Book Recap: Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink

Cover Inspection:
I like the cover. It's a development from the statues
that was on the cover of book 1.

SUMMARY (book description based on 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.

BOOK REPORT CARD:

Cover	3.0
Plot	3.5
Writing	3.5
Characters	3.5
Ending	3.0
Overall Rating	3.5 Superior  (93% - 96%) * highest rating possible is 4.0

LOCATION/SETTING:
The initial setting is in London months after they left the Manor. But Lia and her friends travel from London all the way to Altus, the place where her Great Aunt Abigail resides. Altus was described as a beautiful place, and Lia actually feels a connection to it. The place is hidden from plain view and is not seen in maps. The ways of the people from Altus is very different from the ways Lia is accustomed to.

MAIN CHARACTERS:
Lia continues the narration of her story as the Gate. Her twin sister Alice is gaining more power, and is allying herself with the souls and Samael. With that, Lia must go to her Great Aunt Abigail living in Altus, and ask for help. Along the way, Lia meets a handsome young man named Dimitri Markov.

WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT:
Lia and her friends travel to Altus to retrieve the missing pages. But as the Gate, the Souls are after her, or more particularly, her medallion, and they are doing everything, and using anything to get to it. Now, in order to banish the souls, she must see her Aunt Abigail, a dying old woman. The way to Altus is very dangerous, and Lia and her friends encounter some fierce creatures, and tests of loyalty to Lia's cause. In this book, Lia does not know who to trust. She is always wary of people, and thinks that they are always trying to get the medallion. In addition, Lia is faced with choices which can altogether change the course of her destiny. Not only that, she is beginning to doubt her feelings and loyalty to James, as she cannot seem to resist the handsome Dimitri. The romance between Lia and Dimitri is actually quite hot and scandalous for their time, but it works such that the book has that romantic adventure kind of feel.

LOVE:
I love that this series changed from being super creepy (in book 1) to a romantic adventure (in book 2). Lia and Dimitri's scenes together would make any young girl blush, but nothing inappropriate for a YA book. Dimitri is so charming that I believe that James is entirely forgotten by Lia!

NO LOVE:
Well, there is nothing I didn't like in this book pe se. But there is one thing I didn't like in the series, and that is the fact that James does not have many scenes. We do not really get to know him. How can we say that there is competition between James and Dimitri when James does not really get airtime with Lia? We do not know anything about him other than the fact that he is Lia's childhood friend turned sweetheart. Let us hope we get to know James in the third book.

FAVORITE CHARACTER:
Dimitri! He's so romantic and protective! He is respected in Altus, and can even be considered high ranking. He takes responsibilities for his actions. Despite the difference in their ways, Dimitri is respectful of Lia's societal customs.

FAVORITE LINE:

“Would it be possible for you to sleep in my bed while… honoring the laws of my society?”

MUSINGS:
I could not put the book down. Unlike the first book, where there are so many slow parts, the pacing of the second book is fast and exciting. It will leave you wanting to get your hands on the third book, Circle of Fire. It's a complete mix of action, adventure and romance.

DOODLES:

AUTHOR'S WEBSITE:
Michelle Zink

SIMILAR READS:
Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (as to the romance)

CONTENT REVIEW:
profanity: very mild
violence: mild
sexual content: mild-moderate
mature themes: mild
age recommendation: 13+