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About the Author Shannon Messenger graduated from the USC School of Cinematic Arts where she learnedamong other thingsthat she liked watching movies much better than making them. Shes studied art, screenwriting, and television production, but realized her real passion was writing for kids and teens. She is the author of the middle grade series Keeper of the Lost Cities and the Sky Fall series for young adults. She lives in Southern California with her husband and an embarrassing number of cats. Find her online at ShannonMessenger.com. Read more Excerpt. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. Lodestar ONE THIS IS A security nightmare! Sandor grumbled, keeping his huge gray hand poised over his enormous black sword. His squeaky voice reminded Sophie more of a talking mouse than a deadly bodyguard. Several prodigies raced past, and Sandor pulled Sophie closer as the giggling group jumped to pop the candy-filled bubbles floating near the shimmering crystal trees. All around them, kids were running through the confetti-covered atrium in their amber-gold Level Three uniforms, capes flying as they caught snacks and bottles of lushberry juice and stuffed tinsel-wrapped gifts into the long white thinking caps dangling from everyones lockers. The Midterms Celebration was a Foxfire Academy traditionhardly the impending doom Sandor was imagining. And yet, Sophie understood his concern. Every parent roaming the streamer-lined halls. Every face she didnt recognize. Any of them could be a rebel. A villain. The enemy. Sandor watched Sophie tug on her eyelashesher nervous habit, back in full force. Nothing is going to happen, he promised, tucking her blond hair behind her ear with a surprisingly gentle touch for a seven-foot-tall goblin warrior. It definitely helped having Sandor back at her sideespecially after almost losing him during the battle on Mount Everest. And Sandor wasnt the only goblin at Foxfire anymore. Each of the six wings in the main campus building had been assigned its own patrol, with two additional squadrons keeping watch over the sprawling grounds. The Council had also added security throughout the Lost Cities. They had to. The ogres were still threatening war. And in the three weeks since Sophie and her friends had returned from hiding with the Black Swan, the Neverseen had scorched the main gate of the Sanctuary and broken into the registry in Atlantis. Sophie could guess what the rebels had hoped to gain from the elves secret animal preservethey obviously didnt know that shed convinced the Council to set the precious alicorns free. But the registry attack remained a mystery. The Councillors kept careful records on every elf ever born, and no one would tell her if any files had been altered or stolen. A bubble popped on Sophies head, and Sandor caught the box of Prattles that had been hovering inside. If youre going to eat these, I should check them first, he told her. Sandors wide, flat nose scented no toxins in the nutty candy, but he insisted on examining the pin before handing them over. Every box of Prattles came with a special collectible inside, and in the past, the Black Swan had used them to send Sophie messages. He fished out the tiny velvet pouch and Sophie caught herself clutching her allergy remedy necklace. She still kept the silver moonlark pin that Calla had given her attached to the corda reminder of the friend shed lost, and a symbol of the role she needed to figure out how to play. Looks like were good, Sandor said, handing her the small boobrie pina strange black bird with bright yellow tail feathers. Cant imagine that means anything important. Sophie couldnt either. Especially since the Black Swan had been annoyingly silent. No notes. No clues. No answers during their brief meetings. Apparently they were regrouping. And it was taking forever. At least the Council was doing somethingsetting up goblin patrols and trying to arrange an ogre Peace Summit. The Black Swan should at least be... Actually, Sophie didnt know what they should be doing. That was the problem with having her friend join the enemy. There you are! a familiar voice said behind her. I was starting to think youd ditched us. The deep, crisp accent was instantly recognizable. And yet, the teasing words made Sophie wish shed turn and find a different boy. Fitz looked as cute as ever in his red Level Five uniform, but his perfect smile didnt reach his trademark teal eyes. The recent revelations had been a huge blow for all of her friends, but Fitz had taken it the hardest. Both his brother and his best friend had run off with the Neverseen. Alvars betrayal had made Fitz warymade him doubt every memory. But Keefes? He wouldnt talk about itat all. Not that Sophie had many chances to bring up the subject. Only a handful of people knew the truth. The rest believed the Black Swans carefully crafted lie, and thought Keefe was taking time away to mourn his mothers disappearance. Even the Council had no inkling, and Sophie hoped it would stay that way. The less everyone knew, the easier it would be for Keefe to come home. If he came home. You okay? Fitz asked, making her realize shed forgotten to say hello. I hope youre not worrying about your tests. Theres no way you didnt pass. I dont know... Her photographic memory helpedbut lately shed struggled to concentrate during her school sessions. Honestly, though, shed barely given her midterms a second thought. She wasnt the same girl shed been the year before, who thought failing out of Foxfire would be the end of the world. Now shed been kidnapped, presumed dead, banished from the Lost Cities, and helped stop a plague from killing off the entire gnomish species. Shed even snuck into the ogres capital and helped destroy half the citywhich happened to be why the Council was struggling to negotiate a new elvin-ogre treaty. Relax, Fitz said as her mind spun to nightmares of lumpy-faced ogres tearing through the elves glittering streets. Were supposed to be celebrating. His cheer sounded forced. But she knew Fitz was trying. Thats what they did now. Try. Wait. Hope. Just let me grab my thinking cap, she told him, heading for her locker. The long floppy hat was required during midterms, designed to restrict Telepaths and preserve the integrity of the testsnot that anything could block Sophies enhanced abilities. But after the exams, the hats became present sacks, and everyone filled them with treats and trinkets and treasures. Ill need to inspect your presents before you open them, Sandor warned as he helped Sophie lift her overstuffed hat. Thats perfect, Fitz said. While he does that, you can open mine. He pulled a small box from the pocket of his waist-length cape and handed it to Sophie. The opalescent wrapping paper had flecks of teal glitter dusted across it, and hed tied it with a silky teal bow, making her wonder if hed guessed her favorite color. She really hoped he couldnt guess why.... Hopefully I did better this year, Fitz said. Biana claimed the riddler was a total fail. The riddle-writing pen hed given her last time had been a disappointment, but... Im sure Ill love it, Sophie promised. Besides. My gift is boring. Sandor had declared an Atlantis shopping trip to be far too risky, so Sophie had spent the previous day baking her friends presents. She handed Fitz a round silver tin and he popped the lid off immediately. Ripplefluffs? he asked, smiling his first real smile in days. The silver-wrapped treats were what might happen if a brownie and a cupcake had a fudgey, buttery baby, with a candy surprise sunken into the center. Sophies adoptive mother, Edaline, had taught her the recipe and helped her invent two flavor combinations. How did you know that chocolate and mint is my favorite? Fitz asked, peeling off the silver wrapper and devouring the whole fluff in one bite. I didnt, Sophie admitted. If I had, I wouldnt have given you any of the butter toffee ones. Those look amazing too, he said, then frowned at his present. Arent you going to open it? Shouldnt I wait until were with the others? Nah. Itll be better if its just the two of us. Something about the way he said it made her heart switch to flutter mode, even though she knew Fitz didnt think of her that way. Her mind raced through a dozen theories as she carefully tore the shimmering paper. But she still wasnt prepared to find... Rings? They go on your thumbs, Fitz explained. Its a Cognate thing. She wasnt sure what thumb jewelry had to do with their rare telepathic connection. But she noticed Fitz was wearing an identical set. Each ring had initials stamped into the verdigris metal. SEF on the rightSophie Elizabeth Fosterand FAV on the left. Fitzroy Avery Vacker. Your full name is Fitzroy? she asked. Yeah. No idea what my parents were thinking with that one. But watch this. Try opening your thoughts to mine, and then do this. He held his hands palm-out, waiting for her to do the same. As soon as she did, the rings turned warm against her skin and snapped their hands together like magnets. Theyre made from ruminel, Fitz said, which reacts to mental energy. It doesnt change anything, but itll show us when our minds are connected, and I thought it would help us concentrate and... His voice trailed off. You hate them, dont you? Of course not! She liked them a little too much, actually. She was just trying not to show it. There were a lot of kids staring at them. And whispering. And giggling. Fitz twisted his palms, breaking the rings connection. I guess I shouldve gone with the necklace Biana showed me. You just have so many necklacesand the last one you got... He didnt finish the sentence. It wouldve meant mentioning Keefe. Im glad you got me these. Seriously. Theyre my fave. She pointed to the FAV. That earned her another smile, and Fitz brushed his dark hair off his forehead. Come on, Im sure Dex and Biana are getting sick of waiting for us. Where did Grizel go? Sandor asked as they turned to leave. Shes supposed to stay by your side. Im right here, a husky female voice said as a lithe gray goblin in a fitted black jumpsuit seemed to melt out of the shadows. Fitzs bodyguard was just as tall as Sandor, but far leanerand what she lacked in bulk she made up for in stealth and grace. I swear, she said, tapping Sandor on the nose. Its almost too easy to evade you. Anyone can hide in this chaos, Sandor huffed. And now is not the time for games! Theres always time for games. Grizel tossed her long ponytail in a way that almost seemed... Was it flirty? Sandor mustve noticed too, because his gray skin tinted pink. He cleared his throat and turned to Sophie. Werent we heading to the cafeteria? She nodded and followed Fitz into the mazelike halls, where the colorful crystal walls shimmered in the afternoon sunlight. The cafeteria was on the second floor of the campuss five-story glass pyramid, which sat in the center of the courtyard framed by the U-shaped main building. Sophie spent most of the walk wondering how long it would take Dex to notice her new accessories. The answer was three secondsand another after that to notice the matching rings on Fitzs thumbs. His periwinkle eyes narrowed, but he kept his voice cheerful as he said, I guess were all giving rings this year. Biana held out her hand to show Sophie a ring that looked familiarprobably because Sophie had a less sparkly, slightly more crooked, definitely less pink version on her own finger. I also made one for you, Dex told Fitz. Its in your thinking cap. And I have some for Tam and Linh, whenever we see them again. That way well all have panic switchesand I added stronger trackers, so I can home in on the signal even if you dont press your stone. Just in case anything weird happens. Your Technopath tricks arent necessary, Sandor told him, pointing to their group of bodyguardsfour goblins in all. But its still good to have a backup plan, right? Biana asked, admiring her ring from another angle. The pink stone matched the glittery shadow shed brushed around her teal eyes, as well as the gloss on her heart-shaped lips. Biana reminded Sophie of the dolls her human parents had tried to get her to play with as a kidtoo beautiful and stylish to be real. Thank you again, Biana told Dex. Im never taking it off! Dexs cheeks turned the same color as his strawberry-blond hair. Sophie smiled, glad to see Dex and Biana getting along so wellespecially after all the years Dex had spent resenting the Vackers. He used to call Fitz Wonderboy and claimed their legendary family was too snobby and perfect. Nobody thought that anymore. In fact, both Fitzs and Bianas thinking caps looked emptier than theyd been the previous year. Their parents had decided not to let the Black Swan cover for Alvars disappearance like theyd done for Keefe. Alvar had lied for more than a decade and used his position in the nobility to spy on his father and the Counciland helped kidnap Sophie and Dex. He didnt deserve protection, even if it brought undeserved shame on the family. Awkward silence settled over their table and Sophie tried not to look at the empty chairs. Not only was Keefe missing, but Jensi had chosen to sit with his old friends. Hed reconnected with them during the months that Sophie and the others had lived with the Black Swan, and he seemed reluctant to come back, like he was worried theyd abandon him again. Marella was avoiding them toothough she also wasnt at Stina Hekss table, like Sophie wouldve expected. Marella sat by herself in the farthest corner, while Stina sat with Bianas former best friend, Maruca. Stina caught Sophie watching her and didnt return her smilebut she didnt offer her usual glare either. Apparently that was as nice as Stina was going to get, now that her dad was working with the Black Swan. Here, Dex said, placing a white box into Sophies hands. Made this for youand sorry its not wrapped. Rex and Bex used up all the ribbon tying Lex to a chandelier. Dexs younger triplet siblings were notorious troublemakers. Sophie had a feeling the loudest shouting on the other end of the cafeteria was coming from them. And shed expected to open the box and find another Dex-ified gadget. But his gift reminded her that he was also an amazing alchemist. You made me Panakes perfume? she asked, shaking the fragile crystal bottle and watching the pinkish-purplish-bluish petals swirl through the shimmering syrup. She twisted open the top and closed her eyes as she inhaled the rich, sweet fragrance. Instantly she was back in the Havenfield pastures, standing under the swaying branches of Callas tree. A Panakes only grew when a gnome willingly surrendered their life and shifted into their final tree form. Calla had made the sacrifice for her people, to let her healing blossoms end the deadly plague the ogres had unleashed. Im sure you smell them all the time, Dex said, but I know how much you miss her. And this way, when you wear the perfume, youre keeping a small part of her with you everywhere you go. Sophies voice failed her, so she grabbed Dex and hugged him as tight as she couldbut she mightve held on a bit too long. When she let go, Dex was redder than Fitzs school uniform. They were saved from the awkwardness by the doors to the cafeteria bursting open. Despite her earlier calm, Sophies palms turned clammy as she searched the flood of parents for Grady and Edaline. She spotted Gradys tousled blond hair first, and as soon as his bright blue eyes met hers, his chiseled features curved with an enormous smile. Passed with flying colors, he and Edaline both shouted as Sophie raced across the room to meet them. She threw her arms around both her parents. Even linguistics? That had been her iffyest subjectby far. Being a Polyglot made her naturally understand languages, but after the trick Keefe had pulled, Sophie refused to practice mimicking voices. Plus, her relationship with her Mentor was... complicated. Lady Cadence had a special affinity for the ogres, and was not happy with Sophie for helping flood the ogre capital. That was your lowest score, Edaline admitted, shaking a piece of her wavy amber-colored hair out of her eyes. But you were still well within passing range. And your highest score was inflicting, Grady added. Councillor Bronte said youve been incredibly dedicated during your sessions. In fact, he said youve now reached his most advanced level of training. Is that bad? Sophie asked, not missing his raised eyebrow. She didnt like inflicting painbut the ability had saved her life. And training at least gave her something she could do to prepare for the next time she faced off with the Neverseen. I just want to make sure I can defend myselfand I know I have Sandor. But its not like hes invincible. Isnt it smart to plan for the worst-case scenario? It is smart, Grady agreed. But I also think you and I should talk later. Okay? Sophie gave him half a nod. The last thing she wanted was another with great power comes great responsibility lecture. But she was pretty sure it was unavoidable. Do you guys want to go? she asked, knowing her parents werent fans of crowds. Before shed moved in with them, Grady and Edaline had spent sixteen years hiding away, mourning the death of their only daughter. Jolie had been killed in a fire theyd recently discovered was set by her fianc, Branta secret Pyrokinetic, and a leader of the Neverseen. Were fine, Grady promised, squeezing Sophies hand. And we cant leave until Magnate Leto makes his final announcement. He said the name so easily, without tripping over it the way Sophie tended to. Now that she knew his secret identity, her brain always wanted to call him Mr. Forkle. Sophie scanned the room to check for her friends and found them smiling and celebrating. Even Alden and DellaFitz and Bianas parentslooked happier than shed seen them in weeks. She was on her way to say hi when the lights dimmed and Magnate Letos face projected across the glass walls. You kids did an excellent job on your midterms! he said, starting his speech with his two favorite words. No matter how many times Sophie studied his slicked dark hair and sharp features, she still couldnt see the bloated, wrinkled face of the Black Swan leader behind them. But shed watched Mr. Forkles ruckleberry disguise fade right before her eyes. I realize this is usually the point where youre dismissed for a six-week break, Magnate Leto continued, but in light of recent events, the Council has elected to do things a bit differently. I wont go into further detailsthe Council will be sending out official scrolls after the weekend. But I wanted to mention it now so youd be prepared. In the meantime, enjoy the rest of the celebration. And remember, change can be a powerful, inspiring thing when we keep an open mind. Murmurs turned to a roar as his projection flashed away, leaving everyone debating possibilities. Do you have any idea what hes talking about? Grady asked Sophie. She didntand that made it even more frustrating. After all the debates shed had with the Black Swan, all her endless pleas for them to include her and trust her, they still insisted on keeping her at arms length. Looks like everyones heading home, Grady said, offering to gather up Sophies gifts while she returned her thinking cap to her locker. The atrium was empty when she arrivedjust Sophie and Sandor and a few forgotten candy bubbles. She left her hat on the middle shelf of her locker and was about to walk away when she noticed a white envelope bearing a familiar curved black symbol on the top shelf. Finally, she whispered, ripping the thick paper right through the sign of the swan. Inside she found a short noteand a gift. She slipped the long necklace around her neck, not bothering to inspect the pendants swan-neck shape, or the round piece of glass set in the center. The Black Swan had given her the same monocle when she swore fealty to their order, and she was glad to have a replacement for the one Brant had destroyed. What does the note say? Sandor asked, reminding her that she would not be sneaking off for secret assignments without him. She handed him the paper, which was more direct than the Black Swans usual clues: Principals office. Now. Come alone. I dont like this, Sandor mumbled. You never do. He followed her without further comment as she made her way back to the glass pyramid. Sophie kept her eyes down as she walked, relieved when she reached the apex without running into her friends. If theyd known about the note they wouldve insisted on joining her. You may come in, Miss Foster, Magnate Letos deep voice called through the heavy door before Sophie could even knock. But Id like Sandor to keep watch outside. This conversation cannot tolerate eavesdroppers. Sandors sigh sounded like a snarl. Ill be right outsideand if you leap away without me, there will be consequences. Close the door behind you, Magnate Leto told her as she entered, the words echoing around the glass office. Afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows, turning the triangular room blindingly bright. The sloped glass walls had mirrors set into every other pane, remnants from the days when Councillor AlinaSophies least favorite Councillorwas principal of Foxfire. Im glad you came, Magnate Leto said from the other side of his huge swiveling desk chair. He was turned toward the windows, hidden behind the stiff winged-back cushion. Sorry my note was so hasty. Next time Ill make sure it rhymes. The last few words sounded higher pitched, and Sophie was trying to figure out why when the chair slowly spun around to face her. Instead of the dark-haired elf shed been expecting, she found a boy dressed all in black, with artfully styled blond hair and an infamous talent for mimicking voices. Keefe? she whispered. He smirked. Did you miss me? Read more in this thrilling fifth book in the bestselling Keeper of the Lost Cities series Sophie Foster is back in Lodestar Keeper of the Lost Cities Lodestar has 1 771 ratings and 302 reviews Lodestar Keeper of the Lost Cities 5 Here is how the Keeper series has made me feel Lodestar Keeper of the Lost Cities Book 5 Keeper of the Lost Cities Book 5 Kindle Edition by Keeper of the Lost Cities Lodestar is probably my favorite book Lodestar Keeper of the Lost Cities Series 5 by Shannon Messenger All Formats Uneducated in Keeper of the Lost Cities stuff no offense Book 5 Lodestar 262 pages on this wiki Add New Page Edit Classic editor History Comments 372 Share Lodestar Lost Cities Keeper Wiki is a Fandom Books Community You might be looking for Book 5 Lodestar The Lodestar Initiative is a plan of the Neverseen The fifth Keeper of the Lost Cities book is also called Lodestar Read Common Sense Media s Lodestar Keeper of the Lost Cities Lodestar is the thrilling fifth book in the Keeper of the Lost Cities series In Lodestar Sophie Tween Shannon Messenger Lodestar Keeper of Lost Lodestar Keeper of Lost Cities presents the latest installment of her Keeper of Lost Cities middle Lodestar ONE THIS IS A security nightmare She is the author of the middle grade series Keeper of the Lost Cities and the Sky Fall series for young adults Behold Lodestar Keeper of the Lost Cities Book 5 Kindle Edition I bought Lodestar because I couldn t stand waiting in the massive line to check it out at the library Title Lodestar Keeper of the Lost Cities Book 5 Author s Shannon Messenger Publisher Aladdin Availability Amazon Amazon CA November 2016 UK Kindle edition Books Keeper of the Lost Cities Follow Fav Keeper of the Lost Cities Lodestar By The Glittery Ninja Espada With Keefe out the picture and new enemies closing in Keeper of the Lost Cities 1 741 likes 5 talking about this An exciting middle grade fantasy series from Simon Schuster Aladdin NEVERSEEN Book Books Keeper of the Lost Cities Follow Fav Lodestar Keeper of the Lost Cities 5 By MagesticalCookie Sophie Foster is back in the Lost Cities Team Keeper Team Wars Shippings About Community This is the community for all the other Keeper of the Lost Cities Fans out there currently Lodestar Lodestar Keeper of the Lost Cities BOOK DETAILS Author Shannon Messenger Pages 688 Pages Publisher Aladdin Language English ISBN 1481474952 See more Keeper of the Lost Cities Lodestar 5 by Shann Keeper of the Lost Cities LODESTAR Keeper of the Lost Cities is a little bit Alice s keeper of the lost the cities was the best book i ever read in my Lodestar Keeper of the Lost Cities 5 by MagesticalCookie SHOW MORE Sophie Foster is back in the Lost Cities but her whole world has changed When she s Keeper of the Lost Cities Lodestar Fanfiction Neverseen Spoilers With Keefe out the picture and new enemies closing in Sophie must learn to hone her abilities and Read Common Sense Media s Lodestar Keeper of the Lost Cities Book 5 review age rating and parents guide Danger and magical creatures mix in thrilling volume Keeper of The Lost Cities Lodestar 6 4K Reads 186 Votes 29 Part Story Suppose your favorite Keeper of the Lost Cites characters were living on Earth 108 results for keeper of the lost cities Lodestar Keeper of the Lost Cities Chain Keeper Story Keepers Best books like Lodestar 1 A Legend of Starfire Books like Lodestar Keeper of the Lost Cities 5 Lodestar Keeper of the Lost Cities 5 The official website for Author Shannon Messenger Here you ll find news book details author info LODESTAR Keeper of the Lost Cities 5 On sale 11 1 16 Lodestar by Shannon Messenger Excerpt Author object Object Name Keeper of the Lost Cities 5 LODESTAR SHANNON MESSENGER Shannon Messenger LODESTAR Keeper of Advance signing tickets will be given to guests who purchase one of Shannon Messenger s Keeper of the Lost Cities books Lodestar Keeper of the Lost Cities continue in this fifth book in the bestselling Keeper of the Lost Cities BIGGEST KLC FAN EVER LODESTAR BOOK 6 IS lodestar keeper of the lost cities torrent Download lodestar keeper of the lost cities torrent or read online here in PDF or EPUB Please click button to get lodestar Lodestar Keeper of the Lost Cities By Sophie s loyalty is pushed to the limit in this thrilling fifth book in the bestselling Keeper of the Lost Cities series Free Download Lodestar (Keeper of the Lost Cities) di eBook PDF.
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