10 Books Like Keeper of the Lost Cities
“Keeper of the Lost Cities” has been praised for its engaging storytelling, emotional depth, and the positive messages it conveys to its readers. It has become popular among readers of all ages, particularly those who enjoy fantasy and adventure stories.
If you are looking for some similar reads, here they are –
Books Like Keeper of the Lost Cities
1. Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
This book introduces Percy Jackson, a twelve-year-old who discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is accused of stealing Zeus’ lightning bolt.
Percy’s journey takes him to Camp Half-Blood, a training camp for demigod children, where he learns about his heritage and prepares for a quest to prevent a war among the gods. Along the way, he makes friends and enemies among gods, demigods, and mythical creatures.
Major Similarities:
Similar to “Keeper of the Lost Cities,” this book features a young protagonist who discovers a hidden identity and is thrust into an unfamiliar world filled with mythology and magic.
Both series involve a journey of self-discovery, the importance of friendship, and facing challenges that test the characters’ courage and determination. The blend of modern settings with fantastical elements and the emphasis on teamwork and adventure resonate across both series.
2. The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
In “The School for Good and Evil,” best friends Sophie and Agatha find themselves kidnapped and taken to an enchanted school where young heroes and villains are trained to preserve the balance between Good and Evil. Sophie dreams of becoming a princess, while Agatha seems a perfect fit for a villain.
However, their destinies are not as clear-cut as they seem, leading to adventures that challenge their perceptions of good and evil, and their friendship.
Major Similarities:
This series and “Keeper of the Lost Cities” share a theme of young characters navigating a magical world with predefined roles and expectations.
Both involve schools that play a crucial role in the characters’ development and the exploration of themes such as friendship, identity, and challenging societal norms. The dynamic of close friendships amidst magical turmoil and the journey of self-discovery in a fantastical setting are central to both stories.
3. Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
“Fablehaven” is the story of Kendra and her brother Seth, who discover their grandparents’ property is actually a sanctuary for mythical and magical creatures.
When rules are broken, the siblings must save their family and the sanctuary from dark forces. The series is filled with magical creatures, hidden worlds, and secret societies, making every book a new adventure.
Major Similarities:
Like “Keeper of the Lost Cities,” “Fablehaven” explores the theme of young protagonists discovering hidden magical worlds and their own roles within them.
Both series feature a blend of adventure, mystery, and the importance of family and friends. The characters in both series grow significantly, learning about trust, responsibility, and the complexities of good vs. evil.
4. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
“Artemis Fowl” follows the adventures of a twelve-year-old criminal mastermind, Artemis Fowl II, as he discovers and interacts with the underground fairy world to restore his family’s fortune.
The series blends fantasy, adventure, and technology, with a unique take on magical creatures living in secrecy from the human world. Artemis’ journey from a self-centered genius to a more heroic character is central to the series.
Major Similarities:
Both “Keeper of the Lost Cities” and “Artemis Fowl” involve young protagonists uncovering hidden magical societies and dealing with the consequences of these worlds colliding with their own. Themes of identity, morality, and the impact of one’s actions on the world are explored.
The series also share a sense of humor amidst the fantasy and adventure, appealing to readers who enjoy seeing characters navigate complex magical worlds.
5. The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann
In “The Unwanteds,” every year in Quill, thirteen-year-olds are sorted into categories: The Wanteds, who go to university; the Necessaries, who stay to work; and the Unwanteds, who are sent to their deaths.
However, the Unwanteds discover their fate is not death but an invitation to a magical place called Artime, where they learn to use their creative abilities and magic in ways they never imagined.
Major Similarities:
“The Unwanteds” and “Keeper of the Lost Cities” both feature a hidden, magical world where young characters discover their true abilities and face challenges that test their courage, creativity, and friendships.
Both series explore themes of societal expectations, the power of creativity, and the journey to finding one’s place in the world. The emphasis on the value of unconventional talents and the fight against oppressive systems mirrors the core themes of discovery and growth found in “Keeper of the Lost Cities.”
6. Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland
This series is set in the dragon-inhabited continents of Pyrrhia and Pantala, where dragon tribes have been at war for decades. The story centers on five young dragonets who are prophesied to end the conflict and bring peace to the lands.
Each book is told from the perspective of a different dragonet, exploring themes of destiny, friendship, and the struggle between right and wrong.
Major Similarities:
“Wings of Fire” and “Keeper of the Lost Cities” both create immersive fantasy worlds with rich lore and history. The emphasis on a group of young characters destined for greatness and the challenges they face in fulfilling their destinies mirror each other.
Both series deal with themes of friendship, identity, and moral dilemmas, offering a mix of adventure, suspense, and the growth of its characters as they navigate their worlds.
7. The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer
In “The Land of Stories,” twins Alex and Conner fall into a magical book that transports them to a land where fairy tales are real. The siblings embark on a quest to return home, meeting a host of classic and reimagined fairy tale characters along the way.
The series blends the modern world with the enchanting realms of storybooks, exploring themes of family, bravery, and the power of storytelling.
Major Similarities:
Similar to “Keeper of the Lost Cities,” “The Land of Stories” features young protagonists who discover a hidden world full of magic and mystery. Both series involve a journey of self-discovery and the challenge of navigating worlds where the characters must grow and adapt.
The blend of humor, adventure, and the importance of family and friendship are central themes that resonate with readers of both series.
8. Magisterium by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare
“Magisterium” follows Callum Hunt, who, despite his best efforts to fail the entrance exam, is selected to attend the Magisterium, a school for magic training.
Against all odds, Call becomes one of the most important students, uncovering secrets about his past and the magical world that challenge everything he knows. The series explores themes of destiny, loyalty, and the battle between light and darkness.
Major Similarities:
Both “Keeper of the Lost Cities” and “Magisterium” feature magical schools and young protagonists with hidden powers and destinies. The stories delve into complex relationships, the discovery of one’s true self, and the fight against an overarching evil.
Themes of friendship, the questioning of authority, and the importance of making difficult choices are explored deeply in both series.
9. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
This standalone novel tells the story of a town that sacrifices a baby each year to the witch in the forest to avoid her wrath, not knowing she’s actually kind-hearted and rescues the children.
One child, Luna, accidentally becomes infused with moon magic, leading to a tale of growth, magic, and facing one’s fears. The story weaves together various perspectives, including a witch, a magical swamp monster, a tiny dragon, and the people of the Protectorate.
Major Similarities:
Like “Keeper of the Lost Cities,” “The Girl Who Drank the Moon” explores themes of magic, the discovery of one’s true abilities, and the fight against oppressive forces.
Both stories emphasize the importance of understanding and compassion over fear and prejudice. The nurturing of hidden talents and the journey to self-discovery in a world filled with magic and mystery are central to both narratives.
10. The Peculiar by Stefan Bachmann
Set in an alternate Victorian England where faeries and humans live together but not in harmony, “The Peculiar” is the story of Bartholomew Kettle, a half-human, half-faery boy.
After witnessing a mysterious lady kidnap another Peculiar, Bartholomew gets caught up in a dangerous adventure that reveals secrets about his world and himself. The book is a blend of steampunk, fantasy, and mystery, exploring themes of identity, bravery, and the fight against injustice.
Major Similarities:
Both “Keeper of the Lost Cities” and “The Peculiar” feature protagonists who feel out of place in their worlds due to their unique heritage. The exploration of hidden magical societies, the importance of friendship and loyalty, and the journey to uncover one’s true identity and abilities are key themes in both stories.
The blend of a richly imagined world with the protagonists’ growth and self-discovery creates a compelling narrative that resonates with readers of both series.
