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3.36 AVERAGE
3.36 AVERAGE
Este primer libro ni me ha gustado ni disgustado. Tiene varios puntos fuertes como la historia/profecía en la que la protagonista se ve envuelta; está currada. Sin embargo, la información que se da acerca de ella está dada de una manera incontrolada, de golpe, haciendo que el principio sea bastante introductorio y lento. Asimismo, he echado de menos el misterio, las escenas de acción y aventuras y la intriga: dicho de otra forma, en este libro solo nos meten en la historia y nos dan información acerca de ella, nada más.
No he conseguido conectar con los personajes, aun así la autora ha dejado bastante claro algunos aspectos de ellos. Sin embargo, Lia, el personaje principal, me ha desubicado un poco al principio, pues su reacción ante la historia/profecía es nula y demasiado "positiva". A pesar de todos los aspectos negativos, la novela tiene algunos giros que bastante inesperados que le darán algo más de jugo a la historia y a los personajes.
No he conseguido conectar con los personajes, aun así la autora ha dejado bastante claro algunos aspectos de ellos. Sin embargo, Lia, el personaje principal, me ha desubicado un poco al principio, pues su reacción ante la historia/profecía es nula y demasiado "positiva". A pesar de todos los aspectos negativos, la novela tiene algunos giros que bastante inesperados que le darán algo más de jugo a la historia y a los personajes.
Let me start by saying that I did in fact like the book. I do not like the product description the publishers gave the book. The book isn’t about the twin sisters, it’s about one of the twin sisters, Lia. Alice is in the book of course, but this is not her story, she is not our heroine, she is not who we follow throughout the book. The entire story is through Lia’s eyes.
The story itself was well written and flowed along quite well. It was easy to follow what was going on, even if it was too easy to figure out what was going on in parts that were supposed to be mysterious. The story centers around a prophecy regarding fallen angels and where souls end up, and I foresee some religious folks having issues with it, but that would be a whole can of worms to open up.
The best characters within the book are those that we don’t see nearly enough of and are just stepping stones on Lia’s journey of discovery. Her “bad” sister Alice could be a true delight if we were to see some things through her eyes instead of putting the focus on the very good, very proper Lia.
As a historical paranormal book, Zink excels in her writing of the time period, focusing on the way of life these girls are expected to live and the challenges they face in trying to sneak around to have the prophecy completed (or not). It involves them traveling into another plane, which some may know as having an out of body experience or astral projection. The ability to travel this way both helps and hinders Lia on her quest for knowledge. She is also unable to rely on her former best friend and twin and she has to find outside help. She does so in two of the more favorable characters of Sonia and Luisa.
While the idea of the prophecy and the keys can feel tired and overdone at times, the story stays fresh while focusing on Lia and her desire to fight evil and save her family and the world as she knows it. She is no Buffy, with superhuman powers, just a girl, seeking out answers the old fashioned way. Lia comes off as a strong person, but not overpoweringly so, as she stays true to the young lady that she was raised to be.
The story itself was well written and flowed along quite well. It was easy to follow what was going on, even if it was too easy to figure out what was going on in parts that were supposed to be mysterious. The story centers around a prophecy regarding fallen angels and where souls end up, and I foresee some religious folks having issues with it, but that would be a whole can of worms to open up.
The best characters within the book are those that we don’t see nearly enough of and are just stepping stones on Lia’s journey of discovery. Her “bad” sister Alice could be a true delight if we were to see some things through her eyes instead of putting the focus on the very good, very proper Lia.
As a historical paranormal book, Zink excels in her writing of the time period, focusing on the way of life these girls are expected to live and the challenges they face in trying to sneak around to have the prophecy completed (or not). It involves them traveling into another plane, which some may know as having an out of body experience or astral projection. The ability to travel this way both helps and hinders Lia on her quest for knowledge. She is also unable to rely on her former best friend and twin and she has to find outside help. She does so in two of the more favorable characters of Sonia and Luisa.
While the idea of the prophecy and the keys can feel tired and overdone at times, the story stays fresh while focusing on Lia and her desire to fight evil and save her family and the world as she knows it. She is no Buffy, with superhuman powers, just a girl, seeking out answers the old fashioned way. Lia comes off as a strong person, but not overpoweringly so, as she stays true to the young lady that she was raised to be.
Wasn't for me..didn't really care..stupid decisions were made..maybe 2.5 stars
Summary: Lia and Alice are twin sisters who are beginning to fulfill their part in the mystery prophecy of the sisters that has destroyed their family and sent them reeling. Lia is the Guardian, traditionally the oldest and "evil" sister while Alice is the Gate but had been destined to be the Guardian.
First I want to mention what I didn't like. There could have been more James, Lia's "boyfriend." As the novel takes place in 1890, that's not what he would be called but that's what he is. She shuts him out when she finds out about the prophecy and leaves him in order to find the answers herself. He sounded quite dreamy and I would have liked to see more of their relationship but I guess I can understand why but I really liked him. Alice, as the antagonist to narrator Lia, was obviously less developed but it was difficult to see why. It relied too much on predestination than free will for my taste although the author tries to sidestep that. There are also so many questions left unanswered although there is a sequel coming. I realize this might sounds like a lot of complaints but actually I really liked it.
I enjoyed the prevalence of books; obviously I value them as does Lia and her father and their library plays an important role in setting the story in motion. Trying to figure out what the mysterious prophecy referred to was fun; there were even some mini-mysteries that I solved! That's a big deal for me as you can see if you look at any mystery book I've reviewed where I was unable to finger the murderer. I also liked the supporting characters, her two friends who are important to the prophecy, her little brother, and her aunt plus James. They were as interesting to me as Lia and I'm sure more will be uncovered about them.
Cover: Appropriately mysterious and creepy showing twin girls who will fulfill the prophecy.
Overall: 4.5/5-can't wait for the sequel! Highly recommend!
First I want to mention what I didn't like. There could have been more James, Lia's "boyfriend." As the novel takes place in 1890, that's not what he would be called but that's what he is. She shuts him out when she finds out about the prophecy and leaves him in order to find the answers herself. He sounded quite dreamy and I would have liked to see more of their relationship but I guess I can understand why but I really liked him. Alice, as the antagonist to narrator Lia, was obviously less developed but it was difficult to see why. It relied too much on predestination than free will for my taste although the author tries to sidestep that. There are also so many questions left unanswered although there is a sequel coming. I realize this might sounds like a lot of complaints but actually I really liked it.
I enjoyed the prevalence of books; obviously I value them as does Lia and her father and their library plays an important role in setting the story in motion. Trying to figure out what the mysterious prophecy referred to was fun; there were even some mini-mysteries that I solved! That's a big deal for me as you can see if you look at any mystery book I've reviewed where I was unable to finger the murderer. I also liked the supporting characters, her two friends who are important to the prophecy, her little brother, and her aunt plus James. They were as interesting to me as Lia and I'm sure more will be uncovered about them.
Cover: Appropriately mysterious and creepy showing twin girls who will fulfill the prophecy.
Overall: 4.5/5-can't wait for the sequel! Highly recommend!
DNF - Couldnt find any interest in continuing the novel
Review here: http://teenreads.com/reviews/9780316027427.asp
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!).
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.
A neat idea and interesting concept, but not gripping enough to make me want to finish it in one sitting.