Guardian of the Gate

Oct 26, 2011 Sandi rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Guardian of the Gate is the following up to Michelle Zink's Prophecy of the Sisters. In this installment, we follow Lia as she searches for the missing pages to help her end the prophecy. She travels with her two companions and keys, Sonia & Luisa to Altus, a safe haven for the Sisters to meet her Aunt Abigail. She discovers much about herself, love, & betrayal.

Guardian of the Gate moves us closer to a final showdown between Lia & Alice. I can't wait to see what comes next!

(edited b...more

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Sep 16, 2011 Ailsa Lillywhite rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I was so impressed with the first book, so I'm sad to admit I was a bit disappointed with this second installment. Here's my problem with it; the plot is great, solid, interesting and still shrouded in mystery despite the main character's best efforts to figure everything out, then there's this awesome romance in the second book, which was delicious... except that the main focus shifted from the awesome plot to the awesome romance and then nothing really devastating or interesting happened with...more I was so impressed with the first book, so I'm sad to admit I was a bit disappointed with this second installment. Here's my problem with it; the plot is great, solid, interesting and still shrouded in mystery despite the main character's best efforts to figure everything out, then there's this awesome romance in the second book, which was delicious... except that the main focus shifted from the awesome plot to the awesome romance and then nothing really devastating or interesting happened with the romance. The conflict in the plot got way more complicated, but because I was so wrapped up in the romance it just didn't feel like there was much at risk anymore. I didn't feel like there was any opposition, because all my emotions were diverted to the romance, which was opposition-less. It went just great through the whole book. Started great, got better, got really good for a second there, then stayed awesome and the book was over. The result was a lack of conflict or what felt like a lack of conflict to me. If something tragic had happened with regard to Dimitri then it would have made the imminence of the prophecy that much more devastating and would have ended the book with the same south-paw jab to the eye that the first one did.

Killing the little brother was brilliant. Killing Dimitri would not have been a good idea, because it was kind of done with the brother, but there are other ways to incite devastation. I feel like she's totally safe as long as Dimitri is looking out for her and Lia should not be safe. She's got unnumbered legions of evil vying for her destruction. Dimitri is a body-guard. He should complicate things and make it harder for Lia, not soften the blows.

Sonia's betrayal was really well done, I didn't see it coming and it helped to crack Lia's already fragile state a little more, but like I said, it wasn't crushing because Dimitri was right there to help... maybe it would have felt like there was more going on and more conflict if Lia had been truly crushed, rather than just bruised. He doesn't ride in to rescue her at the end, but it sure felt like he did. I want to see Lia rescue herself.(less)

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Aug 19, 2011 Mateja rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-own

This book was so good. I am emotionally exhausted after reading it. I truly think this whole series has the best thought out and written plot of all the series that I've read.

The storytelling is beautiful and so realistic my stomach was clenching from nerves the entire time. Some of the situations that Lia was in were so hopeless I didn't think she would make it.

The book has a lot more romance than the previous one. Always a big plus. While I found myself wanting to shout at James in book one t...more

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Jan 12, 2011 Carina rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book started out ok (although it wasn't great) but then it really started to go downhill fast. I was expecting so much more from this book after reading the first one in the series but overall I found myself very disappointed.

The big reason I didn't like this book so much was due to the new love interest, Dimitri Markov, who was introduced. Very quickly, an unnecessary and forced romance developed. I was so angry at Lia for not staying loyal to James! He was everything that Lia had wanted a...more

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Sep 10, 2010 Tammie rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ya, urban-fantasy-paranormal

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I would give this one 2 1/2 stars.

I have mixed feelings about this book. While I didn't altogether dislike it, I was disappointed in the direction this one took. One thing I enjoyed about The Prophecy of the Sisters was that it was set in the 19th century. In this book, we pretty much leave that behind. Most of the book is spent traveling through a forest and then on an Island in an in-between reality called Altus. It's so far removed from the surroundings and feeling of the first book that I ha...more I would give this one 2 1/2 stars.

I have mixed feelings about this book. While I didn't altogether dislike it, I was disappointed in the direction this one took. One thing I enjoyed about The Prophecy of the Sisters was that it was set in the 19th century. In this book, we pretty much leave that behind. Most of the book is spent traveling through a forest and then on an Island in an in-between reality called Altus. It's so far removed from the surroundings and feeling of the first book that I had a hard time liking this part of the book.

I dislike the fact that Alice and James were hardly in the book at all. I feel like we are told that Alice is sinister a little too much, instead of being shown that she is. This was a complaint I had about the first book as well. And what about James? Did Lia ever really love him? Could he not have gone after her to find her? Or how about Lia trying to protect James from Alice. Why doesn't she? One thing I liked about her relationship with James was that it seemed mature and rooted in their past history. It was believable. They truly seemed to love and respect each other. I realize she is 16, and most 16 year olds don't know who they really love, but it was disappointing that she jumped into a romance with Dimitri all too easily. A romance that is passionate, but not rooted in anything. Don't get me wrong, Dmitri is ok, and reading those romantic chapters is fun. It's just not what I was expecting.

There is one point where Lia realizes that there is another path she can take other than the stuffy 19th century ways of her world. I'm not sure why she didn't realize this in her own world. True, the 19th century was overly strict and repressive to women in many ways, but there is a lot in between 19th century ways and the ways of Altus. She certainly doesn't have to throw everything that she has believed her whole life out the window. Is it because on Altus it's viewed as okay? It does bring to mind these questions though. Is something okay just because others think it is? What makes something right or wrong? I'm wondering what message the author will convey in the next book. I understand the temptation of being in a place that is new and exotic with very different ways, and the appeal of intoxicating kisses. I don't expect Lia to be perfect or be above being tempted by those things. But I feel like Lia succumbs far too easily to it all and completely loses her head. Not to mention the fact that she starts kissing Dmitri passionately before they ever get there. She hardly knows Dimitri, yet she is kissing him like she never kissed James, and is willing to do more. It's Dimitri who stops her and says he respects the culture and rules of her world. I'm really tiring of YA books where it's the guy who stops things and says they can't go any further. In my opinion this isn't very realistic. The female characters in these books are so weak when it comes to intoxicating kisses. I also found it a little inconsistent too, because in one part of the book she seems to be completely smitten by Dmitri and is willing to go all the way with him, but at a couple of other points in the book she thinks of James. Maybe it is an attempt to show that she is torn between her feelings for both of them, but it just makes her seem shallow to me.

As of the end of the book Lia hasn't decided what path her life will take. She hasn't made any life changing decisions about how she will live her life, whether it be according to 19th century ways, or hedonistic ways of Altus. I haven't decided if I will read the next book yet.

On a side note, I really liked the original cover to Prophecy of the Sisters much better than the one they are using now. It would have been nice to see what this cover would have looked like if they had kept the statue theme.

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Aug 28, 2010 Cat rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, books-i-own, fantasy, ya

I’m going to get the negative out of the way first, and I think I am one of the only people who feel this way and I offer humble apologies to Michelle in advance.
The Negative: I hate this cover. I hate the new covers. I loved the original cover for Prophecy of the Sisters and I thought it added so much to the feel of the story itself and had I not already known how much I loved the first book I NEVER would have picked up the books AT ALL had they the covers they have now. I might even go so far...more I’m going to get the negative out of the way first, and I think I am one of the only people who feel this way and I offer humble apologies to Michelle in advance.
The Negative: I hate this cover. I hate the new covers. I loved the original cover for Prophecy of the Sisters and I thought it added so much to the feel of the story itself and had I not already known how much I loved the first book I NEVER would have picked up the books AT ALL had they the covers they have now. I might even go so far as to say I loathe these new covers. And I don’t mean to hurt feelings, I just don’t think they fit the story being told one bit. My one saving grace is that I was lucky enough to get an ARC at the Teen Author Carnival in NYC (where I got to meet Michelle in person – finally!) and the cover isn’t anything like this. It’s just black with viney-swirls on it and much more appealing to me.

So, there’s my rant on the covers. And now on to the better part of the review – like how much I adore this series.

The Positive: Guardian of the Gate is the sequel to Prophecy of the Sisters, which was haunting and gothic and suspenseful and beautiful. The first thing that struck me with the second book was how beautifully Michelle writes. I had forgotten how much I loved the writing style in PoS as I have read many books since, but once I picked up this book I got the same feeling I had reading the first one. I can’t even describe the feeling, it’s like being underwater and seeing a rainbow and silk red ribbons all flowing in the breeze. That won’t make sense to you but it’s a mish-mash of that to me.

I did not find this book as suspenseful as the first. I was not on the edge of my seat the entire time ready to jump out of my skin at the next creepy surprise but there was this connection to the adventure and the quest to reach the secret island. Mostly I just loved the dialogue and the description – and I HATE description!

I like where this series was taken and where it is going. There were a couple of “reveals” that I guessed fairly early on, but it wasn’t off-putting at all. I tend to have decent hunches about books and movies so it wasn’t something that was glaringly obvious pretending to be foreshadowing. I was pretty proud of my correct hunches though, I’ll tell you.

This book was also as beautiful on the inside as the first one was. I was worried about that what with the cover changes and all. Also? The ARC I had smelled wonderful! Sort of sweet like candy mixed with book. I don’t know what glue they used for binding it, but it just made the book all that much better for me. I sometimes read with my nose it would seem.

I am rather sad that I have another year to wait for the third (and final?) book.

Michelle Zink is now a 100% auto-buy author for me. Sequels are always tricky, but she kept up the beauty of the writing and the story in this second book and therefore passed the test. Her way with words is like a painting coming to life. Brilliant. (HA! HA! I just noticed in my review of PoS I ended with a mention that Michelle might just have become an auto-buy author for me! I guess I just fulfilled my OWN prophecy!)(less)

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May 01, 2010 Laura rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010-mt-bookpile

I'm being a little generous with this, as it's really a 2.5-star book, in large part because it suffers from series-itis: if you haven't read Book One, it will take you a while to get into Book Two (and I hadn't read Book One).

The plot is rather simplistic - battle between Good and Evil, set in vaguely Victorian era London. There's a Prophecy, and twins (Lia and Alice) who appear to be on different sides yet completely linked by this Prophecy. Book Two is largely concerned with a trip to a myst...more

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Mar 14, 2013 Prom rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book was frustrating. One thing Ive noticed in series' of books is that the second book usually takes a really long time to get into because there always has to be some reference to the backstory of the first book. The exception to this rule, I feel, is the Harry Potter series. Anyway, can I also ask what the need for a trilogy is? I could see this series being a single book, or even a 2 book series, but is there really a need to have to draw it out into 3 books? Lia, as a female character...more This book was frustrating. One thing Ive noticed in series' of books is that the second book usually takes a really long time to get into because there always has to be some reference to the backstory of the first book. The exception to this rule, I feel, is the Harry Potter series. Anyway, can I also ask what the need for a trilogy is? I could see this series being a single book, or even a 2 book series, but is there really a need to have to draw it out into 3 books? Lia, as a female character is seemingly weak and needy. She is confused easily, distracted easily, and a tad disloyal. By this progression in the series, she should know to expect the unexpected and be prepared to battle for things she cant yet understand.

I was entirely surprised at how quickly she was able to be with Dimitri. Like, it wasnt even a question of loyalties or respectability. It was just like BOOM! now we're together. Maybe because I read this second book right after I read another second book of a series that really did grip me and left me begging for more, but I think she gave in a little too easily. And then she's all mad when Alice does what she does in the next book. (Havent read it yet, just the preview in this book) But I mean, Hello?? You are with Dimitri now. Why are you jealous? And while all of this makes your life seem oddly normal, shouldnt you be more worried about whats going on with the prophecy rather than who is dating whom? And then the hurried nature with which the rest of the plot is referenced seemed a little disrespectful to the characters that had to endure while Lia was in Altus. It seemed like an afterthought; like the author forgot there was a whole situation going on back in London that needed to be addressed.

I dont know. I was sadly disappointed with this series. The first book was a page turner for me, but this one took me about a week to finish. I cant really get my mind around where they are, what everyone really looks like, the struggles they're going through. And why does everyone always have blonde hair or red hair? Oh, I think the souls have black hair.

Anyway, if you've read the first book, Id say finish up the series. Otherwise, if you're looking for something exciting, funny, gripping, with characters that you cannot get enough of, read the Infernal Devices series. Those books are great! (less)

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Jun 08, 2012 Melissa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

There's definitely no sophomore slump for Michelle Zink with Guardian of the Gate! While I had a difficult time getting drawn into Prophecy of the Sisters (but ultimately enjoyed it), I was immediately hooked on this story. Perhaps that was because I was already familiar with what was going on from the first book, though I also think the action really started very quickly in this book.

We see quite a bit of character development with Lia and her two friends--two of the four "keys" in the prophecy...more

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Nov 29, 2011 Julia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Guardian of the Gate is the second book of the Prophecy of the Sisters Trilogy. I can honestly say that these novels have to be one of my favourite series.
Personally I appreciated every aspect of the book but the cover. The cover choice for Guardian of the Gate was a terrible alternative. Covers attract attention and give a visual idea of what mood the novel will have. Guardian of the Gate is a mature fantasy book, and instead of visualizing that characteristic of the novel it looks like a tee...more Guardian of the Gate is the second book of the Prophecy of the Sisters Trilogy. I can honestly say that these novels have to be one of my favourite series.
Personally I appreciated every aspect of the book but the cover. The cover choice for Guardian of the Gate was a terrible alternative. Covers attract attention and give a visual idea of what mood the novel will have. Guardian of the Gate is a mature fantasy book, and instead of visualizing that characteristic of the novel it looks like a teen gossip novel. When I bought Prophecy of the Sisters I fell in love with the cover. It was dark mysterious, gloomy, and intriguing. The reason I pick the book in the first place was because of the cover. You can imagine my disappointment when I showed up at chapters looking for the dear series I love but instead bombarded by the new covers.
My favourite aspect of the novel and series in general is the language. The way Michelle Zink writes the story leaves a strong feeling of comfort behind. I feel like I’m transported into 1891. The language is so beautiful it puts me in almost a haze. I think I enjoy the language so much because of the tone. I find it to be exceptionally intellectual and almost poetic. The language reminds me of a flowing river. The river has a pattern to which it follows. It’s just so peaceful and relaxing that the languages presence stays with me long after I put the book down. “I can hardly believe it was only eight months ago that you two appeared on our door with Virginia’s letter in hand. Now, our gatherings would not be the same without your presence, though I daresay your aunt expected a good deal more oversight from me.” (17) At this point of the time I’m sure nearby ears would hear a sigh of pure relaxation.
What I really enjoyed in this novel was the twist of quarrel by having the two sides good against evil be sisters, twin sisters. Therefore, this made the novel expand from being a typical conflict to a haunting never ending family battle. What adds to the intensity is that this prophecy has been going on throughout generations of sisters, and evil is winning. Having the battle between sisters allowed many astonishing surprises and twists in the novel. For example the deadly truth that not both Alice and Lia will live after the prophecy left me wanting to scream but sadly speechless. Amazing, Michelle Zink is brilliant.
I love Prophecy of the sisters but forlornly it was no match for book 2. Guardian of the Gate had a perfect balance of fantasy in a period piece which is why it defeated book one. I couldn’t put this book down. Once I started I was sucked into the thrill and adventure of Lia’s life and couldn’t bring myself to leave.
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Aug 29, 2011 Annie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book , I thought wasn't so great. It wasn't as interesting , nothing really went on in the book so I can't imagine how it's suppose to end in the final book.
Okay , so this book basically was about Lia when she moved away from Alice and moved into if I can recall Aunt Virginia's friend or Lia's relative, ( I've read this book a while back so pardon me for not getting the exact information right) So some events happened and now Lia, Sonia, Luisa accompanied by Edmund is heading to Altus an i...more

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Aug 02, 2011 Kate rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2010

The second novel in the Prophecy of the Sisters series is everything and more than what I was hoping. The magic that Zink created in her first novel is again presented in Guardian of the Gate.

In this installment, Lia is on a journey. She must find that which has been lost in order to fulfill her place in the Prophecy. However, along the way, friendships and relationships are tested as Lia learns that the only true person that she may be able to trust is herself.

Like the previous novel in the ser...more

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Jul 18, 2011 Annisa Anggiana rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, ghotic

Penerbit : Little Brown Books

Tebal : 352 Halaman

Dibanding buku kedua ini, Prophecy Of The Sisters tampak seperti prolog yang terlalu panjang. Yes, I like the second sequel better. Di buku ini setidaknya beberapa hal mulai menjadi jelas dan konflik dan suspense nya lebih greget. Walau sepertinya cerita akan memuncak di buku ketiga.

Kilas balik sedikit, Lia dan Alice Milthrope adalah kedua saudara kembar yang diramalkan akan berperan dalam kembalinya atau musnahnya sang iblis Samael. Satu berperan...more Penerbit : Little Brown Books

Tebal : 352 Halaman

Dibanding buku kedua ini, Prophecy Of The Sisters tampak seperti prolog yang terlalu panjang. Yes, I like the second sequel better. Di buku ini setidaknya beberapa hal mulai menjadi jelas dan konflik dan suspense nya lebih greget. Walau sepertinya cerita akan memuncak di buku ketiga.

Kilas balik sedikit, Lia dan Alice Milthrope adalah kedua saudara kembar yang diramalkan akan berperan dalam kembalinya atau musnahnya sang iblis Samael. Satu berperan sebagai Gate satu berperan sebagai Guardian. Gate adalah pintu masuk dari para Lost Soul dan Samael sedangkan Guardian adalah penjaga kedamaian yang sebisa mungkin harus menjaga saudari kembarnya sang Gate.

Jika proses kelahiran Lia dan Alice alami maka Alice lah yang akan menjadi Gate dan Lia menjadi Guardian. Namun karena proses kelahiran Lia dan Alice yang tidak normal (caesar dimana Lia dikeluarkan duluan), maka Alice lah yang menjadi Guardian dan Lia menjadi Gate. Alice tidak menerima perannya dan memilih memihak sang iblis. Ternyata Lia bukan hanya sekedar Gate, melainkan The Angel, the chosen one yang bisa menjadi gerbang untuk kebangkitan Samael. Konon kelahiran The Angel ini telah ditunggu selama berabad-abad oleh Samael dan para pengikutnya.

Terakhir kali di Prophecy Of The Sisters kita meninggalkan Lia Milthrope yang sedang menuju ke London bersama Sonia Sorensen, salah satu kunci dari empat yang diramalkan. Setelah tiba di London Lia melatih kekuatannya dengan bimbingan Sonia. Di sisi lain Lia pun merasa kekuatan Alice semakin kuat dan menjadi gentar karenanya. Lia tau dia harus segera pergi ke Altus, negeri para Sisters yang ada di dunia lain untuk dibimbing bibi Abigail dalam mencari halaman-halaman yang hilang dari Book Of Chaos. Dengan halaman yang hilang itu, Lia berharap dapat mengetahui cara mengakhiri ramalan tersebut.

Suatu waktu tanpa diduga-duga Edmund (pelayan setia keluarga Milthrope), Luisa (teman Lia sekaligus salah satu kunci) dan Bibi Virginia tiba di London. Lia sangat senang dengan kedatangan mereka bertiga. Bibi Virginia membawa berita bahwa dirinya tidak bisa lagi menjaga Alice karena Alice telah menolak perannya sebagai Guardian dan menjadi semakin kuat dan menakutkan. Alice bahkan mengabaikan aturan-aturan dunia lain yang dibuat oleh kaum Grigori (semacam aparat hukum di dunia lain). Bibi Virginia juga memberitau bahwa Lia harus segera berangkat menuju Altus dengan dikawal oleh Edmund. Lia seharusnya melaksanakan perjalanan ini sendiri namun Sonia dan Luisa berkeras untuk ikut, akhirnya perjalanan menuju Altus dilaksanakan berempat Lia, Edmund Sonia dan Luisa.

Dalam perjalanan menuju Altus Lia mengetahui dari Edmund bahwa ternyata Ayahnya adalah seorang Grigori dan James, kekasih yang ia tinggalkan sekarang dekat dengan Alice. Semakin dekat dengan Altus yang berlokasi di dunia lain, perjalanan mereka pun menjadi semakin berbahaya. Suatu saat mereka harus melarikan diri karena dikejar oleh anjing neraka / hell hounds. Saat dalam keadaan terpojok mereka diselamatkan oleh seorang Pria bernama Dimitri. Lia pernah bertemu dengannya di suatu acara makan malam dan sangat heran mengapa bisa bertemu dengan Dimitri di tengah hutan menuju Altus. Ternyata Dimitri dan Edmund sudah saling mengenal, Dimitri adalah anggota Grigori yang bertugas untuk mengawasi perjalanan Lia. Lia dan Dimitri merasa saling tertarik dan selanjutnya menjadi bumbu romance dalam isi cerita yang malas saya ceritakan ^_^ karena mengingatkan saya pada romance yang terbentuk pada serial twilight. Di perjalanan menuju Altus pula Lia mengetahui bahwa salah satu dari temannya telah dirasuki oleh para Jiwa Tersesat dan berhianat.

Setelah petualangan selesai, pada akhirnya Lia menyadari bahwa perkataan Alice benar. Pada akhirnya salah satu dari mereka akan mati dalam mengakhiri ramalan yang membuat dua saudara tersebut menjadi musuh. Dan untuk mengakhiri ramalan tersebut Lia membutuhkan Alice.

Begitulah. Menurut saya buku kedua ini jauh lebih seru daripada buku pertamanya. Petualangannya lebih menegangkan dan sepertinya akan semakin seru di buku ketiga. Di buku kedua ini Lia menjadi sosok yang terlalu naif menurut saya. Cerita ini berkembang menjadi ramuan fantasi antara Lord of the Ring, Harry Potter dan Twilight Series. Fine with me! Buku kedua ini juga belum menceritakan banyak tentang Alice. Alice tetap menjadi saudari jahat yang semakin menakutkan. Ntah kenapa saya ingin lebih memahami Alice. Mudah-mudahan di buku ketiga, Circle of Fire diceritakan lebih banyak. Tapi ternyata buku ketiganya baru terbit Agustus 2011 jadi harus bersabar ^_^(less)

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Jun 11, 2011 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-paranormalya, 2011-librarychallenge, 2011, 2011-yachallenge, haunting-tales, library-book, ya-young-adult

In reading over other reviews of this book I noticed someone said they liked this better because it got out of the stuffy house...I guess that it was less gothic mystery and more adventure, and romance. Actually the gothic mystery element of book one is what hooked me in the first place. At times this book felt so different, as if it weren't even related. I think mostly because it was so Lia focused...Alice only appears a times...though she is as creepy as ever.

I thought this book was going to...more In reading over other reviews of this book I noticed someone said they liked this better because it got out of the stuffy house...I guess that it was less gothic mystery and more adventure, and romance. Actually the gothic mystery element of book one is what hooked me in the first place. At times this book felt so different, as if it weren't even related. I think mostly because it was so Lia focused...Alice only appears a times...though she is as creepy as ever.

I thought this book was going to go into more of the sister/sister struggle but that is more for book three it seems. I had other thoughts about where this book would go.....mystery island and steamy makeout seasons with new boy was not that direction lol but let's talk about what this book was, not what it wasn't.

Lia growth as a character is pretty consistent. She was less freaked out about being on the wrong end of the prophecy and more intent on making sure she takes the steps needed to complete the task at hand...you know, saving the world and banishing the Beast. I liked that Lia doesn't really doubt herself, she doubts at times if she will succeed, but never does she doubt that she is the good one in all this....but after you meet Alice (who is still just a bit lovable in her evilness, I mean she SHOULD have more on her mind than jealousy for her sister and stirring up romantic entanglements, but it just seemed so regular sibling rivalry, something a teen sister would do if you pissed her off, that it makes Lia and Alice stay connected as sisters in your mind....not just hero and creepy bad seed) there really is no doubt that Lia is the good one.

Another way this book felt different was the romance...more hot and heavy, modern YA feel, and less old fashioned Victorian charm. I think this might be showing how Lia is coming into her own as a Woman, and a Sister (society) in book one she was a girl and a sister (to Alice). But I was rather found of love interest one, it took a bit of time for this new guy to make an impact. Lia seems at odds with her old life and her more wild new life and role, so the love interest really help show the difference, in what her character wants and how she has changed.

Mostly I think this book was about that, about Lia's growth, about her doubts, loyalties and fears. We do get a new "end the prophesy Prophesy" at the end of the book...and I have to hand it to Zink, she writes some darn mysterious prophesies...usually I am working them out before the characters but really I have no idea what any of this means lol

This book felt very different than "The Prophesy of The Sisters" but not in a bad way, (less)

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May 14, 2011 Phailin rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have nothing major against the series, they are perfectly good. But what's basically leaving me hanging on the line is the storyline, it's interesting, unique (well, to me) and different. I know all authors put a great deal into their books, but I feel there just needs to be more in this one. I felt the language has alot of cliches and cheezy lines (especially that love declaration in the letter to James from the last one). The first book clears away the mystery of the prophecy, but that's bas...more

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Apr 04, 2011 Whatchyareading added it · review of another edition

Shelves: kate, historical, series, young-adult

Back before our awesome redesign, I started almost every review with a comment on the cover of the book. Covers are important to me – they are, I’ll admit, 90% of the reason I often buy books and 90% of the reason I won’t buy one. I loved the cover of Prophecy of the Sisters, so when I saw that the sequel would be redesigned, I was a sad panda. But I really love the cover for Guardian of the Gate. It perfectly captures the power and intensity of these two sisters and how close they are and yet h...more Back before our awesome redesign, I started almost every review with a comment on the cover of the book. Covers are important to me – they are, I’ll admit, 90% of the reason I often buy books and 90% of the reason I won’t buy one. I loved the cover of Prophecy of the Sisters, so when I saw that the sequel would be redesigned, I was a sad panda. But I really love the cover for Guardian of the Gate. It perfectly captures the power and intensity of these two sisters and how close they are and yet how cold things are as well. Gorgeous.

I actually bought Guardian of the Gate two weeks before the release date when the cover popped out at me during my (daily) trip to Barnes and Noble. Unfortunately, I had the bar exam to study for and so it sat on my bookcase for a month, taunting me. When exams were done and my brain had recuperated, I finally had a chance to read it and I could barely put it down.

Guardian picks up basically where Prophecy left off. Two twin sisters are now adversaries, and neither is in the role they expected or wanted. Alice, the sister who consorts with the blackest parts of her powers, is the guardian – the sister supposed to protect the gate from unleashing Samael. Lia, the sister who would rather die than see that happen, is the one with the power to unleash him.

My favorite thing about Michelle Zink’s books is that they’re first person present tense. This is a really smart move for a period piece, especially one with fantasy elements. It creates a much more intimate relationship between Lia and the reader, and the tension always seems to be simmering just below a boiling point. This worked well in Prophecy because the main plot was Lia unraveling a mystery. It works even better in Guardian because the increase in action leaves you feeling a tension so strong you might want to jump out of your skin.

The main addition to Guardian is Dimitri. When I first met him, I felt just like Lia – helplessly intrigued and totally suspicious. And at the end of the book, well, let’s just say I felt a lot like Lia did when it came to Dimitri. It’s hard to introduce a character when readers might be attached to a former love interest, as I was to James. But nothing for Lia is easy when it comes to her romantic entanglements, and no simple answers appear for her questions. It was one of the real strengths of this book, and a reason I kept turning the pages.

Finally getting to know more about the Otherworld was so much fun. It’s easy to make such things seem so sci-fi or fantasy oriented that the characters become secondary, but the way Michelle Zink has constructed this world leaves the reader with enough room for their imagination and that alone is enough to keep fantastical creatures and vicious hellhounds from overpowering the real focus of the novel: the struggle of two sisters.

Oh the two sisters. Alice and Lia are perfect counterpoints, and perfect twins as well. Alice isn’t someone you can easily hate. In the first novel, I felt sorry for her a fair bit of the time. Sure, she is refusing to uphold her duty and trying to bring the universe to its knees by obstinately ignoring the rules keeping it together…but, sigh. She is so perfectly drawn (and it helps that she’s drawn through her sister’s eyes) that you can’t help but want to shake some sense into her and then give her a good cuddle. Which makes me crazy considering she’s not only trying to end the world but also steal her sister’s (former?) boyfriend to boot, but whatever.

I could talk for days about how much I loved this book and its predecessor, but I think the easiest thing to do is to try and make sure as many people read it as possible.

Reviewed on WhatchYAreading on August 19, 2010.(less)

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Jan 29, 2011 Pia rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

In dem Buch Die Prophezeiung der Schwestern: Liebe und Verrat von Michelle Zink geht es, wie in dem Vorgänger, wieder um die beiden Schwestern Alice und Amalia (Lia). Lia ist von Amerika nach England zu ihrer Tante gezogen um dort mit einer Freundin ihre Zauberkräfte zu trainieren, da sie eines Tages mal gegen ihre Schwester antreten muss und diese von Tag zu Tag stärker wird. Nicht zuletzt weil sie einige Regeln bricht, die eigentlich für sie gelten, denkt Lia das sie keine Chance hat.

Dennoch...more

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Dec 01, 2010 Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: signed-books-arcs, mundie-moms-reviews, books-i-own, arcs-i-own, 2010-100-book-challenge

I was completely hooked from page one with Guardian of The Gate. I read it in a short amount of time, as I had a hard time putting it down. Guardian of The Gate is Lia's journey to find the lost pages and to find away to defeat her sister Alice. Along the way she learns more about the power she holds, more about herself and where she comes from.

Guardian of the Gate gave me everything I like in a sequel. New characters, romance, the journey of self discovery, twits and turns and even betrayal. I...more

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Jul 30, 2010 Arya rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It hasn't been long since we last saw Lia and Alice, determinedly on different sides of an ancient prophecy that could mean death and destruction for humanity. Now, Lia and the keys, Luisa and Sonia, must make a terribly dangerous journey to a mystical land in order to find out where the missing pages of the prophecy are hidden. They face horrifying dangers along the way, but nothing could prepare them for the betrayal within their own group.

Even while Lia is desperately searching for a way to s...more It hasn't been long since we last saw Lia and Alice, determinedly on different sides of an ancient prophecy that could mean death and destruction for humanity. Now, Lia and the keys, Luisa and Sonia, must make a terribly dangerous journey to a mystical land in order to find out where the missing pages of the prophecy are hidden. They face horrifying dangers along the way, but nothing could prepare them for the betrayal within their own group.

Even while Lia is desperately searching for a way to save the world as the only Angel the prophecy has seen for centuries, Alice is pulling Lia's beloved James closer and closer. Nothing seems sacred in the battle to Lia anymore, but she cannot afford worrying about James in the face of all that is happening. Luckily, a dashing young man by the name of Dimitri sweeps in as the perfect distraction. But Lia's emotions are not that simple and this exotic man along with the battle to the death she surely faces with her sister Alice only makes her realize how little she really does know about herself. Her only hope is that she can figure it all out before its too late.

Guardian of the Gate is a wonderful second novel in this action packed series. Michelle Zink leaves nothing out as she continues the story of Lia and Alice in her fine and suspenseful prose. I was happy to see the added layers and new characters in the story. It made things more interesting and provided extra insight into Lia's psych. Watching her grow as a character has been a wonderful ride.

I was so excited to get a copy of this book in advance, and I was not disappointed. There is so much more action, adventure, and romance fueling this second book that it is hard to even compare it to the stunning first novel. I enjoyed the new character Dimitri and all of the different facets he offered to the tale. I think he is one of my favorite characters in the series so far.

Overall, Guardian of the Gate is a wonderful Gothic thriller full of everything a good novel needs. I would suggest this series to anyone, though I would not advise you to read this second book until you have read the first. I cannot wait until the third novel is released!

Review by Arya @ A Sea of Pages
http://seaofpages.blogspot.com <---- Check it out!!(less)

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Jul 29, 2010 Stories & Sweeties {Becky} rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'd been looking forward to the continuation of this story since turning the last page of Prophecy of the Sisters. It felt like a long, torturous wait, but in the end it was worth every second. Guardian of the Gate not only lived up to the amazing story that was started with Prophecy--- for me, it surpassed it. All of the same beauty was there, the sweeping Edwardian surroundings, the charming manners and propriety. The same mystery and magic---but as the adventure continues, its seems that all...more I'd been looking forward to the continuation of this story since turning the last page of Prophecy of the Sisters. It felt like a long, torturous wait, but in the end it was worth every second. Guardian of the Gate not only lived up to the amazing story that was started with Prophecy--- for me, it surpassed it. All of the same beauty was there, the sweeping Edwardian surroundings, the charming manners and propriety. The same mystery and magic---but as the adventure continues, its seems that all the best parts of the story leap forward and intensify!

Lia's quest takes off like a shot, as she races against time to find the missing pages of the book her father left her and the missing keys that she needs to bring an end to the prophecy and close the gate forever. She is joined by her friends from the first book, Sonia, Luisa, and Edmund, but she is forced to hold back at fully trusting even those closest to her because the souls working for evil can overtake anyone at any time. This story had more of a fantasy feel to as Lia and her companions travel to a land called Altus where the other sisters of the Prophecy live, and she must find her aunt to help her locate the missing pages. It is a completely different surrounding than the dark and dreary Edwardian London, and it change everything for Lia! You really get to see her character develop in ways you'd never expect at the beginning of the story.

The synopsis is a little deceiving regarding the turn in the love story between Lia and James...I don't want to ruin any juicy plot points, but I will tell you that the love story that is there is so much better this time around! While the first book concentrated more on discovering the prophecy and had very little to do with a love interest for Lia, the romance in this installment is almost at the forefront of the story and is part of what drives the plot along. It was heartfelt, intriguing, and exciting! I loved it!

The wait for the third book in this series is going to be another torturous one! I'm already excited to see how this story will end!(less)

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Sep 26, 2012 Winna rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-myths-fairy-tales-magic, young-adult

As soon as the book arrives via Bookdepository (and only for USD 4! what a bargain!), I was in the mood to read some gothic fiction and immediately picked it up. I was blown away.

The sequel to Prophecy of the Sisters continues Lia Milthorpe's journey with her trusted companions Sonia and Luisa after she moves from her manor to London, to locate the missing pages of the Prophecy and to stop Samael from entering the Gate and start havoc.

Not only this sequel has more mysteries, more romance, more c...more As soon as the book arrives via Bookdepository (and only for USD 4! what a bargain!), I was in the mood to read some gothic fiction and immediately picked it up. I was blown away.

The sequel to Prophecy of the Sisters continues Lia Milthorpe's journey with her trusted companions Sonia and Luisa after she moves from her manor to London, to locate the missing pages of the Prophecy and to stop Samael from entering the Gate and start havoc.

Not only this sequel has more mysteries, more romance, more conflicts, more twists and more creepy moments than its predecessor, I was drawn in by the way the author wrote her intricate details. Her prose is lovely with a sort of Edwardian, historical fiction ring to it. They sound classic and very posh, but not overdone.

I was also impressed with Lia. Throughout her journey, even though she did not grow as powerful as some might hope, she's a character that grows with each hardship. We wanted to be with her in her journey, as opposed to be there for her as she continued her search for the missing page(s) to end the prophecy. Some readers criticized Lia for whining and being hopeless in the first book, but I think it's actually consistent with her character and the emotions she might be feeling under those circumstances. The author has also made her stronger in this book, both physically and mentally. Following the last chapter of the second book, one could only hope that she would be even stronger in the next book, and I could not wait to see how that turned up.

One thing that felt rather rushed was her chemistry and relationship with Dimitri. I never did care much for James, he seemed too stuck up for her own good, but her attraction to Dimitri was instant, as well as his devotion for her. The author used some cliched phrases like 'I was drawn to you from the beginning' and 'I felt like I have known him forever' and that he felt like a home and someone with shared understanding, but the way it went on that quickly confused me a little bit.

The book also assumed a slow pacing, much like the first book. However, I appreciated the little details over each chapter. Each scene carried into the next and built a foundation for what was to come. I enjoyed the little details, and felt that they were appropriately described for us to tune in without feeling lectured or bored. That was enough for me.

I hope Circle of Fire arrives soon. I will then pore over the pages like a madman.
(less)

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Apr 23, 2012 Maria Montelibano rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Guardian of the Gate is the sequel to Michelle Zink's debut novel Prophecy of the Sisters. This novel continues Lia Milthorpe's quest in finding the answers to a prophecy as old as time itself and her (and her twin's) place in it.

Now what I love the most about the book is how the characters develop throughout the entirety of the plot. I mean the change really is noticeable. The events in this book have done their part well in molding our Lia and her supporting cast into very different versions...more

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Jan 07, 2011 ephrielle rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

First things first, I really dislike the main character. She has like serious problems staying constant, well other than constantly annoying. The whole thing with Dimitri is just so frought with peril and just plain dumb I can scarce believe it. I am expecting him to be a major betrayal since the book points out again and again how the souls will use anyone close to her towards benefiting their goal. Sadly, I am really looking forward to this since it is only right considering what she has done....more

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Jan 07, 2011 Meann rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: owned

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. It's a great sequel to "Prophecy of the Sisters", and a great set up to "Circle of Fire".

Ms. Zink revealed more about the Sisters and their customs, and even more about the Prophecy and Lia's and Alice's role in it. We see Lia settling in to her role as well. It's always great to see a YA heroine who isn't just a damsel in distress or someone who just keeps pining away at the love interest; I like that her strength of character does not feel forced or contrived.

Dimitri is an interesting additi...more

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Sep 23, 2010 Asma rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

As the final battle in the prophecy nears, twin sisters Lia and Alice prepare themselves to what to come. As Alice rallies the Souls and becomes stronger, Lia travels to London in hopes of finding a way to stop the prophecy. But the Souls prove more persistent than Lia has ever imagined. Even as she struggles with her frail friendship, entangling herself in Sisterhood politics, they Souls are bent on thwarting her already difficult mission.

I loved the first book. It set the grounds for what the...more

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Sep 04, 2012 Bern rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: coverlust, keyword-eh, 2012, ya

Do any of you guys remember Jumper?

You know, that 2008 movie that starred the hot guy who did grown-up Anakin Skywalker as some dude who could teleport whenever he wanted and take whatever he wanted with him?

See? Hotness. Plus the bonus points for a crotch shot.

Well, a jumper can only teleport themselves plus whatever hey wish to take with them if they're strong as hell, but I digress. The point is, Jumper was exactly like the Prophecy of The Sisters series (at least from what I've read of it so...more

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Jun 04, 2010 Amy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, autographed, 2010-challenge

ARC! (see full review at http://thepagesofbrooks.blogspot.com/)

I received this ARC from the Teen Author Carnival on May 24, 2010. Michelle Zink was there, spoke and answered questions in a panel of other authors, and stayed around to sign books. Afterward, since I'm all buddy-buddy with one of the people in charge of TAC, I was waiting around outside the building and had the pleasure of really talking to Zink. Turns out she's pretty fantastic (even her kids are awesome - though I'm a teacher, so...more ARC! (see full review at http://thepagesofbrooks.blogspot.com/)

I received this ARC from the Teen Author Carnival on May 24, 2010. Michelle Zink was there, spoke and answered questions in a panel of other authors, and stayed around to sign books. Afterward, since I'm all buddy-buddy with one of the people in charge of TAC, I was waiting around outside the building and had the pleasure of really talking to Zink. Turns out she's pretty fantastic (even her kids are awesome - though I'm a teacher, so I'm biased). To all you authors out there, this just goes to show: Be nice to people who read! They will like your books even more! Of all the books I recieved and bought at TAC, Guardian of the Gate was the first on my list to read mainly because of the author herself.

As for my opinion of the book itself, it is everything a sequel should be, but what many authors somehow slack on with the middle book. When reading a series, it is usually the second book that lags because it can't have too much information (as it was all introduced in the first book), but it can't be too awesome (or else it spoils the predictably amazing third book).

I admit that with Prophecy of the Sisters I was able to take my time with it - I even set it aside for nearly a day (rare in my case) and continued reading later. With Guardian, I didn't. Want. To stop. Where Prophecy was focused on the discussion of the mysteries and the Otherworld, Guardian is full of action - the characters becoming active in their roles whether they will it or not. Almost like clockwork, every 50 pages [yes, I noticed something like that:] had something shocking that would throw in a new twist or breath-taking chase. The unexpected occurs, and the expected is constantly held at the end of a fishing rod - dangling in front of our faces, just barely out of reach.

The only issue with having an ARC is that now I have to wait even longer than the average reader to get my hands on the third and final installement of this series... Unless, of course, Ms. Zink would like to grace me with an advancement on that too ;)

p.s. I'm Team James.(less)

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Apr 05, 2011 K.Butler rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 5th-six-weeks

It got a little racey, folks! Definitely PG-13! (in the romance department)
I liked the idea of this plot, but nothing much seemed to happen by the end of the book. This is pretty much how it goes - Lia is running away from various creatures, trying to figure out what to do next, while being helped by people she doesn't know if she can trust. I'm wishing there was a little more thinking involved in the plot. There are plenty of opportunities to add mystery and twists, but it seems most of the ans...more

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Feb 09, 2010 Ashley Brooke rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Lia knows it’s essential to find the missing pages of the prophecy her and her twin sister are woven into. With Alice still aligning herself with the darkness, Lia is working towards ending the prophecy and closing the gateway to hell on earth before the need consumes her. With two human key’s missing and pages of important text missing, Lia goes on a quest that takes her to the mystical city of Altus, home to her magical bloodline, of the Sisters who know her cause, and the protective, yet auth...more

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Sep 14, 2010 Alli rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-10

It's kind of closer to three and a half stars really, but it was better than the first. Good action and a much better love interest in Dimitri. I saw a lot of the "twists" coming and it was too...flowery and prosey in a lot of areas. I kept finding myself saying, "YES I know, get on with it!" I still think a lot of things are unexplained and confusing. I mean WTF Altus? Where did that come from? I think there should've been some explaining from the society in the beginning. Apparently Lia and So...more

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Guardian of the Gate (Prophecy of the Sisters #2)

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