Review: Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink

Guardian of the Gate (Prophecy of the Sisters, #2)
Michelle Zink
August 1, 2010
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"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." (Goodreads)

Review:

Broken but decided, Lia is now but more than driven to put an end to prophecy once and for all.  But she acknowledges her fear of the uncertainty of her chances of defeating her now powerful sister, Alice, the souls lurking everywhere, and her own ability to fulfill her purpose.  I love how her character is strong-willed yet vulnerable.  She is like every girl at her age would be as faced with conflicts and responsibilities.  Not to mention a brewing dilemma in the love department.

In the second book, we get to see old characters and meet new ones that surely take this mystery deeper as we get closer to finding out the real score about the prophecy.  We'll see another world where the sisterhood and brotherhood resides, new conflicts arise, mystery unfolding, and darkness have never been this closer. 

Though the tone is still "formal", and we have moved from New York to London (and even to France!), it's interesting to note comparison of social norms and even ideologies.  It somehow helped define the personality of the characters and give you an insight of how they help shape the tension within the story.

In the end, only one thing is certain for Lia - only of them (Alice) will get to live after the prophecy.  I had to reread the end paragraphs because I don't want to end it yet without the third book in place.  It's just a torture to wait for the next one after this!  But nonetheless, it's worth all the wait!