Review: Guardian of the Gate

Author: Michelle Zink
Publication Date: July 31, 2010
Genre: YA Paranormal/Fantasy
Copy provided by: Borders (bought)
Summary (via Goodreads):

The ultimate battle between sisters is nearing, and its outcome could have catastrophic consequences. As sixteen year-old Lia Milthorpe searches for a way to end the prophecy, her twin sister Alice hones the skills she'll need to defeat Lia. Alice will stop at nothing to reclaim her sister's role in the prophecy, and that's not the only thing she wants: There's also Lia's boyfriend James.

Lia and Alice always knew the Prophecy would turn those closest to them against them. But they didn't know what betrayal could lead them to do. In the end, only one sister will be left standing.

Why I read this: I fell in love with the first book and had to read the second.

Plot: It's not often you can find a plot so dark and eerie and match it with such an innocent and naive character that really just wants to do the right thing. The way that Michelle writes you just dive right back into the world of Prophecy of the Sisters and she twists it darker and deeper into the plot. I felt so involved by the end of the novel in the struggle between Lia and her darker twin Alice that I did not want it to end. I read this around the same time as my sister-in-law and she texted me the night she finished it "Is the third one out, there is a third one right? How can I get a copy?". I sadly had to tell her the 3rd is not due out until August. I felt the same way. I am in dire need of finding out what happens next.

I have to say the new setting we were able to explore were incredible in this novel and I can't wait to see what new landscapes and characters we can find in the final installment. Michelle is an amazing writer and I really cannot wait for the third one - have I said that enough?

Characters: I really feel for Lia, who has been torn from her twin because of this good vs. evil battle. She's not the girl that Lia grew up with and I feel for her. If my own sister had suddenly turned evil I don't know that I could rightly completely hate her and be against her. There's such an internal battle that Lia must deal with and I think in her constantly staying on the path is a statement about her character.

Alice is a fantastic bad character. She has this twisted sense about her, an unrealistic presence, and she really just freaks me out throughout the book. Definitely not someone I would want against me.

Relatability: Fans of dark paranormal with a historical twist will most likely enjoy this series. I think those of us who have sisters will also relate well the character. I know I did.

Cover Commentary: It's okay. I'm sort of sad they changed Prophecy of the Sisters when this new cover came out, but it is rather pretty. I just preferred the more gothic looking cover.

Rating: 5/5 Roses

Buy it on Amazon*
Find it on Goodreads



*If you buy this book on Amazon through the link above, I will receive a small portion of the sales.