I like to call this "Sibylline is stupid and forgot to post the review with the last chapter"!!!!

My Unlocked review. Just some fair warning, I really don't hold back in this review, so... sorry. I really wasn't crazy about this book so, please don't unfollow or leave nasty comments because my views do not align with yours. This is a review from my personal view, and I'd love to amicably discuss and debate in the comments. Who knows, maybe you will change my views!

PS, there is a little scene I wrote near the end of the review, just for you loyal folk. Hope you enjoy!

Unedited

Part 1- ROO-EE TONIO IGNIS

Starting off strong with a quick glance at the name guide...

IT'S PRONOUNCED ROO-EE?! Are you kidding me?! I've been pronouncing it as "Rye" literally since he was introduced. There is no way in hell I'm going to pronounce it Roo-ee! BUT THIS IS ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS! It is the derpiest ass name I've ever heard, and Ruy is such a cool and serious character and his damn name is ROO-EE? NO! I REFUSE.

I am both appalled and completely entertained by this damn man's name. I know cannon Ruy is not my Ruy, but still, Roo-ee is just... oh boy. I want to make a cameo of Roo-ee in AAD, no cap. Just so ya'll know, Ruy is pronounced "Rye" in AAD. But dead ass, when I started reading that, I was cackling. Roo-ee, unbelievable... and TONIO. Ruy has a very Italian sounding middle name, Tonio, so that felt very AAD canon as well.

Part 2- Keefe, ffs

Keefe. My guy.

What the hell are you doing?

Keefe's character is an interesting one, but I can't exactly say I like him. He feels like a carbon cutout meant to distract the audience. The typical "Handsome funny best friend who steals the girl". I was tolerant of Keefe's character for a while, that is until he got wrapped up in this legacy? I feel like that is where his character started to go downhill. Instead of taking the time to find a happy household and address his trauma from his abusive parents along with furthering the plot, he is sent on this fruitless hunt for some Legacy that barely changes anything.

I'm just going to say it. Sophie isn't the main character anymore, Keefe is. For some reason, Shannon decided that Keefe's plot is the new main plot for the rest of the series. But nothing works cohesively. Keefe's plot is chunky and doesn't make much sense, it feels jammed in to divert our attention away from Sophie's dying character and the dragging plot. This is a problem in itself, but Keefe has this big role he is supposed to fill but he really just doesn't fill it. There is little character development and change coming from him, the books mostly talking about how he is a sad puppy dog who tells bad jokes and needs sympathy from everyone around him. I tolerated this at first because he is a kid. They are all kids. It is his natural response to traumatic happenings. But as a series progresses, characters age, learn, and change, and very few of Shannon's characters do any of that.

Keefe should have a less big part in the series. Of course, he needs to be there cuz his mom is in the Neverseen and yada yada yada, but he isn't our main character, Sophie is. I would like Keefe a lot more if he simply communicated and didn't cause more problems that take up unnecessary time in the book. And now, I have to address it.

The end of the novella? Was the most infuriating thing Keefe has ever done.

Instead of listening to those around him, understanding and apologizing, he runs away in a panic. By doing this, Shannon has further taken our attention away from our main character and onto this mediocre one that is causing problems and meant to create sympathy.

Keefe is our new main character, which is NOT. GOOD.

Keefe's character could be SO much more fun and engaging if he grew and interacted in more diverse ways that show the ins and outs of his personality.

Running away was simply the worst choice for Keefe.

Part 3- ART. ART. ARTTTTT

I just wanted to touch on this real quick. The art is this book? *chef's kiss* immaculate. I really like Keefe's drawings of his memories cuz they help me map out everything that is happening in those moments. As you can tell from the various art and soundtracks I put over my chapters and books, music and pictures just help give that extra oomph to any piece of text. Music has always been a big part of my life, so has art, and to see it incorporated with the books was a smart move on Shannon's part. I would've liked to see different scenes though, not just the ones with Keefe (Even though, "cannonly", Keefe is drawing his memories

Part 4- World-building and Shannon Critique

World-building is one of the most important things you do when writing a novel, and if you ask me, the most important thing to do. And there are SO many holes in Shannon's world-building. This was meant to be a world guide, but it wasn't as world-guiding and more random crap about the world. I had so many questions I wanted to be addressed that simply weren't even touched on.

Let's start with the Elves as a species. They are immortal, right? Okay, cool, one problem. How do they deal with overpopulation? If elves keep popping out babies and none of them are kicking the bucket, then there would be a serious overpopulation issue. And if there isn't an overpopulation issue, since it isn't talked about in the books, then the Lost cities would have to be massive. And I'm talking MASSIVE. So big that they would take up so much land and resources that the Forbidden Cities would ABSOLUTELY know they were there.

WHICH GETS ME GOING ON ANOTHER POINT.

The money system in KOTLC is bs. If their currency has no value since they all have an abundance of it then there is no point of it existing which causes their economy to be fruitless and stupid. Along with the weak elven economy, their jobs make no sense. Jobs have no value anymore if they are optional for making a living, so not only are the elven cities extremely overpopulated but they have a massive job market that has no purpose because, in the end, people really won't work just for shits and giggles. And since there is little talked about construction and lower-end jobs such as harvesting lumber or mining for rock, then you have to assume that the elves have a fruitful import and export style economy for it to all world. But that also makes no sense because the elves literally provide nothing useful! They can give science stuff, yes, but none of that is useful for international trade with other species. Like, current and needed things- things like wood and stone, cloth and metals, this stuff is what is needed. AND THE ELVES DON'T PROVIDE IT. They aren't beneficial to anyone else but themselves, are greedy with their land and resources while their pointless monetary system is set up for failure, and they are one of the biggest reasons for conflict in the series. Simply put, I don't really like the elves.

Also, I'm just gonna say it- why tf are all of the elves white? Why? There is NO melanin besides Wylie, Physic, and Maruca. And there is a bit of Asian rep with Tam and Linh, I guess. Everyone is straight too? I'm saying this from a writer's perspective, diversity is important because it gives depth to your world. If you have different elves with different cultures, you could talk about different elven cities that have different practices due to their locations! Or you could talk about elven history which would provide context for the various different locations! Shannon has literally NONE of that, and it is really disappointing.

Stepping away from my rant there, let's now talk about the Neutral territories. I'm telling you, the MISSED POTENTIAL SHANNON HAD WITH THE NEUTRAL TERRITORIES?! She could've used these places that are outside of the Lost Cities to talk about the injustice or problems that would naturally be present. Settlements set up by those Exiled or runaways, these places are perfect for insurrection to fester. I was SO excited when the crew exiled (I know that sounds bad) because I thought the plot was finally going somewhere. I was lied to.

I could go on and on, but I'm just gonna say this to finish it all off. Our plot is repetitive and annoying, which would normally be salvageable is it comes from a rich and entertaining world, but it really is lacking in both. There is no change. Secrets aren't being revealed fast enough for this long of a series, the world isn't being built as fast enough, things aren't being solved, it is very boring.

Part 5- Fitz vs. Keefe

I love you all so much, but you are probs gonna hate me. Oh gosh, just say it-

FITZROY AVERY VACKER IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE CHARACTERS IN KOTLC.

-->BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN HE SHOULD BE WITH SOPHIE.

Fitz is honestly one of the more interesting characters to read about. The series started out with Fitz being the cool older kid who is from an awesome family and everything is great about him. But then you learn about him and you watch him grow. Fitz deals with the sudden panic of thinking his father's mind is ruined in Exile (I think that is the right book), and he turns on Sophie because of his panic. But he eventually apologizes in the end, realizing he was in the wrong. Fitz's cool and calm persona comes crumbling down as he realizes his family's legacy is tainted, the girl he likes is unmatchable, not to mention homeboy gets STABBED. He feels lost and confused, and doesn't know where to direct his anger. But every day, he works on changing where it goes and changes his perspective on things. But, that doesn't make him a good partner for Sophie. He struggles to take accountability for his actions and realize other people may not agree with him (signs of his entitled background). His character also feels one-dimensional at times, but he is one of the more developed characters in the series.

Okay, now for your favorite boi, Keefe Sencen. Like with Fitz, I'll start with what I like about him. I like Keefe's concept and his moral battleground when it comes to the Neverseen. He wants his one better parent to remain untainted by the strifes of the world, but it turns out she is the leader of it all. His strive and his stubbornness is something I really admire and support, it is a good thing for young readers to look up to. His relationship with Ro is the best thing ever, as well.

But he has his flaws as well, and he isn't good for Sophie either. I'll admit, he is an interesting character, but he isn't really one of my favs. I ranted about him earlier, but I'm gonna talk about why he isn't good for Sophie. Simply put? It isn't the right time. Keefe has his whole "Legacy" mental break down going on, he needs a safe group of friends and a stable home environment, not a girlfriend. Not to mention, he flirts all the time with Sophie, and when Sophie actually catches on (because she is so dense bordering on stupidity) and tries to get close to him, he panics and pulls back, leaving Sophie reeling.

And then Sophie needs to evolve as a person and not help clean up other people's messes. She needs to grow a backbone and a personality, babying Keefe and Fitz isn't helping her. Fitz and Sophie work SO much better as a brother and sister duo, and once Keefe and Soph get their shit together, they would make better friends too. The ships I do like, however?

I'm gonna be honest with you, I really like the Keefe x Tam ship. Their dynamic is fresh, rich, and is honestly so entertaining to read. Plus, it would be the LGBTQ rep this kids story desperately needs.

Fitz and Soph, I don't really have anyone in mind for them. Sophie's future relationship is talked about in part 6 though, so I'd love to see your opinions on that...

Part 6- RIP EM APART SOPHIE

Imma be honest with you guys. After Lodestar? I got super bored with Sophie and the crew. I've literally been dragging my feet reading the last couple of books. So you can imagine my surprise to have an edgier more confident Sophie who said, word for word, "She was so tired feeling sorry for people who didn't deserve her sympathy." And the storehouse? AS SHE FUCKING SHOULD. BURN THAT SHIT DOWN.

I don't really like Forkle, however, with his" She is becoming the leader he always knew she was". No. Sophie is whatever she wants to be, and she made this choice on her own after you guys have been getting in her way time and time again. Forkle has been absent and useless, Sophie has come to this point all on her own with no help from him. The Black Swan has caused SO many problems in the series with pointless codes and more simply because there needed to be resistance in the books. But the Black Swan isn't what I'm focusing on right now... back to Sophie.

YES. THIS IS THE CONFIDENT STRONG FEMALE LEAD I WANT. Sophie is FINALLY changing and growing up, but after 8.5 books? Seriously? That is how long it took for her to realize she was tired of people treating her shitty and she deserves better? Tbh, this sort of character development should've happened in book 4. Sophie has no flavor to her. She has no hobbies, no real independence, no drive beside the Neverseen and her boyfriends.

Simply put, our girl Sophie is getting her character development way too late in the game. It is no secret the plot is repetitive and annoying at this point. Idk what is going to happen in the 9th book, and tbh, I don't really care. I feel like there is only one end that would really suit the series.

I want Sophie to leave the Lost Cities.

Sophie was taken against her will to the Lost Cities, forced to leave her life behind, forced to fight the Neverseen with a moronic rebel group and an even stupider Council. Her friends have shown little care into her life before the Lost Cities or who she is as a person. What her morals are, if she is okay with doing certain things, etc... no asks about her unless it is important to them. The way Sophie has been treated, and most importantly, how she has tolerated it is not a good example for young readers looking up to her. This is a children's novel, of course, so there does need to be some tolerance to these sort of things, but still. Sophie has felt very one dimensional up until now. Even as the reader, we know too little. She doesn't have any hobbies, nothing she wants to strive for in life besides saving the Neverseen, working with the useess Black Swan, and picking between one of her boyfriends. But I went more in-depth on Shannon's writing style, the characters, and world-building earlier.

I have a scene in my head that I'm going to write out for ya'll as best I can to help you all see what I'm talking about.

Sophie watched the sunrise from her window of Havenfield, her packing halting for a moment. Sophie didn't think she was going to miss much of the Lost Cities, but the sunrises was one thing she would long for no matter where she is.

Where she is... because she will be anywhere but here. Sophie came to her decision a few days after the last of the Neverseen was stomped out. Very few people talked to her about it. Her friends have been out celebrating, but Sophie felt... unfinished. She was 12 years old when she was dragged to the Lost Cities, drafted like a soldier in a war she didn't want to fight. She was young, so so young, when she was dragged here. They tried to make her comfortable, tried to trick her into thinking the Lost Cities was the other half of her missing puzzle. But with fighting the Neverseen for so long, she hadn't had the chance to live and grow. To live her life without looking over her shoulder or defend herself from attacks. She would be able to make her own choices without the Black Swan whispering in her ear or the Council looming over her.

She wanted to see her sister first, maybe try to catch one of her soccer games and cheer her on. Amy was always the more athletic out of the two of them.

Sophie always had an appreciation for music as well, and the Lost Cities dulled that passion of hers for too long. Amy said she would teach Sophie how to play the violin, so it would be a start. She planned to practice every day, to match the talent of those who she listened to on her iPod. Then after that, maybe she would go to Europe... or maybe Asia? And then she wanted to explore the Troll kingdoms, they always fascinated her. But she was most excited about the Neutral territories. Hundreds of creatures lie in wait for her, cultures undiscovered, cities unseen, and people unheard. Sophie wanted to listen and see it all, listen to people the way she wished people listened to her.

It was her choice. And she had an eternal elven lifetime to see it all.

Sophie secured her backpack, opening up Iggy's cage and smiling at her little friend.

"This is it, buddy." Iggy looked up at her, his tail curled around himself. Sophie bit her lip before opening up her breast pocket a bit, big enough for Iggy.

"If you really want, you can come. But only if you behave." Her toes curled as Iggy lept from his cage, snuggling into her pocket and purring.

"You're serious, then? You're leaving?"

Sophie looked over her shoulder at Vertina, who looked at Sophie with teary eyes.

"Can Spectral mirrors cry?"

"Do Grady and Edaline know?"

Sophie thought about it for a moment, "I think they have an idea I'm up to something, but no, I haven't told anyone. But I think they would want me to do this."

"So you're just going to leave. No goodbyes?"

Sophie smiled at Vertina and reached into her pack, pulling out her thick stack of letters, "I actually took a page out of Keefe's book," she held up the letters for the small girl in the corner of her mirror, "One for each person that would even question why I'm gone. Some are even addressed to Councilers." Sophie laughed a bit, "I think I may have lost my temper a bit in Alina's letter, but it is nothing she doesn't deserve."

She placed the handwritten letters on her messy desk, "You'll tell them where they are located, won't you?"

Vertina sniffled, "Are you angry at everyone? Is this your form of revenge?"

Sophie shook her head, taking a deep breath, "No, quite the opposite. They have their paths in life, and I have mine. This is the payment I'm owed for services to the Lost Cities. After years of fighting a war that isn't mine, I can finally be free."

"A-Are you sure? I'm sure you can be matched one way or another, and then you can get married and have a bunch of cute elven babies. That is what Jolie always talked about! You can have a big house and get a job-" Vertina stopped when she saw Sophie's face. The girl in her mirror chuckled, "You would rather do anything else but that stuff, wouldn't you?

Sophie's eyes teared a bit, "That sounds awful, to be honest. Maybe I'll be back, maybe I won't. But no matter what, it will be my mind making the desicions."

Vertina looked to the letter, at least, as well as a mirror could, "What about Wonder boy and Lord Hunky hair?"

Sophie tried to keep her laugh quiet in order not to wake her parents, "Oh, Fitz and Keefe?" Sophie shrugged, still giggling, "It never really worked out. Neither of them are right for me."

"They both think they are right for you."