Prophecy of the Sisters

PROPHECY OF THE SISTERS MICHELLE ZINK YA Fantasy Rating: 5 Enchantments PROPHECY OF THE SISTERS really has two major players in the story. Alice and Lia are twin sisters living in the times of corset and petticoats. Lia, from whose point-of-view the story is told, is the more awkward of the sisters but has a kind heart and a gentle soul. Her sister, on the other hand, exudes confidence and ambition. If the clash in personalities wasn't enough to separate these two sisters, the recent death of their father brings to light a truth that could put the girls on opposite sides of an age-old battle. Since childhood, James has owned Lia's heart. A charming young man who works with his father in the family bookstore, James makes frequent trips to Lia's home to catalogue her father's expansive book collection. A happy side effect of these trips is the time that James and Lia get to spend together. Whether it's secret visits to cuddle under their favorite tree or a stroll along the water, these two lovebirds seem to have a fairly strong bond. When the darkness starts to encroach on the light, however, it will be a challenge to see if the strength of their love can keep the two together. The Prophecy of the Sisters is an ancient tale, often thought of as myth, of two sisters destined to serve as the line between good and evil. At first Lia doesn't want to believe to the story; in the prophecy, one sister shall act as the guardian of peace while the other acts as the gateway to the Apocalypse. When Lia discovers a strange mark bloom on her skin shortly after her father's death, she'll be led on a journey of discovery. With this prophecy potentially at play, she may not like what she discovers. I absolutely loved PROPHECY OF THE SISTERS. In my opinion, Ms. Zink did an amazing job taking an old myth and giving it her own special twist to create this compelling story. If it makes any sense, part of what made this book so great was the simplicity of the story while keeping the complexity of the layers at the same time. With the multiple twists and turns throughout the story, I expected to get bogged down at some point, but Ms. Zink's writing remained very fluid and easy to follow. Even though there was quite a bit of devious scheming and some side story, this maintained a natural progression. Meanwhile, Ms. Zink instilled quite a bit of elaboration within the story. Twists and turns combined with quite a few unexpected events made for a story that was unpredictable yet comfortable. The other part of this book that made it a winner to me is the romance within the story. As we proceed through the story we learn more about the love between James and Lia. There is definitely a tender feel to the characters; at the same time there is also something you can't quite put your finger on. There is something different in the relationship that will be exciting to explore in Ms. Zink's future books. Admittedly, I am an easily spooked person. W

Lia Milthorpe's mother died years ago, and now Lia has just lost her father to a mysterious death. She finds comfort in her little brother, Henry, but her twin sister, Alice, seems strangely distant. Things don't get any less odd when Lia and Alice return to school, and Lia and her friends follow Alice as she sneaks away to a psychic reading. Soon enough, Lia begins to have bizarre dreams, and as she browses through her father's beloved library, her friend James hands her something especially strange: a book with just one page in it. The translation from the Latin book turns out to be an ancient prophecy, seemingly with Biblical roots, describing a set of twins who hold the power to allow Samael, or the Beast, to pass through to the human world and begin a new world of chaos. The twins are pitted against each other, one the Gate and the other the Guardian, but both must search for mysterious keys that can keep Samael in or out. Lia's connection to the prophecy seems superficial at first. However, it soon becomes clear that the prophecy is real; as things start spiraling out of control, she begins to be called out of her body while she sleeps. As Lia learns more, it appears as if Alice is the evil one, and Lia embarks on a mission to make sure she finds the keys and closes the Gate before Alice can let the Beast in. She finds out the connection her Aunt Virginia has to the prophecy and where her own parents fit in. Coincidences keep piling up as Lia realizes that a school friend, Luisa, and the psychic, Sonia, have their own special places in this age-old prophecy. Part American historical fiction, part Gothic fantasy, PROPHECY OF THE SISTERS is an engaging read. Michelle Zink creates an intriguing mystery that is only beginning to unravel by the end of the novel. I give her full marks for creativity, though occasionally she seems to forget her protagonist's voice, which at times feels too modern and at other times too old-fashioned, when it would have worked just fine to mix the two. But what makes the novel so good, aside from the interesting plot, is Zink's decision not to shy away from actual evil. Many books describe battling evil, but PROPHECY OF THE SISTERS actually shows what being possessed by evil can do. Near the end, I felt completely invested in all that happened, and while the events were truly horrible, they were also necessary to the story. To add to the deliciousness of the tale, every page is clearly written with extensive care and research into mythology and 19th-century New York. With just enough extra details, like romance and girly sleepovers, PROPHECY OF THE SISTERS is a completely enjoyable novel. I cannot wait to read the second book in what I think will be an outstanding trilogy. --- Reviewed by Sarah Hannah Gómez

Michelle Zink's Debut novel is a dark fantasy filled with mystery and intrigue that captures us with the very first scene. The hauntingly descriptive funeral and revealingof a secret mark sets us off into a world never before seen. This is a twisty tale of two sisters, twins, battling their own destiny, seeking freedom from the one thing they cannot control, forces them to not only fight against their future, so clearly laid out for them, but also fight against each other. Zink portrays her relationships in a vivid form with each one full of personality, mystery and intrigue. Each character comes alive on the pages but they are all intertwined in a tale of dark and epic proportions. Lia, though confident in her role in the prophecy is not as confident in her other relationships with her friends and family. She struggles with both her love interest, James, and her family, hiding the most important part of who she is. Trust is imperative and both Alice and Lia struggle with it, forcing the mythos and the character's struggles to intertwine and deepen as the plot arc advances. Alice, Lia's twin, is distant and cold, conniving and ruthless even, but yet she is a girl fighting her darkest nature and striving to do what she thinks best. She is sad and mysterious and I am compelled to read more, hoping to get to know her more; to understand her better. The writing is the first thing you notice. It is lyrical and it flows seamlessly into the eerie and haunting occurrences of the novel. I was feeling the grief, the torment, the inner struggle with each word and felt what Lia felt. I was there with her struggling alongside her. I was captivated by the mystery of the Prophecy, constantly on edge of my seat, guessing left and right, and yet I was surprised when it wasn't what I thought. Though sometimes I was ahead of the game so to say, the story was still interesting enough to keep me in it till the last page. Even when I had to put it down it was like a siren calling me back. I was rooting for Lia the whole time and her heartache was truly felt. Beautifully written, engrossing and lyrically enchanting; I couldn't put it down and I am ready to follow Lia through her journey, prophecy and destiny. This tale that intertwines fantasy with mythology is a must read for any age. It is sure to keep you on your toes, guess at every turn, and it is sure to keep you up at night. Michelle's debut novel is a captivating beginning and a promise for a wonderfully entertaining trilogy, full of chaos and hauntingly enthralling.

An incredibly unique concept, classically told, with an extra helping of terror and isolation. Between sisters, nothing is easy, and in this family, nothing is as it seems. Michelle Zink carves out a rich, unforgettable universe within the world of YA fantasy. This will be a powerful series to watch.

Lia Milthorpe has always had a quiet, predictable, and happy life. But when her father dies unexpectedly, leaving her, her twin sister Alice, and her younger brother Henry orphans, strange things begin to occur. A peculiar mark appears on Lia's wrist, and Alice begins acting secretive. Lia's dreams become scarily real and threatening. It's not long before she discovers that she and Alice are a part of a dark prophecy that will firmly plant each sister on opposing sides and challenge every bit of loyalty, strength, and courage that Lia possesses in order to bring an end to the prophecy--before her sister can wreak havoc on the world. From the very beginning of Prophecy of the Sisters, Lia is a convincing character; her hesitance to bring the strange circumstances that affect her to light and her motivations are true. Michelle Zink writes with startling clarity and vivid descriptions that establish a dark, mysterious, and brooding air that rivals that of the classics Rebecca and Jane Eyre. Her keen eye for detail and talent for revealing multitudes of aspects of the book without seeming didactic builds steady suspense throughout the entirety of the novel. Lia's relationship with Alice is very fascinating, especially since many readers of the Young Adult genre are so accustomed to twin characters who are extremely close (as in Jacquelyn Mitchard's The Midnight Twins or Marissa Doyle's The Bewitching Season). It is complex and intriguing relationship, made even more so by the fact that Lia openly admits that she and Alice aren't especially close, but still she struggles with the idea that Alice may be evil and intent on doing her harm. It is the idea of one of nature's closest entities--twins--pitted against each other that really draw the readers in. Another interesting aspect of Prophecy of the Sisters is Lia's romance with James, which is a real nice touch that adds a little light-heartedness to the story. At the same time, it would have been nice to know a little more about the beginning of their courtship, and it does seem that once Lia decides that if James knows the truth about her, he'll be in unnecessary danger, he does stay out of the picture, only to pop up once again towards the end. It will be interesting to discover his role in future books. All in all, Zink has created an intense and riveting work brimming with myths, knowledge, and plenty of chills. Her characters are charming and strong, her otherworldly realms dangerous and eerie, and her plot entirely engrossing. Prophecy of the Sisters is overwhelmingly enthralling and engaging, with much of the same appeal as Libba Bray's A Great and Terrible Beauty. Readers shall rejoice at the debut of a stellar new voice with a very persuasive and unique point of view. Cover Comments: I love this cover. I love the colors, and the statues and the eerie air that they exude--it sets the mood for the book perfectly. I think that this is the perfect cover for this book.