3.9/5 | In which everyone knows wassup between Sophie and Keefe except Sophie (and Fitz, poor boy). It’s hard to believe that this is only the fifth instalment out of, what, ten planned books? That’s only halfway through (behold my mathematic genius) and already so much has happened! And that’s only all we know of; Shannon Messenger stated she’d put out Keeper books for as long as she could. Part of me is worried that the quality might deteriorate if the series goes on too long but another part of me never wants this to end! P L O T Okay, so I had a little more trouble getting into this one than the last three. Lodestar’s plot lacked a definitive structure in which the characters had a plan worked out to achieve this one major objective. In this case, the characters didn’t have a plan—and of course they didn’t after what happened in Neverseen because how does one construct a masterful scheme after such first-class mind-f*ckery? In that respect, it was totally realistic. It was a string of events that kind of just occurred suddenly for no particular reason. It was sporadic which conveyed the characters’ impulsive and frenzied actions. On the downside, it did make the story less memorable. In fact, the only reason I’m not giving this book 5 stars is for that reason; I honestly can’t remember maybe a third of what took place after just having read it. Regardless, it integrated so many sociopolitical views, exploring various prejudices and adding a whole new level of complexity by addressing the flaws of an otherwise seemingly idealistic world. Remember how I had a moan about the elves’ superiority complex back in my Keeper of the Lost Cities review? Yeah, can’t do that here. Also: how the SEVEN HELLS is Shannon Messenger so consistent with her excruciating cliffhangers? Every single book ends with such a bang that, from the moment I close the book, I’m antsy for the next one. Eventually, I am going to catch up with everyone else and have to... ugh shudders Wait for the next book to be released. C H A R A C T E R S Sophie Foster would be the ultimate Disney princess. I’m dead serious. She is such a sweetheart. She’s so kind to everyone, always tries to see the best in people, believes what she alone chooses to believe in no matter what anyone else thinks. Throughout, I was urging other characters to give her a hug (seeing as I, personally, am not a hugger) and felt so satisfied when Keefe, especially, delivered on that front. I seriously adore her. And them. Both of them. Ah, but here is the catch. The List of Things Sophie Gets That No One Else Does Because She’s Special is piling up againnnn:
Sophie sets the record for fastest splotcher burst, Sophie is the only one to trigger earthquakes, Sophie “has a unique role in many of the Elvin world’s most recent challenges”, Sophie’s presence was specifically requested at this summit thingie where only the one leader from each nation may attend, Sophie gets a private audience with Queen Hylda, Sophie gets another special ability (for real this time; not like the last few times where I joked about her having 4475892918274592 powers).
But I almost don’t even care.
Almost.
Keefe. I missed Keefe. I love Keefe. I don’t know what else to say. Keefe’s just the best, guys. Did I mention that other peoples’ ravings about him is what gave me the final push to dedicate to this series? Because it was. And it totally delivered.
Sadly enough, Fitz is even more boring than before. How is that possible? What is there to him, really? He’s a gorgeous talent with a temper. In a vague sense, I like him, but it’s been five books and by now I really should be able to say more than that about him.
Biana is... pretty adorable. She’s girly but not strictly prissy, as shown by her handy dandy tackle tactic. She’s actually kind of a little devil girl and she’s finally sparked my interest.
Tam is described as being very similar to Keefe so I automatically really like him. In my status update, I claimed I was joking about this but, the sad truth is, I was 100% for real. I have no shame. But, for real, I like Tam for reasons other than this as well. I really enjoy his general demeanour; there’s something about his presence alone that draws my complete and utter attention. His general look, his moodiness, how he hates the world but loves his sister to pieces and can’t fathom the idea of girls flirting with him. He makes for good comedy with his sarcasm, negativity and his adorable awkwardness.
I wish I could say I liked said sister as much. Linh is noticeably more brief than Tam and I want to see so much more of her! From what I’ve got so far, I feel like I would really like her. She’s on the breathtaking cover of the next book, though, so here’s to hoping!
I feel like majority of the adults are starting to become interchangeable which is kind of sad. They can be divided into three groups:
1. Those that support Sophie,
2. Those that don’t
3. And Grady.
I was annoyed at Grady for being so hard on Keefe until I realised that it's because he sees the spark between Keefe and Sophie and he hates it. Not even with Fitz does he get so worked up because, case and point, Grady knows what’s up. He doesn’t bother to go all overprotective dad on Fitz’s ass—only on Keefe’s.
Look at me, getting ahead of myself with the shipping.
R E L A T I O N S H I P S
“She threw her arms around his shoulders, hugging him as tight as she could. Maybe if she never let go, she could hold the broken pieces together.”
Tam knows wassup, Mr. Forkle knows wassup, Grady knows wassup, Sandor knows wassup. And they’re only the ones that I have physical evidence of.
1. Tam: on more than one occasion teases and or matter-of-factly addresses their obvious unique connection.
“Sophie rubbed the knot under her ribs. “I know you don’t trust Keefe—“
“And I know you do,” Tam interrupted. “I get that you two are really, really close—“
“They’re not that close,” Fitz mumbled.
“Uh... sure...,” Tam said.”
2. Mr. Forkle: basically leaves Sophie’s heart in Keefe’s hands.
“Haven’t you realised that yet? That’s why you and Mr. Sencen work so well together. You both push each other to believe in yourselves.”
3. Grady: directs the brunt of his animosity towards Keefe because he thinks he’s the dude who has a serious chance of getting together with his daughter.
Any sentence with the phrase “That Boy” in it.
4. Sandor: being serious but a sly thing with his probing Sophie to come clean.
“Sophie giggled. “Man, I wish Keefe had been here to hear you say that.”
“Interesting that he was the first boy you thought of.”
4.5. Grady AND Sandor: conspiratorially glancing at one another about how oblivious lil’ Sophie is.
“In case you haven’t noticed, he teases everyone. It doesn’t mean anything. Especially with me.”
“You really believe that, don’t you?” Grady asked, glancing at Sandor when she nodded.
“If you guys look at each other like that again I’m going to punch you,” Sophie warned.”
What can I say about Sokeefe that I haven’t said already? Not mu—actually, SO MUCH. But it requires discussing specifics which I obviously can’t do in a non-spoiler review, so... I think I’ll just leave it at their time apart in this book, while painful for my heart, has made their bond so much stronger. And also that I haven’t shipped anything this hard since friggin’ Percabeth.
Also, THIS: “I’m always serious, Foster. Especially when you think I’m teasing.”
Honestly, how oblivious can one be?
“So.
Much.
Rage.
She wanted to bathe in it, drown in it, let the anger take control until she’d punished anyone and everyone who’d ever hurt her. But she’d held on to one thread of good through the barrage—one wisp of a thought that tethered her to who she needed to be.
Keefe.”
I didn’t know whether to ship Biana with Tam or Dex at first. They’re both cute. Honestly, I don’t HAVE to ship her with anyone... but since when has that ever stopped me?
See, the premise of Dex hating the Vackers but then falling in love with one, in theory, is very interesting indeed, but I’ve decided Tam and Biana are both devil children in their own ways and make a better team.
I love how Fitz was wondering why Keefe reached out to Sophie and not to him. (That was me being sarcastic.) I mean, on one hand, I’m glad he’s showing a little remorse and care towards his relationship with his alleged best friend, but, on the other hand... Really? He repeatedly alienates Keefe (which I suppose I understand after the trust issues that would inevitably develop what with the Vacker family’s most recent devastation) and then when he assures him that he understands his actions, it all falls so flat. All of their interactions in Lodestar do, unfortunately.
But fortunately, the Fitz-Biana friendship is vastly improving. For example, when she teases him mercilessly about his matchmaker process. That’s the kind of sibling banter I’m looking for!
The Grady-Edaline-Sophie relationship warmed my heart yet again, Fitz quite literally 'wow'ing over Linh is not only hilarious but also ridiculously cute, and...
As an afterthought, Fitz and Sophie are meh as ever. Her crush is still technically cute, but...
To whomever divine entity it may concern (I suppose that’s Shannon),
Do NOT let Fitzphie be endgame.
... ...
The binge continues.
