Review: Guardian of the Gate

Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink

publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

release date: August 1st, 2010

hardcover, 340 pages

intended audience: Young adult

Other books in the series: Prophecy of the Sisters
(link goes to my review)

rating:


description from 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.

Review: 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 official release date for this one is August 1st, BUT this one is already out in the wild, on shelves and shipping from everywhere! 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!

FTC Disclosure: Received from the publisher for an honest review.