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Review: Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink
Filed in Michelle Zink , Review , The Quirky Lover Posted on September 15, 2010 @ 12:50 pm
6 comments
Format Read: Hardcover
Number of Pages: 340
Release Date: August 1, 2010
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Formats Available: Hardcover
Purchasing Info: Amazon
Book Blurb:
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.
My thoughts:
This is the second book in a series of three, the first being Prophecy of the Sisters, which published last year. Since reading it, I’ve been dying to get on with the series, but isn’t that always the way?
I was dreading that this book would be told from Alice’s side of the story, being that she is “The Guardian” in this tale, but happily it is still from Lia’s point of view. While it would be interesting from Alice’s POV, she is such a scary, complex character, I feel more affinity with Lia.
We pick up here not long after Prophecy ended, where Lia and Sonia have gone to England in a search for the third and fourth keys that are needed to fullfil the prophecy. The thing of it is, when there is a year between books and if you don’t read the first book all over again, there are things that are forgotten. The prophecy in this seems a bit complicated at times, so I struggled with the implications of certain actions that happened. Don’t get me wrong, I very much love this series still! What I’m getting at, though, is that it is definitely not a stand alone novel. (Also, the lack of remembrance may just be my personal issue :-p )
These books are classic Gothic inspired, complete with doppelgangers (the twins, Lia and Alice), that very much reflect the opposite personalities of each other, with a twist. (You have to read the books to discover the twist) For me, Guardian of the Gate was darker than the first book, which is fitting as we work towards the final battle between good and evil.
I was leery of the introduction of Dimitri in this book. I was a big fan of James in Prophecy and didn’t want to like Dimitri at all, but now, like Lia, I’m completely torn! What I love about these books….or am anxious to get to in the story….is the connection with the standing stones in Avebury. I’m a sucker for this aspect of British mythology. It will be interesting to see what Michelle Zink does with all of these elements.
I must now wait patiently for book three of this trilogy, The Beast, which will publish in 2011 to see Lia’s choice and how this will all play out in the end….and let me tell you, patience is not one of my strong suits! One thing I know for sure is that I will be reading the entire series all over again once it has been completed.
I give Guardian of the Gate 4 1/2 bookies!
***FTC Disclaimer: Most books reviewed on this site have been provided free of charge by the publisher, author or publicist. Some books we have purchased with our own money and will be noted as such. Any links to places to purchase books are provided as a convenience, and do not serve as an endorsement by this blog. All reviews are the true and honest opinion of the blogger reviewing the book. The method of acquiring the book does not have a bearing on the content of the review.
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I loved this one too. The name Dimitri oozes hotness in books 😉
@Mel Yep, I agree. James was more of a "good boy" but Dimitri…well, we'll see.
I read the first book earlier in the year, although it was good, I found there was some issues but I loved the relationship between Lia and Alice. This review makes me want to pick it up the second book sooner now. And I like the sound of Dimitri. I liked James but there was not much developement with him and Lia that I would like to see.
I know what you mean Has, I was hoping for more of James in this book but it didn't work out that way. But I think you'll like the addition of Dimitri 🙂
Wanted to thank you for the awesome review and to tell you all that James WILL be back in the third and final book – though not in the way you might expect.
😉
Thanks for all your support!
<3
MZ
Thanks, Michelle, for stopping by! I have my suspicions about James' role in the next book but I'm very much looking forward to seeing where you take all the characters. I will be sad to see this series end.