This book kept me reading. It throws mystery after mystery, giving a few clues along the way so that the reader may attempt to play a role in the solutions being sought after. My only disappointment is that it is the first of a new series, and it is the only one that has been published (2009)! So once you're done with this "episode", prepare for a little wait for the next edition and to find out what happens in the further continuation of the battle between good and evil!

My Thoughts: (There is a possibility of spoilers, but you should be safe.)
Prophecy of the Sisters is one of the most beautifully written novels I have read of late. There is intrigue and mystery from the very first chapter. This is a book that I read late into the night, every night. The only thing that stopped me from going forward was actually falling asleep, book still in hand, at 3 am.
When I picked up Zink's book, I was sure it would be a predictable, Victorian era, mystery. I am in no way ashamed to say I was wrong. Even when you think you know what's going to happen, you really don't. This is no typical mystery that Lia and Alice face, this is a quest, one that could save the world, or plunge it into oblivion.
Lia's voice is, honestly, beautiful. You feel as if you are sitting in front of a roaring fire in her Victorian parlor as Lia reads to us the story of her life. I was skeptical when I learned that this was a sister versus sister story, I felt it could go horribly wrong. I had no idea it was possible to convey so easily the hatred that hung in the air between Lia and Alice, and yet still show the deep love that two sisters have for each other. Alice is a superb villain. Michelle writes descriptions so bewitchingly that you can see the emotions in Alice's eyes, on her face, as if she were standing in front of you.
Lia and Alice's world is described so perfectly, yet the detail doesn't go overboard. You know exactly what the characters are seeing, yet do not get bombarded by every nook and cranny in their home of Birchwood.
There is something happening in every chapter, never a dull moment. The ending is an example of the perfect cliffhanger.
If I had to pick one word to describe this book it would be: vivid.
I eagerly await the sequel.
The Verdict: I don't care what your genre is, you must read Prophecy of the Sisters. ( )

Sixteen-year-old Amalia Milthorpe and her twin sister Alice have just become orphans, and, as Lia discovers, they have also become enemies. The twins are part of an ancient prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other. To escape from a dark fate and to remain in the arms of her beloved boyfriend James, Lia must end the prophecy before her sister does. Only then will she understand the mysterious circumstances of her parents' deaths, the true meaning of the strange mark branded on her wrist, and the lengths to which her sister will go to defeat her.

Talk about sibling rivalry - and although these sisters are on opposing sides of the prophecy, I loved how neither is wholly good nor bad. I love that Ms. Zink’s story has such strong female characters. They embody the best and worst in us all. Lia is on a journey of discovery, love, loss, and what it means to grow up. I love the way that the “twin” thing is played out - neither girl knows what the other is thinking, they only think they know. But I know, right? Or do I? Accckkk.

I loved the Victorian backdrop - with the obligatory rainy nights, howling winds, the swishing of heavy dresses, the rushing waters and high cliff tops, but it's done so perfectly that every little detail contributes to, but doesn't override, each scene.

The story is riddled with symbolism both subtle and dark. Every time I thought I had finally unlocked the mystery, I was taken on a new unexpected turn that left me in awe. The story started a bit slow for me but that was okay because it slowly built up to this fantastically riveting story - and the best part of it all is that it’s the first of a trilogy.

This was a fast, enjoyable read. I highly recommend this to both teens and adults alike. I can't wait for the next one! ( )

Lia and Alice Milthorpe are newly orphaned twin sisters living in the late 1800's New York. Their mother died years earlier and their father has just passed away. Lia, Alice and their younger brother Henry live on their estate, Birchwood, with their guardian Aunt Virginia. Lia's boyfriend James and his father have been cataloging her father's library and continue to do so after his death. James comes across a book in Latin that he translates for Lia, a story about two sisters destined to play opposite roles in a struggle between good and evil. After her father's death, Lia discovers a mark on her wrist and she sets out to find the meaning of this and more of the prophecy. But she tries to hide this from Alice, certain she can not trust her sister, who's behavior has become cold and mysterious.

Lia meets Luisa and Sonia, who play a part in the prophecy and help her search for answers.

I am really starting to get into YA paranormal since reading Hush, Hush last month. I also have Ruined on my nightstand. The only downside for me is that most of these seem to be trilogies and Prophecy of the Sisters is no different. Now I have to wait, not my forte!

Lia dominates the story in this novel, so I hope to read more from Alice's point of view in the next book. But it was very intriguing and well-written. I also liked the era in which this was set and I felt Zink really set up a solid platform for this trilogy. I had this book saved to read for the read-a-thon but was so excited I started it early. I was not disappointed and this has only whet my appetite for the next two books. I hope Michelle Zink is a fast writer.

my rating 4.5/5 ( )

I loved this book of twin sisters, Alice and Leah. As the title indicates, the sisters play a part in a prophecy. One is the guardian and one is the gate, while it is one sister responsibility to keep the souls of Samil on the other side it is the duty of the other sister to release as many souls as possible. Are you confused yet? Leah was too when she found a mark forming on her wrist which she finds out means that she is a part of the prophecy.

The Prophecy of the Sisters is very poetic in its style, Zink does an amazing job of using beautiful words to describe every little action of the story. I am sure listening to the audio version of the book something to do with my opinion. The book was read by actress Eliza Dushku and she did a great job but at first it was weird trying to get her face and the characters she plays on TV out of my head. I am a huge fan of hers. Can anyone not like Doll House or Tru Calling?

The one part of the book that made me rethink the rating was the ending. I HATE books, movies and TV shows that have that to be continued type of release. The closing, for me, has to be complete in some way. It can be open ended or lead to more to come but there should be some sort of conclusion of the action. In my opinion this book didn't give that to me and it made me upset. Otherwise it was fantastic! ( )