Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication date: August 2011
Pages: 368
Source: Library
For: Fun
Series: Prophecy of the Sisters, Book 3
*Spoilers for the first two books likely*
Lia is nearing the end of her search for the things she needs to close the gate. All she needs now is the fourth key and the stone. But, time is something she doesn't have. Pursued by the Souls and constantly battling against their powers has worn her down. Will she have the strength to withstand them and will she be able to get Alice to help her close the gate?
Things I Liked:
I was happy to finally have the conclusion to this series. I love the Gothic historical fantasy feel to the story. With the secret societies and the place the two sisters have in the prophecy, I couldn't stop reading the final book. I loved especially the dynamics of Lia's relationship with her sister and with the other keys, particularly learning to forgive and trust. I thought those were the most interesting parts of the book, though how the ancient rite would be performed was also intriguing. Though the ending seemed inevitable, I was still interested in how she would get there. A satisfying end to an interesting series.
"We all fall short at times, don't you think?" she asks. "But we forgive others their shortcomings and hope they will do the same for us." "Perhaps. But that's the thing; I have not forgiven their shortcomings as readily as you forgave mine. Now..." I sigh. "Well, now I suppose it seems unfair to expect them to extend their kindness to me." p 238
Things I Didn't Like:
I got a bit tired of the doom and end of the world feeling that Lia seemed to express at the end of every chapter. Yes, if she fails, it's all over, but it seemed overdone and beaten to death. Also, I was rather disappointed in how easily and neatly the end came about. Alice's part in the book came suddenly and seemed rather unlike her character. I admit I had a hard time believing it. Still, a good story.
Read-alikes:
Dreamhunter by Elizabeth Knox
The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
maybe a few
mrg-factor: XX
it's there, but not explicit
v-factor: none
Overall rating: ***.5
I'm starting to think I just don't like the last book in trilogies anymore. Maybe I just don't like endings?
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Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication date: August 2010
ISBN: 9780316034470
Source: Library
Lia has been working on how to stop Samael from entering this world and destroying everything ever since she left her home in New York. With the companionship of Sonia, she's been searching for the other two keys that will help her stop Samael forever. She learns that not only is her sister Alice getting much more powerful, she is also trying to steal James, the man Lia had to leave behind. Lia must do everything she can to get the final pages of the prophecy that will tell her how to stop Samael before she and everyone she cares about gets killed.
Things I Liked:
I love the spooky and Gothic feel of the story. There seems to be so much of a mythical background and history to the prophecy, Grigori, and Sisterhood that I can't get enough of it from one book. I love that while it may not be about true historical facts, it reads like a historical fiction book with some fantasy elements. The story was intriguing and I am dying to find out what is in store for Lia and Alice, not to mention the rest of the people I've come to care about. A mysterious and dark book with enough excitement and surprise to keep you reading. I'm excited for the next book!
Things I Didn't Like:
I was really annoyed with Lia for most of this book. She was so, so naive throughout. She just kept doing stupid things, sometimes even knowing they were stupid, and then needing to be saved by someone else. I was so happy in the end when she finally figured out that she had to save herself. In that sense, it showed her progression from annoying to less annoying.
Read-alikes:
Dreamhunter duet by Elizabeth Knox
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
maybe one or two
mrg-factor: X
some mild parts and references
v-factor: ->
a few fight scenes, not too much
Overall rating: ****
I like a good plain historical fiction, but I just love historical fantasy! Do you prefer it plain or with a little embellishment?
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Prophecy of the Sisters is a dark tale of twin sisters, born to fulfill a prophecy that pits them against one another. When Lia and Alice's father dies, Lia finds a disturbing new mark on her wrist, pointing to an old prophecy about twins. As she learns more about this prophecy and her part in it, she comes to realize the danger she faces - a danger that centers around her sister.
Things I Liked:
From the first paragraph, this story sucked me in. The mysterious and disturbing prophecy, not to mention the dark and morbid setting, this book will thrill any fan of paranormal mystery. I loved the feeling of chills and spookiness that pervades the whole thing. The writing also happens to be just as rich and enticing as the plot:
Stepping into the cavernous main hall, I find the library is more than quiet, it is deserted. Indeed, I don't see a single person as we make our way across the scuffed marble floor. Its emptiness is more than the lack of living, breathing beings. It is the unread pages of the many books that reside on the shelves throughout the room. I should not have though one could tell when books have gone unread, but after the company of Birchwood's well-loved library it is as if I can hear these books whispering, their pages grasping and reaching for an audience. p 155
Things I Didn't Like:
I found myself somewhat disappointed with the lack of character given to Alice. All throughout the book, Lia talks about her and their childhood and things she's done, but I feel like I have no idea what her true character is. Also, I was a little let down with the ending. With the urgency Lia felt about her part in the prophecy, I almost felt like it should have been concluded in this book. However, I am looking forward to more books in the series.
Read-alikes:
Reminded me of the Gemma Doyle trilogy by Libba Bray
It felt like Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier with its spooky atmosphere
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none
mrg-factor: none
v-factor: ->
not violence in the traditional sense, but some frightening things
Overall rating: ****
Are you a fan of all out scary books or those that have more subtle creepy details?
If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage
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