(book) Guardian of the Gate

Synopsis (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.

My review

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.