Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink (Contest Time!!!!!!!)

Title: Guardian of the Gate

Series: Prophecy of the Sisters

Book #: 2
Author: Michelle Zink
Pages: 342
Publisher: Little Brown
Reading Level: Young Adult

Rating: .6

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.

Taschima:

Two sisters battling for different outcomes. One wants to destroy, One wants to save. One is evil, one is good. Together they are part of a prophecy that's been going on for centuries. Lia, because of some messed up trick of faith, is the Gate of the prophecy. Not only is she the Gate, she is the Angel; She holds the power to bring or finish Samuel once and for all.

Though it suffers a bit from "book-2-ritis", which means it's a bridge between books, Guardian of The Gate didn't disappoint one bit.

The writing is, as always, splendid, captivating, and awesome. Michelle doesn't linger on stuff and makes it more than it really is, and in every corner she always has a surprise/danger in storage. Which is awesome for me because I hate when authors try to drag things out *cough* HON *cough*

They are in a journey to a strange place called Altus, which is like a 21st century place when you are talking men and women relationships but more spiritual, and in the journey they meet Dimitri. At this point if you ask about James I would have to ask James who? He doesn't make much of an impression in this novel, but then again I didn't even felt a strong connection to him in the first book so I don't care. Dmitri is your new mystery boy, now is he better than James?

I think Michelle could take the James story line and make it something more sinister, like turn him into a bad guy or something. But then again I am dark and twisty...

Let's see what else... Truth be told it's a great book, but besides the pages being missing, Lia's journey to Altus and then her other journey to find them, and some serious trust issues, little else changes in the original plot, almost like Michelle is letting everything build up for the third installment. Which is good for me because it leaves all the juice to the third book, a book in which I am expecting fireworks!

Action, romance, darkness, light, a battle to end all battles. I really liked Guardian of the Gate and can't wait for the third book to come out. Write faster Michelle!!

Now, for the contest...

I am giving away a Guardian Swag!! All thanks to Michelle! The contest starts today and ends on July 4.

The Guardian Swag includes:

Black tote

Signed Prophecy of the Sisters paperback

Two Victorian-style hairpins

An Antique-style picture frame

Alice necklace and earring set

Jasmine-scented candle

Victoria's Secret Pear Glace Body Mist

Victoria's Secret Minty Lip Shine

Nail polish

Prophecy series bookmark

$10 iTunes gift card

$25 gift card to the book store of your choice (obviously not pictured!)

Candyyyy (because everything's more fun with CANDY!)

Here is a picture:

The only thing you have to do is comment in this review (that's one point) and then spread the word (another point). Also leave your email because if you don't (and then win) you will not get your prize.

Good luck!! And if you haven't read Prophecy of the Sisters, well, what are you waiting for?!!?!