Review: Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink

Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink
My rating: 3 of 5 genies
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Magic, Historical, Adventure, Romance
Published: August 1, 2010
Pages: 352
Publisher: Little, Brown Books For Young Readers
Source: Library Loan
Format: Hardcover
Purchase At: TheBookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary

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.

My Thoughts

Alright so while the threat of my finding a new Motherboard has my old one spooked, let me hurry and churn out this review! I won't go into detail but know that this is the third time that I've sat here in the attempt to write this up. I don't know why but whenever I get close to finishing my computer just blinks off. Yes, it is VERY annoying and if it doesn't start putting its act together I will go down to Staples and replace it.

*whispers crossly to computer* "You know that new model I showed you? Yea, well it's gonna replace YOU! No it wasn't for my mother, it's for ME! Now if you know what's good for you, you'll behave."

*Ahem* My apologies that you had to see that folks, you caught me as I was reinforcing some discipline into my delinquent Motherboard. It won't happen again, I assure you. So moving on.

I didn't hate this book, in fact it was decent, but that's just the thing; I love the concept of this series and it escaped me as to why this book should be anything short of amazing. I hold the curse of the second book responsible because I cannot fault Mrs. Zink. The failings come through poor plot decisions and dry characters, they all felt so very stoic to me and as though nothing really was happening.

The first book I was terrified of the Souls and here I wasn't the least bit frightened. They seemed sad. Not the 'let me hold you' sad, but the 'I can see why you haven't been able to escape yet,' sad. Sad as in pathetic. They should have been menacing! There should have been blood. Why wasn't there blood?

I waited and hoped my hardest that this book would really be 'better' like so many others claimed, but it wasn't. Lia became a hypocritical and indecisive prude, the very worst kind. I mean seriously who's it gonna be, James or Dimitri? Or Philip who looks to have a major case of pedophilia but a crush regardless. She can't decide and it makes me as the reader incapable of sympathizing with her.

My love life as it stands is nonexistent, no men, no guy friends, Nada. I blame school. I've been studying non-stop that I can't really be bothered, and yet I know that if guys like Dimitri had the awesome Hots for me, there wouldn't be a question as to whether I accept him! James is soiled goods, sorry bud but the Alice thing is just too much. You couldn't handle 8 months apart? I would understand if maybe they were unsure as to whether she was alive or not, but everyone knows she is living! Why couldn't he wait?

She promised to come back and no matter the reason I cannot justify your decision to cozy up to resident evil, a.k.a, Alice. There is no coming back from that, my friend! People survive years apart and a few months here managed to rip true 'love' apart? Unbelievable. That is why I think Dimitri better for Lia, because he would wait and he would not give up. Ever.

There was so much more that could have happened with Dimitri also and I felt like we just knew him for his qualities and not as a character. His romance with Lia happened swiftly and I was okay with that. What I wasn't okay with was Lia after a steamy make-out session, thinking about JAMES. Like she's having her conscience pricked or something, but a lot less realistic. I didn't buy it. She wants Dimitri and I promise to howl if she returns to the man possibly in love with her sister! I am not a fan of that because I know, (God forbid), that were I in her shoes I would not only kill James, but tear my sister limb from limb.

Alice has crossed TOO many lines! Enough with her getting away with everything, and enough with Lia being so dull that I cannot fight for her as much as I want to. She is too proper at times and in other parts, overly vivacious; strike a balance! I missed the Lia of book one and am not a fan of this one because it is drab and moody and not exciting enough.

The setting was uninspiring to say the least and I pushed myself to finish. I kept asking where the gothic feel was, the mystery? It felt very structured in a bad way, and unsure.

However the 3-genie rating is for the love and hope I have in this series. I will read the last book because I want to see it all play out and I am sure it'll be every bit better than the first.

*Fingers crossed*

P.S: In regards to Alice, despite my hatred for her I could not help missing her presence. Alice's life just seemed much more interesting than Lia's and you my dears, have no idea as to how greatly that worries me! She was up to a lot of things and I hope the next book will have the sisters in closer proximity and not only at the end. Someone should keep an eye on that girl and I am speaking of someone more competent than Aunt Virginia.