September 2022 book review of Exile (Keeper of the Lost Cities #2)

Date-8.14.22-9.5.22

Doing a Buddy Read for this book

 Keeper of the Lost Cities-Exile (book two of Keeper of the Lost Cities)

Written by Shannon Messenger

About from Goodreads.com

Sophie Foster thought she was safe. Settled into her home at Havenfield, surrounded by friends, and using her unique telepathic abilities to train Silveny--the first female alicorn ever seen in the Lost Cities--her life finally seems to be coming together. 

But Sophie's kidnappers are still out there. And when Sophie discovers new messages and clues from the mysterious Black Swan group, she’s forced to take a terrifying risk—one that puts everyone in incredible danger. 

As long buried secrets rise to the surface, it’s once again up to Sophie to uncover hidden memories—before someone close to her is lost forever. 

In this second book in the Keeper of the Lost Cities series, Sophie must journey to the darkest corners of her luminous world in a sequel that will leave you breathless for more.

Review

Warning might be some spoilers. If you don’t want spoilers please skip down to the Enjoyed section of the review.

    Here I am again talking about a series that is supposed to be for middle schoolers but hey sometimes I want a quick and simple read that is light hearted especially when I am in the process of reading two  other amazing books that are extremely deep. I did read this book for my very first buddy read. Personally I am not sure how I feel about doing buddy read because it is hard to go at the other person's pace when I usually read pretty fast. 

    But let's get to the review..

    I really enjoy Messenger’s writing style and characters. Especially Dex and Grady, as well as Sophie’s bodyguard Sandor, who is just the cutest (Never thought I would say that about a Goblin).  One character I had an issue with was Silveny the alicorn. I just found her annoying with her ability to talk and that she kept saying the same thing over and over. Another thing I didn’t like is if she was so smart why didn't she care when Sophie was projecting that she was terrified. 

Another thing I am liking more is  Sophie’s character for the most part, like she ended up having to  deal with PTSD from being kidnapped, like any normal person. Originally I was worried that Messenger was not going to give Sophie any side effects from being kidnapped like how most books for children do. The only pet peeve I have with Sophie is she constantly lies to everyone in her life, like her friends will try to help her and she will straight up lie to their faces. For example the Black Swan gave her package and she took out the original item, then replaced it with twigs and a tracker that Sandor had sewn into her clothes for her safety, and she took these items and shown them to her friends saying the Black Swan gave those to her. Sophie also is constantly lying to her parents which I feel like some children may take it as it is an okay thing to keep secrets and lie to your parents especially if it something that might be extremely dangerous. 

I will for sure be reading the next book since I am extremely interested in finding out what is going to happen next. 

Enjoyed

• The characters, Dex and Sandor especially 

• How Sophie tries to cope with having PTSD

 

Disliked

• I find Silveny to be sorta annoying 

• How she doesn’t trust her friends when all they want to do is help and she lies straight to their faces

Quotes I love

• “Kids at school didn’t trust me after I manifested. Told me they didn’t want me messing with their minds. Others would lie to get out of detention and say I made them do whatever they got caught doing. And when I got awards or praise, they’d claim I used my ability to cheat. Even Edaline’s parents teased me when we got engaged. Said they should find a way to make sure I hadn’t mesmerized her into marrying me. They meant it as a joke” -Grady, Chapter 11

• A tracking device. I’ve had them sewn into all of your permanent clothes, but not your costume, since you’ll be returning it. - Chapter 30

• Edaline wasn’t sad either. She was worried—trying to force a dozen elixirs down Sophie’s throat, no matter how many times Sophie assured her she was fine. - Chapter 36

3 /5 ⭐️

Recommended to- Children and people that love fantasy and want an easy read

Info

Other books in Series-Keeper of the Lost Cities (1), Everblaze (3), Neverseen (4), Lodestar (5), Nightfall (6), Bonus Keene Story (6.5), Flashback (7), Legacy (8), Unlocked (8.5), Stellarlune (9 (Not out Yet)), One Untitled Book

Trigger warning-  NA

Spice level- 0 / 5 🌶

Publish date-October 2013

Awards-NA

Genres- Fantasy, YA, Adventure, Mystery