden worlds they are a part of.

Five Kingdoms (2014)

by Brandon Mull

An exciting fantasy adventure series that takes readers on a thrilling journey through different magical realms, ‘Five Kingdoms’ follows a brave twelve-year-old boy named Cole Randolph, who discovers a secret passage in a haunted house that leads him to a mysterious world called the Outskirts.

In the Outskirts, Cole learns that there are not just one, but five unique kingdoms, each with its own magical inhabitants. These kingdoms include Sambria, Elloweer, Necronum, Zeropolis, and Creon. Cole quickly realizes that he has a special ability known as “seeing,” which allows him to see hidden things and detect hidden talents in others.

As Cole explores the Five Kingdoms, he encounters various creatures and characters, both good and evil. He makes friends like Jace, Mira, and Twitch, who join him on his quest to uncover the truth about his abilities and the secrets of the Outskirts. Along the way, they face dangerous challenges, confront powerful enemies, and discover ancient artifacts that hold immense power.

The Chronicles of Narnia (1950)

by CS Lewis

A timeless story of adventure, friendship, and the battle between good and evil, ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ teaches us important values and shows us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. It tells the exciting adventures of a group of children who stumble upon a magical world called Narnia.

The story begins with four siblings named Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, who are sent to the countryside during World War II. While exploring a big house, Lucy discovers a wardrobe that serves as a doorway to Narnia. She enters this snowy land and meets a faun named Mr. Tumnus.

Lucy tells her siblings about Narnia, but they don’t believe her until they all end up there. They find out that Narnia is ruled by a wise and powerful lion named Aslan. The children become heroes and fight against the evil White Witch, who has made Narnia suffer through an endless winter.

Each book in the series tells a different adventure in Narnia. The children meet talking animals, mythical creatures, and other interesting characters. They go on quests, face challenges, and learn important lessons about bravery, loyalty, and forgiveness.

Harry Potter (1997)

by J.K. Rowling

There is a strong possibility that you have already read this one. But, if not, this is your cue to finally pick it up NOW!

One of the most widely-read series, ‘Harry Potter’ is a magical series written by J.K. Rowling. It tells the story of a young boy named Harry who discovers that he is a wizard. He learns that there is a secret world of magic hidden within our own world.

Harry’s parents were killed when he was a baby by a dark wizard named Voldemort, but he survived and was sent to live with his mean relatives, the Dursleys. On his eleventh birthday, ‘the boy who lived’ receives a letter inviting him to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

At Hogwarts, Harry makes friends with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. Together, they have many adventures and face challenges. They discover that Voldemort wants to come back to power, and Harry is the only one who can stop him.

Throughout the series, Harry learns about different magical creatures, potions, spells, and the history of the wizarding world. He also competes in a dangerous tournament called the Triwizard Tournament and forms an organization called Dumbledore’s Army to fight against Voldemort’s followers.

A story of love, friendship, truth, courage, and loyalty, ‘Harry Potter’ is a must-read if you liked reading ‘Keeper of the Lost Cities.’

His Dark Materials (1995)

by Philip Pullman

This one, like ‘Keeper of the Lost Cities,’ has a young female as its protagonist. An exciting fantasy trilogy that takes place in a parallel world similar to ours, ‘His Dark Materials’ follows a Lyra Belacqua, who lives at Jordan College in a city called Oxford.

In this world, every person has a daemon, a talking animal companion that represents their inner selves. Lyra’s daemon is named Pantalaimon, and they share a strong bond.

Lyra’s adventure begins when her friend Roger disappears, taken by mysterious people known as the Gobblers. Determined to find him, Lyra embarks on a journey that leads her to discover a powerful and dangerous substance called Dust, which connects different worlds and holds a secret that many are desperate to uncover.

As Lyra travels through different realms, she encounters fascinating characters, including armored bears, witches, and even angels. She learns about a prophecy that states she has a crucial role in saving the universe from an oppressive organization known as the Magisterium, which seeks to control knowledge and suppress free will.

Throughout the trilogy, Lyra faces numerous challenges, learns the truth about her parents, and discovers her own extraordinary abilities. Alongside her allies, including a young boy named Will, Lyra battles against forces of darkness and fights for freedom and truth.

A Darker Shade of Magic (2015)

by V.E. Schwab

This book will appeal to fans of immersive fantasy worlds, complex characters, and thrilling adventures. ‘A Darker Shade of Magic’ takes us to multiple parallel versions of London. In this story, there are four Londons: Grey London, where magic has disappeared; Red London, where magic thrives and is revered; White London, where magic is a brutal struggle for power; and Black London, a dangerous place consumed by magic.

Our main character is Kell, a powerful magician known as an Antari, who has the ability to travel between the different Londons. Kell serves as an ambassador for the ruling family of Red London, but he also has a dangerous hobby: smuggling magical artifacts between the worlds.

During one of his smuggling adventures, Kell stumbles upon a dangerous artifact from Black London. As he tries to return it to its rightful place, he crosses paths with a feisty thief named Lila Bard. Together, they embark on a perilous journey, facing treacherous enemies and discovering dark secrets that could unravel the delicate balance between the Londons.

As Kell and Lila travel through the different Londons, they encounter magical battles, encounter ruthless rulers, and face their own inner demons. They must navigate a world where trust is scarce and danger lurks at every turn.

Wings of Fire (2012)

by Tui T. Sutherland

Also set in an imaginative fantasy world like ‘Keeper of the Lost Cities,’ this one also has the main character with unique abilities that sets them apart from others, and is a coming-of-age novel.

‘Wings of Fire’ is a series that transports you to a world of dragons, where epic adventures unfold and friendships are tested. The story takes place in the land of Pyrrhia, where seven different dragon tribes exist.

The main character, a young dragonet named Clay, is a member of the MudWing tribe. He and his friends, Tsunami, Glory, Starflight, and Sunny, discover that they might be the chosen dragonets of a prophecy that can bring peace to Pyrrhia.

Throughout the series, the dragonets face many challenges. They must navigate through dangerous territories, battle enemies, and uncover secrets. Each dragonet has unique abilities and personalities that help them on their journey.

As they travel, they learn about the history and conflicts between the tribes. They meet other dragons, some of whom become friends while others become enemies. The dragonets also discover the truth about their origins and the important role they play in the prophecy.

The Land of Stories (2012)

by Chris Colfer

One day, while exploring their grandmother’s old book of stories, the twins, Alex and Conner Bailey, are unexpectedly transported into the Land of Stories. They find themselves face-to-face with beloved characters like Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, and Snow White, but these characters are not living their happy ever afters. The twins learn that an evil enchantress, the Evil Queen, has been causing chaos in the fairy tale world.

To save the Land of Stories, Alex and Conner embark on a thrilling adventure, journeying through various fairy tale kingdoms. Along the way, they meet allies like the Charming princess and a talking frog named Froggy. They also encounter dangerous obstacles and encounter treacherous villains, including the Big Bad Wolf and the Wicked Witch of the West.

With bravery and resourcefulness, the twins gather magical items and solve riddles to fulfil their quest. They learn valuable lessons about friendship, bravery, and the power of believing in oneself. Through their adventures, Alex and Conner discover the importance of rewriting their own stories and finding their own destinies.

A delightful blend of fantasy, adventure, and beloved fairy tales, ‘The Land of Stories’ takes readers on an exciting journey where imagination knows no bounds and dreams come to life.

The Lord of the Rings (1954)

by J. R. R. Tolkien

If you’re looking for a captivating and epic adventure, then “The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien is the perfect book for you. This timeless classic takes you on a journey through the magical world of middle-earth filled with heroes, villains, and breathtaking landscapes.

In ‘Keeper of the Lost Cities,’ Sophie Foster and her friends face various challenges to uncover the truth about their hidden world and protect it from evil forces. In ‘The Lord of the Rings,’ Frodo and his companions set out to destroy the One Ring and defeat the Dark Lord Sauron.

The story follows Frodo Baggins, a humble hobbit, as he embarks on a perilous quest to destroy a powerful ring that could bring darkness and destruction to the world. Along the way, Frodo encounters a fellowship of diverse and fascinating characters, including the wise wizard Gandalf, the brave warrior Aragorn, and the loyal Samwise Gamgee.

Throughout their quest, the fellowship encounters various obstacles and adversaries, including treacherous creatures like orcs, evil sorcerers, and corrupted beings. They also encounter allies such as the wise wizard Gandalf, the noble Aragorn, and the elf princess Arwen.

As Frodo and his companions venture deeper into their mission, they face internal struggles and the constant temptation of the ring’s power. They must overcome personal doubts, physical hardships, and moral dilemmas while staying united in their ultimate goal.

The Unwanteds (2011)

by Lisa McMann

‘The Unwanteds’ takes place in a world where creativity is considered a crime. Every year, the government separates children into two groups: the Wanted and the Unwanteds.

The Wanted are the privileged kids who possess skills needed for the society’s survival. They are trained to become leaders and hold important positions. On the other hand, the Unwanteds are deemed useless because they are imaginative and artistic.

When Alex Stowe, a young boy, is labeled an Unwanted, he is sent to a place called Artime, a secret magical world created for those like him. In Artime, the Unwanteds can freely express their creativity and learn magic. Under the guidance of Mr. Today, they discover their hidden talents and become powerful spellcasters.

Meanwhile, in the real world, the ruler named High Priest Justine has a sinister plan. She wants to eliminate Artime and its inhabitants to maintain control and eradicate creativity forever. Alex and his friends must work together to protect their newfound home and save it from destruction.

In this series, like in ‘Keeper of the Lost Cities,’ the characters face various challenges, battles, and personal struggles. They learn the value of friendship, loyalty, and the importance of embracing their unique abilities.

Conclusion to Books Like Keeper of The Lost Cities

And that concludes the list for books like Keeper of the Lost Cities!

As we conclude our exploration of these captivating reads, we hope you’ve found a host of new literary companions that are similar to ‘Keeper of the Lost Cities.’ These 11 must-read books like Keeper of the Lost Cities promise to whisk you away on thrilling adventures, introduce you to memorable characters, and immerse you in imaginative worlds. Whether you’re in search of epic quests, enchanting realms, or heartwarming connections, these recommendations cater to every fan of Shannon Messenger’s beloved series.

However, if you want even more books like Keeper of the Lost Cities, you should consider-

1. Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
2. Cursebreaker series by Brigid Kemmerer
3. Red Rising Series by Pierce Brown
4. Poppy wars series by RF Kuang
5. Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
6. Dumplin’ series by Julie Murphy
7. Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend
8. Amari the Night Brothers by BB Alston
9. Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
10. The School for Good and Evil series by Soman Chainani
11. The Great Divorce by  C. S. Lewis (which is small but worth its weight in gold)
12. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
13. The Inkworld Trilogy by Cornelia Funke
14. The Ascendance Trilogy by Jennifer A. Nielson
15. The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan
16. Red Knight by Miles Cameron
17. Secrets of the immortal Nicholas flamel by Michael Scott
18. Kiesha’ra series by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
19. Iron druid chronicles by Kevin Hearne
20. The Elemental Trilogy by Sherry Thomas
21. The Valdemar series by Mercedes Lackey
22. Kate Daniels by Ilona Andrews
23. The Tethered Mage by Melissa Caruso
24. All The Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders