Below is the complete list of Shannon Messenger books in order. For this series, the chronological reading order is the same as the order of publication.
Publication Order of Keeper of the Lost Cities Books
Publication Order of Keeper of the Lost Cities: The Graphic Novels Books
Publication Order of Sky Fall Books
About Shannon Messenger
Shannon Messenger is an American author best known for writing middle-grade and young adult fantasy novels, particularly the internationally popular Keeper of the Lost Cities. Her books combine fast-paced adventure, magical worlds, and character-driven storytelling, attracting a large readership among younger audiences as well as fantasy fans looking for imaginative and emotionally engaging stories.
Messenger grew up in Southern California and developed a love of storytelling from an early age. Like many writers in the fantasy genre, she was drawn to imaginative worlds and the possibilities of fiction long before she considered writing professionally. As a student she showed an interest in both storytelling and visual arts, eventually pursuing studies in film and screenwriting.
She attended the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, where she studied film production. During this time she gained experience in storytelling through scriptwriting and visual media. Although her education focused on film, the narrative skills she developed during those years later influenced her approach to writing novels, particularly her ability to structure scenes and develop character-driven plots.
Messenger’s career as a novelist began with the young adult fantasy novel Let the Sky Fall (2013), the first book in the Sky Fall trilogy. The series introduced readers to a story centered on ancient wind spirits known as sylphs and the conflicts surrounding their powers. While the books gained attention within the young adult fantasy community, Messenger’s next project would become her most widely recognized work.
Her breakthrough came with Keeper of the Lost Cities (2012), which introduced readers to Sophie Foster, a telepathic girl who discovers she belongs to a hidden world of elves and magical abilities. The series quickly developed a strong following due to its imaginative world-building, emotional character arcs, and intricate mysteries that unfold across multiple books.
Reading Shannon Messenger’s books in publication order reveals how her storytelling style developed as the Keeper of the Lost Cities saga expanded. Early installments focus on introducing Sophie to the elven world and its complex society. As the series progresses, the narrative grows more intricate, involving political conflicts, hidden organizations, and long-standing secrets tied to Sophie’s past.
One of the defining features of Messenger’s writing is her focus on character relationships. The Keeper of the Lost Cities series places strong emphasis on friendship, loyalty, and personal growth. Sophie and her friends must navigate not only magical challenges but also emotional decisions that affect their relationships and responsibilities.
Messenger’s fictional world includes a wide range of magical abilities, such as telepathy, teleportation, and elemental powers. These abilities are tied to a carefully structured society of elves who live in secret alongside the human world. Through Sophie’s perspective, readers gradually discover how this hidden civilization functions and how its history shapes the events of the present.
Another notable element of Messenger’s storytelling is the use of long-term mysteries. Questions introduced in earlier books often remain unresolved until later installments, encouraging readers to follow the series in order. This approach allows the world and its characters to evolve over time while maintaining suspense throughout the narrative.
Beyond writing, Messenger has become an active presence within the young reader community. She frequently participates in book tours, school visits, and literary events where she discusses storytelling and the creative process. Her engagement with readers has contributed to the strong fan community surrounding the Keeper of the Lost Cities series.
Over time, Shannon Messenger has established herself as one of the prominent voices in contemporary middle-grade fantasy. Her novels combine imaginative settings with relatable characters who face challenges involving identity, responsibility, and friendship. Following her books in publication order offers the clearest view of how her stories and characters continue to develop across the expanding worlds she has created.