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“I may be bias on this one, as anything that is a Gothic style Historical Fiction with supernatural elements is automatically a "Melissa" book," Michelle Zink mixed magic, mystery and mythology to craft this wonderful new addition to the Paranormal YA Genre. I have read below where some have labeled this book as slow moving, does that have to be a bad thing? I personally loved the sense of foreboding and suspense that was built throughout the book, and, as this clearly will not be stand-alone book, why rush things?
This first book focused mostly on the puzzle that is the Prophecy, readers being introduced to, and learning more about it as Lia, the main character does as well. I enjoy trying to work out puzzles and reading about complex and well thought out mythologies, so it didn't bother me that there wasn't a monster attacking on every other page. This book is very deliberate on revealing its secrets in a balanced way. Even on the last few places we are still gathering more information and tucking it away for the next book.
The Mystery does not simply revolve around the mythology though; there are also wonderful shades of gray in the relations of the characters, Lia and her twin sister Alice, one sister born to protect and another to destroy. The sisters are not your standard GOOD VS. EVIL however, while Lia is questioning her own role in the prophecy, readers are left to question Alice. Alice as a character is unique, she is written into a position of being the villain, but there seems to be a disconnect between her words and actions at times, and certainly between her given role and desires, giving the reader the sense that things really may not be as they seem, and we will have to keep reading to see where Alice, and even Lia land on the Good vs. Evil scale in the end. The relationship between the two sisters is central to Michelle Zink's entire plot and it seems we have only had glimpse of what is to come.
I consider this book to be an excellent example of story crafting, with it's focus on exposition, and Lia's own self questioning and discovery, I'm only guessing, but I think, as Michelle fleshes out her continuing story the focus will move away from information sharing, and more on the relationships in the story, Lia and Alice especially but I also see interesting directions for Lia and her friends, and don't forget there is pretty boy in the mix!”
Melissa wrote this review Friday, July 31 2009.
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