Circle of Fire, by Michelle Zink

 

Summary from goodreads.com – With time dwindling but her will to end the Prophecy stronger than ever, Lia sets out on a journey to find the remaining keys, locate the missing pages of the Prophecy, and convince her sister Alice to help--or risk her life trying. Lia has her beloved Dimitri by her side, but Alice has James, the man who once loved her sister--and maybe still does. James doesn't know the truth about either sister, or the prophecy that divides them. And Alice intends to keep it that way.
There are some secrets sisters aren't meant to share. Because when they do, it destroys them.

Rhia’s Review –Last night I stayed up until 2 in the morning finishing Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink, the third book in the Prophecy of the Sisters series. Reading this book was kind of bittersweet, because it is the last book in the series. It is certainly a very good finish, though! A few things didn't turn out quite the way I thought they would, but they were minor details, anyway.

This book was very well written, although there a few times when I felt as though Lia was acting a little childish. She was a bit angsty and angry at times, which got me a little irritated at her, but it worked well inside the story.

I couldn't help but notice a parallel or two to the final Harry Potter book, which may simply be because I have it on my mind. I doubt these parallels were on purpose, but they worked to the same meaningful affect.

I am very thrilled to have read to this series, and sorry to see it go. I'm just happy to see it end perfectly, if some things were left to be a little mysterious. This series will always have a home on my favorites list, and also my heart. Michelle Zink will also hold a place as one my most favorite authors! I can't wait to see more by her.

The Recommendation –I would recommend this series to all fans of fantasy, strong heroines, and a good story. I can't help but think fans of the Gemma Doyle Trilogy would also appreciate this one very well.

The Other Books –While Circle of Fire is the final book in this trilogy, I know that a Temptation of Angels, Michelle's next book, will be here before we know it. I'm already looking forward to it!

The Vitals* – Circle of Fire is currently available in hardcover at a list price of $17.99.

The Links – Michelle Zink's Official Website

*=All prices are from the cover of the book itself and are subject to change without notice, and without this page reflecting those changes.

Currently Reading: Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink

Current Page: 218

So I was both a little right and wrong about something. I'm just about to start chapter twenty-six. I can't wait to see what happens with Lia and her friends. Things are getting very exciting, and I'm looking forward to how everything pans out. There aren't a lot of things I can say right now without spoiling things, or at the very least confusing everyone, but I'm still thoroughly un-disappointed by this book! I can't wait to share my final review with all of you!

Time to enjoy as many more chapters as I can before I fall asleep!

Happy reading, everyone!

Currently Reading: Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink

Current Page: 158

I. Am. Loving. This. Book! New character Helene is certainly interesting. There's now a character named Fergus, and all I can think about is Roar. (Y'know... the show with Heath Ledger?) I am absolutely suspicious of almost every character in the book, including Dimitri. I don't care how adorable romantic he gets; I'm still on Team James! I think I almost hope Dimitri is bad so those two will get back together...
I'm very enamored with this book, and I absolutely can't wait to read more! I'm about to start chapter nineteen. So far, not a single thing in this book has let me down. I feel like we've seen a little a piece of Alice that she keeps hidden away from the world. Very interesting.
Of course, so far I'm getting exactly what I expected from a fantastic author like Michelle Zink! I am flipping pages like nobody's business!
I found out, however, that there is one thing that can make put a book down in the middle of a sentence: Rick Steves Travel Bite! I love PBS.
Time to get back to reading this AMAZING book, and getting very sleep. I'm celebrating after a reasonably good grade on my math test today.
Happy reading, everyone!

Currently Reading: Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink

Currently on page: 65

Last night I dove into Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink. I've really been looking forward to this one, and so far I have not been disappointed. I'm just about to start chapter eight. I would have started it last night, but I got too sleepy to read anymore. The book is super interesting already, and I'm very happy to see the return of my favorite character, James. I can't wait to see what else this book has in store for me, and I've been looking forward to reading it all day. Now now I'm off to go do some more reading now.
Happy reading, everyone!

Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink

Summary from Borders.com - The ultimate battle between sisters is nearing, and its outcome could have catastrophic consequences. As 16-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.

Rhia’s Review -  Getting to meet Michelle at DBF last year really enhanced my experience reading her books, but I didn’t think that would have been possible. She is such a wonderful person! And her books are equally wonderful! I really enjoyed this sequel to Prophecy of the Sisters, and the only thing I can say I had a problem isn’t even a problem. It’s Dimitri Markov, Lia’s new love interest. While he really added some spice to the story, James was so my type that I felt a little sorry for him. Though he really isn’t present for most of the book, I still consider this a love triangle, maybe even a love square, and though I’m not usually a fan, I can’t wait to see how it will turn out!

The Recommendation – I would recommend the Prophecy of the Sisters series for any fans of historical fiction, especially Libba Bray’s Gemma Doyle Trilogy. If you haven’t check out this series yet, you definitely should! And fans of the first book won’t be disappointed in this follow-up!

The Other Books – Circle of Fire, the thrilling (I’m sure it will be) conclusion to the trilogy will be out later this year, I think, and I can’t wait! Definitely at the top of my buy list!

The Vitals* – You can pick up Guardian of the Gate in hardcover for $17.99, and I don’t know any details on a paperback yet. I’m sure you can get an e-book from the store of your choice, but I don’t know the pricing for that.

The Links – Michelle Zink's Official Website, Prophecy of the Sisters Series Website

*=All prices are from Borders.com and are subject to change without notice, and without this page reflecting those changes.

Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink

 

Summary from borders.com -

Recently orphaned, 16-year-old Lia Milthorpe discovers she and her twin sister Alice are part of an ancient prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other. To escape from a dark fate, Lia must end the prophecy before her sister does.

Rhia’s Review – I loved this book! It was already high up on my list of books to read, but once I realized it was historical (I didn’t know for a while) I knew I HAD to have it. After I heard about the re-jacket of the paperback and the sequel, I knew I wanted the original cover more. One day while browsing at Borders, there it was, in all it’s glory – the only copy in sight of the original cover art hardback! I snatched it up. Glad I did.

But I digress! You came here for a review, not the story of how I came to buy it! I really enjoyed reading this book! I love the characters, getting to know them all and watching them discover their place in the prophecy. I loved the storyline, as well. In a market that’s dominated by vampires, werewolves, fairies and the like, it’s nice to have a just a good ol’ fantasy to read. And since I really like Lia and James as people, I enjoyed all the romantic bits as well. All of the elements of this book tied together very well to make this a great read not to be missed!

The Recommendation -  Any fan of fantasy and/or YA will definitely enjoy this book! I also recommend it for fans of Libba Bray’s Gemma Doyle trilogy.

The Other Books – Guardian of the Gate came out this August. I’ve already got my copy and am somewhere in the middle. The way things are going, I’ll definitely be picking up a copy of the third book when it comes out!

The Vitals* – Prophecy of the Sisters is available in paperback for $8.99, and I think you can still find the hardcover with original art floating around for about $17.99 online. (I know borders.com has it.)

The Links - Michelle Zink's Official Website Prophecy of the Sisters Official Website

*=All prices are from Borders.com and are subject to change without notice, and without this page reflecting those changes.