Lodestar

As an editor, I was blown away by the depth and complexity of Shannon Messenger's world-building. Sophie's struggles to navigate the blurred lines between friend and enemy are relatable and heart-wrenching, and Kelly's narration perfectly captures the emotional turmoil. What I found particularly impressive, however, was the way the story subtly explores the consequences of war and the importance of empathy. One aspect that nearly detracted from my experience was the occasional info dump, where Messenger's world-building and plot exposition felt rushed and overwhelming. Additionally, some of the supporting characters felt slightly one-dimensional, particularly in their motivations and backstories. Despite these minor quibbles, Caitlin Kelly's engaging performance and Shannon Messenger's captivating story kept me invested in the world of the Lost Cities. I'd highly recommend Lodestar to fans of middle-grade fantasy and adventure.