Book Recap: Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink

Cover Inspection:
Meh. I like the second one best.
Forget the cover.
READ THE BOOK.

SUMMARY (book description based on GoodReads):
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. This stunning conclusion to Michelle Zink's Prophecy of the Sisters trilogy will make saying good-bye bittersweet for readers.

BOOK REPORT CARD:

Cover	2.5
Plot	3.5
Writing	4.0
Characters	3.5
Ending	3.5
Overall Rating	3.5 Superior! (93% to 96%) * highest rating possible is 4.0

LOCATION/SETTING:

Lia's story continues and it takes place  in London initially. However, there were parts in the book where the characters travel to neighboring places, the final destination being Avebury. In Avebury, Lia hopes to ends the prophecy.

MAIN CHARACTERS:

Lia is still the center of the story. However, in this book, Lia is not quite the same. The book presents her darker side. Here, she is alienating herself from her friends, has serious trust issues, and is a little bit on the wild side, sometimes to Dimitri's enjoyment. There is a completely different Lia from the first and second book. But, Dimitri is still the same as in Book 2 - protective and supportive of Lia. Only this time, more romantic and... hornier. I is obvious that he feels so much for Lia, and we see here that he is completely devoted to her. As to Alice, I have to say I am surprised to see her human side - her sisterly side.

WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT:

** spoilers ** The time is ticking, and Lia must find the remaining key. She does, and it happens unexpectedly. The only thing remaining is for Lia to convince Alice to close the gate. Alice declines saying that all her life, she has devoted herself to the cause of the souls and Samael, and then wishes Lia all the luck in the world. Without Alice, Lia will not be able to close the gate. She felt hopeless and can sense already her impending doom. However, she must try close the gate while she is still in full possession and control of her soul. She feels that as time goes by, she will eventually give in to Samael. Hence, Lia's little group travel to Avebury in the attempt to close the gate to Samael, thus ending the prophecy once and for all. All that, and her burgeoning darkness are what is placed on Lia's shoulders in the story. Here, we see that the souls are slowly eating Lia up. Although she is strong, we see her weakness and darkness that we have never seen before in the first two books. It's probably safe to say that she is her own worst enemy. Good thing that Dimitri is by her side; he is the one thing that keeps Lia sane. Their relationship is taken to the next level in this book, both emotionally and physically. ** spoilers end **

LOVE:
I love how Michelle Zink writes. Her storytelling prowess just amazes me. While reading the series, I was taken  to Lia's world by her descriptions. The dialogue fits the time period, but is easy enough for the book to be a quick read. I love Lia and Dimitri's relationship. Although their scenes in this book are mostly fueled by their hormones, I could really feel Dimitri's despair knowing that there is a big possibility that he might lose the one person that he wishes to spend forever with.

NO LOVE:
I hate that this is the last book in the series. Truly, I am saddened that this series ends with this book. I read it very slowly because I just didn't want to reach the conclusion.

FAVORITE CHARACTER:
Dimitri. As opposed to all the other YA book boyfriends, Dimitri is mature. I don't really know how old he is (he is probably a few years older than Lia), but to me, he doesn't act like a teenager. He is already man. In this book, I feel that he is indeed serious in wanting to spend the rest of his life with Lia. It's just too bad that Lia is doomed. Nevertheless, he continues to be at her side, being there when Lia needs him, and making the most of what time they have left together.

FAVORITE LINE:

One must never be a prisoner to fear.

MUSINGS:
From book one to this final book, I have to say that the hotness meter rose from zero to hero. In book one, there was barely any kissing scenes. In book two, there were a few sweet and tender kisses. In book three, it got so hot you would need to take a shower after.

DOODLES:

AUTHOR'S WEBSITE:
Michelle Zink

SIMILAR READS:
Great & Terrible Beauty Trilogy by Libba Bray

CONTENT REVIEW:
profanity: mild
violence: mild
sexual content: moderate
mature themes: mild
age recommendation: 14+