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amclau0412's review against another edition
1.0
DNF - Couldnt find any interest in continuing the novel
shgmclicious's review against another edition
4.0
Review here: http://teenreads.com/reviews/9780316027427.asp
astrologicalblues's review against another edition
5.0
When I found out about this book in the bookstore, I have to admit... I had a bit of doubt. There was one thing I learned from middle through high school- normally, the books that I was indecisive on were the books I normally regretted not reading in my later life. As soon as I had gotten the chance, I decided that the book was mine.
With that said, I didn't know what to think. I knew it was a book about twins and an ancient prophecy (of course). The way the dialogue was set up was new to me and was something I had to get used to- although once I did, it wasn't too difficult to follow up upon. It wasn't too long later that I started caring for Lia and I started following in her footsteps, her mind, to figure out what was going on around her and what was changing.
The book carried itself so well that I refused to believe that the book had ended. Never had I been so enveloped in a book in my life. This was well-thought out. I found myself surprised and curious as I went through each chapter, waiting to discover more information that would bring me closer to... whatever the prophecy was about.
/spoiler/
I must admit, when Lia had gotten the chance to see both her parents together that pulled at my heart the most. It was a short meeting but I'm glad it happened.
/end spoiler/
I love this book and I cannot wait to get my hands on the second book (and the third book, for that matter, when it comes out!).
With that said, I didn't know what to think. I knew it was a book about twins and an ancient prophecy (of course). The way the dialogue was set up was new to me and was something I had to get used to- although once I did, it wasn't too difficult to follow up upon. It wasn't too long later that I started caring for Lia and I started following in her footsteps, her mind, to figure out what was going on around her and what was changing.
The book carried itself so well that I refused to believe that the book had ended. Never had I been so enveloped in a book in my life. This was well-thought out. I found myself surprised and curious as I went through each chapter, waiting to discover more information that would bring me closer to... whatever the prophecy was about.
/spoiler/
I must admit, when Lia had gotten the chance to see both her parents together that pulled at my heart the most. It was a short meeting but I'm glad it happened.
/end spoiler/
I love this book and I cannot wait to get my hands on the second book (and the third book, for that matter, when it comes out!).
donnamgk's review against another edition
3.0
I'm a big fan of the mythology of the book and the characters. In terms of plot, this was primarily setup for the next book(s), but still engaging, and I look forward to reading more. Zink took risks and wasn't afraid to have characters make tough decisions and throw them into awful situations. Definitely different plot from the usual YA paranormal!
I listened to the audiobook for this one (read by Eliza Dushku) and really enjoyed the narration.
I listened to the audiobook for this one (read by Eliza Dushku) and really enjoyed the narration.
rainydaysandstormynights's review against another edition
3.0
A neat idea and interesting concept, but not gripping enough to make me want to finish it in one sitting.
amgass119's review against another edition
4.0
lots of twists and turns--good start to a new series!!
sedeara's review against another edition
2.0
Really interesting premise, really lackluster execution.
I mean, the idea of an ancient prophecy that pits twin sisters against one another generation after generation, in which they can decide either to work in concert or in opposition, is SUCH a rich vein for exploration. Unfortunately, this book barely gave lip service to the emotional ties of sisterhood, barely exploring what the girls' relationships had been like before they discovered the prophecy and glossing over the complicated feelings such a development would have awakened. Instead, it felt more like the sisters were roommates who had known each other forever but never been all that close, so the finding themselves on opposite sides of a prophecy was really NBD.
Then there was the friendship that our protagonist Lia developed with two other girls connected to the prophecy. Here is another place where the book could have plumbed some real emotional depths. Female friendship is a powerful thing. And it came a little closer to the mark, but the friends were a little too generic. Although, neither of them were as generic as Lia herself.
The love interest was a total non-starter. If you can't share the biggest concern of your heart with your beloved, that is one useless relationship. There's really no point in continuing down that path. The relationship lacked authenticity, chemistry, and romantic tension.
And the prose. OMG, the prose. That was the hardest part of this for me to swallow. It was so weak and vague, and it literally felt like the author was forcing every word onto the page to move this tepid story forward. The best writing is writing that you don't notice is there, and I noticed this writing so much that sometimes I couldn't even follow the plot for being distracted. Was there an editor involved anywhere?
A few interesting twists grabbed my attention for a few fleeting moments, but the fact that they happened to such a boring protagonist made it impossible to sustain. I wish the book hadn't ended just as it felt like it MIGHT be getting interesting, because there's no way I'm suffering through more of this to find out what's gonna happen next.
I mean, the idea of an ancient prophecy that pits twin sisters against one another generation after generation, in which they can decide either to work in concert or in opposition, is SUCH a rich vein for exploration. Unfortunately, this book barely gave lip service to the emotional ties of sisterhood, barely exploring what the girls' relationships had been like before they discovered the prophecy and glossing over the complicated feelings such a development would have awakened. Instead, it felt more like the sisters were roommates who had known each other forever but never been all that close, so the finding themselves on opposite sides of a prophecy was really NBD.
Then there was the friendship that our protagonist Lia developed with two other girls connected to the prophecy. Here is another place where the book could have plumbed some real emotional depths. Female friendship is a powerful thing. And it came a little closer to the mark, but the friends were a little too generic. Although, neither of them were as generic as Lia herself.
The love interest was a total non-starter. If you can't share the biggest concern of your heart with your beloved, that is one useless relationship. There's really no point in continuing down that path. The relationship lacked authenticity, chemistry, and romantic tension.
And the prose. OMG, the prose. That was the hardest part of this for me to swallow. It was so weak and vague, and it literally felt like the author was forcing every word onto the page to move this tepid story forward. The best writing is writing that you don't notice is there, and I noticed this writing so much that sometimes I couldn't even follow the plot for being distracted. Was there an editor involved anywhere?
A few interesting twists grabbed my attention for a few fleeting moments, but the fact that they happened to such a boring protagonist made it impossible to sustain. I wish the book hadn't ended just as it felt like it MIGHT be getting interesting, because there's no way I'm suffering through more of this to find out what's gonna happen next.
megthefae's review against another edition
5.0
Sometimes you come across a book that has believable, unique characters, an original plot and an exciting twist. This is definitely one of those books!
I've never read a story-line like this one, and the cliffhanger at the end was almost painful it was so packed full of anticipation. I liked Lia, and the fact she stuck up for herself and worked hard to fix the mess the girls found themselves in. The setting was gothic and captivating, and it was quite a sad story.
There wasn't much romance in this one, but the action and mystery made up for it. After all, not every book is a romance.
I can't wait to read the second one, and I hope it's even better than this one ;)
I've never read a story-line like this one, and the cliffhanger at the end was almost painful it was so packed full of anticipation. I liked Lia, and the fact she stuck up for herself and worked hard to fix the mess the girls found themselves in. The setting was gothic and captivating, and it was quite a sad story.
There wasn't much romance in this one, but the action and mystery made up for it. After all, not every book is a romance.
I can't wait to read the second one, and I hope it's even better than this one ;)
aydrea's review against another edition
5.0
The plot of this book was really interesting and unique from anything I have read. I love that Lia is a strong character because she decides to control her future. I really don't like Alice at all, which I suppose is the point but she is crazy! I also loved James even though he was not a huge part of story at this point. All I am going to say is Lia's life sucks and I feel so bad for poor Henry! Sonia and Luisa are great characters too, it will be great to learn more about them in the next book. Edmund and Aunt Virginia are interesting characters and I wonder what their roles will be, the same goes for James (somehow I have a bad feeling about him). There was a lot of mythology (or whatever you want to call it) in the book and I am excited to see where it will go in the next book. I also liked that this book is set in the 1800's. I cannot wait to read the next book!