Nightfall (Keeper of the Lost Cities, #6)

by Shannon Messenger

“Can you really find Mom and Dad?” her sister whispered, giving Sophie the cue to tell her, “Of course we will! Everything is going to be okay!” Sophie wanted to. But . . . the Neverseen were behind this. The same villains who’d kidnapped Sophie, tortured her, and killed people she dearly loved. And no matter how hard Sophie fought to stop them, they always seemed to be ten steps ahead.

Ugh! Stop explaining stuff! The readers already know this.

an inscription carved in elvin runes across a mysterious silver door set into a mountain: The star only rises at Nightfall. They didn’t know what the phrase meant,

And they still don't by the end of the book.

Caches were marble-size gadgets the Councillors used to store Forgotten Secrets—information deemed too dangerous for anyone to keep in their memory. Councillor Kenric had given Sophie his when he died—and Keefe had stolen it from her to buy his way into the Neverseen. But he got it back before he fled—and he also took the cache that belonged to Fintan, their leader. Dex was now trying to use his ability as a Technopath to hack into the gadgets. But even if they learned something important, Sophie never would’ve

Again, I KNOW this

Calla had been one of the gnomes living in Alluveterre, and she’d chosen to sacrifice her life to save her people from the deadly plague the Neverseen and ogres unleashed. All that was left of Calla now was a beautiful tree—called a Panakes—growing in the Havenfield pastures, blooming with the same pinkish, purplish, bluish blossoms that Sophie had in her pockets. Ever since she’d lost Mr. Forkle, she’d kept a handful of the healing flowers with her at all times. It probably wouldn’t have saved him, but she’d forever wish she’d had the chance to try.

STOP OVEREXPLAINING. I AM SO DONE.

Prentice had been a Keeper for the Black Swan, in charge of protecting their most valuable secrets—the most important of which had been Sophie’s existence. And back then, the few elves who knew about the Black Swan had believed that the shadowy organization was run by villains. So when Alden discovered Prentice’s involvement, he had him arrested and brought before the Council. The Councillors ordered a memory break—a brutal method of extracting memories by telepathically shattering the person’s sanity—and assigned Quinlin and Alden to perform the task. They both gave Prentice a final chance to cooperate, but Prentice held firm, letting them turn him into a babbling, drooling mess in order to keep Sophie hidden. And Quinlin and Alden had spent the next twelve years scouring the human world to find her, while Prentice spent the same years locked away in Exile as his wife was murdered and his

STOP.

She’d recovered the asterisk-shaped map to the Neverseen’s hideouts from the shambles of Prentice’s mind—and only after she’d transmitted the words “swan song” to him. But that still didn’t tell them how Prentice had found the symbol to begin with, or if he’d learned anything else when he made the discovery.

STAHP

Alden swallowed hard. “And what about when our Cognate connection crumbled after the break? No remorse for that?” “That was between you two. You chose to hide your concerns,” she told Quinlin. “And you chose to let that shake your

Stop talking and get to the good stuff.

Quinlin whispered. “I came home, and you were so shaky.” “I thought about telling you what happened,” she whispered. “But I didn’t know how you’d feel about me taking your pathfinder. So I kept it to myself—until I met Forkle. And after he heard my story, he brought me to meet the rest of

Please?

“I think we’ve gotten off track,” Alden said,

Very. Was that necessary to the plot? No. So whyyyyy?

“Forkle was the master of notes and mysteries. I’ve always been better at laying it all out there. So I’ll admit that we don’t have a clue what the Neverseen wants with your human family. And I think we all know that whatever their plan is, it’ll be huge, and intricate, and nothing we’re expecting. I’m telling you that because I want you to know it’s okay to be scared. And angry. And overwhelmed. Just trust yourself and your gifts—and your friends. And never doubt that wherever this is heading, we’ve done all we can to prepare you.”

Large blocks of pointless text.

And she wasn’t afraid of the things Sophie was describing, either—not that her determination would matter against villains like the Neverseen. Involving her would be like bringing a snarling bunny into a den of hyenas.

A SCARY snarling bunny.

Sophie fidgeted with her monocle,

Sophie handed her sister a slice of the chocolatey, butterscotch-y goodness. “This isn’t like fairy food, is it?” she asked, poking the cake with her fork. “I’ll still be able to eat normal food afterward?”

This is what Sophie SHOULD have been like in the first book. But nope.

The Neverseen had started out following something that Keefe’s mom had called the Lodestar Initiative—but Sophie had never been able to figure out exactly what the plan involved. And it might not even matter, because when Fintan took over, he shifted the Neverseen’s focus to something he’d vaguely called his “vision,” which seemed to have something to do with breaking an unidentified prisoner out of the dungeon at Lumenaria. He’d also brought Keefe to human cities and made him use his ability as an Empath to make a list of personality traits he’d called “criterion.” But Sophie had no idea how any of that

Blah bah blah.

Dex said he’s going to see if he can make some sort of gadget that would give me more control.” “Was Dex the one with the teal eyes?” “No, that was Fitz.” “And Fitz is your boyfriend?” Sophie nearly toppled off the bed. “No! Why would you think that?” “Because you get all dreamy-eyed when you talk about him.” “I do not!” “You’re doing it right now!” Sandor snickered from the corner, and Sophie flung a pillow at his head. “Trust me,” she told her sister. “Fitz and I are friends. That’s it.”

UUUUUUHG.

doctors because they couldn’t figure out what you were allergic to.” “What about before that?” Sophie asked. “Do you remember how I got sick?” Amy’s forehead got all scrunched. “Huh. I don’t—but my head’s still kind of a mess.” “I’m sure it is,” Sophie told her, turning back to Livvy. “But I think it’s funny how my sister and I have the same blank spot in our memories—the same time she also saw you. Did my allergy have to do with Amy?” Livvy twisted her braids. “Right now isn’t the time for this conversation. That memory was taken for a very specific reason.

Oooo, interesting blather.

Amy reached for her eyelashes, giving them a good, hard tug—then winced. “Ugh, Sophie, how can you stand that?” Sophie smiled. “We all have our things.” “Well, yours is weird,” Amy told her. “And your world is even weirder.

Sophie's habit is gross.

scene took shape in her mind, straight out of the action movies she’d watched growing up: The villain taunting the hero with an impossible choice—the people they loved in mortal danger on one side, and the rest of the world on the other. And no way to save them both. “You okay?” Amy asked, nudging Sophie’s arm until Sophie looked at her. “You’re shaking.” Was she?

This is the whole book. Sophie hyperventilating about her parents.

“It has a secret wardrobe passage?” Sophie asked as Livvy twisted a hidden knob and revealed a narrow doorway that led to a lush, airy conservatory lit with twinkling lights. Flowering vines draped across the crystal ceiling, and the walls dripped with blue papery flowers that smelled like vanilla and honeysuckle. Tendrils of jade-green grass covered the floor, and graceful trees had been scattered around the space, growing in giant crystal urns. “I thought your furry friends would love having their own private garden,” Livvy explained. “But like I said, you’re welcome to pick any room you—” “Are you kidding?” Amy interrupted. “I’m totally taking the Narnia room!”

YAAAAAAS, NARNIA!

room, casting delicate shadows across the walls. Each shadow made different shapes—soaring birds, majestic mountains, floating fish, graceful beasts. “Jolie was afraid of the dark when she was little,” he explained. “So we added these.” “We wanted her to see that the shadows that scared her could be beautiful and powerful when we learn how to take control of them,” Edaline added. Taking control. It sounded so simple. And so impossible.

Oh Sophie. You are truly pathetic.

“How dare you ambush me, Keefe? I don’t care if you’re the most gorgeous guy I’ve ever seen—WAY better looking than other guys with their dimples or weirdly teal eyes. You had no right to show up and surprise me like that!”

Uuuuuuuuuuugh. Is this supposed to be funny?

“Or maybe you’d rather I put my incredible Empath talents to work and help you solve the complicated square you’re always telling yourself is a triangle?” She shook her head, refusing to admit she knew what he meant. “I already know what I want.” One of Keefe’s eyebrows shot up. “Is that so?” “Yep. Give me the Imparter.” Keefe’s smile faded.

Hah, he thought she was talking about the triangle. Tough luck turd. :-P

“Besides, it’s a good thing I have them with me. Now we don’t have to wait to see if enhancing helps.” He looked so adorably excited as he tucked Kenric’s cache away and held on to only Fintan’s that it was hard not to feel at least some of the same thrill as Sophie peeled off one of her gloves. “Wait,” Fitz said, scooting closer and wrapping his arm around Sophie’s waist. “I’ll be fine,” she told him. “I barely feel anything when I do this.” “Still, it’s better to be prepared, right?” His smile did all kinds of fluttery things to her heart. And maybe she was imagining it, but he smelled better than normal—a little spicy and crisp, like he’d started wearing some sort of fancy elvin cologne. It took all of her willpower not to lean closer and take a long breath. Dex rolled his eyes. “If anything, I’m the one who’s going to fall over.” “Awww. I got you, Dexy,” Keefe said, wrapping his arms around Dex’s waist. “What? Was that not what you were hoping for?” Tam snorted. “Pretty sure the last thing he wants is an Empath holding on to him when he goes anywhere near Sophie’s hand.” “You guys are the worst,” Biana told them. “We try,” Keefe

Cringe.

When she’d first met Dex, he’d been a little shorter than she was. And now he and Keefe were basically the same height. Dex shrugged, blushing all the way to his ears. “I don’t know. Must be a growth spurt.” It probably was. But Sophie had also been so distracted, she hadn’t been paying attention. Which probably made her a terrible friend.

Yes, yes you are. Hello books 2-5!

“Plus, y’know, Foster can’t live without me,” Keefe added. “Don’t make me smack you,” Sophie warned. Keefe smirked. “I’d like to see you try.” “So would I,” Tam informed them. “Obnoxious boys aside,” Biana interrupted,

THANK YOU, BIANA.

“Is it?” Fitz mumbled. “You don’t even know if Quinlin will have sent over the paperwork you want me to go through. And even if he has, I doubt it’s going to take me all day to read through it.” “I dunno,” Keefe said. “You don’t have a photographic memory, like Foster and I do.” Fitz shook his head. “Dude, you’re losing major Best Friend points today.” “Aw, I’m sorry, Fitzy. Should we hug it out?” Keefe wrapped his arms around Fitz and Fitz shoved him away—but at least they were both laughing.

Awwwww, besties!

Shall we?” He pulled a pathfinder out of his pocket, and Sophie noticed the crystal was iridescent pink—a color she’d seen Mr. Forkle use before—as he adjusted to a specific facet and offered her his free hand. She took it, and her friends quickly formed a chain, with Keefe claiming Sophie’s other hand before Dex or Fitz could grab

Grrrrrrrrr...

Keefe raised one eyebrow. “You okay there, Foster? Your mood seems to be making some sudden shifts.” “Yeah, because I’m trying to decide if I can shove you off the stairs without knocking Biana down.” “I can jump out of the way,” Biana offered. “And I can give him an extra shove as he tumbles by,” Tam added.

Please?

Dex offered, “but you have to take my sister too. And keep in mind that last week they snuck into my closet and cut out the backsides of all of my pants.” Keefe snickered. “I think the triplets just became my new heroes.”

Same

Her breath caught. “You were the one who healed my abilities?” “I was. And I wish I’d managed the process better.” He’d made her drink an entire ounce of Limbium to reset her brain, and then injected her with a human remedy to stop her allergy from killing her. He probably should’ve stabbed the needle in her leg—maybe then she wouldn’t have gotten the scar. But he’d gone with her hand, leaving the small star as a permanent souvenir of the trauma.

Hahah! I was right. You're SUPPOSED to inject an epipen type thing into your leg, not your hand. Mr. Forkle is weird. A simple Google search could've given him that info!

Her failing friendship with Marella Redek was one of her bigger regrets—especially

And yet.

“My brother just likes to make trouble,” Linh said through the silence that followed. “And for once I don’t mind.” Keefe scooted even closer, resting his head on Sophie’s shoulder. She shoved him away, taking the cape with her. “And now you can freeze.”

Yes, good job Sophie.

“Besides,” Grady added, “I thought it might be nice for you and Dex to have some one-on-one time. Remember how often you guys used to hang out?” “We still do,” Sophie argued. “We just have a lot going on.” “And yet I sure seem to see a lot of Keefe these days. . . .” Sophie scowled. Sandor coughed. Grady shrugged.

“He looks awesome, doesn’t he?” Dex asked, flashing his dimpled grin as Iggy flitted his batlike wings and flew over to Sophie’s palm. His fur was now a bright Kelly green and hung in long wispy layers that flipped out like feathers. “He feels so soft,” Sophie said, rubbing Iggy’s tummy and triggering his squeaky purr. “That’s because I mixed the Greenleaf elixir with some Floof,”

FLOOF.

“You okay?” “Oh yeah, never better.” He looked as gray-green as the river. “He needs some of this,” Lady Cadence said, tossing Keefe a vial with something milky inside. “It helps with seasickness.” Blur took one as well. “Whew, that stuff is strong!” “Bring it on,” Keefe said, downing his in one gulp—and then nearly gagging it back up. “Ugh. It’s like drinking liquefied hair!” Sophie declined the vial Lady Cadence offered her. Her stomach wasn’t happy, but she didn’t feel all that different than when she’d ridden roller coasters with her human family. And strangely, her balance wasn’t thrown off. If anything, it was improved. Her feet seemed to instinctively know how to move, making tiny adjustments to keep her legs steady. “Is this what normal people feel like when they walk on regular ground?” Sophie asked,

Sophie is weird. That is simply not possible.

“No whining in the happy place! Seriously, Keefe, try to concentrate.”

Dimitar tucked his shamkniv back into its hidden sheath. “You assume I was the one delivering the blows. Or that I was even involved with that part of her sentencing.” “Who was?” Sophie asked. “It’s none of your concern.

Another unanswered question.

give that message.” “None of us know what it says,” Keefe warned as he handed over the tiny black scroll. “So don’t blame us if it’s annoying.” “Knowing your mother I fully expect it to be.”

snapped back. “It’s a sparring match,” Keefe told her. “He’s not going to kill me.” He glanced at Dimitar, who gave a pointed-tooth smile that knocked the grin off Keefe’s lips.

KEEEEEEL HIIIIM.

“Woo-hoo!” Ro said as Sophie headed for the door. “Bring on the skin melting! Things are finally getting interesting here in Sparkle Town!” “How about I let you hold the bowl to catch the liquefied skin?” Elwin offered, which was enough to make Sophie hurry out to the hall.

“That depends on what my mom tells us,” Keefe argued. “If we’re heading straight to Nightfall—” “You’re not going to Nightfall,” Sophie interrupted. “You’re doing bed rest until Elwin says you’re better.” Keefe smirked. “It’s cute that you think that.” “I mean it, Keefe.” Ro cracked up. “Wow, she just stamped her foot—that’s adorable! Are they always like this?” Elwin nodded. Keefe wrapped his arm around Sophie. “Foster gets all worked up when she’s trying to protect me.” “That’s not what this is about!” Sophie snapped, pulling away. “Though would it kill you to do the smart thing, just once, and actually listen to someone when they’re giving you good advice, instead of thinking you know everything and doing whatever you want?” Keefe considered that for a second. “Yeah, that might actually kill me.” “Ohhhh,” Ro breathed, “that eye roll she gave you was amazing!” She backed up a step when Sophie reeled on her. “Wow, and I thought my dad was the master of the death stare.” Elwin coughed to cover his laugh.

Yay Sophie!!!!!

“There’s protecting and there’s steamrolling, Keefe. You’re preplanning ways to betray me. You went there today knowing exactly what you were going to say. You’d done research—which you didn’t bother sharing with me. That’s not teamwork. That’s the Keefe Show, and we’ve already seen how that ends.” He flinched like she’d struck him. But that still didn’t stop her from

YEEEEEES.

“Right. So I’m just supposed to lie around doing nothing while you contact my mom and head to Nightfall without me?” “No. You’re supposed to get your strength back so you don’t do permanent damage.” “I don’t care about permanent damage.” “Yeah, I can tell.” “Pretty sure she’s not just talking about your wound—in case you didn’t catch that,” Ro told him. She shrugged when Sophie glanced at her. “What? He’s a clueless guy. Figured I should help him out.”

“Well then, there’s your mistake,” Sophie told her. “Keefe doesn’t listen to anyone.” “He listens to you.” “Trust me, he doesn’t.” “Ah. So that’s why he’s not there. Interesting. I suppose excluding him is the best punishment. Especially given your choice of replacement.”

Ugh. *eyeroll*

“The thing you need to understand, Sophie, is that sometimes we have to break so we can rebuild ourselves into something stronger. Look at me. Fintan thought sending me to prison would destroy me. But I got myself out. And now I know I can survive anything. There’s a special kind of power in that.”

Lady Gisela is cool. Sophie is a pathetic turd.

Lady Gisela’s voice sounded almost dreamy when she said, “I call them my gorgodons. Part flareadon, for their flame resistance. Part gorgonops for their fangs. Part argentavis for their wingspan. And part eurypterid, for their stinging tails. Equally at home on land, in the sea, or in the sky—” “Wouldn’t that be a gorgentaveridon?” Fitz interrupted. “It seems like the argentavis and eurypterid should be in the name.” Lady Gisela sighed. “Clearly this is why you get along so well with my son.”

It seems out of character for her to be communicating so much. She SHOULD be clinging to the shadows but we've got a glorious info-dump instead.

“You’re even more heartless than I thought,” Sophie said, rubbing the knot of emotions in her chest, trying to keep them bound together. “Said the girl who used my son’s blood to hail me today.” “I’m not the one who spilled that blood!” Sophie snapped back. “But you still took it. And used it. How very ruthless of you. No need to look ashamed. It’s good to see there’s hope for you yet.”

Ruthlessness >:)

“Wow,” Biana breathed, disappearing the second their fingers touched. “I forgot how liquid the light feels. I don’t even have to try to let it pour through me.” “Okay, but how does this make you so important?” Fitz asked. “I’m getting to that.” Biana’s grip tightened on Sophie’s hand. Seconds crawled by—enough for Sophie’s palm to turn clammy. Then Biana’s vanishing spread across Sophie like invisible paint. “Careful,” Biana said as Sophie jumped to her feet—which she could no longer see. Her whole body was just . . . gone. “It’s super easy to trip or bump into stuff, since you can’t see where you are.” Tam snorted. “Good thing Sophie’s not clumsy at all.”

Banana is the best and Tam is goodness too.

“Don’t you wish we could build some sort of protective bubble and put everyone we care about in it?” she asked. “I’d rather lock the bad guys up and keep our freedom.

Weirdly enough, I've had the exact same thought.

have many secrets, Mr. Ruewen. But being a Pyrokinetic isn’t one of them. And it’s a good thing, because I would never

Ugh! I want it to say, "but Pyrokinesis isn't one of them" Less words, I'm BEGGING you!