Prophecy of the Sisters (Prophecy of the Sisters 1) by Michelle Zink

An ancient prophecy divides two sisters–one good, one evil.

Who will prevail?

Twin sisters Lia and Alice Milthorpe have just become orphans. They have also become enemies. As they discover their roles in a prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other, they find themselves entangled in a mystery that involves a tattoo-like mark, their parents’ deaths, a boy, a book, and a lifetime of secrets. (Goodreads)

After Lia’s father dies she discovers a mark on her wrist and learns about a prophecy that has been in her family for generations, and is now concerning Lia and her twin sister Alice. One sister is the Gate and the other the Guardian and the mission is to keep Samael and other demons from coming into this world.

First of all I had no idea when I started this that it’s set in 1890’s and if I had known I’d have been more hesitant to read it. But apart from characters riding in carriages and wearing gowns I could have said it’s set in modern times.

I enjoyed this but it was little slow going. The main problem was that it had way too many questions but few answers. I never got the sense of the prophecy and it was too evil vs. good, I mean Lia was so good and Alice so evil. When Alice started to turn evil and why? I didn’t feel the sisters had any connection with each other or that they were ever really close.

Blurb says that the prophecy has turned sisters against each other but I never got the feeling that there was problems between the sisters of previous generations. Lia’s and Alice’s aunt Virginia lives with them but it was never mentioned that she had problems with her sister.

The book was enjoyable but I was still little bit disappointed. I’m not sure yet if I’ll read the next book but I’m curious if there’s some improvement in it.

3/5
Published: Atom (2010)
Format: Paperback
Pages: 343
Source: my own

Falling Under (Falling Under 1) by Gwen Hayes

Theia Alderson has always led a sheltered life in the small California town of Serendipity Falls. But when a devastatingly handsome boy appears in the halls of her school, Theia knows she’s seen Haden before- not around town, but in her dreams.

As the Haden of both the night and the day beckons her closer one moment and pushes her away the next, the only thing Theia knows for sure is that the incredible pull she feels towards him is stronger than her fear.

And when she discovers what Haden truly is, Theia’s not sure if she wants to resist him, even if the cost is her soul. (Goodreads)

One night Theia sees burning man falling from the sky and her life will never bee the same again. She starts to dream about a boy and is more than surprised when the same boy starts the same school Theia does. Haden seems to avoid her but she can’t help but to be drawn to him.

I liked the idea of the book; The world of Under and how demons traveling between worlds. And for once in YA book there wasn’t love triangle! But I couldn’t connect with the characters.

They fell in love too soon and Haden was all over other girls and still Theia wants him. Seriously? Haden is telling Theia all the time to stay away from him because he’s dangerous but I just couldn’t tell why he’s so dangerous exactly.

Theia was brought up by overprotective father and I didn’t buy how she so suddenly decides to rebel. I liked Haden better but honestly he was total jackass most of the book.

And it really annoyed me how Haden calls Theia “lamb” all the time, And how Haden’s mother Mara calls her “pussycat”, I believe she called Haden that one time too…

I’m kinda torn between giving this 2.5 and 3. In the other hand there were so many things that annoyed me but it was also entertaining and quick read. But I think the annoying winns…

2,5/5
Published: NAL (2011)
Format: Paperback
Pages: 324
Source: library

Darkness Becomes Her (Gods & Monsters 1) by Kelly Keaton

A dark and lush paranormal romance set in a richly reimagined New Orleans–now in paperback!Ari can’t help feeling lost and alone. With teal eyes and freakish silver hair that can’t be changed or destroyed, Ari has always stood out. And after growing up in foster care, she longs for some understanding of where she came from and who she is.Her search for answers uncovers a message from her long dead mother: Run. Ari can sense that someone, or something, is getting closer than they should. But it’s impossible to protect herself when she doesn’t know what she’s running from or why she is being pursued.

She knows only one thing: she must return to her birthplace of New 2, the lush rebuilt city of New Orleans. Upon arriving, she discovers that New 2 is very…different. Here, Ari is seemingly normal. But every creature she encounters, no matter how deadly or horrifying, is afraid of “her.”

Ari won’t stop until she knows why. But some truths are too haunting, too terrifying, to ever be revealed. (Goodreads)

The book is set in future New Orleans after the hurricanes. Ari has grown in foster homes and has tried to find out who her parents are, and maybe an explanation to her silver hair and teal eyes. After finding out her mother committed suicide, Ari finds letter in written by her mother that warns of a curse and to stay away from New 2 (New Orleans as it’s now called).
After Ari is attacked she decides to leave for New 2 where she discovers more about her family and meets new friends.

This is bit darker YA book and that’s probably why I enjoyed it so much. It was very action packed with kick-ass heroin and Greek mythology. What’s not to like?

I liked Ari and she’s not damsel in distress by any means. Her latest foster parents taught her to use weapons and defend herself. She has somehow foul mouth and there was surprisingly much cursing for YA book, I thought it was refreshing.

The book was much shorter than I would have guessed and the events takes place in few days time. And because of that there’s lot going on all the time which was fine except for the romance part. It just felt so rushed and again it takes pretty much one look and she’s head over heels in love. I liked them together but I wish there would have been more developing there.

But aside from that thing I loved the book and it was quite fast reading. Can’t wait for the next book!

And I have to say I like US cover so much more. I’m not fan of this one at all.

4/5
Published: Simon & Schuster (2011)
Format: Paperback
Pages: 273
Source: library

Fire (Graceling Realm 2) by Kristin Cashore

It is not a peaceful time in the Dells. The young King Nash clings to his throne while rebel lords in the north and south build armies to unseat him. The mountains and forests are filled with spies and thieves and lawless men.

This is where Fire lives. With a wild, irresistible appearance and hair the color of flame, Fire is the last remaining human monster. Equally hated and adored, she had the unique ability to control minds, but she guards her power, unwilling to steal the secrets of innocent people. Especially when she has so many of her own.

Then Prince Brigan comes to bring her to King City, The royal family needs her help to uncover the plot against the king. Far away from home, Fire begins to realize there’s more to her power than she ever dreamed. Her power could save the kingdom.

If only she weren’t afraid of becoming the monster her father was. (Goodreads)

There are monsters in Dell, beautiful in animal form and humans become dazzled by them. Fire is the last human monster and is much feared and hated. Monsters are drawn to her blood and wants to kill her.
War is coming to Dell and the king needs her talents because she can bend people to her will. Her father was advisor for the previous king and a cruel man so Fire isn’t liked or trusted in the city.

I’m surprised how much I enjoyed this book since I wasn’t huge fan of Graceling and I felt it was way too YA. At first I thought it was just ok but it got better and better towards the end.

I liked Fire who was strong and she was always trying to be the opposite of her father. And I liked how we have flashbacks about their relationship and what happened. The book has great characters and I really liked Brigan and Archer. Fire and Archer were childhood sweethearts but I think that she got over him little too easily. Like she just suddenly thought she had enough.

Since I liked this so much more than the debut book, can’t wait to see what she does with the next one, Looking forward reading it!

4/5
Published: Gollancz (2010)
Format: Paperback
Pages: 384
Source: my own