Friday Fun - October 28, 2022

Welcome to my Friday Fun post. This is where I share with two different book parties that post on Fridays: Book Beginnings on Fridays and the Friday 56.

This week I have a few books to share with you. 

This is not my first time reading the Keeper of the Lost Cities books by Shannon Messenger. I've read them multiple times. I'm currently rereading them because the newest book is being released in less than two weeks. This past week I read books one, two, and three. 

Keeper of the Lost Cities

Keeper of the Lost Cities: Exile 

                                                                                                                                                                     

Keeper of the Lost Cities: Everblaze

Book Beginnings on Fridays

(Please join Gilion Dumas for Book Beginnings every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name.)

Here is my book beginnings for Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger:

From the Preface:

"Blurry, fractured memories swam through Sophie's mind, but she couldn't piece them together. She tried opening her eyes and found only darkness."

Having read the book multiple times, I know what is going on here, sadly.

And from Chapter 1:

"'Miss Foster!' Mr. Sweeney's nasal voice cut through Sophie's blaring music as he yanked her earbuds out by the cords. 'Have you decided that you're too smart to pay attention to this information?'"

I wasn't sure what to think of Sophie at first, but I am so glad I gave this series a chance. It is one of my favorites now. It helped that the reader learns quite quickly why Sophie was listening to her music instead of paying attention.

Here is my book beginnings for Keeper of the Lost Cities: Exile by Shannon Messenger:

First from the Preface:

"Sophie's hands shook as she lifted the tiny green bottle. One swallow held life and death -- and not just for her." 

Having read the book multiple times, this scene is now very meaningful.

And from Chapter 1:

'"I still can't believe we're tracking Bigfoot,' Sophie whispered as she stared at the giant footprint in the muddy soil. Each massive toe was as wide as her arm, and the print formed a deep, mucky puddle." 

It sounded like she was intrigued and frustrated all at the same time. But knowing what she ends up finding shortly after this makes it all worthwhile.  

And finally, here is my book beginnings for Keeper of the Lost Cities: Everblaze

And from the Preface:

"The mirror slipped from Sophie's hands, landing on the petal-covered carpet with the softest thud." Both sides of the glass survived the crash without cracking. But inside, Sophie shattered."

Again, having read the books multiple times, this was such a devastating revelation in this scene.

From Chapter 1:

"'What are you waiting for?' Keefe shouted over the howling wind and the roaring sea. 'Don't tell be the great Sophie Foster is afraid.'"

I admit, I had to wonder why Sophie was afraid and what these two were up to.

Now for:

The Friday 56

The Friday 56 is hosted over at Freda's Voice.

Rules:

*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader
(If you have to improvise, that's ok.)
 *Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) that grab you.
*Post it.
*Add your (url) post below in Linky. Add the post url, not your blog url. It's that simple.

Here are my Friday 56 selections.

Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger:
 

"Alden stopped to stare at her. 'We would never have servants. The gnomes choose to live with us because it's safer in our world. And they help in our gardens because they enjoy it. We're privileged to have them. you'll get your first taste of gnomish produce during lunch, and you're in for quite a treat.'"

Keeper of the Lost Cities: Exile by Shannon Messenger:

"Grady sank into the hug, and an extra second passed before he pulled away, his eyes blinking back tears. He cleared his throat and took her hands. 'Well, then, we'd better get ready.'"

Keeper of the Lost Cities: Everblaze by Shannon Messenger:

"Sophie grinned as she turned to face him, but her lips fell when she noticed Alden wasn't alone--not that Sophie didn't like Councillor Kenric. In fact, the red-haired, wide-smiling Councillor was one of her favorites, and he was always one of the first to take her side."